Helical Turbines for the Gulf Stream: Conceptual Approach to Design of a Large-Scale Floating Power Farm

Abstract

This paper describes the helical turbine as an efficient new instrument for converting the kinetic energy of hydro streams into electric or other mechanical energy. A multi-megawatt project is proposed, conceived as an ocean power farm equipped with a number of helical turbines, along with a floating factory for in situ production of hydrogen fuel by means of electrolyzing ocean waters. Besides mega hydro-power farms, mini-power stations with helical turbines of a few kilowatts each are also proposed as possibilities for small communities or even individual households located near tidal shorelines or river banks with strong water currents. No construction of hydro dams is necessary for such applications.