Researchers have successfully launched and observed a new robotic ocean glider which is powered by heat. This underwater vessel is a little longer than a yardstick, but uses an unlimited source of energy to propel itself without needing fuel. In fact, it can travel thousands of miles for months on end!

A propeller is not required at all. The reason being is because two wings are affixed just like on an airplane. These wings allow the craft to buoy up and down underneath the surface, causing it to move forward. A rear tail fin keeps it on the right track, but the similarities don’t stop there. Once surfaced, it can communicate with a satellite to get directions via GPS or send back data.

So I still haven’t explained how exactly this thing manages to travel around the ocean just powered by heat. Well the secret lies inside wax-filled tubes of the engine. By buoying up and down under the water, the glider experiences changes in temperature.

These changes cause the wax to expand. Due to this expansion, mechanical energy is converted from the heat! This mechanical energy is stored in order to push oil from the inside to the outside of the craft, thus giving is lift.

It’s a pretty ingenious idea — one that can be exploited for all kinds of scientific research. However, I propose they develop this a little more and possibly stick a portable device inside that can act as a oceanic Internet hub. If it can communicate with a satellite, it could possibly relay web data! Chances are many ships are already equipped with satellite Internet, but the possibility could still be there.

Image: Dave Fratantoni, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

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