Turn ocean into a powerhouse

Experts at the Florida Institute of Technology (US) are experimenting with technology that turns the energy produced by ocean waves into electricity.

Image for illustrative purposes. (Internet source)

The Wing Waves project works by exploiting the elliptical motion of waves at a depth of 9-18m below the surface, converting it into mechanical energy to produce electricity. Marine power generation can be routed through a cable system to serve land-based needs. This device does not harm marine life.

' Just a fine sand bottom at a depth of about 12-15m. They are like sea fans, 'said expert Stephen Wood. Mr Wood estimates that 1 square mile (3,4 km ² ) of sea with about 1,000 wings is enough to power 200,000 homes. " This system will be effective in any maritime zone that has tornadoes ," he added.

Terence Bolden , director of Clean and Green Enterprises , who holds the patent on the technology, said each quadrilateral was about 2.4 meters high and 4.5 meters wide. It can swing 30 degrees from side to side.

During high seas, such as the 8th grade, these wings are designed to close automatically. On quiet days, engineers said there were still enough waves for the wings to work.

The original (operating off the Florida coast) is made of aluminum but the operating versions will be made of abrasive material. " We are trying to make everything as environmentally-friendly as possible ," Wood said.

Clean and Green Enterprises, based in Tallahassee, Florida, has spent years researching this system. In addition to producing electricity, the Wing Waves is also part of the sea water desalination system.