An entrepreneurial company based in Seattle has figured out how to generate electricity from small, unassuming waterways such as irrigation canals. No dams required.
CleanTechnica recently reported that Hydrovolts Inc., started by clean tech expert Burt Hamner in 2007, created what they call the FlipWing turbine to generate electricity. The turbine is kinetic--much like my favorite battery-free flashlight. It's essentially a paddle wheel system that is entirely underwater.
"After four thousand years we figured out how to make a paddle wheel practical," Hamner told me. The FlipWing turbine's blades have a hinged mechanism so that they fold backwards on the upstream stroke, eliminating drag. The turbines are perfect for aqueducts and irrigation canals, Hamner says. His plan is to build a good reputation for the turbines in America before looking to build partnerships overseas in developing regions.
The company is working on three different turbine sizes, the smallest roughly the size of a two-drawer filing cabinet. If all goes well, Hydrovolts will start selling the turbines in summer 2010 at an average price of $14,000. Hamner says the right sites will allow the turbine to generate 4 kilowatts of energy. The return on investment is between three to four years. Never underestimate a gentle current.
Here's a quick video showing the FlipWing in action:
Photo: The FlipWing goes through testing at the University of Washington. Credit: Hydrovolts.
Tags: Alternative Power Sources, Energy, Green Tech, Water, Wave Power
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