Recent experiments off the coast of California can be recorded in past as a breakthrough in the energy world. German technology based on concretecules becomes an alternate to conventional energy retention methods. The system, which has the chance to change the face of renewable energy, works on completely fresh principles, utilizing the natural force of ocean waters.
In erstwhile years experiments in Germany, especially over Lake Constanceconfirmed the effectiveness of this technology. Now scientists from Fraunhofer IEE are moving investigation to a fresh level, investigating it in oceanic conditions.
How does concrete technology work?
System developed by Fraunhofer-Institut für Energiewirtschaft und Energiesystemtechnik (Fraunhofer IEE) is highly simple but innovative. At the bottom of the ocean, deep 500-600 meters, empty concrete bullets are placed. Each is equipped with turbine, valve and connection to the power grid. The energy retention process is carried out in a akin manner to the pumped highest power plant, but with 1 crucial difference – alternatively of utilizing the mountain, the strategy is based on the natural force of deep water.
Operation principle:
- When surplus energy is available from renewable sources, water is pumped out of the inside of the sphere, ‘loading’ it.
- At the minute of need, the valve in the sphere is opened, and the water flowing under advanced force drives the turbine that generates electricity.
First test in California
In early 2025, a full-scale technology test will be held in California, where a 9 - metre - wide sphere of mass will be anchored at the bottom of the ocean 400 tonnescapable of retention 400 kilowatt hours of energy. specified capacity is able to power for a year an average home with a household of four.
An experimentation in California is another step after smaller tests carried out in Germany. Scientists want to see if this technology will be able to operate on an industrial scale and whether it will be possible to make balls up to 30 metres in diameterwhich could store even more energy.
Global possible of concretekulk technology
German concrete technology has a chance for global application. According to researchers from Fraunhofer IEE, specified systems can be installed not only off the coast of California, but besides in regions specified as Norway, Portugal, Japan, Brazil and deep artificial water tanks. The key advantage of this technology is that the installation of concrete does not interfere with the natural environment, which makes the social acceptance of specified projects more acceptable than conventional pumped-peak power plants which require the usage of mountain areas.
Energy retention potential
Fraunhofer IEE estimates global potential energy retention utilizing this technology is 820,000 gigawato hours. This is 4 times more than the current capacity of German power plants. In the context of expanding renewable energy production, this innovation can be a key component in stabilising energy networks worldwide.
Challenges to Technology Developers
Despite its tremendous potential, there are many challenges ahead of the concrete workers. The most crucial of them are cost-effectiveness and practicability the large-scale production of specified equipment and the costs associated with their construction and maintenance. But if the tests in California are successful, we can anticipate mass implementation of this strategy worldwide.
The concrete technology developed by German scientists is simply a breakthrough in the way renewable energy is stored. investigating in California is crucial for the future of this technology, which can revolutionize the energy market. If the strategy meets expectations and is scaled on a global scale, concretecules can become the foundation of a fresh era in energy storage, helping to stabilise renewable energy supply worldwide.
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Goodbye, energy storage! German invention will shortly revolutionize energy
