Today, Grant has a really exciting project to show us, energy-efficient steam-powered turbines.

When thinking of steam power, many might conjure up notions of old, behemoth trains and factories, but steam power is by no means confined to the industrial age of the 19th and 20th centuries. The team here has developed a number of designs that are partially based on Nikola Tesla’s own 1909 patent for a steam turbine.

The location of the Seapods in open water means that they will be exposed to a great deal of sunlight and heat. If you’ve ever spent a day snorkelling in open water, you’ll be familiar with how relentless the sun can be.

The Seapod design aims to maximize efficiency and minimize waste, and it is only logical that we look to harness the heat of the sun and utilize it in the innovative design of the Seapod.

Solar panels are a common fixture when it comes to harnessing energy but they have a number of drawbacks, too. Solar panels use a lot of toxic materials in their construction, an issue that has long plagued solar power. Another problem is that despite improvements and developments, solar panels still have limited efficiency.

The team’s work on creating a steam-powered turbine has the potential to be a cheaper, more eco-friendly and more efficient alternative.

Grant takes us through some of the parts that are being used in the design. Some have been 3D printed, while others have been cut. There are currently around five models at different stages of development and production.

We’re really excited to test these models and put them to use in our designs. Being able to harness natural energy in an efficient, innovative and eco-friendly way lies at the heart of our values.