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Turbines Inspired by Nature
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I propose a simple and efficient low drag turbine following the logarithmic spiral configuration found everywhere in the universe from hurricanes to galaxies. This new horizontal axis turbine is very practical and can generate a lot of clean energy. It’s also cheap and easy to build, requires little maintenance and works most efficiently in water currents (no damming required).
The goal of this project is to have a cheaper and cleaner way to generate electricity, especially in developing countries and remote villages. The blades may be built from recycled plastic bags and bottles, saving the environment on through both manufacturing and use.
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On November 2nd, 2011 at 11:43 am Susanna, PF Web Maven Said:
How do fish react to these turbines?
On November 2nd, 2011 at 6:01 pm Omar Abass Said:
Thank you for your comment Susanna, this turbine is supposed to be safe for marine life; fish and other living creature slides in through the blades when going down the current. they might get a little dizzy but they will make it
On November 3rd, 2011 at 5:01 pm Burt Hamner Said:
Creative thinking! Similar to the Eco-Auger
http://smartproductinnovations.com/eco-auger/index.php
also a spiral
also fish safe, a good idea
all these are hard to hold in place, however since the axis is parallel to the current, you need a boat or raft to hold it.
On November 5th, 2011 at 11:58 pm Ira Said:
Burt: Why would it be hard to hold in place? Since the axis is parallel
to the current the tether point will always be upstream. If the direction
of the current changes the tether point will still always be upstream.
Since the generator is in line with the axis there is no problem. Any
power or other cables are flexible and go from the tether point to
wherever. The tether point can be secured at the bottom or side
of the channel or in case of a wind application it can be secured to
any available surface where the wind blows and the turbine has
freedom of motion.
On January 2nd, 2012 at 12:58 pm Justin Varghese Said:
Its good idea,
insted of using as turbine, better to ues it as a propeller for boat or ship might be a big success.
On June 2nd, 2012 at 7:06 am jerry dycus Said:
A 1/2 in the water version seems worthwhile but completely underwater a normal turbginhe.prop is more eff, less material.
Underwater it won’t be as eff as a regular one and it has been done for driving a water pump for decades if not century’s. But our disfunctional patent system might give it one.
One needs to keep the angle of attack constant so each section works with the other ones.
Cupping the leading edge into the currrent would help eff.
It’s very eco friendly as it has no striking edges and would be safe to swim through.
Good luck, keep costs low and watch out for investors Foruntilities for small users it has a lot going for it.
On June 2nd, 2012 at 6:58 pm SolarManJD Said:
This is the single largest step froward in Hydro and Wind Generation in 20yrs…
SolarManJD
Solar, Wind and Hydrokinetic Generation one platform for over 15yrs…
On June 3rd, 2012 at 9:08 am John Said:
One huge flaw in thinking in the video: “Tow behind a car or boat.” For what purpose? Any rotational energy would be from the forward motion of the vehicle, which is created by the energy source on the vehicle. This turbine would create drag and demand more energy from the on board source to create forward motion, and since there are always losses it creates a net loss. This is pretty basic physics so I have to question the other claims that are being made as well.
On June 4th, 2012 at 9:52 pm Omar Abass Said:
Thank you all for posting your opinion about the logarithmic spiral turbine.
I would like to clarify few things for John, thanks for pointing that out, i totally agree but you got to be a little more open minded. I don’t mean a perpetual energy system when I said you can tow behind a boat or place on a car”, I didn’t say the purpose of the energy generated will be only used to move the vehicle.
tethering the turbine to a sailboat to recharge the batteries would not use any extra fuel. or an anchored boat in a river or tide may also benefit from the tethered turbine to recharge the batteries onboard.
as for an electric car, it can be used to recharge the batteries while parked. or install it in an aerodynamic casing that opens up and allow wind through the turbine when you want to slow down or go down the hill instead of wasting energy on brakes.
On June 16th, 2012 at 11:00 pm jerry dycus Said:
I design, build wind, tidal generators and EV’s and while somewhat ok as a water turbine, as an air one it isn’t going to happen. You can’t try to confine air as it will just go around.
On July 22nd, 2012 at 1:55 am Jim Jose Said:
PDF Drawing of a similar device is with me. Can I get E-mail address for its presentation
Thanks
Jim Jose