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A German Experiment Proved That Simple Concrete Spheres Make Fantastic Batteries. Now, California Plans To Submerge A 9-Meter Diameter Sphere In The Ocean And Is Already Planning Versions Of 30 Meters (farmingdale-observer.com)

submitted 4 weeks ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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[–] [email protected] 67 points 4 weeks ago (16 children)

Each sphere has an estimated lifespan of between 50 and 60 years, with partial replacement of components every 20 years or so.

The concept is fascinating, but what I'm most curious about is how they achieve that longevity in seawater. Benthic life really loves to settle and build on hard surfaces.

[–] [email protected] 37 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) (3 children)

Every time I see these “We’ll do X in/around the ocean” projects I think, “These people have not spent a lot of time near the ocean.”

[–] [email protected] 15 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

There are 2000 year old Roman concrete piers that are still just hanging out in sea water. So it's possible if you find the right mix.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

The concrete isn’t the problem. Like mentioned above, the sealife growth is. Also, metal and moving mechanicals are savaged by seawater (and the sealife growth). Keeping things working on the surface of the water is difficult and expensive. Water pressure makes that even worse. Maintenance requires divers which are likewise very expensive.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 weeks ago

Really good points. I was only thinking of the structure of the concrete... Sea life growth is a whole other ball game!

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