Storing renewable energy sustainably and efficiently is one of the major challenges of our time. A team of German researchers is proposing a revolutionary solution: concrete spheres immersed in the ocean floor. Their potential is such that California is preparing to test a large-scale prototype. A simple, ingenious concept The…
An easy manufacturing method would be to 3d print in plastic a double walled shell, with fill holes for concrete, and mounting chanels for motors. Plastic “lining” would provide salt water protection for the concrete.
Depends if the spheres require any steel reinforcement; the salt penetrates the concrete and absolutely wrecks rebar. Though I imagine spheres at depth (not to mention with a partial vacuum) can function like an arch and support themselves with compression, which concrete excels at.
An easy manufacturing method would be to 3d print in plastic a double walled shell, with fill holes for concrete, and mounting chanels for motors. Plastic “lining” would provide salt water protection for the concrete.
We have seawater resistant concrete. We don’t need to plastic line it. It’s the turbine that’ll require the most maintenance.
Depends if the spheres require any steel reinforcement; the salt penetrates the concrete and absolutely wrecks rebar. Though I imagine spheres at depth (not to mention with a partial vacuum) can function like an arch and support themselves with compression, which concrete excels at.