A huge tidal kite, weighing 28 tons and generating 1.2 MW, is currently supplying electricity to the grid.

Scientists have developed a revolutionary method for harnessing energy from ocean tides using underwater kites. How does this promising new technology work and what are its advantages?

Introduction to Tidal Power Harvesting

Tidal energy has always held potential as a key renewable energy source, yet it remains largely untapped. While truly inexhaustible and predictable, its usage is faced with a myriad of hurdles. However, Minesto, a Swedish firm, has developed an innovative approach of harnessing tidal power using underwater kites.

Wozniak wants to take YouTube lawsuit as far as possible.
Related Article

The use of kites might seem eccentric in this context, but the concept is an innovative resolve. The same factors that make a kite fly in wind makes this underwater version function in tidal currents. The result is a potential game-changer as far as tidal power is concerned.

A huge tidal kite, weighing 28 tons and generating 1.2 MW, is currently supplying electricity to the grid. ImageAlt

Development and deployment of tidal power systems have up to now been hampered by high costs and practical difficulties. Harnessing tidal energy is particularly challenging because it requires the movement of colossal volumes of water at minimal speeds.

However, researchers have relentlessly been exploring better ways to leverage this kind of energy. Could this be the much-awaited disruptive innovation to make tidal power mainstream?

Mechanism of the Underwater Kite

The underwater kite, affectionately named “Deep Green”, is attached to a seabed tether. Within it, there’s a turbine and rudder. As the tide pushes the kite, it moves in a figure-eight trajectory, which increases the water speed hitting the turbine.

Extraordinarily, this model manages to deliver constancy and a unique blend of advantages over traditional turbines. It can operate at low currents, reach deeper depths, and is ultimately economical – addressing key challenges in the tidal power narrative.

Apple Watch could be barred from US import due to patent infringement on oxygen tracking technology by Masimo, says International Trade Commission.
Related Article

The design and operations allow the device to reach deeper parts of the ocean, where water flows are more consistent. This could potentially solve the problem of dependability often faced by renewable energy sources.

Furthermore, the underwater kites are less intrusive and have minimal environmental impact. They are also easy to install and service, further adding to their appeal as an alternative energy source.

Turning Tidal Power Into a Reality

So far, the kite has undergone test runs in Northern Ireland’s Strangford Lough and off the coast of Wales, with favorable preliminary results. It successfully generated power, demonstrating its potential for practical use.

The achievement of Minesto’s Deep Green system places it at the forefront of tidal energy innovations. The kite-system represents an approach that has the potential to make tidal power harvesting scalable and competitive.

Despite the phase of testing and fine-tuning, the company is upbeat about its journey. They envision their technology will go commercial in the near future, broadening our energy mix further.

Important to note is the potential impact of this technology. If successfully adopted, it could contribute substantially towards achieving global carbon reduction goals.

Scaling the Tidal Power Revolution

The challenge with tidal power lies in the scaling. Typically, energy costs have been a limitation to tidal power being adopted widely. However, the kite system shows promise to challenge this narrative.

Minesto projects a significant reduction in the cost of tidal energy. The system's low operational and maintenance costs significantly increase its allure as a viable energy source.

Moreover, Minesto’s kite concept provides a blueprint for further research and technological advancements in the renewable energy industry. The ingenious solution could open the door for new approaches to power generation.

In a climate change-sensitive world, such novel, sustainable power sources are always a welcome addition. This technology could potentially inspire new ways of thinking about and harnessing renewable energy.

Categories