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NASA mystery fluid could convert ocean waves into energy
NASA is looking into a promising high-pressure fluid that emerged as a result of studies on how the agency's underwater robots could power themselves far below the surface. Known as a phase-change substance, a system developed by NASA uses water temperature and motion to pressurize the fluid, which could then be transported to land and converted into energy.
"When the material melts, it expands, compressing a central tube in which another liquid is stored. This liquid, now under high pressure, is used to generate electricity," Yi Chao of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory said in a statement. JPL thinks the system shows promise, as various bodies of water including lakes and rivers could be mapped by computers for the potential energy the system could produce. Really, what else are those rivers and lakes doing, other than looking pretty? It also beats building a massive dam for hydroelectricity.
Via Computer World
By blake at 11:26 AM ON 03/11/09
"which could then transported to land and converted into energy." This should really read "which could then BE transported to land and converted into engergy."
By Blake at 11:28 AM ON 03/11/09
Of course, I would make a spelling error in my correction...
By Kevin Hall at 12:38 PM ON 03/11/09
@Blake
Happens to us all! Thanks for the catch!
By Serenova at 11:50 AM ON 03/12/09
I know that it says that it beats hydroelectric dams, but what would those kinds of systems do to the flow of the rivers themselves that's different from the affects of a dam?
By Japà at 12:15 PM ON 03/12/09
"Really, what else are those rivers and lakes doing, other than looking pretty? "...that really scares me!! Ever heard of ecosystem services (pollutants decomposition and immobilzation, climate thermo-regulation, etc..)? They are far more than just "pretty"!
By steveo at 2:11 PM ON 03/12/09
Here, here Japà. What about the potential danger it would cause to wildlife? Is this liquid toxic, what happens if it leaks? What if this fluid gets into the water chain? What effect will talking heat from the water have on the local fish stocks? Caution is the word.
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steveo:
Here, here Japà. What about the potential danger it would cause to wildlife? Is this liquid toxic, what happens if ...More »