What is it ???
An underwater windmill like device that extracts energy from the tides. Renewable energy technologies are becoming an increasingly favorable alternative to conventional energy sources to alleviate issues related to fossil fuels. Tidal power offers a vast and reliable energy source. This technology is similar to wind energy technology, with the rotor blades powered not by wind energy but by tidal currents. The moon's gravitational pull produces a fast tidal current, which turns the long turbine blades. Which in turn produces electricity through different parts of the underwater mill. This energy derived from the moon now helps power a small Arctic village.
NAME JUSTIFICATION
Why is it called an “underwater windmill”?
“Basically it’s like putting a windmill on water,” said Bjorn Bekken, project manager at Hammerfest Strom. Or since it looks like a windmill and is installed on the bottom of the ocean and in the bed of a large river, that means they are underwater.
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
Fig. Underwater WindmillThere are two types of underwater windmill
In vertical axis underwater windmill, the rotor axis is perpendicular to the water flow direction.
ABOUT TURBINES…
- Underwater (tidal) turbines are a fairly simple concept as far as cutting-edge energy technology goes.
- They are essentially windmills installed on the bottom of the ocean or riverbed.
- The underwater current produced by the tides rotates blades arranged like an airplane propeller.
- These turbines are coupled to a gearbox, which is connected to an electrical generator.
- This produces electricity that is transported by cable to the coast.
- Once connected to an electrical grid, electricity can be distributed.
- Uses tidal energy, which is a clean, renewable energy source
- Have less impact on the environment
- Low operating cost
- Long service life with little maintenance
- Reduces dependence on fossil fuels
The use of nuclear waste from nuclear reactors will inevitably force people to replace most of our traditional energy sources with renewable energy in the future. Tidal energy is one of the best candidates for this coming revolution. Development of new efficient, low-cost and environmentally friendly hydraulic energy converters suitable for free-flowing waters. Furthermore, this type of machine can be used not only for multi-megawatt tidal power farms, but also for mini-power plants with turbines generating a few kilowatts. These power plants can provide clean energy to small communities or even households located near mainland coasts, straits or on remote islands with strong tidal currents.
