Alternative hyrdo power source

Thursday's edition of The Columbian in Vancouver contained an article about an experimental form of hydro power. University of Michigan researcher Michael Bernitsas has developed a system to take advantage of the vortices naturally created by currents.

A vortex is an eddy or a whirlpool created by water (or air) flowing past an object. In rivers, vortices have traditionally been a challenge for engineers because of the pressure and vibrations they create in underwater structures. Bernitsas has worked for years to control these vibrations, but recently began work to harness them.

He designed a system of cylinders that are placed perpendicular to the river's current. The current causes the cylinders to move up and down which can be used to generate electricity.

Bernitsas hopes that his system will provide a greener alternative to hydroelectric dams. Unlike the turbines in dams, the cylinders do not contain blades and should reduce the level of risk to fish that traditional hydroelectric power has posed. The system is also designed to work with currents as slow as one knot, while dams require a speed closer to 5 knots to work. According to Bernitsas, most rivers in the world are flowing at speeds of 2 to 3 knots.

The system has yet to be field tested, but Bernitsas has several experiments lined up to determine its long-term viability. If it proves successful, Bernitsas' work has been considered as a possible option for use with the Columbia River Crossing Project in the Portland/Vancouver metro area.