Waterotor is a proprietary hydrokinetic device that economically generates electrical power from slow moving ocean currents, waterways, rivers, and streams. It is a high reliability, low maintenance device that can operate for very long periods without the need for an operator, maintenance, and without incremental operating costs. It operates at flow speeds as low as 0.8 m/sec (1.8 mi/hr) with a high efficiency and low cost output, which is far below existing hydro generators.
Waterotor - High Output of Energy from Slow Moving Water
(6 posts) (5 voices)-
Posted Sunday 2 Apr 2017 @ 1:08:26 am from IP #
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Oh dear - yet another wonderful invention that is so good they can't release a single specification of what it can do except rotate at low water speeds - as can anything that isn't making much power like a rooftop whirlybird.
Posted Sunday 2 Apr 2017 @ 9:23:19 am from IP # -
Posted Monday 3 Apr 2017 @ 12:35:23 am from IP #
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The shroud increases efficiency.
Posted Monday 3 Apr 2017 @ 1:11:32 am from IP # -
It's actually a fairly good size so should produce a hundred to a few hundred watts in a decent flow, which doesn't sound like a lot, but it runs 24/7, so generation can add up. Even 200 watts is 4.8kWh a day.
Of course, it depends on the cost of the unit, and the reliability, which is unknown, it would be hard pressed to compete with PVs nowadays, although it might be a good winter generator, when PV output is lowest.
Looks like a heavy beast though, doesn't seem easy to remove from the creek etc should it need maintenance, or even a simple inspection.
Until they release some specs and real independently tested output data, I would consider it not something to be spending $ on...
Posted Monday 3 Apr 2017 @ 3:07:15 am from IP # -
you would have to dam the whole creek and if its low velocity, needs lots ov volume. Then some gear I guess, generator would be more efficient when spinning faster.
Posted Monday 3 Apr 2017 @ 5:09:45 am from IP #