Vortex Hydro Energy VIVACE Converter

Vortex Induced Vibration (VIV) is where vortices are formed and shed on the downstream side of bluff bodies (rounded objects) in a fluid current. The vortex shedding alternates from one side of a body to the other, thereby creating a pressure imbalance resulting in an oscillatory lift. This device has multiple cylinders arranged perpendicular to the current flow inside a box design that sits on the seafloor. As the current flows across the cylinders, the VIV causes them to bob up and down. The ends of the cylinders (where they attach to the box frame) are connected to magnets to drive linear generators.

Technology Developer

Vortex Hydro Energy LLC

Additional Information

Device Website

Device Status

Is the device actively being developed or is available for purchase (active)? Or has development or support ended (inactive)?

Active

Technology Type

Vortex Induced Vibration

Power Take-Off

Mechanism that converts the motion of the prime mover into a useful form of energy such as electricity, learn more

Direct Drive Generator

Surface Expression

False

Estimated TRL

Estimated Technology Readiness Level scale from 1 to 9 with 9 being the most mature technology

TRL Last updated: 26 September 2023

7

Energy Resource

Ocean Current

Water Column Position

Last Modified

5 June 2025

Citation Formats

“Vortex Hydro Energy VIVACE Converter.” Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices, PRIMRE, United States Department of Energy, https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/Vortex_Hydro_Energy_VIVACE_Converter. Accessed <day> <monthRoman> <year>.

Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices. <year>. "Vortex Hydro Energy VIVACE Converter." Accessed <monthRoman> <day>, <year>. https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/Vortex_Hydro_Energy_VIVACE_Converter.

PRIMRE/Databases/Projects Database/Devices/Vortex Hydro Energy VIVACE Converter

Vortex Hydro Energy VIVACE Converter

Citation Formats