Scientists at the University of Michigan have come up with a device that they call Vivace (vortex induced vibrations for aquatic clean energy). Inspired by the way fish swim, this eco-wonder is believed to create vortices, which push and pull the cylinder inside it, thus generating electricity.

Reserachers claim that this method is more effective and efficient than turbines or wave generators. In fact, the power production by Vivace can increase sharply if the water flow is slower or if more cylinders are added. Stats reveal that 1 km of sea bed covered with Vivace can generate electricity for 100,000 homes.

In other words, this new technology is capable of generating huge amounts of electricity out of a water flow that is as less as one knot. This means that Vivace can easily find a place in the water bodies all over the world.

A totally cool way to extract energy from the water flow, this study finds a place in the quarterly Journal of Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering. The US Department of Energy along with the US Office of Naval Research has funded the work. Let’s see when they open it for public use.

Via Telegraph