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Generating Power From Ocean Buoys and Kites

Posted by Soulskill on from the i-can-see-my-house-from-here dept.

cheezitmike writes "Researchers at Oregon State University are testing a new type of wave-energy converter to generate electricity from ocean waves: 'Even when the ocean seems calm, swells are moving water up and down sufficiently to generate electricity. ... For decades the challenge has been to build a device that can withstand monster waves and gale-force winds, not to mention corrosive saltwater, seaweed, floating debris and curious marine mammals. ... In the most recent prototypes, a thick coil of copper wire is inside the first component, which is anchored to the seafloor. The second component is a magnet attached to a float that moves up and down freely with the waves. As the magnet is heaved by the waves, its magnetic field moves along the stationary coil of copper wire. This motion induces a current in the wire — electricity.'" Meanwhile, researchers at Stanford are working to design "turbine kites" that operate at 30,000 feet, where air currents flow much faster than they do close to the ground. Ken Caldeira, a Stanford associate professor, said, "If you tapped into 1% of the power in high-altitude winds, that would be enough to continuously power all civilization."

5 of 131 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Consequences by squoozer · · Score: 2, Funny

    Zero point energy has no downsides, I'm going to attach one to my flying car when the Government stops suppressing the technology.

    --
    I used to have a better sig but it broke.
  2. Re:Consequences by Quiet_Desperation · · Score: 2, Funny

    Isn't the ZPE what supports the universe and provides a place for all those little superstrings to play? You might collapse the false vacuum or something. ;-)

  3. Re:Good luck with that by sumdumass · · Score: 5, Funny

    But let's first ask ourselves, is it practical and cost-effective?

    I'm sure we can cap and trade it into being practical and cost-effective. That's the power of the free market when some people are in charge.

  4. Re:Consequences by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    Can you suggest a source of energy that has no potential downside whatsoever?

    American Blubber (TM) - very high energy density, suitable for use in conventional power stations. They're gonna die anyway so use it or lose it. Also will result in a significant reduction in Global Stupidity (TM). Unlike Global Warming, there is no doubt that Global Stuipidity (TM) has an anthropogenic origin.

  5. Re:Zap by smoker2 · · Score: 2, Funny

    I think lightning already took care of that.