POTENSI PEMBANGKIT LISTRIK TENAGA ARUS LAUT MENGGUNAKAN VERTICAL AXIS TURBINE DI SELAT KEPA, NTT

Abstract

Utilization of marine-based renewable energy is a strategic solution to support national energy security, especially in island regions such as East Nusa Tenggara. This study aims to quantitatively examine the potential of ocean current energy in the Kepa Strait, NTT, and to evaluate the feasibility of using Vertical Axis Turbine (VAT) compared to Horizontal Axis Turbine (HAT) as optimal energy conversion technology. The ocean currents in the Kepa Strait are among the waters with quite strong currents. Based on research from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the average current speed in the Kepa Strait is in the range of 0.8 – 8 m/s. By utilizing the current speed and applying the kinetic energy conversion formula, an estimated power potential of ±35 kW per turbine unit is obtained in a certain configuration. Theoretically, the optimal capacity of a generating system with two VAT units can reach 2x20 kW. The selection of Vertical Axis Turbine is based on its advantages in dealing with changing currents, ease of installation at low depths, and more flexible space requirements compared to Horizontal Axis Turbine which requires orientation towards the current direction and more stable sea depths. VAT is also considered more suitable for narrow sea environments such as the Kepa Strait which has local hydrodynamic challenges. Thus, the research results show that the amount of electrical power generated in the waters of the Kepa Strait, NTT is capable of producing power of around 17,993 W. The use of VAT is a technological choice that is adaptive to local oceanographic conditions and supports the development of renewable energy in the waters of the Kepa Strait, NTT.