Page 107 - English Class 9
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produced from winds which blow over the sea. It could be captured
on the surface, below the surface, near-shore, offshore, or far offshore.
Wave energy is measured in kilowatts (KW) per metre of coastline; the US
coastline has a wave energy potential of about 252 billion kWh per year.
Status
Five countries are already operating viable
wave power farms, with Portugal establishing
the world’s first commercial-scale wave farm
in 2008. It has a total 2.25 MW installed
capacity.
Idea IV
A colourless and odourless gas, hydrogen, accounts for 76% of the mass
of the universe. On earth, it is found only in combination with oxygen,
carbon and nitrogen. To use hydrogen, it must be separated from the other
elements. Once it has, the gas yields high energy while producing almost
no pollution.
Status
Fuel cell devices that convert hydrogen to
electricity are already being used to provide
power for vehicles, aircraft, homes and
buildings. Large automakers like Toyota,
Honda and Hyundai have invested heavily in
the technology.
Idea V
On a flying wind farm, wind turbines float as high as skyscrapers (1,000 to
2,000 feet above ground) to capture steadier winds that blow five to eight
times stronger than winds at tower level. These turbines produce double
the energy of similar sized tower-mounted turbines.
Status
Altaeros Energies has developed the first
commercial airborne wind turbine called
Buoyant Air Turbine, a circular, 35-foot-long
inflatable shell, made of heavy-duty fabric. It
English 9 101
