Exploiting wave energy with the system of 'seabed carpet'

Many organizations around the world are looking for ways to harness the energy of ocean waves as renewable energy. However, no organization has adopted a seabed method like the University of California at Berkeley (UC Berkeley). Recently, they have developed a system called "seabed carpet" inspired by the seabed mud to exploit the energy potential of the waves.

>>>Video: Introducing the system "seabed carpet"

Seabed sludge is known for its shock absorption ability of waves under the ocean. When a strong storm struck the Gulf of Mexico, fishermen here knew that the ocean floor covered with mud would serve as a softer, sub-surface to help reduce the impact of waves and detain the storm.

Inspired by this phenomenon, the UC Berkeley team has devised a system in which the energy of waves is not only absorbed but also converted into useful energy.

The system consists of a large rubber carpet placed above hydraulic drives, cylinders and pumps to receive the movement of incoming waves. When moving up and down, the carpet creates water pressure in the cylinders and this pressure is directed back to the shore to convert into useful energy.

Tests conducted at UC Berkeley show that the carpet is capable of absorbing more than 90% of the wave energy. According to researchers, a carpet of 1m ² can generate enough electrical energy for two standard houses in the US. Meanwhile, a 100m ² carpet will be able to supply energy equivalent to a football field covered by solar panels with an area of ​​6400m ² .

Reza Alam, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at UC Berkeley, said: "We plan to test this system at sea within the next 2 years and hope that 10 years later the system will be ready. for commercialization ".

The team also emphasized the durability and flexibility of the system. Developed on the idea of ​​the seabed, made of non-corrosive flexible materials and intended to be installed in shallow shallow waters at depths of 18m, the system can withstand the large momentum of the rough seas. The group says the system can be easily transported and the modular design of the modular design allows for scaling adjustments according to the environment and energy demand.

In addition to providing an alternative energy source, the transition also creates high pressure seawater that can be used to desalinate and supply clean water to people in coastal areas.

After successful testing at the lab in Berkeley, the team put the project on the Experiment site to raise funds from the community to bring the project to the next stage. If the goal is achieved, the team will develop a larger prototype to test performance and test materials suitable for practical applications outside the ocean.