Spine-Like Machine Crawls Along Ocean’s Surface To Turn Waves Into Electricity
A new energy-harvesting machine that looks a lot like a spine has set out to the sea to harvest energy from the sun and waves.
The device, developed by Sea Wave Energy Ltd (SWEL), is a ‘Waveline Magnet’ that can sail the ocean as it turns waves into electricity.
Trials for the device began in November 2021 as it embarked on its first voyage out of Larnaca Bay in Cyprus.
The serpent energy harvester is made up of multiple platforms, connected together, and sports a flexible structure so it can ride the waves instead of fighting against them. It also gives the Waveline Magnet control as it sails the ocean.
A single hour of it being out on the sea allows it to garner 100 MW of energy.
SWEL also claims that the device will be more environmentally-friendly than wind turbines and solar panels as this serpent power generator can be constructed from recycled materials.
Currently, it is made from reinforced plastic, eliminating the need for new production lines just to manufacture materials for the product. This allows it to generate substantial green energy levels at a low cost too.
