The Lucid Energy Pipe System Harvests Power from Water
Alyson Wyers — February 4, 2015 — Eco
References: lucidenergy & fastcoexist
The Portland pipe system generates power from drinking water, creating a new energy source without environmental impact. The energy isn't enough to power the whole city, but it is contributing to whole buildings. Developed by Portland-based startup Lucid Energy, the new pipe system also doesn't endanger any fish or other species. The system is in place in Riverside, California too, powering street lights in the night time.
Inside the pipes, small turbines spin in the flowing water, which sends energy to a power generator. Similar to a dam, the hydropowered pipes will make providing access to clean drinking water easier. Water utilities can either use the power generated themselves or sell it to the city, offering a new revenue source for the company.
Inside the pipes, small turbines spin in the flowing water, which sends energy to a power generator. Similar to a dam, the hydropowered pipes will make providing access to clean drinking water easier. Water utilities can either use the power generated themselves or sell it to the city, offering a new revenue source for the company.
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Energy Pipes - There is a disruptive innovation opportunity to develop sustainable energy pipes that generate more power to contribute to the power needs of the whole city.
2. Hydropowered Energy - There is a disruptive innovation opportunity to develop more hydropowered energy systems, similar to the Portland pipe system for wider deployment.
3. Clean Water and Energy Access - There is a disruptive innovation opportunity to combine clean water access needs with a sustainable energy solution, creating a hybrid system that can provide both clean water and power to a community.
Industry Implications
1. Water Utilities - Water utilities can explore the disruptive innovation opportunity to generate power from drinking water to diversify their revenue streams.
2. Renewable Energy - The renewable energy industry can explore the disruptive innovation opportunity to further integrate hydropowered systems into their portfolio, using the Portland pipe system as a model.
3. Smart City Infrastructure - The smart city infrastructure industry can explore the disruptive innovation opportunity to integrate sustainable energy pipes into their smart city infrastructure plan, creating a network of energy sources to power different functions within the city.
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