This turbine has two propellers that collect twice the energy than other prototypes of similar turbines that take advantage of the movement of the waves to obtain energy.
Generates twice as much energy as current systems
The idea of obtaining energy in this way is not new. In fact, it has a name: wave energy. However, it is now when different companies and companies are using different mechanisms to obtain energy in this way.
One of the most conventional ways to extract energy from waves is through a point absorption buoy, that it is a device that floats but is anchored to the bottom of the sea. This system does not stop rising and falling constantly because of the waves, and taking advantage of this movement is drives a power converter found under the sea.
RMIT scientists used as starting point for your research that buoy system anchored to the sea. This system to collect the energy uses a series of sensors and other electronic devices that are precisely synchronized with the incoming waves. However, this can produce reliability issues, besides that it is easier for it to break.
To avoid these problems, all the sensors were removed from this new turbine and it was manufactured with a structure that allowed it float up and down naturally with the waves.
A simple, profitable and non-polluting system
The generator is located inside a buoy on the surface that allows it to protect yourself from corrosion. Tests showed that this system was capable of creating twice as much energy as similar systems developed by other companies. In addition, it is a much simpler and cheaper design of doing.
The key is that this turbine is constantly synchronized with the movement of the waves, allowing it to increase the amount of energy you can get.
After doing the first laboratory experiments, the team hopes to move on to larger tests in water tanks to later, finally, make the final test in the same ocean.
It is still a technology that need more proof and that has to be optimized, but it is certainly a great step forward in creating a new clean and cost effective system from which to obtain energy.