Marine Current Power - Alternative Technologies in Marine-current-power Applications

Alternative Technologies in Marine-current-power Applications

There are several types of open-flow devices that can be used in marine-current-power applications; many of them are modern descendants of the old concept of the waterwheel or similar. However, the more technically sophisticated designs, derived from wind-power rotors, are the most likely to achieve enough cost-effectiveness and reliability to be practical in a massive marine-current-power future scenario. Even though there is no generally accepted term for these open-flow hydro-turbines, some sources refer to them as water-current turbines. There are two main types of Water Current-Turbines that might be considered: axial-flow horizontal-axis propellers (with both variable-pitch or fixed-pitch), and cross-flow vertical-axis Darrieus rotors. Both rotor types may be combined with any of the three main methods for supporting Water-Current Turbines: floating moored systems, sea-bed mounted systems, and intermediate systems. Sea-bed-mounted monopile structures constitute the first-generation Marine Current Power systems. They have the advantage of using existing (and reliable) engineering know-how, but they are limited to relatively shallow waters (about 20 to 40 m depth).