Zaslavsky notes that the idea is particularly novel because it is based on the idea that the sun’s power can be captured in the “fruits of the sun.” Although the sun does not shine 24 hours a day, the sun heats up the desert air, making it hot around the clock and capable of powering the Energy Tower.

image via Shutterstock

But because the tower needs to be very tall to operate most effective – approximately a kilometer (0.62 miles) in height — some have cited an aesthetic concern with mass deployment of the technology. This has also been cited as a problem with Clean Wind Energy’s Arizona project. But as various countries around the world race towards 2020 renewable energy goals and wind turbines – onshore and offshore – solar panels and other renewable energy power plants begin to dot landscapes, people may learn to see the value in renewable energy and fight less to keep energy out of sight and out of mind.

Another issue cited with the tower concept: bird collisions and deaths, a perennial issue with large wind turbines that have rapidly-spinning blades cutting throught he air.

For his part, Zaslavsky has already begun the commercialization process for the Water Tower, building a company called Sharav Sluices that has already received some seed money for research and development and a green light from Israel’s Ministry of Energy. He is hoping to secure larger scale investment to being more serious deployment of the Water Towers.

The first scientist to work for Israel’s Ministry of Energy, Zaslasky formerly served as the chair of Israel’s National Council for Research & Development which was established in 1982 by the country’s Ministry of Science & Technolgoy.

Watch a video in Hebrew of Professor Zaslavsky presenting his invention.

Pages: 1 2