Most of us enjoy the simple joys of going outside and flying our kites as children, but did you know that they are so much more than just mere toys? Benjamin Franklin proved that lightning is electricity by flying one. They were also essential in the development of the first airplanes and for military signalling. Now, tidal kites have been developed that can fly in undersea currents with blades tethered in the shape of an eight. Who knows what new potential they will unlock?
From being a toy to harvesting energy
Mankind is going green and has taken unique measures in doing so. Renewable energies and the technologies that harvest them are a trend that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Truth be told, there have been many innovative and state-of-the-art inventions, but the latest invention, which forms part of a Swedish energy company’s power project, is something else.
Have you ever looked at a toy and thought, ‘What if I tweak this a little to harvest continuous renewable energy?’ The jury’s still out on how Minesto thought of this innovative design, but this is certain: it has the potential to revolutionize the renewable energy industry, as well as the Faroe Islands’ power supply.
According to the Minesto CEO, Martin Edlund, the Faroe Islands’ modern power grid and stable tidal conditions are key factors for the company’s latest technology. The project will focus on harnessing tidal energy and aligns with the Faroe Islands’ energy goal to have the islands completely powered by renewable energy by 2030.
The power of flying tidal kites
It is a noble vision indeed, and to support this vision, Minesto has devised a 200 MW plan, which stipulates the construction of large-scale tidal energy arrays in the Faroe Islands to supply 40% of the islands’ power consumption. To harness the tidal energy in these arrays, the company will be utilizing its uniquely designed tidal kites. Each of these tidal kite arrays will have an installed capacity of 20-40 MW and will be located at Hestfjord, Leirviksfjord, Skopunarfjord, and Svinoyarfjord.
How it works
In a joint venture with the engineering company SKF, they designed sealed kites that fend off saltwater from the infrastructure. SKF also implemented materials that decrease friction across the machine’s surface, preventing the produced energy from being lost to friction. Operation conditions were simulated with the assistance of vibration sensors, AI tools, and digital predictive technologies. This determined how long various kites functioned effectively whilst producing power.
“Through the vibration pattern, you can say that this one is going to last for six years, or this one is only going to last for six months.” – SKF’s chief technology officer, Annika Ölme
The future is looking greener thanks to underwater currents
According to Terji Nielsen, the head of research and development of the Faroe Islands’ power utility, SEV, they will be utilizing the produced tidal energy. Faroe Islands’ grid already received 57% of its power from renewable sources in 2024, and tidal energy is a welcome addition, as per reports by Tech Brew.
“As long as the moon stays in its orbit, we are in production mode.” – Edlund
According to Minesto’s official website, their first large-scale tidal powerplant Dragon 12 was successfully commissioned in February 2024. This powerplant has a rated capacity of 1.2 MW, and has supplied the first power to the Faroe Islands’ national grid. Edlund hopes that these advances in tidal energy are just the beginning to grow the technology of renewables to power national grids.
Thanks to Minesto and its pioneering tidal energy project at the Faroe Islands, kites have become so much more than just mere toys. This innovative technology will surely contribute to the global transition to renewable energies and lower the global carbon footprint.
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