Alternative energy source unlocked

Monday, 24 November 2008 10:54

The Environmental News Network has reported that, Slow-moving ocean and river currents could be a new, reliable and affordable alternative energy source. A University of Michigan engineer has made a machine, called VIVACE, that works like a fish to turn potentially destructive vibrations in fluid flows into clean, renewable power, thereby unlocking a new and affordable alternative energy source in slow-moving ocean and river currents.

VIVACE, an acronym for Vortex Induced Vibrations for Aquatic Clean Energy, is the first known device that could harness energy from most of the water currents around the globe because it works in flows moving slower than 2 knots (about 2 miles per hour.) Most of the Earth's currents are slower than 3 knots. Turbines and water mills need an average of 5 or 6 knots to operate efficiently.

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Alternative energy source unlocked