Patent Number: 20130136958

Date of Patent: 2011

Summary: The device quickly dissipates heat from batteries, resulting in longer battery life.

Pros:

• compact design

• increased efficiency and life of batteries

• simple design

Cons:

• material can get hot to the touch

Patent Number: 14473755

Date of Patent: 2014

Summary: This is a power generation system that uses a combination of wind and solar to produce electricity. It is should be placed on the roof of a building for maximum exposure to wind and solar energy.

Pros:

• combines different energy sources

• minimal likelihood of interference with wildlife

• large batteries minimize reliability issues

Cons:

• complicated design - hard to fix, expensive

• still dependent on weather

Patent Number: 4857887

Date of Patent: 1989

Summary: This keyboard generates electricity when keys are pressed using the piezoelectric effect. (The piezoelectric effect occurs when a material generates a surface charge from mechanical deformation.)

Pros:

• electricity eliminate need for external electricity to actuate keystrokes

• excess electricity can be stored

Cons:

• low power output

• complex design - difficult to fix, expensive

Patent Number: 5347186

Date of Patent: 1994

Summary: This device uses magnets and coils to produce electricity using electromagnetism. Springs are used to keep maintain equilibrium of the piston. When the device is shaken the piston moves from the equilibrium position which then generates electricity.

Pros:

• has battery to store electricity

• generates electricity from otherwise wasted motion

Cons:

• low power output due to few coils

• too large for intention (using it while running)

Patent Number: EP1067206B1

Date of Patent: 2001

Summary: This is a steam turbine blade that uses martensite steel to provide high strength and durability when compared with other similar blades. This blade was used in a low pressure steam turbine generating plant.

Pros:

• strong and durable

• 3600 RPM max speed

• long blades improves thermal efficiency

Cons:

• loses lots of energy to friction

• high input velocity needed

Patent Number: 04016885

Date of Patent: 2004

Summary: This is a system that cools a turbine through the use of nitrogen. This system is intended to decrease the downtime for maintenance and an overall more efficient machine. This decreases the overall cost of running the turbine.

Pros:

• improves turbine efficiency and life

• has many emergency valves for safety

• reduces stress on the turbine

Cons:

• can overheat

• needs constant supply of nitrogen

• takes up extra space

Patent Number: 10079530

Date of Patent: 2002

Summary: This miniature wind turbine uses the air flowing over the top of a car to generate electricity.

Pros:

• passive energy generation

• simple design - easy to fix

Cons:

• not aesthetically pleasing

• creates drag force - decreases car efficiency

Price: ~ $500-1000 depending on vehicle

Features:

• wheel rotation generates electricity

• copper coils

Pros:

• 50-75% efficiency depending on quality

• easily accessible

Cons:

• dependent on single source of energy (rotation)

• can be quite expensive

• friction or high-temps can be problematic

Company Name: Tesla

Price: $500

Features:

• indoor/outdoor installation

• charger for Tesla Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y

• up to 11.5 kW / 48 amp output

• compatible with any home electrical system

Pros:

• easy to use

• no direct carbon emissions

• fully charged overnight

Cons:

• high initial investment

• only compatible with Tesla vehicles

Company Name: SaveMore4u

Price: $13

Features:

• rated 12 volts

• place in pipe to generate electricity

Pros:

• easily installable

• cheap

• reviews indicate it is durable

Cons:

• low power output

• reviews indicated that it was unreliable

Company Name: Scott Hydroelectric

Price: $3900

Features:

• non-corrosive material

• designed to be mostly maintenance-free

• high-voltage AC output

Pros:

• can power entire house

• low volume of water needed

Cons:

• expensive

• installation needed

• potential damage to wildlife

• at least 20 foot drop needed

Company Name: Pavegen

Price: quote needed

Features:

• generates electricity from foot traffic

• uses a combination of the piezoelectric effect and electromagnetism

Pros:

• not dependent on weather conditions

• no net carbon emissions

• several case studies underway

Cons:

• little research publicly available (case study information not available)

• dependent on applications of force (people walking)

Company Name: DiPole

Price: quote needed

Features:

• generates electricity from movement

• uses the piezoelectric effect

Pros:

• flexible

• not dependent on weather conditions/resources

Cons:

• extremely low energy output

• constant application and reapplication of force needed

Price: ~35$

Features:

• portable solar charger

• multiple ports

Pros:

• long battery life on full charge

• portable

Cons:

• single source of energy (solar)

• bulky

Company Name: Makemu

Price: $545

Features:

• rated 500W

• vertical axis wind turbine

Pros:

• theoretically more efficient than horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) of same size

• Less noise pollution than HAWT of same size

Cons:

• wind speed limitations - high wind speeds needed

• blades break easily

• much less efficient than advertised (advertised on theoretical efficiency)

• potential issues with land regulations

• potential damage to wildlife

Company Name: Vortex Bladeless

Price: quote needed

Features:

• uses turbulent airflow (vortex shedding) to generate electricity

• lightweight materials

Pros:

• usable in urban areas

• will not harm wildlife

• can be placed near other units

• adjusts quickly to changes in airflow

Cons:

• limited research available

• not as efficient as normal turbines

Company Name: Waterlily

Price: $170

Features:

• mini-turbine for electrical output

• converts rotational energy from wind or water into electricity

Pros:

• compatible with wind, water, or hand-crank

• can charge small devices

• unlikely to harm wildlife

Cons:

• low power output

• expensive considering low power output

• relies mostly on weather conditions (wind/water movement)

Company Name: Greenergy Star

Price: $190

Features:

• rated 350W

• pelton-type hydro generator

Pros:

• efficient

• midrange power output

• good price

Cons:

• friction in bearings caused failure