Rishiiiii Report
Rishiiiii Report
SEMINAR REPORT
Submitted To
In
Mechanical Engineering
Submitted By
RISHIKESH BAIJU
(2201022397)
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the SEMINAR report of ‘UNDER WATER WIND MILLS’is done by RISHIKESH
BAIJU (2201022397) in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of Diploma in
Mechanical Engineering of the Department of Technical Education Kerala during the year 2024-2025.
MISSION
VISION
First and foremost, I extend my deepest thanks to my guide, Mr. Nebu Jacob,
for his invaluable guidance, support, and constant encouragement throughout
the preparation of this report. His insightful feedback and expertise have been
instrumental in shaping the direction of my research.
Finally, I acknowledge the work of all the researchers and authors whose
contributions have provided a strong foundation for my study.
Underwater wind mills, also known as tidal or hydrokinetic turbines, are an innovative
technology that harnesses the kinetic energy of moving water, such as tidal currents, river
flows, or ocean streams, to generate electricity. This renewable energy solution is part of the
broader field of marine energy, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
Unlike conventional wind turbines that capture wind energy, underwater wind mills operate
beneath the surface of the water, taking advantage of the higher density and consistent flow
of water compared to air.
The basic concept of underwater wind mills involves submerged turbines that rotate as water
flows through them, driving a generator to produce electricity. These turbines are strategically
placed in areas with strong, predictable water currents, such as tidal estuaries or near the
coastlines where tidal forces are strong. The energy generation process is similar to traditional
wind turbines, but underwater wind mills are more efficient due to water’s greater density,
enabling smaller turbines to generate significant amounts of power.
The technology presents several advantages: it is reliable, as water currents are more
predictable than wind, it operates quietly, reducing noise pollution, and it has a minimal visual
impact on the environment since the turbines are submerged. However, underwater wind
mills face challenges such as high installation and maintenance costs due to their location in
harsh marine environments, potential disruption to marine life and ecosystems, and technical
hurdles related to corrosion and biofouling.
In conclusion, underwater wind mills represent a promising frontier in renewable energy,
offering the potential to provide clean, predictable, and sustainable power. Further research
and development in materials, environmental impact mitigation, and cost reduction will be
crucial to their widespread adoption and integration into the global energy mix.
INDEX
2 Description 2
3 Working 6
4 Application 9
5 Cunclusion 11
6 Reference 19
INTRODUCTION
Overview:
Underwater windmills, also known as tidal or marine current turbines, harness energy
from the movement of ocean currents, tides, and other water flows to generate
electricity.
These systems are similar in function to traditional windmills but use the kinetic energy
of water instead of wind.
Global interest in renewable energy has spurred the development of underwater
windmills as a sustainable and consistent power source, especially for coastal regions.
Importance of Renewable Energy:
As fossil fuel supplies diminish, the need for reliable, clean energy sources grows.
Oceans cover over 70% of the Earth's surface, providing a vast, untapped energy
potential.
Tidal and current energy can complement wind and solar power to create a diversified
renewable energy portfolio.
Example: The MeyGen project in Scotland is one of the largest tidal energy projects,
aiming to power homes with clean energy from tidal currents.
Description: Offshore oil and gas platforms require significant amounts of energy to
operate. Traditionally, they rely on diesel generators, which are expensive and pollute
the environment.
Example: Offshore platforms in regions with strong tidal currents, such as the North
Sea, could benefit from this application, making operations more environmentally
friendly.
Description: Many remote islands rely on imported diesel fuel for electricity, which is
costly and subject to supply disruptions.
Example: Island communities in places like the Orkney Islands in Scotland or the
Azores could use underwater windmills to support their energy infrastructure.
Description: Desalination plants convert seawater into potable water, but they
consume a large amount of energy in the process. Renewable energy sources are
essential to making this process more sustainable.
Example: Countries like Saudi Arabia or the UAE, which rely heavily on desalination
for their freshwater needs, could benefit from tidal energy to lower their
environmental impact.
Application: In areas where weather conditions affect solar and wind power
production, underwater windmills can balance energy generation, providing a more
consistent output across seasons and weather variations.
Example: A hybrid system might be implemented in locations like Japan, where both
solar, wind, and tidal energy are feasible, to ensure constant electricity production
throughout the year.
Underwater windmills, often referred to as tidal stream generators or tidal turbines, harness
the energy from underwater currents, including ocean tides and river flows, to generate
electricity. This renewable energy source leverages consistent and predictable ocean
movements, making it a promising complement to wind and solar energy. Throughout this
report, we have explored the development, function, and potential of underwater windmills,
providing insight into their design, energy output, environmental impact, and feasibility.
Environmental Impact: The underwater environment allows for more efficient land
use and, when designed thoughtfully, reduces the visual impact and land disruption
that surface wind farms may cause. Furthermore, underwater windmills have minimal
interference with marine life when placed in areas with strong currents but low
biological activity.
Despite the promising advantages, underwater windmill technology faces several obstacles
that must be addressed to maximize its potential:
Various countries have already begun to explore underwater windmill technology, with
notable case studies offering insights into both success and lessons learned:
The United Kingdom: The UK has been a leader in developing tidal energy projects,
benefiting from strong currents along its coastlines. Projects like MeyGen in Scotland
have demonstrated the potential for large-scale underwater wind farms, producing
enough energy to power thousands of homes.
Canada and France: Both countries have made strides in underwater wind
technology, particularly in regions with strong tidal currents like the Bay of Fundy in
Canada and the northern coast of France. These projects highlight the importance of
location selection and collaboration between governments and private developers.
Lessons Learned: Key takeaways from these projects emphasize the importance of
comprehensive environmental assessments, community engagement, and scaling
through pilot projects. Gradually expanding these projects while addressing technical
issues and environmental concerns will be vital for the future of underwater
windmills.
5. Future Outlook
The future of underwater windmills holds great promise, but it also requires concerted efforts
from stakeholders across industries, governments, and academia to address current
limitations. Key factors that will shape the future include:
Policy and Investment Support: To ensure that underwater windmill technology can
scale up, governments must offer strong policy incentives, such as subsidies, tax
credits, and research grants. Collaboration between public and private sectors is
crucial to driving investment and development. Long-term policies that promote
renewable energy and carbon reduction will help accelerate the adoption of
underwater windmills.
6. Final Thoughts
Smithsonian Magazine
ElProCus
ElProCus
Smithsonian Magazine
ElProCus
4. Challenges: Despite their advantages, tidal turbines face challenges such as high
upfront costs, potential environmental impacts on marine life, and mechanical wear
due to underwater conditions
Smithsonian Magazine
5. Notable Projects: Examples include the MeyGen project in Scotland, which is one of
the largest tidal energy installations globally, and the Marine Current Turbines
project in Northern Ireland
Smithsonian Magazine
ElProCus