New technology is developed by scientists and promises to revolutionize the energy sector. It is a device that generates electricity through tap water..
Currently, when human beings need water, they simply turn on the tap and it flows cleanly and abundantly. For it to reach homes, it travels through pumps and extensive pipes. Considering this scenario, a company developed an innovative technology to generate electricity from tap water.
Understand how the technology that generates energy from water works plumbed
Drinking water and electricity are indispensable resources for civilization. According to the principles of physics, every body in motion is capable of generating work, and the flow of water, when traveling through pipes at high speed, is no exception.
This movement can be used to trigger a small turbine and generate energy from water. This technology may seem familiar, and in fact it is, as it mirrors the process used in hydroelectric plants to generate electricity. In this way, the technology for generating electricity from piped water resembles a mini hydroelectric plant.
The water from the dam passes through pipes that are connected to turbines, which start to rotate due to the force of the water. In hydroelectric plants, each turbine is coupled to equipment called a generator, which transforms the movement of the turbine blades into energy.
In the city of Portland, USA, the technology to generate energy from water is already used. This method was patented by the company Lucid Energy, specialized in developing systems to generate electrical energy through innovative solutions.
The technology capable of generating electricity using piped water has enough power to power at least 150 homess. It is worth noting that the company uses water pipe technology not only to generate electricity, but also for other projects. An example is the use of pipes to power lampposts and other lighting points in cities, enabling savings in operational costs.
Benefits generated by new technology
Generating energy from piped water offers several benefits. Firstly, as already said before, this is a sustainable and constant source. Furthermore, this method takes advantage of existing infrastructure, such as supply networks, promoting energy efficiency without generating environmental impacts.
Ultimately, in this way, companies and cities can reduce their energy costs, especially those with high water consumption. LucidEnergy pipes also make it possible to monitor leaks and water quality, optimizing water management.
The environmental advantage also stands out, since unlike hydroelectric plants, this approach to generating energy from water does not harm aquatic ecosystems. Several industrial sectors benefit, including processing, thermoelectric plants, data centers and water distribution, being able to sell surplus energy. Finally, in addition to generating electricity from piped water, the pipes integrate sensors to monitor water quality and optimize the infrastructure.
Brazilian researchers develop similar technology
There is another similar case in Brazil, known as UGES technology and it works as follows: The piped water from the street goes towards the domestic water tank, which works as a reservoir and in order to make use of this energy, this water first goes through a pressurization process and its pressure will be increased significantly .
When the water is at a satisfactory pressure level, a compact turbine will be attached to the pipe, close to the place where the water tank float is located. Electrical wires and a transformer are connected to this turbine, which allows mechanical energy to be converted into electrical energy.
According to the developers, it is possible to generate up to 34 W of power per liter of water with this technology and its application is aimed at supplying small loads.
