The Swedish company Minesto is making waves in the renewable energy sector with its innovative Dragon 12, an underwater kite that promises to generate clean electricity.
The Dragon 12 (Minesto)
A kite underwater?
Imagine a kite flying through the air, tracing a figure-eight pattern as it soars.
Now, picture that same motion deep under the sea. That’s the essence of the Dragon 12, Minesto’s groundbreaking machine designed to harness the power of ocean currents to generate electricity.
Dragon 12 (Minesto)
MORE: DIVE INTO THE SEA WITH THIS STATE-OF-THE-ART UNDERWATER DRONE
How Dragon 12 is helping to create sustainable energy
Nestled in the North Atlantic, the Faroe Islands have embarked on an ambitious journey toward 100% clean on-shore electricity by 2030. The Dragon 12 figures to play a pivotal role in this plan, complementing existing wind, solar and hydroelectric power sources.
Dragon 12 (Minesto)
MORE: CRAZY FUTURISTIC UNDERWATER JETPACK LETS YOU FLY IN THE WATER LIKE AN AQUATIC SUPERHERO
The science behind the Dragon 12
It generates electricity by harnessing the kinetic energy of tidal currents. Here’s how it works:
Movement: The Dragon 12 is designed to fly in a figure-eight pattern underwater, similar to how a kite moves in the air. This movement accelerates the flow of water over its wings.
Energy Conversion: As the water flows over the wings, it spins a turbine attached to the kite. This turbine converts the kinetic energy of the moving water into mechanical energy.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
Electricity Production: The mechanical energy from the turbine is then converted into electrical energy, producing up to 1.2 megawatts of power.
Grid Integration: The electricity generated by the Dragon 12 is transmitted via cables to an onshore station. From there, it’s integrated into the national grid system, making it available to power homes and businesses.
Diagram of the Dragon 12 (Minesto)
MORE: A CAR-BOAT COMBO THAT CAN HIT THE ROAD OR THE WATER WITH THE SAME VEHICLE
Minesto’s vision: Affordable, clean energy for all
Martin Edlund, CEO of Minesto, envisions a world where renewable energy is sustainable and cost-effective. The Dragon 12’s lower cost of electricity suggests that this vision is well within reach, potentially making green energy cheaper for consumers worldwide.
Dragon 12 blueprints (Minesto)
MORE: UNFORGETTABLE MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS 2024
A deep dive into Minesto’s technology
Founded as a spin-off from aerospace giant Saab, Minesto has perfected its technology since 2007. With 92 patents and a successful track record, the company’s utility-scale tidal power plant, Dragon 12, delivers electricity to the Faroe Islands’ grid.
Dragon 12 (Minesto)
The future of tidal energy: prospects and challenges
While the Dragon 12’s innovative design offers many advantages, questions remain about its long-term reliability and impact on marine life. As Minesto continues to refine its technology, the answers to these questions will shape the future of tidal energy.
Dragon 12 (Minesto)
Kurt’s key takeaways
As we stand on the brink of a renewable energy revolution, companies like Minesto are in charge of technologies that could redefine how we harness the power of nature. The Dragon 12 is more than just a machine; it symbolizes human ingenuity and our relentless pursuit of a sustainable future. With its potential to provide clean, affordable energy, the Dragon 12 could be a game-changer for communities around the globe.
What are your thoughts on the potential of underwater kites like Minesto’s Dragon 12 to shape the future of renewable energy? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter
Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover
Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:
What is the best way to protect your Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android devices from getting hacked?What is the best way to stay private, secure and anonymous while browsing the web?
Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
