What are hydrokinetic turbines?

Hydrokinetic turbines, much like wind turbines, operate on the principle of turning directional power into rotational power by using a certain amount of surface area to come into contact with the fluids movement over a period of time in order to harness as much power as possible. The shape, angle of deflection, and spacing of blades can drastically improve the efficiency of a turbine and is the main area of research in developing the best hydrokinetic turbine suited for its specific location of application.

How much power can be generated by hydrokinetics?

Estimates by the Electric Power Research Institute estimate that the total energy potential of both marine and hydrokinetic power could reach 23 Gigawatts by 2025 and even 100 Gigawatts by 2050, given the ideal amount of research and design. This could theoretically power over 67 million homes, cut back on an average 80 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions and is equal to the power generated by 20 to 30 coal plants. This combined total power production of all U.S. hydroelectric dams would be equal to extracting only 15% of the total energy potential that the U.S. coastal waves contain.

 

<< Previous    1  2  [3]  4    Next >>