As water flows through LucidPipe's lift-based turbines, the turbines spin and generate power. Lucid Energy says the hydrodynamic turbines have been lab tested to maximize efficiency and power generation, while limiting the onset of cavitation (bubbles in liquid, i.e., voids). As velocities increase, power production increases. Due to the lift-based design of the LucidPipe turbine, the system generates power across a wide range of velocities.

The Greeks harnessed the power of moving water with the water wheel in the third century B.C. to irrigate and supply power.

It took two millennia, however, before hydraulic machines were described (French engineer Bernard Forest de Bélidorin, mid-1770s), and it was not until the late 19th century that the electrical generator was developed. Note: The Association for Industrial Archaeology reports the first realization of hydroelectric power came in 1878 when Englishman William Armstrong lit a single arc lamp with it.

Fast forward to today. Portland-based Lucid Energy has come up with the idea to install small turbines into water pipes, which send the energy of the flowing water to a power generator. Gregg Semler, CEO of Lucid Energy, reports the company has a project in Riverside, California that's making use of the water pipe power to light streetlights.

Lucid has recently installed the power-generating pipes in Portland, where they are powering public spaces throughout the city. Sensors in the pipe reportedly can even monitor if the water is safe to drink.