A novel initiative on vertical-axis underwater turbine suitable for low underwater current velocities

Abstract

The present paper discusses efforts made to reinvent the use of the vertical-axis turbine for use in locations of low underwater current velocities. The present work targets the low flow current of the sub-Saharan ocean system, which has an underwater current record of around 0.3 m/s and a sea state that is mild, benign and with little or no local storms. The present initiative is achieved through a combination of ducting techniques to increase velocity of flow, and the utilisation of a large surface contact area exposed to flowing water per unit of time. Torque estimations are made using three methods: first principle, SolidWorks computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software and physical measurement. The lowest power coefficient for the tested model is computed from SolidWorks CFD software as 0.70. Existing state-of-the-art underwater current power technologies are reviewed and the present initiative described. A future for ocean water current technology in sub-Saharan Africa is also proposed.