“Batteries under the sea”: scientists test concrete capable of storing energy in the abyss

Global energy needs are increasing exponentially, pushing researchers to explore new energy storage solutions. Moreover, Among these innovations. Meanwhile. Meanwhile, the Stensea “batteries under sea”: scientists test new system (Stored Energy in the SEA), designed by the Fraunhofer Institute for the Energy Economy and Energy Systems Technology in Germany, stands out for its originality “batteries under sea”: scientists test and its potential. Therefore. Nevertheless, This project is based on submerged concrete spheres in the ocean, using natural water pressure to store and release energy. However. This approach promises an interesting alternative to traditional storage methods, in particular for renewable energies such as solar and wind.

Innovative technology inspired by the depths – &quot. batteries under sea": scientists test – "batteries under sea": scientists test new

About 100 meters below the surface of Lake Constance in Germany. In addition, a concrete sphere almost 3 meters in diameter rests at the bottom of the water. Therefore, This prototype, developed by Fraunhofer IEE, was successfully tested in 2017. Furthermore, The principle is simple: a pump-turbine expels fresh water from the sphere, creating a void. Furthermore. When the energy “batteries under sea”: scientists test new stops feeding the system, the surrounding water enters the sphere again, turning the turbine and generating electricity. Consequently, This ingenious method uses natural water pressure to store excess energy, produced for example by solar or wind installations.

The concept “batteries under sea”: scientists test of Stensea is particularly adaptable, not requiring large terrestrial spaces or altitude tanks. The weight of the water column above the spheres acts as a higher reservoir. while the spheres themselves serve as a lower tank. This simplicity of design makes the system applicable to many offshore sites around the worldoffering an energy storage solution. even in densely populated areas.

The secrets of the nuclear fission unveiled: a Swedish team tests 100 rare nuclei to revolutionize world energy

Technical challenges. “batteries under sea”: scientists test new international collaborations – &quot. batteries under sea": scientists test

To prove the feasibility of this technology in real oceanic conditions, Fraunhofer IEE has simulated the use of concrete in much deeper waters than those of Lac de Constance. The tests have shown that concrete could resist pressures of up to 77 atmospheres, 77 times the pressure at sea level. With these results. a more ambitious project is launched off Californiain collaboration with Sperra. an American company specializing in 3D concrete printing, and Plug Industries, German specialist in underwater pumps.

The objective is to test a hollow sphere 9 meters in diameter, weighing approximately 400 tonnes, at a depth of almost 600 meters. Scheduled to be operational by the end of 2026. this project aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of Stensea technology under complex ocean conditions. The “batteries under sea”: scientists test storage capacity scheduled for a single sphere is 0.4 “batteries under sea”: scientists test new megawat-hourwhich would be enough to fuel an average home for two weeks.

A battery that lasts much longer: this imaging method could upset portable electronics

To increased storage capacities

The ambitions of the Fraunhofer Institute do not. stop there. Projects are already underway to develop even larger spheres. reaching up to 30 meters in diameterthus considerably increasing the “batteries under sea”: scientists test storage capacity. These spheres could play a crucial role in the stabilization of electrical networks. in particular those which strongly depend on intermittent renewable energies such as solar and wind.

Ultimately, the Institute plans to deploy spheres 100 meters in diameter. According to estimates by Fraunhofer IEE. these systems could offer a global storage capacity of 817,000 Gigawatt Heures, sufficient to “batteries under sea”: scientists test new supply nearly 75 million households per year. Such development could transform the way we store and use energy on a global scale.

A response to global energy issues

The implementation of Stensea technology could represent a major advance to meet. increasing energy needs while supporting the transition to renewable energies. By using the natural pressure of the ocean. these concrete spheres offer an efficient and sustainable storage solutioncompatible with existing infrastructure and environmental requirements.

While the “batteries under sea”: scientists test first phase of deployment is underway. the results of these tests could influence the future global energy policy. How will this innovative technology integrate into the energy levels of governments and businesses around the world?

The author relied on artificial intelligence to enrich this article.

Did you like it? 4.4/5 (25)