Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 88.djvu/262

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��Popular Science Monthly

��Power from a Floating Water Power Plant

FARMERS who have small streams running through their places are showing much interest in the portable and self-contained power plant which has been designed and patented by A. G. Watkins of Philadelphia. The appara- tus can be used wherever water moves at the rate of two miles an hour, which is less than that of the average stream. The plant consists of two triangular floats fastened together by iron rods to form

��The float on one side houses a motor with a series of gear-wheels which mul- tiply the power to such a degree that a one-half horse power dynamo is effec- tively driven. The other side of the float contains a pump, and thus water or pow- er may be secured as desired. The float is anchored to a tree or any other con- venient object. Where more power is wanted several of these devices can be tied up one behind the other.

The plant shown is the first which has been demonstrated by the inventor. It is shown on the surface of Carrol Creek

���Two triangular floats support the water wheel, which derives power from any stream flowing at a rate even as low as two miles an hour

��a channel of decreasing width. A water wheel is mounted in the narrow part. Between the floats and beneath the water there is an adjustable platform, set at a slight angle, so that, together with the floats, a wide-mouthed opening is form- ed, decreasing in its dimensions in three directions toward the wheel. This has the effect of increasing the volume of water passing through the narrow open- ing and acting on the blades of the wheel.

��at Frederick, Md. A line was run to the bridge appearing in the distance, where twenty incandescent lamps of six- teen candlepower each were operated.

One of these plants will soon be in operation at St. Petersburg, Fla. It is said that the operation of the power plant in cold weather is not interfered with by ice for the reason that the motion of the water in the passage between the two floats prevents freezing.

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