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The Jellyfish

This art installation depicts a mesmerizing scene that one can dream to see in the wild: a bloom of jellyfish.

This piece is composed of two parts: the main Jellyfish structure and a bloom of smaller jellyfish.

Main Jellyfish

The main jellyfish is the focal point of the installation. It is consists of a glass dome and a perimeter walkway where visitors can enjoy the views of the ocean as well as the whole jellyfish bloom. The structure itself has 4 levels:

1) Dome- where observe the art installation from above water

2) Generator deck- houses the mechanical components of the Tentacle Wave Energy Converter

3) Visitor deck- where visitors can observe the art installation from under water

4) Storage deck- houses the batteries and rainwater cistern

Technology:

“Tentacle” Wave Energy Converter

At the heart of the jellyfish is a multiple absorber wave energy converter. Floats are attached at the end of each tentacle and the wave power is absorbed by the hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder transfers this motion to spin a motor which drives a generator to produce electricity. However, there are two main challenges. First, the fluctuating motion of the wave must be converted into a steady system pressure to ensure a steady energy conversion. Second, system must be able to extract energy through variety of incident waves and body movement. The first challenge is overcome by the addition of an accumulator, allowing the hydraulic motor and generator to operate at a fairly constant load. The second challenge is resolved through the use of a multi-chambered cylinder design coupled with a digital manifold that allows near loss free force control. The digital manifold will shift the hydraulic circuit from low, intermediate and high pressures depending on the wave amplitude and period to ensure the maximum amount of energy is captured.

Dimensions

- Diameter of floats= 4m

- Length of tentacle (long)= 15m

- Length of tentacle (short)= 10m

- Power output= 250kW

- # of tentacles= 18

“Jellyfish” Wave Energy Converter

Each floating jellyfish is a hybrid solar wave energy converter- an oscillating water column (OWC) with a dome capsule made of solar photovoltaic (PV) glass. The OWC draws power from the rise and fall of the ocean water. The individual “Jellyfish” OWC is anchored to the seabed with steel cables. With every rise and fall of the wave, air is displaced by the water in the collection chamber and is pushed back and forth through a bidirectional Wells turbine. The mechanical energy of the turbine is then converted into electricity in the generator.

Dimensions:

- Diameter (including dome)= 6m

- Length (from top of dome to bottom of air chamber)= 5m

- Turbine size= 0.5m

- Power output= 500W each

- # of Jellyfish= 47

Rainwater collection

The main Jellyfish is a donut shaped structure with an opening that extends down to the bottom of the structure. Rainwater is collected from the sloped opening into a rainwater cistern that connects to the city mains. Rainwater is collected and stored in the cistern until is it needed.

Walkway solar still

The walkway connecting the Santa Monica Pier to the Jellyfish is a large solar still that uses the heat from the sun to produce fresh water from salt water. The walkway is hollow and creates a chamber where solar energy in the form of heat is trapped. Salt water that enters the chamber at low level through pipes is heated up at the surface and evaporates. The water vapour trapped inside the walkway chamber hits the glass ceiling and condenses. Freshwater droplets on the glass ceiling are directed towards the sides of the walkway and into pipes that connects to the city mains.

Environmental Impact Assessment

Both the Tentacle and Jellyfish Wave Energy Converters have no moving parts submerged in the water, therefore, the environmental impacts of the OWC is not as great as compared to other wave energy converters. As there are no moving parts underwater, organisms will not be trapped or injured by the turbine. However, as with all mechanical devices, OWC will generate some noise pollution to the surrounding, which will affect marine animals that use sounds to navigate and communicate.

The parts that are underwater (eg. Underside of buoy and cables), have the potential to increase biodiversity as marine organisms will colonize those parts.

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