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Posts Tagged ‘Ocean Currents’

There are ocean currents that cover our world from one end to the other then back again in a continuous motion. This kinetic energy is also a green renewable energy source. The best-known ocean current to Americans is the Gulf Stream. If just 1/1000th of the energy of this current was harnessed it could supply the state of Florida with 35% of all of its energy needs. This is a source of efficient energy production without any pollution or waste. This energy source is not only green and renewable but also more reliable than either solar or wind power. The speed of this current is a steady 4 knots at the surface, which can translate to 1 kW per square meter.

There presently exist turbines that are capable of producing electricity on water movement at speed as little as 1 knot. This is slow enough not to harm most fish and other wildlife that might encounter the ocean-based machinery. This is in comparison with the technology that is used in the dam and stream turbines currently in use. This older technology needs a current of five to six knots for efficient operation.

The new technology uses the power of the current to push and pull a cylinder up and down. The energy from this vibration is converted to electricity. Power production from a square meter of ocean current that is occupied by cylinders with a current flow of 3 knots is equivalent to 51 watts of power.

Just think of it if about one percent of the energy in the ocean could be harnessed. This power could provide over 150 billion people with all of their energy needs.

The most widely available and unharnessed green renewable energy source is still untapped. The time is right to utilize this energy source.

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