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/2025/…

  • MacroCyclo@lemmy.ca
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    20 days ago

    Looks like you only recover about 70-80% of the electricity. Much less than a chemical battery, but it’s also much cheaper to build.

    • Boomkop3@reddthat.com
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      20 days ago

      Bonus tho: gravity doesn’t degrade as much. And rocks don’t contain a lot of dangerous chemicals

      • IrritableOcelot@beehaw.org
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        18 days ago

        These aren’t relying on gravity, theyre relying on maintaining a vacuum, and concrete is extremely porous. They’re obviously sealing the inside of the chamber, but basically no coatings have a lifetime of 60 years for holding vacuum.

        • Boomkop3@reddthat.com
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          18 days ago

          Oh you’re right. That’s on me for reading while tired.

          It’s definitely possible to build a structure like this. Even if these prototypes might not be perfect, I like the idea.