let's say we have buoy, or platform in the ocean, fully decked out with solar panels. Would it be possible for the power generated by those panels to be transmitted to the mainland via underwater cables?
2007-10-16 05:57:18 · 8 answers · asked by UnholySoldier 2 in Environment ➔ Green Living
Yes, but it would be painstaking depending on how from shore. Plus the wire would probably need repairs very often.
2007-10-16 06:00:40 · answer #1 · answered by jdzmumbles 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, that would be possible. The real question is if it is a good idea. I mean it is possible to dig up coal and oil and burn it in generators, but the question is if that is a good idea or not. With all the roofs on land just waiting to have solar panels put on them, why spend time and money building platforms and laying cable? You have ready made platforms (roofs) and an existing cable network (the power grid) so all you need to do is add the solar panels, when they become cheap enough, or coal and oil become too expensive.
2007-10-16 06:36:30 · answer #2 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, transporting electrical power via underwater cables can be done. It has been done in many places. The platform would have to be huge to produce much power because solar power is very small per area used. The cost of the platform and cable system would be tremendous, and the maintenance cost very high as well.
Since Solar Power is not very cost effective even in normal installations, it certainly would not be in this case. Maybe when we can't burn cheaper fuels, it may be cost effective.
2007-10-16 06:19:14 · answer #3 · answered by GABY 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tidal and wave powered generator are cheaper than PV cells and produce more power. Pretty much every maritime country in the world in working on some form of oceanic power generation.
The Wave Dragon is one design which was touted as a potential protective barrier against coastal flooding after New Orleans was flooded. The link explains it well. There are other designs which range from floating buoys anchored to the ocean floor to networks of "floating barrels hinged together" which use wave action to generate power.
2007-10-16 09:32:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but there are better ways to produce electricity at sea, such as wind turbines and tidal lagoons. PV panels are too expensive too dirty and too short of thier major ingredient, silica, for large (and I say small on grid) applications. they are perfect for off grid situations.
Campbelp - I don't think PV prices aren't coming down, due to the silica situation.
2007-10-16 08:10:39 · answer #5 · answered by John Sol 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
yes, but at what price? Could you imagine how many bouys you would need to power even a modest town? I think at the current time, we are not ready to implement that idea, however noble.
2007-10-16 06:00:51 · answer #6 · answered by bloodshotcyclops 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
sure but it sounds a little costly, and you might consider waves causing breakdowns over time with constant movement.
2007-10-16 06:00:20 · answer #7 · answered by 98765 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, it is possible.
2007-10-17 14:34:02 · answer #8 · answered by rs 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋