Maui farmer creates eco-auger; powers 50 homes per unit with ocean or stream water

[mahina]

http://www.kitv.com/video/25973210/detail.html

Michael Macnamara uses hydrokinetic energy that spins the auger in either direction that runs a hydraulic line that turns a generator, that supplies energy to the existing grid. One of these units makes enough energy to power five homes. One unit generates 7 kilowatts per hour, enough to supply power for about 50 homes a day.

Pretty cool!

http://greenpowercafe.wordpress.com/

[thecrow]

1. I always questioned why we weren't using something like this

Since I was a child.... and I'm 60!

I hope these get real popular!

[mahina]

2. Oceanlinx has a large scale project

that is cool too. It moves a piston that generates a ridiculous amount of energy. The unit looks like it's about the size of a VW bug, but I haven't seen one in real life yet.

There are a few in Scotland, Australia, one here offshore Maui. http://www.govtech.com/gt/422533

[madokie]

3. I was reading about this

in popular science or popular mechanic as I get both and I thought it was a good idea then. I still like the idea
rec

[joshcryer]

4. This idea was proposed in a book called Engineers Dreams, 60 years ago.

I like the concept but it will produce minuscule amounts of energy.

[Nihil]

5. But, there again, ...

> I like the concept but it will produce minuscule amounts of energy.

... if your demands are minuscule, they'll do the job!

[XemaSab]

6. I think projects like this, tidal, wind, and solar

make the most sense for powering small, rural towns.

Transmission loss is a big deal, and on-site generation saves money and energy in ways that are not immediately apparent.

[pscot]

7. +1

[mahina]

8. The Oceanlinx demo projects make

a few megawatts each at least, enough for a few thousand homes. Not bad.