dear designboom reader,

energy researchers have put forward designs that can utilize the voltaic properties of rivers, canals, dams, and other reservoirs. one example is the low-maintenance vortex turbines with a monitoring system that can electrify 50 to 500 households in remote locations all year round. another brings the water-to-electricity conversion into larger water bodies through a floating electric generator that can convert ocean waves into a source of current.

tapping into the natural attributes of water also nudges the creation of a hydrokinetic turbine that constantly generates energy based on the water’s movement. five engineering students even plant an electric-fan propeller into their megaphone tidal turbine for rivers which might aid in producing between 0 to 25 watts of energy using the endless flow of water.

what’s your take on the future of hydropower?

matthew burgos | editor