Michigan scientists find potential new power source

Scientists at the University of Michigan have come up with a new way of converting ocean and river currents into electricity with a cost lower than than other new forms of power generation. The Telegraph reports:

A revolutionary device that can harness energy from slow-moving rivers and ocean currents could provide enough power for the entire world, scientists claim.

The technology can generate electricity in water flowing at a rate of less than one knot – about one mile an hour – meaning it could operate on most waterways and sea beds around the globe.

The system is called Vivace, or “vortex-induced vibrations for aquatic clean energy.” It works by harnessing the action of eddies and vortices caused by the movement of water, which can move objects up and down or left and right. Michael Bernitsas, a professor of naval architecture at U of M, is quoted in the article:

“If we could harness 0.1 per cent of the energy in the ocean, we could support the energy needs of 15 billion people. In the English Channel, for example, there is a very strong current, so you produce a lot of power.”

The scientists who developed this new technology have a prototype operating in the Detroit River. They project the cost of this form of power generation to be 3 cents per kilowatt hour. Wind energy is about 5 cents per kilowatt hour currently, while solar energy ranges from 10 to 30 cents per kilowatt hour. In fact, this would be cheaper than energy production using coal, natural gas or nuclear as well.