The Aquanator is a small-scale tidal-power device, a device which uses rows of hydrofoils to generate electricity from water currents. It was invented by Australian inventor Michael Perry.
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History
The Aquanator invention was announced in 2004. A contract to test the device was signed with Country Energy on 26 September 2004.
Its test site was located at 38.5163°S 145.3648°E / -38.5163; 145.3648. In beginning of 2006 it was connected to grid. However, the device test site was decommissioned in May 2008 by its owner Atlantis Resources.
Description
The Aquanator used ocean current to produce electricity. It was intended to generate power even with a small flow of 1.5 knots. 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.
Economy
The aquanator was meant to be cheaper than diesel fuels, with costs about the same amount as wind power and will be one sixth the price of diesel-powered systems.