Typical Turbine for Ocean Harvesting Technology: A Comprehensive Review on Fundamental Systems

Marine energy generation technology, a beacon of hope in the realm of renewable energy, is poised to make a significant impact, potentially producing 7% of the world’s electricity by 2050. This paper delves into the diverse marine energy technologies, focusing on turbine design for different marine energy sources such as tidal, wave, and ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). Each type of turbine, whether axial, vertical, or radial, is meticulously optimized for specific marine environments and energy conditions. For tidal energy, horizontal-axis turbines, akin to underwater wind turbines, stand out for their consistent electrical output. On the other hand, vertical-axis Darrieus turbines are celebrated for their efficiency, particularly at higher flow speeds. Both radial and axial OTEC turbines, leveraging fluid mass differences, offer high efficiencies even at low flow rates. Wells turbines, a common sight in wave energy systems like Oscillating Water Columns (OWC), effectively convert oscillating water movements into energy, thanks to their symmetrical airfoil design. The optimization of turbine parameters, such as blade angle, impeller diameter, and rotor design, can significantly boost energy efficiency and slash operational losses. With their bespoke turbine designs, marine energy technologies promise to revolutionize sustainable energy solutions globally.