IHI and Toshiba have developed a unique floating underwater marine-current turbine to generate electricity. Their research is to demonstrate the feasibility of generating ocean energy and creating a framework for the industry, and improve energy security for Japan.
The floating underwater marine-current turbine uses two counter-rotating blades. A pair would be fixed to the seabed and sail like a kite supported and driven by the ocean current.
The floating underwater marine-current turbine uses two counter-rotating blades. It is fixed to the seabed and sails like a kite supported and driven by the ocean current. IHI is the leading company in the joint research project and will manufacture the turbine and the floating structure. Toshiba will provide electrical equipment such as generators and transformers.
Ocean currents, such as the Kuroshio Current, are natural energy resource. If Japan succeeds in converting the enormous energy of ocean currents, it will provide the island nation a large-scale, stable energy source. IHI and Toshiba have been working with the University of Tokyo and Mitsui Global Strategic Studies Institute since 2011.
Electricity generation from ocean energy of currents, temperature differences, tides, waves, and so on has been explored in Europe and the United States.
NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization) promotes R&D projects in the field of marine-energy technology with the aim to develop world-leading technologies and contribute to the reduction of CO2 since 2011 in Japan. This project will continue into 2017.
IHI
www.ihi.co.jp/en/index.html
Toshiba
www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm
Filed Under: News, Turbines
