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

Alberto Boretti

doi:10.1515/nleng-2020-0022

Abstract

AbstractMarine 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.

Highlights

According to the International Energy Agency Key world energy statistics 2018 [1], in 2016 the World Total Primary Energy Supply (TPES) by fuel was Oil, 31.9%; Coal, 27.1%; Natural Gas, 22.1%; Biofuels and Waste, 9.8%; Nuclear, 4.9%; Hydro, 2.5% and Others (Renewables) 1.7%
The best design is 3-blades, open rotor, axial ow turbines, of similar design philosophy to wind turbines, which are anchored to the ocean oor
The best locations are those with the oceanic current resource of higher intensity and stability, non-excessive depth of the ocean oor, proximity to shore, and favorable topography

Summary

Introduction

According to the International Energy Agency Key world energy statistics 2018 [1], in 2016 the World Total Primary Energy Supply (TPES) by fuel was Oil, 31.9%; Coal (counting pet and oil shale), 27.1%; Natural Gas, 22.1%; Biofuels and Waste, 9.8%; Nuclear, 4.9%; Hydro, 2.5% and Others (Renewables) 1.7%. Geothermal, solar, tide/wave/ocean, heat, and other renewables. Agency [1], in 2016 the World electricity generation by the source was Coal, 38.4%; Natural Gas, 23.2%; Hydro, 16.3%; Nuclear, 10.4%; Oil, 3.7%; non-hydro Renewable and Waste, 8.0%. Non-Hydro Renewable and Waste include wind, and geothermal, solar, tide/wave/ocean, and more importantly, biofuels, waste, and other renewables. Wind energy starts to provide signi cant contributions in many countries

Objectives

Findings

Conclusion