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This sounds like a quite promising generation method. They quote 10x10 meter area with 100 layers as potentially generating 2-5 kwh.

It fails to mention if water flow can be continuous or has to be droplets and flow speed/salt content required for that generation.

Running in reverse to generate propulsion is also mentioned. Covering a submarine and just moving a thin layer of water out of the way to move forward is a super interesting application.

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Also, they are worried about slime build up. but in the case of using that as a motor rather than generator, I wonder if that would be an issue at all, or if once activated it would just push the slime off..?

It is a fun thought. Probably far less efficient and slower than current propulsion, but no moving parts is a big plus.

Small drones that patrol the ocean for long times would be a cool application. Move a bit until the batteries are nearly depleted, float around to recharge, and then resume moving.

Silent operation is always a big plus for subs that want to stay hidden.

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