Explain the major ocean currents around Japan and estimate how much electric energy they can deliver in one year. Takahiro Yano

Introduction Four ocean currents are flowing to the Japanese adjacent waters. ① kuroshio Current ② Oyashio Current ③ Tushima Current ④ Liman Current After I explain these ocean currents, how much electric energy in one year. ① ②③ ④

Kuroshio Current Kuroshio Current flows along the southern coast of Japan, and flowing to the seas east of the Boso Peninsula. Flow rate of the ocean current is about 2m/s, its strong currents to 100km wide. Feature : The flow rate is quicker due to the large flow rate, a lot of potential power generation capacity. But Many regions of its flow path of the water depth is very limited where the generator can be installed. ①

Oyashio Current Oyashio Current flows along the Kuril Islands to the south, reaching the ocean until east of Japan. Flow rate of the ocean current is about 0.5m/s at most. Feauture : The flow rate is slower, because of the flow rate far greater depth, a recent study also found that the flow can become comparable to the Kuroshio. ②

Tushima Current Tsushima Current is a warm current flowing into the Sea of ​​ Japan through the Tsushima Strait. Flow rate of the ocean current is around 0.5m/s near the current axis. Feauture :The scale of the ocean is less than in the Oyashio Current and the Kuroshio Current. However, Some places rapidly change flow rate. For example, in the Tsugaru Strait, the Tsushima Current flows in at once, has created a tremendous flow. The flow speed is also up to 3.5m/s. ③

Liman Current Liman current is ocean along the Japan Sea to the south from the vicinity of the Eurasian continent Mamiya Strait. Flow rate of the ocean current is about 0.25m/s and slow compared to most other ocean current. Feauture : The flow rate is slow and less, So ocean current generation I think this is not suitable… ④

Electric energy ※ When the ocean current power generation system of 2MW(2.5m/s) of rated outputs is used. Generation of electricity quantity of one year … Speed and the generation of electricity quantity of the ocean current are proportionate. Ocean currentKuroshioOyashioTushimaLiman Electric energy7600MWh1400MWh 700MWh Bibliography :

Conclusion ・ The result of research, as for the ocean current under 1m/s not being suited for ocean current generation of electricity it was understood. ・ Because of that the ocean current which is suitable for ocean current generation of electricity in Japan is thought that are only Kuroshio current and the Tsushima current.