[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/EW-03-12-14-Sea-Snakes-Oysters-and-Magic-Carpets.mp3|titles=EW 03-12-14 Sea Snakes, Oysters, and Magic Carpets]
Scotland is one of the best places in the world to make use of ocean-based energy. It has 25% of Europe’s tidal potential and 10% of its wave potential. Because of this, the Scottish Government has established a competition to reward ocean energy breakthroughs.
The Saltire Prize comes with an award of nearly $17 million. The winner will be the individual or organization that develops the best wave or tidal energy technology. The goal is to achieve the greatest volume of electric output of at least 100 gigawatt hours for a continuous two-year period, using only the power of the sea.
As you might imagine, there are a growing number of applicants, which are being accepted thorough 2015. So far, the ideas are as inventive as their names.
Pelamis Wave Power produces an offshore wave energy converter that looks like a sea snake. Five floating tubes flex as waves roll down the machine’s serpentine length. Each section houses cylinders that resist the wave-driven movements and pump hydraulic fluid to power onboard generators.
Aquamarine Power’s Oyster is a simple design that functions as a wave-powered pump that funnels water to shore, where it powers a standard hydroelectric turbine.
The power-producing “magic carpet” was designed by a UC Berkeley engineer. Made of thin elastic composite stretched across a grid of cylinders and double-action piston pumps, the carpet adopts the up and down wave motion of the waters to move the pistons.
Over the next few years, these and many other innovative devices will compete for the title of energy king of the sea.
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Web Links
Five Striking Concepts for Harnessing the Sea’s Power
Photo, taken on January 25, 2011, courtesy of the Department for Business, Innovation, and Skills via Flickr.
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Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio. Support for Earth Wise comes from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY.