w2: deep sea survival guide 2

     In 30-40 years, advancement in underwater architecture have made it possible for humans to establish settlements beneath the sea. As land resources become increasing limited with the increase in human population worldwide, scientists and researches might propose living under water as a way to expand living space.  This is because the ocean covers 71 percent of the earth's total surface, offering ample room for underwater habitats. Environmentalists agree to this alternatives as the ocean represents a largely untapped resource, and utilising it is a sustainable alternative. Self-sufficient and eco-friendly underwater habitats will be built to reduce the strain on land-based resources such as fossil fuels and non-renewable energy, as well as minimise the carbon footprint associated with traditional construction.

deep sea creatures

    Since no sunlight can penetrate through the dense water, scientists study bioilluminescent fishes to act as light sources. These fishes can be genetically modified or bred selectively to emit light under the instructions of human. By utilising advancements in genetic engineering, scientists can enhance the fish's natural bioluminescense capabilities, so that they can emit a steady and controllable light. Imagine a 24inch monitor underwater is now replaced by 1800x2400 of bioiluminescent fishes, each working like a tiny LED pixel. Bio-LED lighting can find applications in various settings, such as integrating into houses and building, replacing traditional lights. 

bioluminescent animals

     Engineers in various field work together to construct underwater settlements that are specially designed to withstand the strong water pressure. These constructions utilise special and strong materials such as high-strength alloys, reinforced glass. To cope with the constantly changing underwater environment such as internal waves, multiple form of sound, temperature and electromagnetic wave sensors are deployed to monitor and forecast the underwater situation. 

    To build settlements in the deep sea, scientist must figure out how to stop relying on the land-based resources such as fossil fuels and discover new way of generating electricity and energy. Together humans build communities that are self-sufficient, using cutting-edge energy generation system such as underwater turbines that harnessing the kinetic energy from ocean currents. These turbines are designed to rotate as the current flow, converting the mechanical energy into electricity. These turbines account for most of the electricity used in the underwater settlements as they are efficient and environmentally-friendly. 

    By utilising the temperature difference between the warm surface waters and the colder depths of the ocean, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) systems are employed for this purpose. OTEC systems use a fluid with a low boiling point, such as ammonia as a medium. The warm surface water is used to evaporates the fluid, while the resulting vapour is then used to drives a turbine, generating electricity. The vapour is then condensed using cold water from the deep sea.

Existing OTEC system

    On the ocean's surface, extensive farms of bioluminescent algae are cultivated to harness sunlight. These algae emit light, which is captured and converted into usable energy through a system of bioreactors. The electricity produced by these bioluminescent algae can serve as a supplementary power source, and integrated into the existing undersea power grid as a back-up. To facilitate large-scale cultivation of bioluminescent algae, specialized bioreactors are designed with transparent walls that enable sunlight penetration, thereby stimulating photosynthesis and promoting algae growth

bioluminescent algae on a beach

    
    These sustainable energy generation methods can be employed in deep sea habitat, allowing them to become self-sufficient and reducing the dependency on traditional fossil fuel-based energy sources. By utilising the power of ocean currents or temperature differences, these systems contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.