The Effects Wind Has on Ocean Current Speeds for Marine Renewable Energy Applications

This paper explores the influence of wind on ocean current speeds at varying depths and its implications for marine renewable energy systems, particularly underwater turbines. By analyzing the fluid mechanics of ocean currents and applying the Navier-Stokes equations under simplified assumptions, velocity and pressure profiles were developed to model the interaction between wind and water. The research highlights the dependence of ocean current velocity on wind speed and depth, demonstrating that maximum current speeds and power generation potential occur near the ocean surface. Using MATLAB simulations, power generation by an underwater turbine was analyzed under varying wind speeds and depths, providing insights into optimizing turbine placement for energy extraction. This work contributes to the understanding of wind-driven ocean currents and supports the development of sustainable marine energy solutions.