Kite-Like Tidal Turbine Provides 500 Kilowatts An Hour Of Water Power
Check this out: Researchers in England have created a new type of tidal turbine, code named “Deep Green,” that’s attached to a kite-like apparatus and tethered to the floor of the ocean by 100 meters of cable. Developed by Swedish company Minesto, the turbine captures energy from tidal currents at ten times the speed of the stream velocity. It will generate 500 kilowatts of power at full operational speed. Its small size, only 12 meters in the wingspan, is also beneficial compared to other turbine designs.
Tidal power is predictable and reliable, the researchers say. Minesto expects testing to start in 2011, thanks to $2.5 million recently acquired from investors.
