SRI International

Underwater kite systems offer the promise of energy capture from tidal power with minimal structural costs. Current approaches are not scaled for small communities, however. SRI International will team with the University of California at Berkeley, which has facilities for hydrodynamic testing and experience with environmental issues and community engagement, to realize a system that is appropriate for small communities. SRI’s proposed Manta kite system is simple and based on the payout and reel-in pumping action of a kite. A compact, low-cost, novel transmission will enable conversion of the pumping action to the high-speed rotary motion needed for cost effective power production. A small pump will allow kites to sink in the event of a storm, passage of a large vessel, or wildlife migration. In addition, the relatively small and slow-moving lightweight composite foam structure will be resilient, lower cost, and safer for wildlife than turbine systems. The Manta kite can produce power with minimal structure and installation costs, achieving a levelized cost of energy four times less than that of rotary turbines. The Manta kite system will support remote microgrids and is scalable for larger systems.

Hydrokinetic energy is an abundant renewable energy source that presents unique opportunities and benefits.