The Geezers were back on the Tamesis barge on the Thames last Tuesday for the next stage of their project to develop a low-cost, low-tech water turbine for use in tidal rivers.
The turbine before being transported to the Thames for testing.
The Geezers initiated the idea for the turbine through an arts-led project designed to enable the life experience of older generations to inform new developments in technology. Their aim is to raise awareness of our nation’s tidal rivers as a potential source of renewable energy. They have been working with artist Loraine Leeson and engineer Toby Borland to develop a prototype, low-cost technology turbine that could be used throughout the world. Today was an opportunity to test the functionality of the turbine.
Toby spent the day to fixing the turbine to the scaffold rig moored to to the Tamesis.
Dennis Banks, one of the Geezers, watches Toby working on the turbine.
Toby adjusting the turbine.
Over fifty people attended the evening event on the Barge which was opened by John Biggs, GLA member for City and East, to celebrate this highspot in the five-year project.
Artist Loraine Leeson and Ray Gipson from the Geezers talked about the origins of the project.
Dennis spoke about the Geezers practical involvement in the thinking behind and design of the turbine.
And Toby explained the engineering behind the turbine and its potential for the future.
To find out more about the project, visit our Active Energy post or visit the project website. Find more photos of the event at out Flickr site.
Here is some practical information about the turbine from cSpace’s press release.
The hydrokinetic turbine tested is designed for low budget, zero head, low speed river/ocean flow and ease of transport/installation. Efficient use of off-the-shelf-components make it comparable in expense to Scoraig wind turbines of equivalent capacity. While similar designs have been previously used in Peru, Sudan and Malaysia, the turbine blades are the first of their kind optimised for low flow and operation with a shroud to deflect items floating in the river and protect wildlife. Its low cost and ease of manufacture make it particularly suitable for developing nations overseas. The engineer is putting the information gleaned from its construction into the public domain to enable others to take up the design for future use.
This just goes to show the incredible creative thinking, skills & talent in Bow, and how our elders continue to have so much to contribute not only to our community, but through their dogged determination to see an idea become a reality, the benefits this can bring to global development are enormous. All of Bow is very proud of our Geezers and we are going to make sure this idea/dream/vision becomes a reality to help so many human beings across the planet.