Comments for Capturing the Power of Whirlpools at http://www.ecogeek.org , comment 1 to 12 out of 12 comments http://www.ecogeek.org Wed, 19 Jun 2013 05:42:20 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.ecogeek.org/weird-stuff/2488#comment-48023 If the impellor was configured to take advantage of the downward movement as well as the circular movement of the water the efficiency could exceed 80% - Chet Augustson Sat, 16 Mar 2013 14:06:55 +0100 http://www.ecogeek.org/weird-stuff/2488#comment-35941 The vortex could be created in a tidal stream using a manufactured obstruction of similar shape to the rocks creating the natural tidal whirlpools CF the Corryvreckan in scotland. This would have the benefit of a one time operation, with little natural impact. This is such a GOOD idea. - Julian Baker Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:07:44 +0100 http://www.ecogeek.org/weird-stuff/2488#comment-27987 I'd like to see how well this works. - Fred Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:34:31 +0100 http://www.ecogeek.org/weird-stuff/2488#comment-25016 Seems to me that Fundy is a mismatch, it states the vortex doesn't scale well, so I think you should consider personal or "village" applications. The question seems to be "can I get a 4' to 10' fall and several hundred cfm?" Gating flow in and out of a tide pool to get the correct flow thru the vortex should be trivial. Hmm how well does this handle increased fall / flow? - dave Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:28:27 +0100 http://www.ecogeek.org/weird-stuff/2488#comment-24707 It is a pity I did not see this earlier. Instead I have had a crossflow built that is a lot more complicated compared to this easy beast. I may well try and incorporate it further down my river. - Rex Mon, 02 Mar 2009 22:38:46 +0100 http://www.ecogeek.org/weird-stuff/2488#comment-24706 The 80% efficiency of the vortex turbine is correct ie 10kW shaft output. Once you add the generator efficiency of say 90%, you get electrical power. - Rex Mon, 02 Mar 2009 22:36:44 +0100 http://www.ecogeek.org/weird-stuff/2488#comment-24672 nice if there was a chart or table of output versus diameter or flow rate or fall. how big for one household? - householder Sun, 01 Mar 2009 12:13:15 +0100 http://www.ecogeek.org/weird-stuff/2488#comment-24547 I think the article refers to it being 80% of a standard turbine hence the discrepancy. looks promising for eco friendly applications. - Ray Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:55:44 +0100 http://www.ecogeek.org/weird-stuff/2488#comment-24523 I think there is an error in the numbers: water 62.4 pounds/cubic feet. 1 cubic meter/sec = 35.3 cubic feet. 4.25foot drop = 9365 ft-lbs/sec = 17HP = 12.7KW times 80% = 10KW. 8KW = 62% efficient. Still a clever idea. - ted Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:35:55 +0100 http://www.ecogeek.org/weird-stuff/2488#comment-23320 As a fellow former Maine resident, my guess would be yes, but as you pointed out there are differences that need to be taken into consideration. The real place I could see this having potential in the area is actually the Bay of Fundy where the tides have a range on the order of 16.8 meters. One of the main differences is that it would be periodic (but very reliable) power. Whereas with a river there is generally a steady flow, the power curve for a tidal system would behave much like a sine wave. The biggest challenge I see with implementing it in a tidal setting is where do you mount the vortex and how do you keep it at a optimal height to keep the current forcing water into it? A self-orienting floating structure might work, as long as you can be darn sure the bloody thing doesn't get ripped off its mooring by the current. - Moose Wed, 21 Jan 2009 12:18:21 +0100 http://www.ecogeek.org/weird-stuff/2488#comment-23276 Living in Maine where we have strong tidal currents, I'm curious whether this technology can be applied in the ocean. Depending on the location currents can run from 2 to 3 knots. And needless to say there is lots of volume. Problem is it changes direction every six hours. - James Wilson Tue, 20 Jan 2009 05:42:52 +0100 http://www.ecogeek.org/weird-stuff/2488#comment-23275 This really has potential. Also in the field of power storing, because you can store power by pumping water into small basins and releasing it into this fortex when you need the electricity! - Martin Tue, 20 Jan 2009 02:37:45 +0100