Turbines in the ocean

Journal Article · Tue Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1981 · Sea Front.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5538239

Smith, F G.W.; Charlier, R H

It is noted that the relatively high-speed ocean currents flowing northward along the east coast of the U.S. may be able to supply a significant proportion of the future electric power requirements of urban areas. The Gulf Stream core lies only about 20 miles east of Miami here its near-surface water reaches velocities of 4.3 miles per hour. Attention is called to the estimate that the energy available in the current of the Gulf Stream adjacent to Florida is approximately equivalent to that generated by 25 1,000-megawatt power plants. It is also contended that this power could be produced at competitive prices during the 1980s using large turbines moored below the ocean surface near the center of the Stream. Assuming an average ocean-current speed between 4 and 5 knots at the current core, the power density of a hydroturbine could reach 410 watts per square foot, about 100 times that of a wind-driven device of similar scale operating in an airflow of approximately 11 knots.

• Research Organization: Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL
• OSTI ID: 5538239
• Journal Information: Sea Front.; (United States), Vol. 27
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

13 HYDRO ENERGY
GULF STREAM
WATER CURRENT POWER GENERATORS
RESOURCE ASSESSMENT
COASTAL WATERS
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRIC GENERATORS
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FLORIDA
TURBOGENERATORS
UNDERWATER OPERATIONS
WATER CURRENTS
CURRENTS
FEDERAL REGION IV
NORTH AMERICA
SURFACE WATERS
USA
130100* - Hydro Energy- Resources & Availability