Pluvia is a microturbine system created by three Mexican students that is being used to generate electricity in low-income homes.
The system, developed by a trio of students at the Technological University of Mexico, uses rainwater runoff from rooftop rain gutters to spin a microturbine stored in a cylindrical housing.
Electricity generated by the turbine can be used to charge 12-volt batteries, which can then be used to power LED lamps and other small household appliances.
The compact generator measures about 10 inches high and 2 inches wide and receives water through a half-inch diameter pipe. Once water flows through the microturbine, it passes through a charcoal filter and ends up in a storage tank. The students claim that at this point, the water is equally clean as or cleaner than the water in Mexico City's water supply systems.
Rain-Powered Electricity Generators
The Pluvia System Uses Excess Rainwater to Generate Power
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