Under water turbines to generate Power?
Control buoy under construction.
Picture from http://coet.fau.edu/?p=pilot
Illustration of the underwater turbines
Picture taken from: http://www.inhabitat.com/2007/12/10/underwater-power-generating-ocean-turbines/
Researchers at the Center of Excellence in Ocean Energy Technology have developed technology which will allow them to use the Gulf Stream currents that could conceivably cover all of Florida’s energy needs. One of the greatest untapped energy resourses in the world is the motion of the otion, hence researchers in Florida have proposed installing turbines at the sea bed of the Gulf stream. The idea simply is to have turbines which is 20 kW open blade axial-flow horizontal turbine design, driven by a 3 m diameter 3-blade rotor. This complex mechanism will be connected to each other by synthetic ropes.
Taking into account, that installing massive turbines will need prior research on the effects on marine life and the ocean bed, the institute had launched a prototype in February. Despite my numerous attempts to speak to someone in the institute, no body was available.
Not a lot people are pleased with the idea of placing giant turbines at the bottom of the ocean, Todd Barber, Chairman of Reef Ball Foundation suggested that according to a study done by the Army Corp of Engineers in the “50s and 60s and found that if you slow down the gulf stream, you not only disturb marine life but the entire climate! The gulf stream brings warmer weather all the way to Europe. ” Member of the Frank Loyd Wright foundation has noted several problems which include distruction and displacement of the delicate oceanic ecosystem and “slicing” and “dicing” of the sea creatures. How ever not everybody has a negative reaction to this project, a lot of people b`lieve it is a brillian idea.”i love the idea of using the oceans as an energy source…it’s a massive store of energy…….”
Even though using the oceans as an energy source seems like a good idea it does undeniably poses numerous threats to the marine life, climate and the eco system.
