The discovery that oceans will power the world is rather interesting. Thus far, humans have always relied on the ocean for food, water, and trade. Now humankind will look towards the ocean as a new underwater dragon is said to produce clean and constant power. 1.2 MW of power will be delivered to over 1,000 homes, all thanks to this exceptional “underwater dragon.” This underwater turbine came about as part of the global effort to rely more on the power provided to us by the oceans.
A new way to harness marine energy for the masses
This ocean turbine draws some principles from devices like the flying kite that flies swiftly through the wind, generating energy. The “dragon” can be used to “fly” through the water in a graceful manner, generating power from the moving current. The underwater dragon, which is called part of the Deep Green project, is a small turbine. This eight-figure turbine flows through the water, even harnessing power from steady currents as well.
Traditional water turbines can tap into the potential of fast currents, while this new turbine is capable of generating power from even slower currents. Once the water flows through the turbine, its speed is accelerated, and it is thus capable of producing more energy potential.
The water kite has been designed in the most elegant way, moving in somewhat of a flying motion through slower and steadier ocean currents. The result is energy production that does not cause any harm to marine life.
How does the Deep Green work to produce power underwater?
The underwater dragon is made up of a few key components, such as a turbine, a control system, and a wing. Sensors onboard can control maximum efficiency. The Deep Green turbine works on capturing kinetic energy from sea currents and transforms it into electricity that can be used on land.
The latest underwater dragon by Minesto is entitled the Dragon 12, which is a generator capable of producing 1.2 MW of ongoing power. With 1.2 MW of power, almost 1,000 homes can be powered. The system provides a constant and renewable energy supply, which can offer extra electricity that can be used as an add-on to other renewable energy sources.
The Deep Green project shows how much energy we can unleash from ocean currents. Researchers conclude that harnessing even just a fraction of ocean currents will result in a stable renewable energy supply. By using the ocean’s current, countries can depend far less on the grid. Perhaps the Deep Green project is the reason we are now moving towards off-grid solutions.
Looking forward to a world where the sea generates power
The underwater dragon introduces a whole new era in sustainability, where ocean currents are turned into a power source that we can utilize and rely on. Offering a lucrative solution for coastal communities, this water turbine, or rather water kite, can be depended on. Minesto’s Deep Green project surely is an advanced project that can add ocean current to the list of sources where we can retrieve renewable power. Minesto is producing kites that swim through the sea and produce energy, making Minesto’s creation the invention of the century.
Gaining power fully from the waves
This Swedish firm surely is ensuring that power is generated when the Dragon 12 is placed in the water. With the figure 8 motion aiding the generator to remain firm, the turbines’ overall efficiency is improved, too. Minesto’s Dragon 12 generates approximately 1.2 MW of power on its own and can be labeled a water powerhouse. The question that we now need to consider is whether solutions like these, which can generate 1 MW of power or more over the water, can be a new source of energy to replace wind power.