Preliminary Study of Power Generation from Vertical-Axis Turbines in the Gulf Stream

摘要

A system consisting of paired, vertical-axis turbines suspended from a tethered, buoyant, submerged platform that contains the generators is proposed as a method for power generation from the Gulf Stream. Drilled piles are the most likely kind of mooring system that would have the holding capacity needed. Successful extraction of electrical energy from the Gulf Stream will require very careful consideration of the environment, as well as its effects on potential materials and surface features of the power-generating system. Because of its topography, the region called the Straits of Florida contains the fastest-flowing water masses (known as the Florida Current) found in the Gulf Stream system. The warm, fast-flowing, deep, salty water contains myriad life forms, and presents a highly corrosive environment to most common building materials. The minimization of galvanic and crevice types of corrosion offers the most formidable challenge to the designer. (ERA citation 06:012116)