River
Power

Lake Huron & Lake St. Clair are funneled through the narrow channel of the Detroit River, producing a fast-moving body of water. The proximity of the fountain to the Detroit River presents an opportunity to make use of the river current to produce renewable energy to power the fountain.

Renewable Potential

Based on power outputs at various water velocities provided by the Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) for two of their underwater turbine systems, we estimated the percentage of the fountain’s energy use that could be covered by renewable hydrokinetic energy. We are presenting the results at different water velocities as there is insufficient river data at Reaume Park to make a concise determination of water velocity. Actual river current velocities require verification via on-site measurement. Anecdotal evidence from numerous groups who work in the river have stated that the river's water velocity is very high.