Mechanical Fin Power: Oceanic Power Generation

Tim Finnigan, a professor of ocean engineering at the University of Sydney in Australia designed a radical oceanic energy collector inspired by the design of shark tails. Mimicking the successful evolutionary design of the fish species, he constructed a device that seizes the power of the sea. The fins are crescent-shaped and stiff and effectively generate a powerful and seamless thrust.

The device works rather simply; it is anchored into place in the sea bed with 32-foot rock-bolt anchors. Utilizing a smart and effective cable and pulley system, the device is tugged toward the sea floor and latched into place via an autonomic latching mechanism. The hitch is it is costly, speculating 8 to 15 cents per kw-hour. The electricity costs more than other energy sources but the benefit is that it is a developing technology, it harnesses power naturally, and it won’t pollute the environment or ruin beachfront views. But he may have found a solid and promising green business enterprise.