We all use water to create energy and electricity in some way. The oldest form of water energy comes from the tides and the earliest use of taking power from the waves has been dated to the 10th century. It is believed that there were even earlier forms of power conversion that occurred thanks to the tides, but those have not been discovered as of yet. Paddlewheels were used to grind grain or perform other tasks, but in the 1960’s, the world would change with a power plant that was built in France that was based on just the tides.
Since there is no known inventor of tidal energy due to its use in antiquity, here are some important water-powered inventions to consider that have helped humanity over the years.
1. Fuel Boosters
In 1918, Charles Frazer was awarded a patent in 1918 because of the concept of boosting fuel efficiency and overall power in an automobile by incorporating a hydrogen booster. The goal was to reduce exhaust emissions without compromising on the overall performance of the vehicle. Although this electrolysis method never really took off, this was the first invention that received a patent for being able to split hydrogen and oxygen apart.
2. Hydroelectricity
The most widely used form of renewable energy comes from electricity that is generated from the falling or flowing water that is created due to gravity. Although many of these generators come in the form of dams, which can have an effect on wildlife and the surrounding region at large, they produce no direct waste once built. Hydroelectricity also has the advantage of creating much lower levels of carbon dioxide than other energy plants that are in use today.
3. The Slingshot
Water is an essential component of life itself. Humans need fresh drinking water that is free of contaminants in order to have life. The only problem is that up to 50% of the human population doesn’t have easy access to fresh, clean drinking water. This is where the Slingshot comes into play. Invented by Dean Kamen, who is best known for the Segway, this invention can take any water and purify it. That even means that it can create fresh water from ocean water. It can even purify sewage and chemical waste. One single unit can produce up to 250,000 liters of water per year, which is enough for 300 people.
4. Water Balloon Filler
Sometimes water can provide a lot of entertainment. If you’ve ever had to fill up lots of water balloons, you know how much time it can take to do it one at a time. Not only do you need to get the hose attachment on and into the balloon, but then you’ve got to tie the balloon off when you’re done. The Insta-Water Balloons works by filling up 100 balloons almost immediately and then the balloons tie themselves before falling off the device – which takes about 60 seconds to work. The first orders of this Kickstarter idea began being delivered in August 2014.
Strong proponent of individual liberty and free speech. My goal is to present information that expands our awareness of crucial issues and exposes the manufactured illusion of freedom that we are sold in America. Question everything because nothing is what it seems.
