The Swedish company Minesto is making waves in the renewable energy sector with its innovative Dragon 12, an underwater kite that promises to generate clean electricity. A kite underwater? Imagine a kite flying through the air, tracing a figure-eight pattern as it soars. Now, picture that same motion deep under the sea. That’s the essence of the Dragon 12, Minesto’s groundbreaking machine designed to harness the power of ocean currents to generate electricity.
The science behind the Dragon 12 It generates electricity by harnessing the kinetic energy of tidal currents. Here’s how it works: Movement: The Dragon 12 is designed to fly in a figure-eight pattern underwater, similar to how a kite moves in the air. This movement accelerates the flow of water over its wings. Energy Conversion: As the water flows over the wings, it spins a turbine attached to the kite. This turbine converts the kinetic energy of the moving water into mechanical energy.
deep dive into Minesto’s technology Founded as a spin-off from aerospace giant Saab, Minesto has perfected its technology since 2007. With 92 patents and a successful track record, the company’s utility-scale tidal power plant, Dragon 12, delivers electricity to the Faroe Islands’ grid. The future of tidal energy: prospects and challenges While the Dragon 12’s innovative design offers many advantages, questions remain about its long-term reliability and impact on marine life.