The motions, mechanisms, and caudal fin hydrofoil shapes of such species have been optimized by natural selection and are known to be up to 90% efficient at converting body energy into propulsive force. The bioSTREAM mimics the shape and motion characteristics of these species but is a fixed device in a moving stream. By mimicking these creatures, the bioSTREAM benefits from 3.8 billion years of evolutionary hydrodynamic optimization. The inherited biological traits result in a cost effective and reliable renewable energy system. The tailfin assembly is mounted at the end of a horizontal arm extending from a seabed mounted tower.

The firm said that with few moving parts, the technology is cost effective and requires low maintenance. It is ‘environmentally benign’, with a small footprint and minimal seabed disturbance. BioSTREAM is also robust, designed to withstand hurricanes and strong ocean currents. 

BioPower Systems is currently developing 500kW, 1000kW and 2000kW versions of the device.  BioPower Systems is a startup company founded by Dr. Timothy Finnigan, a marine engineer at the University of Sydney. The firm says its technologies are undergoing proof of concept R&D but that full scale ocean based prototypes will be tested in 2008 and commercial units are expected to ship by the end of 2009.

MJ Information No: 22722