Abstract: An energy storage system and method that enables gravity-based energy storage to have a significantly larger capacity in a single shaft for given capital cost and thus an improved cost per unit energy for large scale energy storage as well as enabling continuity of power input and output at an external connection point across the extent of the system's energy capacity comprises a multi-weight storage system having at least two weights, two transporters each with a transporter linkage that can be coupled to and decoupled from the respective weight and for transporting the weight along a pre-defined path defining a vertical displacement and defining a respective path volume, a second linkage path volume defined by the area of the second linkage decoupled from a weight and developed or swept along a respective pre-defined vertically displaced path, wherein the second linkage path volume does not overlap with the first path volume.

Abstract: An energy storage system having a first, gravity-based energy storage sub-system having at least one weight movable between a first upper position and a second lower position defining a vertical displacement and a second energy storage sub-system comprising a vessel for storage of a pressurized fuel gas has an electrical input/output connection with an external power system and at least one of: a fuel gas inlet for supply of a fuel gas to the energy storage system from an external fuel gas supply or network; and a fuel gas outlet for supply of a fuel gas from the energy storage system to an external fuel gas user or network, and/or has at least one of: a gas to power conversion arrangement for converting energy from fuel gas to electrical energy for storage in the first energy storage sub-system or export to an external power system via the electrical output connection; and a power to gas conversion arrangement for converting electrical energy to a fuel gas for storage in the second energy storage sub-system

Abstract: An energy storage system and method that enables gravity-based energy storage to have a significantly larger capacity in a single shaft for given capital cost and thus an improved cost per unit energy for large scale energy storage as well as enabling continuity of power input and output at an external connection point across the extent of the system's energy capacity comprises a multi-weight storage system having at least two weights, two transporters each with a transporter linkage that can be coupled to and decoupled from the respective weight and for transporting the weight along a pre-defined path defining a vertical displacement and defining a respective path volume, a second linkage path volume defined by the area of the second linkage decoupled from a weight and developed or swept along a respective pre-defined vertically displaced path, wherein the second linkage path volume does not overlap with the first path volume.

Abstract: A support system for a marine turbine installation including at least one turbine unit (3), the support system including a support column (1) or two or more support columns (1) which are arranged to be installed vertically, characterised by a turbine support assembly (2/14) including a horizontally arranged turbine support structure (4/15) adapted for displacement lengthways of the associated support column or columns, at least two turbine units (3) operationally carried by the support structure and means (41/44, 26/41, 52/55, 65/66) for enabling selective displacement of the support member (4, 15) lengthways of the associated column or columns, and in that the support structure includes an elongate member profiled in such manner that when the flow of water relative to the support assembly is bi-directional, the support structure member is so profiled so as to minimise water flow disturbance what ever the direction of the bi-directional water flow.

Abstract: A support structure for a flowing-water driveable turbine system, wherein a turbine, or a plurality of turbine assemblies (3), is/are mounted for operational co-operation with a flow of water on a deck or platform (1) of streamlined cross-section in such a manner that the turbine(s) is/are deployed laterally (i.e. normal to the direction of flow across the current and wherein the deck or platform (1) is aligned horizontally with the current so as to minimise its resistance to the water flow, deck or platform being is either being supported in the elevated position by at least two supporting legs or struts (2) upstanding from the bed of said flowing water or is buoyant and held down in the water column by tensioned cables, ropes or ties (5) anchored to the sea, river or estuary bed (SB) to be at said elevated location.

Abstract: A method and means of counteracting the effects of variation in static pressure acting upon a hollow rotor blade or hydrofoil (6, 7) for devices capable of extracting energy from a moving column (8) of water or other liquid within which the rotor of hydrofoil is located whether the device rotates as in the case of an axial flow turbine or whether it reciprocates in the flow such that cyclic static pressure fluctuations caused by vertical movement of the rotor blades or hydrofoils through the water column (8) including the step of equalising the pressure inside and outside the rotor blade or hydrofoil by filling any voids (17) within the hollow rotor blades or hydrofoils with a liquid in such manner as to allow the external surface (26) of said rotor blades or hydrofoils to “breathe”; i.e.

Abstract: A hydraulic transmission system for use with at least one water current driven turbine rotor (6), low speed high pressure pump (24) is arranged to receive operational drive from the turbine rotor, and to deliver its output to a high speed hydraulic motor or turbine (35) in such manner as to produce an increase of the shaft or motor speed accompanied by a corresponding reduction of torque required to drive electrical generators (38) or other high speed machinery.