What are Underwater Stream Turbines?

Underwater Flow Turbines are one of the technologies used in renewable energy production. These turbines are placed deep in the ocean or sea. Here's how they work:

1. **Fluid Media**:
Underwater flow turbines require a moving fluid environment. This fluid is the currents found under water.

2. **Turbine Rotation**:
Strong tidal waves rotate the turbine blades rapidly. This rotational motion enables the production of electricity through the permanent magnet generator.

3. **Electricity Generation**:
With this method, underwater turbines can send an average of **180 kWp** electrical energy to the shore.


This technology provides regular and predictable energy using sea currents. Especially today, when the demand for sustainable energy resources increases, underwater current turbines may gain more importance in the future.

How do underwater flow turbines work?

Underwater current turbines are devices that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy by using current speed. Their operation is similar to wind turbines, but they operate under water. Here is the working principle of underwater current turbines.

1. **Using the Stream:**
Underwater flow turbines produce energy by using the continuous current in oceans or rivers. The higher the water flow rate, the more energy the turbine will produce.

2. **Turbine Blades:**
Underwater flow turbines generally use a rotor with three or more blades. These blades rotate by contacting the water flow. The shape and position of the blades are designed to convert the kinetic energy of water into mechanical energy.

3. **Generator:**
The rotating blades rotate a generator connected to the body of the turbine. The generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. This electrical energy is usually transported to shore via a cable on the seabed and connected to the electrical grid.

4. **Power Management:**
Underwater flow turbines have power management systems to tolerate fluctuations and changes in water flow rate. These systems are designed to optimize the performance of the turbine and ensure that it operates at maximum efficiency.

Underwater current turbines can use lower velocity water currents than wind turbines. Additionally, underwater currents are a continuous and relatively stable source of power, allowing turbines to continuously produce electricity. Therefore, underwater flow turbines are a technology that is expected to play an important role in the future among renewable energy sources.
Where is this technology used?

**Underwater Current Turbines** are generally used in seas and oceans. Here are some usage areas of this technology.

1. **Tidal Energy Generation**:
Underwater current turbines generate electricity using tidal currents. Strong tidal currents, especially in coastal areas, are used.

2. **Sea Currents**:
Strong currents in the deep sea are ideal for underwater turbines. These turbines produce energy by using the speed of sea currents.

3. **Remote Islands and Coastal Settlements**:
Remote islands or coastal areas are places where conventional energy sources are difficult to access. Underwater flow turbines can be used to provide sustainable energy in these regions.

4. **Environmentally Friendly Energy Production**:
Underwater flow turbines are an environmentally friendly energy source. Since they operate based on sea currents, they provide natural resource use.

5. **Research and Development**:
This technology is used in research and development in the field of innovative energy production. It can also be used as a testing ground for new designs and efficiency increases.

Underwater flow turbines are a technology that is expected to play a greater role in energy production in the future.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of underwater current turbines?

**Underwater Stream Turbines** play an important role in renewable energy production. Here are the advantages and disadvantages.

**Advantages**:
1. **Sustainable Energy**: Underwater currents are constantly moving. These turbines can continuously produce energy using this natural flow.
2. **Low Carbon Footprint**: Energy production based on sea currents has low carbon emissions compared to fossil fuels.
3. **Predictability**: Tidal currents are generally predictable and regular. This makes energy production predictable.
4. **Environmentally Friendly**: It works without harming marine life and does not affect the ecosystem.

**Disadvantages**:
1. **High Investment Cost**: Underwater turbines can be costly to install and maintain.
2. **Maintenance Challenges**: The marine environment makes maintenance of turbines difficult. Salt water can cause corrosion.
3. **Effect on Marine Creatures**: The rotating motion of turbines may create an obstacle for marine organisms.
4. **Location Selection Difficulty**: Choosing a suitable location is important. Regions with strong currents should be preferred.

These advantages and disadvantages determine the role of underwater flow turbines in future energy production.