American cities are putting turbines in water pipes to generate clean energy with zero environmental impact. In Portland, water mainly comes from the surrounding mountains. Gravity forces the water down the pipes, spinning the turbines and creating a source of clean energy under the ground. Because gravity is the force that moves the water, no extra energy needs to be used. Riverside, California is also installing turbines in water pipes. They generate enough energy during the day to power the water system itself and at night the turbines keep the street lights on.
Portland has installed turbines in 15 metres of pipes as a trial at a cost of 1.7 million dollars. They generate around 1,100 megawatt-hours of electricity every year. Enough to power about 150 homes and cut back on the use of polluting fossil fuels.
Should Australian cities install turbines in its water pipes too?
Fastbricks Robotics is leading the way when it comes to robotic construction. They’re a robotic technology company developing and commercialising digital construction technology solutions, including the revolutionary commercial bricklaying machine, Hadrian X, showcased in the animation. It’s the first part of a digital construction system which they believe will change the world, making housing affordable for everyone.
2. Apis Cor – They are the first company to develop a mobile construction 3D printer which is capable of printing whole buildings completely on site. Early this year, the first house printed using mobile 3D printing technology has been built in Stupino town, Moscow region.
3. MacRebur – Their mission is to turn waste plastic into durable road surfaces. Their patent pending product, MR6 is a conglomeration of carefully selected polymers, specifically designed to improve the strength and durability of asphalt whilst reducing the quantity of bitumen required in the mix. It is made from 100% waste materials and can be used in the making of hot and warm mix asphalts. MR6 is a truly unique way of enhancing asphalt to give a cost effective and longer lasting asphalt solution.
4. Hendrik “Henk” Marius Jonkers inventor of self-healing concrete containing bacteria. As solid and reliable as concrete structures may seem, they share one common enemy: tension. Over time, concrete will crack and deteriorate. An invention by Delft University microbiologist Hendrik Jonkers offers an innovative approach to creating more stable concrete by adding limestone-producing bacteria to the mix. This self-healing bio-concrete aims to provide a cheap and sustainable solution, markedly improving the lifespan of buildings, bridges and roads.
