How it works
Real Ice will use renewable energy generation (wind or solar power) to create green Hydrogen. At scale, this can be used to power Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV's) to restore and preserve Arctic sea ice in remote regions of the Arctic Ocean. Satellite communication will also be used to facilitate re-icing planning at ocean scale.
At the beginning of winter, we will flood the sea ice with sea water to create an extra layer of sea ice and remove the insulating snow layer.
At the end of winter, we will re-create the snow layer to protect the sea ice from solar radiations, helping it last longer through the summer months.
The water pumping system for large-scale operations will be delivered by an automated underwater vehicle (AUV) with a hydrogen fuel cell energy system. Depending on the function (ice-making or snow-making) and on the ice conditions (e.g., how well water spreads in the area), they will remain in position from a few hours to a few days.
The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Power Station is a portable electrical power generator that has been designed and built by the RIDC team for deployment on the next field trip to Cambridge Bay. The system is based on a PEM fuel cell that converts hydrogen gas and oxygen from the surrounding air into electricity. The Power Station will allow the team to run the submersible water pump, used for flooding the sea ice, for several hours off a single hydrogen cylinder.
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GUIDING
PRINCIPLES
ADAPTABILITY
Any proposed solution to Arctic sea ice melt must keep the needs of Arctic communities front and center. We will consistently and meaningfully engage with all relevant stakeholders in the Arctic as a critical part of the process.
BIOMIMICRY
Our technology is simple in its design and leverages existing components, reducing time-to-deployment. Because of this, we are able to quickly adapt to changing environmental needs.
RESPONSIBILITY
By re-creating natural processes using emissions-free technology, we are encouraging the natural processes of Arctic sea ice generation. Our goal is to minimise disruption to the natural environment.
Proving out a path forward.
