Water currents vortices, even in calm oceans and slow moving rivers, offer a promising alternative energy source as has been demonstrated and developed by an engineer from the University of Michigan a couple of years ago.

The method received attention because as Michael Bernitsas, professor at the university’s department of naval architecture and marine engineering, when speaking of its importance, is quoted as saying “But if we could harness 0.1 percent of the energy in the ocean, we could support the energy needs of 15 billion people.”

The prototype VIVACE is a machine designed to work in flowing water as slow as 2 knots which is much less than that required for turbines and water mills. The system has other advantages as it does not require waves or tides but is a hydrokinetic system relying upon “vortex induced vibrations.”  The cylinders oscillate up and down in moving waters replicating what occurs naturally in marine conditions.  The outer water pressures onto the cylinder cause turbulence that transforms into a vortex that is reversed with the next contact to produce energy. It is claimed to produce up to 10 times more energy than tidal turbines with same volume of moving water.

Details of their invention include replication of fish scales and other modifications of the model that have been gained by observation of natural phenomena.

It is no surprise that Bernitsas and his team are working with the US Navy and it is hoped that in time this environmentally friendly method of generating power will be adopted widely, to include a range of applications worldwide.

Photo Credit: Scott Galvin

 

Tags: alternative energy from water, great discovery for future applications, natural water vortices, renewable energy

Filed under: Alternative Fuel Sources, Environment by admin