New Energy Generation Concept: Hydroelectric Generation in Shallow Bodies of Water Using Arrays of Torsional Piezoelectric Materials in Rivers, Creeks and Streams

Each year, multiple gigawatts of potential electrical energy moving through rivers, creeks and streams go untapped, largely due to the relatively low volume of water moving through the bodies and the depth requirement for traditional water turbines. I propose a new strategy for generating and harnessing turbulence in bodies of flowing water using a combination of low-tech concepts and sophisticated combination of components including piezoelectric compounds, magnetic materials, and anti-ferromagnetic metamaterials.

Strands of piezoelectrics designed to generate electricity upon bending, twisting, and general undulation can form the backbone of arrays consisting of millions of hair-thin strands which move very much like a bicycle chain flopping back and forth. If any link in the chain is undulated, it generates electricity at the point where the individuals links are joined.