A revolutionary device that can harness energy from slow-moving rivers and ocean currents could potentially provide enough power for the entire world. The new device, called Vivace, is inspired by the way fish swim, and consists of a system of cylinders positioned horizontal to the water flow and attached to springs.

Other existing technologies which use water power, relying on the action of waves, tides or faster currents created by dams, are far more limited in where they can be used, and also cause greater obstructions when they are built in rivers or the sea. Turbines and water mills need an average current of five or six knots to operate efficiently, while most of the earth's currents are slower than three knots. The Vivace can generate energy using currents that are as slow as under 1 knot and do not obstruct views or access on the water's surface since they can be installed on the river or ocean floor.  Scientists also claim that this new technology is more gentle on aquatic life since it is slow moving and mimics the natural vortex patterns created by the movement of swimming fish.  

The makers of Vivace state that these simple devices are made from rugged moving parts which stand up well to the elements and continual usage with minimal maintenace required. An installation of 1 x 1.5 kilometers (less that 1/2 square mile) in a current of 3 knots could generate enough power for 100,000 homes.  

A Prototype, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Office Naval Research, is currently operating in the Marine Hydrodynamics Laboratory at the University of Michigan. This device has met and often exceeded expectations; thereby, providing strong evidence to proceed to the next scale, a multi-kilowatt field demonstration.

Read more about it and watch video demonstrations here:

www.vortexhydroenergy.com

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/renewablee...

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&c...