Aquanator

The Aquanator was a small-scale tidal-power device, a device which uses rows of hydrofoils to generate electricity from water currents. It was invented by Australian Michael Perry.

History

The Aquanator was announced in 2004. A contract to test the device was signed with Country Energy on 26 September 2004.^[1]

The test site was located at 38.5163°S 145.3648°E / -38.5163; 145.3648. In 2006 it was connected to the national grid.^[2] The device test site was decommissioned in May 2008 by owner Atlantis Resources.^[3]

Description

The Aquanator used ocean current to produce electricity. It was intended to generate power even with a small flow of 1.5 knots.^[4] The test device had a capacity of 5 kW. The aquanator's slow moving hydrofoil design was meant to provide a green energy source which would not harm ocean life as faster moving turbines might.^[5]

Economy

At the time, the Aquanator was meant to be cheaper than diesel fuels, with costs about the same amount as wind power and one sixth the price of diesel-powered systems.^[1]

See also

• Tidal power