Portable water turbine charges electronics using the power of flowing water

If someone’s working deep in the wilderness, the chances are that he or she is powering electronics through either an external battery bank, or for the elite, a portable solar or wind charger. However, you can now charge your devices in even more diverse terrain with the new portable water turbine that will gather energy through the flow of a river or stream.

The company Enomad first made headlines when it presented its initial turbine plans in 2014 and, by March 2016, promoted a thermos-sized device that included three propellers. Once the propellers lock into position, a user could place the entire device into any flowing water source to charge it. The propellers could then spin enough to turn an internal turbine that charges the onboard then-5,200 mAh battery, which is capable of charging an iPhone about three times. Originally called Enomad, the device could be towed behind any water vessel and also work as a lantern when charged.

Now, the product is refined and ready for public use, bearing the new name Estream. Standing out from similar products because of its compact size and large battery capacity, the Estream has an ultimate weight of 800 g (1.8 lbs.). Users fold out the ABS-and-polycarbonate device’s blades and lock them in place to begin generating electricity. The charge of the water turbine initiates when the Estream settles in flowing water with the help of a peg. A flow’s strength shouldn’t affect the device’s performance, as it’s expected to work even in shallow streams with a low velocity.

The revised Estream now stores electricity in a 6,400-mAh lithium-ion battery, producing between about 2.5 W and 5 W of power. You’ll want to avoid waiting until the last surge of power to charge because the battery will take about 4.5 hours to refuel completely. However, with its three USB outlets, the Estream can charge several devices at once with its 7.5-W output. Its lantern capabilities are also expanded, now offering four lighting modes (low light, bright light, SOS, and strobe) and the function of an underwater light.

Expected to begin shipping in January 2017, the Estream has led a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign as its new developments materialize. A pledge of $180 or more will garner a finished turbine for the supporter. Although the product initially launched as a way to generate power in underprivileged communities, Estream’s abilities will likely assist anyone previously unfamiliar with alternative energy methods.

Source: News Atlas 1, News Atlas 2