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.
The test site was located at . In 2006 it was connected to the national grid. The device test site was decommissioned in May 2008 by 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 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.
See also Tidal power
References
External links "Could the ocean be used to power our cities?", Mark Vale, ABC South East NSW, 12 December 2003