Water Vortex Power Plant

In a new method of generating electricity via small scale hydropower, Franz Zotlöterer, an Austrian Engineer, has discovered a way to harness the power of whirlpools.  Originally designed as a method to purify water by breaking down contaminants as the water was aerated in the vortex, Zotlöterer adapted the system to generate power in a un-intrusive manner that purportedly even allows fish to swim through unaffected.   While designed for the developed world, Zotlöterer's website theorizes that the vortex could also be used for more than one house hold, such as in communes. 

For more on this innovation:

Official Website:  ZOTLÖTERER

Related Article: ecogeek

Editorial: Lessons Learned from Technology Transfer in South Africa

Courtesy  of Scidev.net

"Technology often develops faster than people will take it up. To close the gap and ensure science and technology maximizes its benefit to society, all stakeholders — at community and government levels — must be engaged in the creative process. Identifying a need in a lab or boardroom then developing a suitable product without involving the end-users can lead to low take-up on the ground. . ."

Read more. . .

More on the AmaDrum project:

South African Department of Trade and Industry

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