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Team168

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The mini-hydroelectric pipe system

We propose to install small hydroelectric turbines into water pipes that carry excess rainwater away from the roofs of buildings, as well as water towers to keep drinking water flowing during emergencies.

Team Concept

Team168's design is intended to generate power via a system of hydroelectric turbines installed into drainage pipes (not to be confused with sewage pipes) of buildings and garages. These pipes already exist to remove excess rainwater from the roofs of such structures. With the addition of turbines, these pipes can double as backup reservoirs of energy that are fueled by the natural water cycle. During hurricanes, they can use the increased rainfall to generate and store energy in preparation for a subsequent power outage. This would be crucial to power nearby traffic and street lights in the vicinity.

Team Description

We are a team of three high school students from North Miami Beach Senior High School (currently two seniors and one junior). More information to be announced.

Members

Vadim Rosin

Tania Chow

Jennifer Davis

Advisor

Barbara Rothstein

North Miami Beach Senior High

1247 NE 167th Street
North Miami Beach
Florida 33162

Team Video



Feedback

[Post Feedback]

Joshua Neubert

Have you guys started looking at your development plan yet? It would be nice to see how you would move forward with your project after the Innovation Generation Summit.

Katherine Parker

excellent idea- it would also be good to utilize the water energy from water flow in all outflow pipes from toilets, sinks, showers, carwashes, etc., because it's all waterflow energy being wasted. We flush millions of gallons of water away every second, and your idea to generate energy from it is incredible. Also, I lived in Mexico for years, and it is common there to filter all grey water from showers, kitchen sinks, and bathtubs, to water gardens for growing food and decorative gardens as well. Keep up the good work and good luck to you!!

Brooke Owens

Team, Really creative idea. Esp if at least some positive results could be achieved in the midst of natural disasters. Good luck!

joshua neubert

uh oh, looks like your video got cut off early. Might want to re-upload.

Joshua Neubert

Team 168, I really like the idea of using this for emergency power during a Hurricane. It could be a very valuable tool with the increased amount of water following through pipes at higher pressures. Have you been able to do some calculations on how much electricity could be produced? FEMA could certainly benefit by something like this. Looking forward to hearing more.

T. Burgundy

Well, from the part of your description that didn't get cut off, I like the idea. The only problem I have is this: when you build a hydroelectric generator, you need to have immense pressure to get enough torque to produce electricity (hence the existence of dams). Since you want to install this in drainpipes, wouldn't this mean that the average shower drain, sink, or toilet would become a backed-up reservoir? You also mentioned a hurricane before your description disappeared into the abyss. Having something like a hydroelectric generator clogging pipes would make the draining of water after floods and hurricanes take much longer. New Orleans would be under 20ft. of water if such a device were in place. Nice job on your project and good luck!

Nancy Conrad

Good luck and look forward to seeing you at NASA Ames.


 

 

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From left to right: Jennifer Davis, Vadim Rosin, Tania Chow
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