Guest blogger Sam Marquit, a writer/publisher who (like me) has an affinity for all thing green, shares his observation of a mini-hydroelectric generator that we might all fit onto our shower heads in the not-too-distant future.
How ES Pipe Waterwheels Can Light Your Home For Free
One of the oldest types of renewable energy is waterpower; Niagara Falls houses a large hydroelectric dam that has been in use almost since the beginning of electricity. Humans have been harvesting power from running water long before hydroelectric dams were invented. Most cider mills, for example, have water wheels to generate power. Even before we had pipes and power lines, machines were used for centuries to provide power. People learned to harness the power of running water to provide energy for machines needed to manufacture goods.
Ryan Jongwoo Choi recently patented the ES Pipe Waterwheel, which is a device that’s designed specifically for garnering hydroelectricity. The water wheel uses water in an ordinary pipe, so there is no need for special equipment. It then stores the power in two batteries, which are both rechargeable. The batteries are linked to rechargeable light bulbs. When the device charges the light bulbs, they can be removed and used to light a room. A single pipe can house several small water wheels, and it is similar to larger hydroelectric dams like the one at Niagara Falls. Unlike a hydroelectric dam, however, this device is small and affordable for the average homeowner.
The ES Pipe Waterwheel was designed to provide light and power to small African villages that are far from the nearest electrical source, but it has potential in the average American home like the ones in Brooklyn that I see. Brooklyn is an area with many people who are environmentally conscious, and they value a smart gadget that can help achieve a goal in an unconventional way. These small devices would be popular in this area with so many forward-thinkers.
To go even further, the device would be better if it could charge small home electronics as well as charge light bulbs. It could easily be added during the construction of a new home and would not be difficult to add as part of a kitchen or bathroom remodel in an existing home. If the device is able to charge a light bulb, it should have the potential to charge a digital camera or cell phone. This idea, however, may not be practical because it would take so long to charge a device.
Rechargeable portable bulbs are still convenient. They can be used as reading lights, nightlights or used in dimly lit areas. Since they never run out of batteries, they will always be on. Since they are not connected to the home’s power supply, they will work during a power outage. Many homeowners like to keep a light on in the basement for security, and this would give off adequate light without raising the electric bill.
I think this device has a lot of potential in the Brooklyn Real Estate market, so I’m hoping that it make’s it’s way to local home improvement stores soon enough. It would add both value and convenience to a home if added to a bathroom, bedroom or kitchen. The homeowner will save money each month on their energy bill and have the convenience of extra lighting and security.
By Sam Marquit