Water as an energy source is usually associated with large installations, such as hydroelectric power plants or generators using the energy of the tides. However, the energy of water can also be used on a small scale. An example of such a solution is the Idénergie water turbine, which allows you to power a single house. The device has been built in such a way that it does not need a fast current to operate – it will also work where the speed of water does not exceed one meter per second. The turbine is capable of generating approximately 12 kWh per day. However, even at minimum power, the device produces enough power to meet the needs of typical home electrical appliances such as a refrigerator, TV, computer and lighting.
The Idénergie turbine is also environmentally friendly – according to the creators, tests have shown that the form similar to the Darrieus turbine ensures complete safety for animals living in the water and does not cause any injuries to them. The materials from which the device is made have also been selected with the environment in mind.
What’s more, the designers also took care of maximum maintenance-free. The inclusion of the generator in a waterproof housing allowed for the elimination of the drive shaft, thanks to which the turbine is to offer a long operation without the need for maintenance or any service.
Only a few keys are enough to assemble and install, and this solution – as the creators admit – was inspired by Ikea furniture. The Idénergie turbine has a capacity of 12 kWh under optimal conditions, which, according to the developers, meets the needs of a single household. Moreover, the device is offered complete with a battery and an inverter, so it can directly power the home electrical installation.
