Vortex power

Vortex power is a form of hydro power which generates energy by placing obstacles in rivers and oceans to cause the formation of vortices which can then be tapped into a usable form of energy such as electricity. This method is pioneered by a team at the University of Michigan who call the technology VIVACE or Vortex Induced Vibrations Aquatic Clean Energy.

The company Vortex Hydro Power has been created to commercialize the technology. This technology has an expected life span of 10-20 years, which could meet life cycle cost targets.

Environmental impacts

As of right now, this technology seems to be nonpolluting and low maintenance. In addition, it does not have any major impact on wildlife such as fish or other animals. This form of power is still in the developmental research stage and is currently undergoing optimization experiments before it can be implemented.

See also

• Hydropower
• Renewable energy
• Vortex induced vibration

References

• Vortex Power, University of Michigan

External links

• "How it Works, Vortex Hydro Energy".
• "Innovative pendulum-dynamo for converting tidal energy into electrical power"., a similar technology developed by Okayama University
• Giles J (12 April 2008). "Harnessing river whirlpools puts energy on tap". New Scientist (2651).
• DWCPA Currents - August 2007
• Michigan Daily - Prof. turns vibrations into electricity
• Bernitsas M (Nov 2008). "VIVACE (Vortex Induced Vibration Aquatic Clean Energy): A New Concept in Generation of Clean and Renewable Energy From Fluid Flow". Journal of Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering. 130 (4): 15. doi:10.1115/1.2957913. Archived from the original on 2013-02-23.
• Holzman D (12 Dec 2007). "Blue Power: Turning Tides into Electricity". Environmental Health Perspectives. 115. doi:10.1289/ehp.115-a590. PMC 2137118. PMID 18087578.
• "VIVACE (Vortex Induced Vibration Aquatic Clean Energy)" (PDF). (5-page; 2017)