Archive for January 17th, 2013

Hydrofoil blades inside a Lucid Energy turbine. Credit: Lucid Energy Inc.

Hydroelectric power is one of the oldest green energy technologies in the world, dating as far back as the early 1800s. But it is far from the ideal. Hydroelectric dams have been known to cause degradation in water quality from increased temperatures, loss of oxygen content, siltation, and gains in phosphorus and nitrogen content. They can also disrupt wildlife. Even the more modern tidal power systems can have negative ecological effects.

But what if you could generate hydroelectric power simply by turning on your sink or shower? For some cities, this is no longer a “what if” but “when” scenario.

Based in Portland, Ore., Lucid Energy Inc. developed a new technology using wind energy principles. By installing large turbines inside water utility pipes, the company generates electricity using the water flow. The turbines will produce power as long as water is moving through the pipes — which is nearly always. Read the rest of this entry »