Subsea kite power under investigation offshore Faroes
Dec. 15, 2022
Minesto is developing flying kites for use underwater to produce power offshore the Faroe Islands.
Courtesy Minesto
Imagine attaching a turbine to a kite and putting in the ocean, where a water current flows instead of the wind blowing. That's the concept of Minesto's patented marine energy technology called Deep Green.
Offshore staff
Courtesy Minesto
Subsea kites awaiting installation
FARNHAM, UK—Minesto is developing flying kites for use underwater to produce power offshore the Faroe Islands.
The subsea kite turbine generates electricity in tidal streams and ocean currents based on the principle of flying a stunt kite in the wind.
Swooping through the water in a constant figure of eight motion on a tethered cable allows the kite turbine to accelerate through the water faster than the actual flow speed. And the electricity generated is said to be several hundred times greater than from a stationary turbine.
Courtesy Minesto
Kite movement
Courtesy Saab Seaeye
Equipped with Saab Seaeye's iCON intelligent control system, the Falcon robot provides exceptional vehicle control and diagnostic data as well as the ability to customize the pilot display and enable features such as station keeping.
To support multiple kite installations, Faroes-based SJH Commercial Diving will deploy a Seaeye Falcon underwater robot for inspecting power-cable runs along the seabed to the shore, and for inspecting/cleaning foundation points.
The Seaeye Falcon is equipped with multi-beam sonar, single- and five-function manipulators, a cathodic potential probe and a cleaning skid.
