In alternative energy, a new China Syndrome – OregonLive.com

In alternative energy, a new China Syndrome – OregonLive.com: "use of piezoelectric textile materials called AFCs, or Advanced Fiber Composites, to generate electricity in wind and water applications. I came up with two inventions I thought for sure universities, researchers and companies would jump on: (1) an artificial 'Wind Tree', which bio-mimicked a real tree in appearance, while generating electricity in lower wind velocity areas, like suburban backyards, using a passive power generating system involving piezoelectric leaves and piezoelectric actuators in artificial leaf nodes. Not one university or company in the U.S. I contacted showed any interest. Several overseas did, however. (2) a follow-on variant, called the 'Kelp Tree', which basically used piezoelectric textiles, cut into long strips, like artificial kelp or seaweed, and anchored to a simple seabed, lake or stream bed platform. The movement of the stream current or tides generated consistent electrical current. In fact I tested a small, single strand device in the near surf zone on the Oregon Coast and it generated electricity consistently from wave and tidal action. The 'Kelp Tree' concept could be applicable to our rivers, like the Columbia, and even small streams and irrigation canals, anywhere there is a small moving current of water. The added benefit is these artificial piezoelectric weed beds could perform many of the environmental functions of real weed beds, such as fish and small invertebrate habitat, while also generating electricity. Again no interest from any academic institution or companies in the U.S.; but some interest overseas as far away as New Zealand. So go figure, as the old saw goes."