U-M to tap Detroit River's current to create energy

Wednesday, December 9, 2009 | Source: Detroit Free Press
The University of Michigan is finding energy in the most unlikely of places, namely the bottom of the Detroit River.

Excerpt:

In the eerie green glow of flashing lasers in a darkened University of Michigan lab, a cylinder on springs moves methodically up and down in a giant tank as water flows over it, simulating a stream.

Whirligigs of illuminated particles form as the water pours over and under the cylinder in rhythmic patterns.

It looks simple, but it's revolutionary. This is VIVACE, a device to harness energy in slow-moving water currents across the globe and turn it into electricity.

VIVACE, which mimics the way fish swim in currents, is to debut next year in the Detroit River, powering the light for a new wharf between Hart Plaza and the Renaissance Center.

"Everybody is excited by this," said Mike Bernitsas, director of the Marine Renewable Energy Laboratory at the University of Michigan and inventor of the device.

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Entrepreneurship, Higher Education, Renewable Energy, Sustainability, University Of Michigan 

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