2009 Energy Prize Winner

ECO-Auger™ is a hydrokinetic machine that converts moving water from river and ocean currents to renewable electric energy. Its hydraulic storage pressure compensation system guarantees constant energy output regardless of tidal current strength. Designed with tapered helical leads on each end rather than sharp edges, the machine does not impact marine wildlife.

The ECO-Auger™ is activated as moving water forces the machine to rotate. This rotation is directly coupled through planetary gears to a high pressure hydraulic pump located in the machine’s nose cone. The cone, which is tethered to bridges or anchored in moving water, stabilizes the torque generated from the rotation and transfers it to the hydraulic pump. The pump supplies variable volumes of high pressure fluid at set controlled pressure, regardless of the direction or speed of rotations. This pressure feeds an oil-driven electric generator that delivers constant current.

Constant power generation is achieved through the ECO-Auger™’s unique hydraulic pump. As the ECO-Auger™ rotates, the high pressure oil flows through check valves to an array of standard air oil accumulators that are connected directly in line to the oil motor driving the electric generator. The oil to the electric generator is sized below the maximum gallons per minute of the ECO-Auger™’s hydraulic pump, allowing the pumped oil to be supplied to the motor, while the excess volume is stored in the accumulator. This storage system, which is monitored by a computer to assure maximum energy stability, stores enough energy to supply the generators during the slow down of tidal flow. 

About the Team:

After a lifetime of developing multiple patents, products and companies, this engineer, entrepreneur and fishermen understands the power of moving water, and his solution to harnessing that power may be his most impressive solution yet. An entrepreneur since 1947, Scott was trained as an industrial engineer. His entire commercial experience was in manufacturing a variety of different products, including packaging and plastic package decorating products, flood venting products, insect feeding and storage and urethane dispensing, among others. Scott received a B.S. in business and industrial engineering from Drexel University. During this time, he learned hydraulic circuit design, which gave him the knowledge to create hydraulic circuits for a scaled hydraulic model train that could pull 25 adults. As a part-time Alaskan resident, Scott was intrigued by the 28-foot high tidal change in many Alaskan rivers. This curiosity led to the conception of the ECO-Auger™ to utilize the abundant energy from moving water in Alaska. However, with winters spent in Florida, Scott discovered that the possible energy of the tidal inlets could also be harnessed. Scott now believes that with a minimal investment, the Eco-Auger™ could be deployed in millions of sites all over the world.

Michael’s interest in alternative energy began in the remote rain forests of east Maui, where he lived for more than 20 years. There, Michael used a variety of alternative energy designs, including solar, wind and water, to supply his power needs. After purchasing property in New Zealand, Michael noticed a unique point of land that caused waves to peel with a consistent, cylinder-like quality for 1.6 kilometers. The consistent wave action caused him to consider them as a source of energy; however, Michael noticed something more consistent than wave action: the tide. The tides delivered steady, predictable energy four times a day. Upon seeing the concept for the ECO-Auger™, he was convinced that the design was perfectly suited to extract this source of energy. Michael joined Scott Anderson and the ECO-Auger™ team and assisted in building and testing an auger prototype. Michael holds an exclusive license to the ECO-Auger™ technology for all of New Zealand and is developing a program for a New Zealand deployment.

Michael has worked in the manufacturing and engineering sector for the past 30 years. His experience started with a tool-making apprenticeship along with an engineering education. Some of his experience includes manufacturing semi-automated detonator explosive loading equipment, project management for a military fuse development company, design and management of production for semi and automated equipment for accelerometer and various other products. Michael also implemented and operated an assembly plant for dollar bill recognition. In addition, he successfully directed and managed the conversion of a Piezo film research and development facility into a 120-employee production and engineering plant. As a Six Sigma black belt, he successfully implemented multiple projects that dramatically increased profitability through statistical variation reduction. In 2000, he led the development of flood products for the consumer market. These products are sold nationally through a network of 500 dealers. Michael is a tenacious leader that understands how to bring a product to market. His greatest skill is the development of leaders, and his most prized asset is his ability to make decisions that create profitability.