State-of-the-art of MW-level capacity oceanic current turbines

Abstract

Marine hydrokinetic turbines of MW-level capacity for harvesting oceanic currents are here reviewed. The best design is 3-blades, open rotor, axial flow turbines, of similar design philosophy to wind turbines, which are anchored to the ocean floor. The best locations are those with the oceanic current resource of higher intensity and stability, non-excessive depth of the ocean floor, proximity to shore, and favorable topography. In these locations, marine hydrokinetic turbines may become competitive with other renewable energy alternatives. It is expected that such turbines will be installed and will start producing electricity, within the next decade, working with power coefficients, the ratio of electric power from the turbine to wind power, around 0.45, similarly to wind turbines. This will pave the road for further progress and significant uptake of technology so far of no impact on the global energy mix.

Keywords

• hydrodynamic
• oceanic currents
• axial flow turbines
• capacity factors