*********** +++++++++++++++++++++ 111194B.ENG + Source: ONR Asia + *********** +++++++++++++++++++++ Contributory Categories: BIO, ENV, Country: Japan From: Mainichi Simbun, Monday, Oct 31, 1994, p.1 In Japanese Translated by Frank Nagashima ONRASIA KEYWORDS: Japan, Coastal Engineering, JAMSTEC, Mighty Whale, Wave power +++++ CLEANSING SEAWATER BY USING WAVE ENERGY FLOATING VESSELS AT ENTRANCE TO BAY OCEAN SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY CENTER MAKES BUDGET REQUEST TO BE USED FOR FISH FARMING AND POWER GENERATION Clean the sea through wave energy-- By placing at the mouth of the bay huge floating vessels that convert wave energy to compressed air, the sea surface inside the bay is calmed and simultaneously cleansing seawater with compressed air. The realization of the concept will begin next year. Besides using the calm water Inside the bay to farm fish, it is a "kill three birds with one stone" plan which can also be used as a power generating apparatus. The Marine Science and Technology Center JAMSTEC: Yokosuka, Kanagawa Pref. has included estimates to design an experimental apparatus (approximately 30 meters wide and approximately 50 meters long) in next year's budget request. The plan is nicknamed "Mighty Whale." A streamlined floating vesselwhich is capable of withstanding waves is so-named because it resembles a whale. Waves entering the mouth push up space inside the head compartment and compress the air. With that power, a compressor operates to form compressed air. On the other hand, electricity is generated by use of the air flow which turns a turbine. Waves that have had their energy absorbed calm down and flow out of the rear section. The compressed air is sent through pipelines deep into the bay and is sprayed onto the sludge at the sea bottom. By a method called "bakki (aeration?)" mud is mixed by the air and decomposed by oxygen. Conversely, the sea surface where waves have calmed down can be used for fish farming business, and as a base for ocean recreation, such as diving and marine sports. The center has conducted tests with a model 1/30 the size of the real system. When placed 2 km at sea at a depth of 35 meters, 60 percent of the wave's energy is absorbed and has the effect of eliminating 80 percent of the wave's height. This year a budget of 100 million yen will be used for conceptual designs, inclduing safety, durability of materials, elimination of waves, and the effectiveness of converting compressed air into energy. An experimental apparatus will be built starting in 1996. Tests are planned for Gokasho Bay in Mie Prefecture. Takeaki Miyazaki, chief scientist, Off-shore Development Research Div., of the center says, "It is difficult to utilize wave energy constantly. However, cleansing of the quality of water can be done when there are waves only and I think it would be the most effective use of waves)." CMR Disclaimer================================================== This document contains information all or part of which is or may be copyrighted in a number of countries. Therefore, commercial copying and/or further dissemination of this text is expressly prohibited without obtaining the permission of the copyright owner(s) except in the United States and other countries for certain personal and educational uses as prescribed by the "fair copy" provisions of that countries Copyright Statues. ================================================================= ************** END Msg. B.ENG **************