Wind Implications

JYAR

Even though Subnautica's heart is underwater, I wonder if it would be a good idea to see what we can do with wind.
After all, what is an oceanic ecosystem without some raging winds to mix it all up?
The first thing that comes to mind is The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, but riding around in a sailboat made of creep vines and tree mushrooms is not what i'm talking about.
When you look at the real world, windy oceans have both helped and harmed us.
On one hand, you have violent weather effects like hurricanes and tidal waves that hinder your abilities to traverse the ocean.
But on the other hand, wind can be harnessed for great amounts of clean energy using wind turbines.

Let me know what you'd think about having wind in subnautica as well as any suggestions or ideas.




Here is a concept for a wind turbine.


Could also maybe be used as a water turbine.

Rainstorm

I love your idea of using wind/current for energy-making purposes. We even have a current generator already ingame that could also be used to this purpose

ADM_Ntek

or we just use this Tidal Power
they have the benefit of also working in deeper water as long as there is enough current.

Kouji_San

Winds just above water level aren't really suited for power generation though, maybe something like the sky turbine concept?

JYAR

Kouji_San wrote: »

Winds just above water level aren't really suited for power generation though, maybe something like the sky turbine concept?

Sky Turbine Concept. I hadn't heard of that before, cool! But a wind turbine above water level really isn't an issue. Wind Turbines are actually are MORE efficient in the water than on land since water has less surface roughness thus causing less friction against the wind (especially in deep waters). Offshore wind power is actually quite common in the real world. Despite this, I think I like your idea better. Sky Turbines would look much neater, much prettier, and be much more resource efficient. Perhaps Sky Turbines could be used off-shore, and regular wind turbines could be used on the islands, or at certain elevations.

Kouji_San

I know @JYAR, water and shorelines with windpower and I'm Dutch. You do the math

However, in your picture the turbine is just above waterlevel, which is too low. They have to be at least 200m from the ground to get that extra benefit of more powerful and colder wind. Still like the flying turbine idea more though

ADM_Ntek

i don´t think regular turbines are worth the development effort considering their limited usability. the sky turbine looks interesting could be a nice upgrade for the cyclops.

Kouji_San

Natural Selection 2
Altaeros -> Alterra -> Altaquatic
Subnautica

ADM_Ntek

Kouji_San wrote: »

Natural Selection 2
Altaeros -> Alterra -> Altaquatic
Subnautica

very interesting i wonder what one of those would cost. as someone who lives at the south american arse of the world who has to deal with constant outages one of thees sounds very use full.

Alex_INFERNO

to use wind as a power generator must be onla as 'supply' power, like a solar power plant, 'cause wind has no constant direction or strenght. No wind - no power Also turbine must be like a windmill - can rotate around itself.