Iranian Researcher Designed New Ocean Energy System
WANA (Oct 12) – A faculty member from the School of Engineering at the University of Tehran has designed and simulated a novel underwater energy-harvesting system capable of generating clean power from ocean and marine currents.
Dr. Alireza Riyasi, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, developed the system titled “Tethered Underwater Subsea Kite (TUSK)”, which could serve as a high-efficiency alternative to conventional fixed hydrokinetic turbines for marine energy extraction. The concept was first introduced globally by the Swedish company Minesto.
Dr. Riyasi explained that underwater kite systems have tremendous potential for cost-effective and efficient renewable energy generation from ocean currents. Given Iran’s extensive northern and southern coastlines, the technology could play a key role in expanding marine renewable energy across the country.
Unlike traditional stationary turbines, the TUSK system consists of a kite equipped with a turbine beneath its wings, which moves along a figure-eight trajectory underwater. This motion enables the turbine to cover a large area at a relative speed several times greater than the actual current velocity, significantly enhancing energy capture.
The study was conducted in two main phases:
- Flight dynamics modeling and optimization of the kite’s motion angles.
- Design and numerical simulation of a ducted turbine operating in turbulent ocean flows.
According to Dr. Riyasi, simulation accuracy was verified using the Blade Element Momentum Theory (BEMT).
The system achieved an average power output of 383 kilowatts and a power coefficient of approximately 1.19 per cycle, demonstrating performance far exceeding conventional marine turbines.
Dr. Riyasi attributed this high efficiency to the duct structure surrounding the turbine and the optimized flight path of the kite, which together generate vortices and a low-pressure zone behind the turbine, substantially increasing system output.
This pioneering study highlights the potential of underwater kite-based energy systems as a promising solution for the future of renewable ocean energy.
An Iranian Researcher Designed a New Ocean Energy System. Social media/ WANA News Agency
