Innovation Pipeline

OK. It’s New Zealand, not Australia. But this company called EcoInnovation still reminds you a little bit of Road Warrior. Founder and chief engineer Michael Lawley has built his “renewable energy store” on the ingenious redeployment of everyday household appliances.

Among other things, the company recycles SmartDrive motors from salvaged washing machines to generate hydropower. Of course, you need to be near a river or stream.

Yes, micro-hydro turbines that can tap into the movement of medium flowing streams and turn a turbine that can deliver most of the electrical requirements of a small home.

Lawley says the company has been able to recycle the motors from salvaged domestic washing machines – aka Whirlpool. The company claims its already made 1,000 successful installations of its micro-hydro device as well as wind and solar power systems.

EcoInnovation also prides itself on using recycled materials and renewable energy to manufacture
renewable energy products.

But if you are, Lawley promises great results. He says his own home and company have been “power-bill free” for 11 years. It’s about time to put Kiwi innovation to work for U.S. homes bordering streams and rivers–Lee Bruno