The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy is a part of the U.S. Department of Energy and is responsible for supporting the development of sustainable and renewable energy sources in the United States. This agency has created a video that explains some of the methods and challenges involved in generating marine hydropower.
Methods for Generating Marine Hydroelectric Power
Most systems for harvesting kinetic energy from ocean waves and currents involve the use of buoys on the surface or turbines located directly in the path of a consistent current:
- Buoys are used to harvest energy from the waves on the surface of the ocean.
- Turbines are usually positioned well under the surface of the ocean in the path of a major current.
Each of these methods has the potential to produce hydropower for commercial, industrial and residential use. Turbines, however, are designed to generate continuous power without interruptions or fluctuations that can be caused by excessively high winds or by calm seas.
Challenges for Underwater Turbines
According to research compiled at Stanford University, some of the most common challenges in managing and maintaining underwater turbines for power generation include the following:
- Ensuring corrosion resistance
- Preventing the buildup of marine growth
- Avoiding bubble formation
- Eliminating toxic chemicals, including lubricants and paints
- Protecting marine wildlife
At OceanBased Perpetual Energy, we are taking on these challenges to promote the highest degree of sustainability and environmental responsibility possible. Our innovative technologies are designed to harvest energy from the Florida Gulf Coast current by using underwater turbines suspended 300 feet below the surface of the ocean. This provides some valuable protection against wind and weather while ensuring the most practical power generation for industrial, commercial and residential use.
A Collaborative Effort
OceanBased is working in collaboration with the U.S. Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center, a research and development facility operated by the U.S. Department of Energy and located at Florida Atlantic University. Our team works with these dedicated scientists to find the perfect solutions for the challenges of marine hydropower and to promote the production and use of this renewable and sustainable source of electrical power.
At OceanBased Perpetual Energy, we have already demonstrated the potential for energy production using submerged turbines in the Florida Gulf Coast current. Our team is working to bring sustainable and renewable marine hydropower to homes and business in the United States. If you are interested in learning more about the challenges and successes of our marine hydropower endeavors, call us at +1 (305) 2 ENERGY. We look forward to the opportunity to speak with you.
