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Small Underwater Currents Could Be the Next Big Thing in Alternative Energy

Posted December 03, 2008 11:08 AM

From Discover Magazine | RSS:

A marine engineer and naval architect has designed a new way of drawing energy out of slow-moving rivers and gentle tides. The researcher says the unobtrusive device, which was inspired by the way fish move through the water, could be set down on riverbeds or suspended in the ocean just about anywhere. 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.

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Guru
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#1

Re: Small Underwater Currents Could Be the Next Big Thing in Alternative Energy

12/03/2008 10:41 PM

I don't think these sunken cylinders are going to be either cost-effective or eco-friendly.

Mechanical seal problems with water leaking into the electrics or hydraulics will be of major concern.

Likewise the corrosion problems associated with fresh/seawater.

Annoying they will be to bottom dwellers, fish, seals, and other marine life.

Before long the installation would be colonised by barnacles.

I shall not be investing in such a madcap scheme.

Kind Regards....

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#2
In reply to #1

Re: Small Underwater Currents Could Be the Next Big Thing in Alternative Energy

12/05/2008 4:52 AM

Yeah, but other that, what do you think of the idea?

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Guru
New Zealand - Member - Interested in everything- see my Profile please APIX Pilot Plant Design Project - Member - Member Engineering Fields - Electrical Engineering - Member Engineering Fields - Power Engineering - Member Engineering Fields - Civil Engineering - Member Hobbies - Musician - Autoharp and Harmonica Hobbies - Hunting - Member Hobbies - Fishing - Member

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#3
In reply to #2

Re: Small Underwater Currents Could Be the Next Big Thing in Alternative Energy

12/06/2008 12:24 AM

Hello Del the cat

That above was just the short list.

I shall have to refill the Monitor with ink before I type out the long list.

Kind Regards....

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