# Rain-Powered Electricity Generators The Pluvia System Uses Excess Rainwater to Generate Power By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2014-03-31 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pluvia References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/pluvia-rainwater-microturbine/31379/) & [invdes.mx](http://www.invdes.com.mx/tecnologia-mobil/4283-emplean-lluvia-para-iluminar-viviendas-de-escasos-recursos) Pluvia is a microturbine system created by three Mexican students that is being used to generate electricity in low-income homes. The system, developed by a trio of students at the Technological University of Mexico, uses [rainwater runoff from rooftop rain gutters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/raindrop-1) to spin a microturbine stored in a cylindrical housing. Electricity generated by the turbine can be used to charge 12-volt batteries, which can then be used to power LED lamps and other small household appliances. The compact generator measures about 10 inches high and 2 inches wide and receives water through a half-inch diameter pipe. Once water flows through the microturbine, it passes through a [charcoal filter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spout-water) and ends up in a storage tank. The students claim that at this point, the water is equally clean as or cleaner than the water in Mexico City's water supply systems. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.3/10 - Popularity: 58% | Activity: 92% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Microturbine Systems:** Microturbine systems using renewable energy sources offer an opportunity for residential power generation. - **Rainwater Harvesting:** Rainwater harvesting is an efficient way to generate electricity in remote or low-income areas without access to reliable power grids. - **Compact Generators:** Compact generators that can produce clean energy from renewable sources represent a disruptive innovation in the energy industry. ### Who This Affects Most - **Renewable Energy:** Renewable energy industries can leverage rainwater-powered microturbine systems to provide clean energy solutions for remote or low-income regions. - **Home Power Generation:** Rainwater harvesting systems on residential homes can help homeowners generate their own power and reduce reliance on the power grid. - **Green Technology:** Compact generators using clean and renewable energy sources presents an opportunity for the green tech industry to expand its impact and offerings. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Humidity-Capturing Water Generators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kumulus1.md) - [Balcony-Ready Solar Power Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecoflow-powerstream.md) - [Atmospheric Filtration Water Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atmospheric-water-generator.md) - [Atmospheric Water Generators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-atmospheric-water.md) - [Water-Powered Planter Smart Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/planto.md) - [Portable Wind Turbine Generators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shine-20.md) - [Portable Wind Generators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Portable-Wind-Generator.md) - [Rain-Collecting Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bpas-architects.md) - [Self-Powered Shower Heads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ung-water-enhancer.md)