Alternative Energy Systems Testing

Overview

By using the dynamic positioning system of our vessel, the GO America, we were able to facilitate open ocean testing of current driven power sources and deep water instruments.

The team aboard the 150-foot research vessel, GO America, lowered the experimental turbines into the Atlantic Ocean approximately 20 miles offshore between Broward and Palm Beach counties. Here, the velocity of the Gulf Stream typically ranges from 3.5 to 5.5 miles per hour (3 to 5 knots) without interruption. They remained underwater for 24 hours to determine which of the designs performed most efficiently and generated electricity with the least number of mechanical issues.

Watch the project video created by the Oceanbased Energy team.