in attempting to create a water purification system that uses a vortex to draw out contaminants, Franz Zotloterer also created a new form of small scale hydropower.
“Instead of channeling the water directly through a turbine, vortex hydropower creates a spinning vortex, and draws energy from the swirling water. This approach makes it possible to generate energy without completely blocking the waterway and eliminates the need for much screening or filtration. Small debris is not a problem for vortex generation as it would be for a conventional turbine. Furthermore, fish are able to pass by the vortex chamber without harm. The vortex operates at slower speeds, and the large open chamber makes it possible for fish to pass even going upstream. The vortex also reduces the temperature change of the water, and can more readily be integrated into the natural river environment.
The pilot plant only needs a fall of 1.3 meters (4.25 feet) and, with a flow rate of 1 cubic meter per second (about 265 gallons per second), produces 8 kW of electricity, enough for about 14 average European homes. A head of as little as 0.7 meters (2.25 feet) is possible for a vortex generator. The much lower rise makes it easier to locate a vortex generator on a smaller waterway, without the need for high dams and other interventions typically associated with hydropower.
The vortex system is about 80% efficient, comparable to a standard turbine. However, the vortex cannot scale as large as a turbine power plant. A vortex has a range of performance up to about 150 kW, while a traditional turbine can reach up to 100 MW.”
![Ireland Trying Out Water Powered Streetlights » TreeHugger
“The lights will be installed on a bridge in Ballybofey, and will be powered by the moving water of the River Finn below. After the winter water levels drop, a micro hydro-turbine will be installed under the bridge. As water rushes through the 110 watt turbine, energy generated will charge up batteries, which will then power a 30 watt LED mounted above the bridge.
“It can produce enough energy to power up to three lights. However, we will just use one light at first,” [energy development officer Toni] Needham said.
The hydro unit cost €3,000. The council provided €50,000 in 2008 to pilot alternative energy lighting. LH Ecotech Ltd in Co Laois has been contracted by the council to supply and install hydro and solar power lights on the Ballybofey bridge.”
provided that these units are cheap, i can see this being an amazing trend in cities across the world. rivers that freeze up in winter might not be the best candidates, though.](http://25.media.tumblr.com/kAmWItOW2jvb12m04d5qVPDKo1_400.jpg)
