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> The ocean is essentially a natural engine, converting solar energy into mechanical energy. Given the challenges with putting machines in water, it seems futi
by jbob2000 7y ago
> The ocean is essentially a natural engine, converting solar energy into mechanical energy.
Given the challenges with putting machines in water, it seems futile to pursue this method of energy generation when going right to the source (solar) is also an option.
And how efficient is an ocean at converting solar energy into mechanical energy? Sure, the waves look big, but there's a lot of friction there eating up the sun's energy.
- steeve 7y agoSolar is not only intermittent (day/night) but also varies greatly with nebulosity. I would think waves still exist at night. Also, they advertise the maximum power output, not the actual power output (wind as a ~20% actual power output for instance).