this post was submitted on 11 May 2025

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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 1 month ago by Dadifer@lemmy.world to c/science@lemmy.world

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[–] JayleneSlide@lemmy.world 67 points 1 month 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.

[–] Patch@feddit.uk 8 points 1 month ago (2 children)

Would it particularly affect the performance if the sphere ends up covered in barnacles or coral? It's what's inside that matters (it's just a big hollow tank).

[–] JayleneSlide@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago

I envision issues with turbulent flow over surfaces that work best with laminar flow. It sounds like a turbine or pump system is used for these spheres.

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