MANTA: Reliable and Safe Kite Energy System

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Program:
SHARKS
Award:
$4,194,000
Location:
Menlo Park, California
Status:
ACTIVE
Project Term:
09/09/2021 - 12/31/2024
Website:

Technology Description:

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.

Potential Impact:

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

Security:

Diverse renewable energy resources can boost grid resiliency and reduce infrastructure vulnerabilities.

Environment:

HKTs, used to capture energy from tides, rivers, canals, and ocean currents, optimize a clean, renewable power source that could help reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

Economy:

Hydrokinetic energy has applications beyond solely providing power to electrical grids. It is ideally suited to the emerging technologies and markets built upon ocean- and riverine-based infrastructure, including climatological observation, aquaculture, desalination, ocean floor and seawater mining, disaster recovery, powering isolated communities, and autonomous underwater vehicle support.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Mario Garcia-Sanz
Project Contact:
Tom Libby
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
tom.libby@sri.com

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Release Date:
04/09/2020