Home
Kasang Kajang
Diploma 18

H2Kwo is a Visionary strategy in the Caribbean's which is aiding and developing on a newly emerged existing strategy to tackle the energy distribution problems in the Caribbean’s. The programme is a testing ground to push the existing strategy to the next level.

Hurricanes are not seen as a threat but rather as having the potential to aid in developing the existing strategy.

Jeremy Rifkin identified this shift as the “Third Industrial Revolution”, an era of clean energy Industrialisation.

H2KWo are a series of independent units to be used as a base for developing and understanding the potential of hurricanes.Hurricanes are ultimately masses of moist air, which are fed by the convection currents over the ocean. These moist air masses combine and spin together and need exact conditions to intensify which consist of three factors; High humidity (80% or higher), high water temperatures (of at least 26°) and a spike in pressure difference. Two of these variables, humidity and temperature can be affected by man. The Caribbean is in a maritime tropical air mass which has a relative humidity of 80-100 per cent. The Gulf Stream brings currents that originate from the Indian Oceans; which brings the high water temperatures. Across the Caribbean's network, there is a clear link between an areas standard humidity and water temperatures, and the intensity of the hurricane experienced. However, is it possible to see hurricanes not as a problem but the solution? The world of tomorrow is asking for more renewable and harnessed clean energy. Hurricanes bring higher intensity in wind and waves, which could be used. As the way of tomorrow is renewable energy, it means that the Caribbean’s could be empowered by Hurricanes. If this could be successfully harnessed it would change the Caribbean’s standing and, kick start them into greater developments both economically and politically; by allowing them to further establish their own global identity. Currently there are six strategies outlined that could diminish the intensity of a hurricane. Of these strategies, the most likely to work, is one that acts as a protective film, interrupting the convection currents. The simpliest and self-sufficient of these strategies are the pumps designed by Phil Kithil of ATMOCEAN. These pump cooler water to the sea surface and this cooler water acts as a protective film by slowing down the convection currents which fuel hurricanes. A fall of 1°can reduce hurricane winds by 5 per cent. This would reduce the wind speed from 120 mph to 110 mph, which cuts potential damage by 23 per cent. H2KWo's strategy is to cool the sea surface by pumping cooler water from at least 250 metres below the sea surface to the top. This cooler water is also distributed throughout the structure by a capillary distribution system, ultimately turning the structure into a cooling pod. By distributing this cooler water into the membrane above sea level this also encourages dehumidification. This top membrane is expandable, allowing it to have a minimal footprint when there is no threat of a hurricane. In the case of a hurricane threat, the top membrane expands covering and cooling a larger area. This would diminish the intensity of the hurricane, making it easier to harness the energy and ultimately, there would be less damage done by the Hurricane to the eco-system and surrounding infrastructure. Due to the large area of the site and not wanting to make a large impact, H2KWo is making interventions as a series of independent units. Therefore, to increase performance would mean increasing units. Each independent unit is compact, only covering a surface area of 100 metres. However, the folded membrane can unfold to increase the surface area affected by over 70 per cent. The main structural systems are water and air, which are constantly on display. The top membrane is thin, lightweight and translucent, only gaining rigidity where needed through folding. Immediate responses include the liklihood of coral bleaching decreasing as this only occurs due to an increase in water temperature by 1-2°. Combating this is the main aspect H2KWo is targeting. A stronger coral reef community would mean a stronger fishing environment. This would boost the Caribbean economy as fishing is their second largest economic driver. H2Kwo defence pods formations are triggered by approaching hurricanes. These pods then seek to harness the potential energy while also diminishing the intensity of the hurricane; and supply this energy back into the Caribbeans ultimately; aiding with their energy consumption problems.