Vortex power

An artist's illustration of an array of VIVACE converters on the ocean floor.

Vortex power is a form of hydro power which generates energy by placing obstacles in rivers/oceans in order to cause the formation of vortices which can then be tapped to 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 which stands for Vortex Induced Vibrations Aquatic Clean Energy (patent pending through the University of Michigan).

The company Vortex Hydro Power has been created to commercialize the technology. This technology has 10–20 years life span which meets life cycle cost targets.

Environmental impacts

As of right now, this technology seems to be nonpolluting and low maintenance, it does not have any major impact on the wildlife such as fish and other animals. This environmentally friendly technology is still in 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

• 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. 
• Holzman D (12 Dec 2007). "Blue Power: Turning Tides into Electricity". Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP) 115. doi:10.1289/ehp.115-a590. PMC 2137118. PMID 18087578.