Generation of Electrical Power From the Florida Current of the Gulf Stream

摘要

The authors have developed, built and tested a darrieus type vertical azis hydro turbine which extracts electrical energy from ocean currents. This paper covers research, design, construction, instrumentation and field testing of the VAHT, which was named VEGA I. The turbine was installed in the florida current of the gulf. Stream off fort lauderdale in April 1985. The energy potential of the Gulf Stream and the technology required to capture this energy are discussed. The following VEGA I and II research and development work was ocmmissioned by hampton C. robinson Jr. M.D. of Houston, Texas, to verify his belief that the Gulf stream is a viable source of environmentally benign renewable energy.