The First in the Whole World: Underwater Balloons in Renewable Energy
For renewable energy, while searching for ways to use existing resources more efficiently, the search for alternative sources also continues...
The First in the Whole World: Underwater Balloons in Renewable Energy
In renewable energy, which has become even more important after the climate summit, while searching for ways to use the existing resources more efficiently, the search for alternative resources also continues.
In Canada, Hydrostor is testing a new project it has developed since November 18: Underwater balloons.
The first facility was established in Lake Ontario, near Toronto, with six balloons connected to the electricity grid via a pipeline 55 meters below the water. Electricity is generated by using the air to rotate the turbines. The peak production of the facility is stated as 660 kW. The company says the solution has twice the lifespan of the best batteries available and costs much less.
“Compressed air has been around for nearly 40 years,” said Curtis VanWalleghem, CEO of the company. "The reason it was not widely used was the problem of storing air." He informs that they established this system using hydrostatic water pressure. Although a 10-year warranty is given for balloons that cover an area of approximately 10m x 40m underwater, this warranty is also considered to be extended to 20 years as the balloons have suffered only minimal damage.
The material used is the same as the one found in the equipment used to lift sunken ships from the ocean bottom. "Compressed air" is at the heart of the system. Excess energy is converted into compressed air with Hydrostor technology. The heat generated during the process is also stored through heat exchangers.
When needed, the natural pressure in the lake is used to pump the air into the field. In this process, the air passing through the turbine generates electricity. The system in Lake Ontario has the capacity to provide electricity to 330 homes and it is stated that this can be easily increased.
Hydrostor is also developing this pilot project in several other parts of the world; another facility will be launched in late 2016 - early 2017. Vsaid VanWalleghem underlines that "the G20 is focused on phasing out fossil fuels by 2050" and states that "they are trying to commercialize this technology as a contribution to green energy".
As for how the system is set up and how it works: Although this project for the oceans is still in the pilot phase, it is a promising work for diversifying renewable energy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7j2lwz4_Vs
Source: Gaia Dergi
In Canada, Hydrostor is testing a new project it has developed since November 18: Underwater balloons.
The first facility was established in Lake Ontario, near Toronto, with six balloons connected to the electricity grid via a pipeline 55 meters below the water. Electricity is generated by using the air to rotate the turbines. The peak production of the facility is stated as 660 kW. The company says the solution has twice the lifespan of the best batteries available and costs much less.
“Compressed air has been around for nearly 40 years,” said Curtis VanWalleghem, CEO of the company. "The reason it was not widely used was the problem of storing air." He informs that they established this system using hydrostatic water pressure. Although a 10-year warranty is given for balloons that cover an area of approximately 10m x 40m underwater, this warranty is also considered to be extended to 20 years as the balloons have suffered only minimal damage.
The material used is the same as the one found in the equipment used to lift sunken ships from the ocean bottom. "Compressed air" is at the heart of the system. Excess energy is converted into compressed air with Hydrostor technology. The heat generated during the process is also stored through heat exchangers.
When needed, the natural pressure in the lake is used to pump the air into the field. In this process, the air passing through the turbine generates electricity. The system in Lake Ontario has the capacity to provide electricity to 330 homes and it is stated that this can be easily increased.
Hydrostor is also developing this pilot project in several other parts of the world; another facility will be launched in late 2016 - early 2017. Vsaid VanWalleghem underlines that "the G20 is focused on phasing out fossil fuels by 2050" and states that "they are trying to commercialize this technology as a contribution to green energy".
As for how the system is set up and how it works: Although this project for the oceans is still in the pilot phase, it is a promising work for diversifying renewable energy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7j2lwz4_Vs
Source: Gaia Dergi