Web Desk(September 24, 2017): A team of researchers in Japan want to make the ocean an affordable source of renewable energy.
Engineers have already harnessed the energy of ocean currents using underwater turbines. Now, the group is targeting the kinetic power of waves.
The team is preparing to install turbines where the energy of the ocean is most apparent. Tetrapods are pyramid-like concrete structures designed to dampen the force of incoming waves and protect beaches from erosion.
Shintake wants to replace tetrapods with turbines designed to convert wave energy into electricity.
“Surprisingly, 30 percent of the seashore in mainland Japan is covered with tetrapods and wave breakers,” Shintake said.
The turbines are designed to withstand the force of large waves generated by typhoons and big ocean storms.
The turbine’s blades were inspired by dolphin fins- strong but flexible. The post, or stem, on which the turbine is mounted is also flexible like a flower.
WECs will rise just above the sea’s surface when the ocean is calm, but will be submerged by onrushing waves. Because the blades only spin but so fast, fish who get caught will be able to escape.
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