Abstract: An ocean wave energy absorbing kite system 200 captures an ocean wave's kinetic energy as a force on a submerged, reciprocating panel 202 that drives the panel back and forth in an oscillating motion. The force applied to the panel is transmitted to a power generator 244 through opposed flexible ropes or lines 214, 224 loaded in tension. Potential energy is captured from the wave as a vertical force when a buoyant volume attached to the energy absorbing panel or kite member 202 rises on a passing ocean wave's peak, and transmits the force through flexible ropes or lines in tension to a power generator. Optionally, the shape of the panel is configurable to limit or restrict absorbed wave energy, thereby preventing damage from larger storm-generated waves.

Abstract: An ocean wave energy absorbing kite system 200 captures an ocean wave's kinetic energy as a force on a submerged, reciprocating panel 202 that drives the panel back and forth in an oscillating motion. The force applied to the panel is transmitted to a power generator 244 through opposed flexible ropes or lines 214, 224 loaded in tension. Potential energy is captured from the wave as a vertical force when a buoyant volume attached to the energy absorbing panel or kite member 202 rises on a passing ocean wave's peak, and transmits the force through flexible ropes or lines in tension to a power generator. Optionally, the shape of the panel is configurable to limit or restrict absorbed wave energy, thereby preventing damage from larger storm-generated waves.

Abstract: Transverse and longitudinal wave energy is transformed into useful mechanical energy. The basic unit is composed of a linkage body with a socket located at each end. A main bevel gear inserted into each socket engages with a bevel gear attached to a transverse power shaft. A one way clutch permits the bevel gear to move in one direction. A number of these units can be connected end on end to magnify the mechanical energy transformed from wave energy. The terminus of the transverse power shaft is connected to the rotor of an electrical generator. As the linkage bodies interact with the force of the waves, the transverse power shaft is rotated which then causes the rotor of the electric generator to spin creating electricity.

Abstract: A floating wind farm having wind machines positioned on a generally V-shaped floating platform, the platform being tethered to an anchor such that the platform is free to be repositioned by the wind for optimum production. The wind machines power air compressors and the floating platform itself comprises large storage chambers to receive the compressed air, or storage chambers to receive liquefied air.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method in which the propulsive power of a drive nozzle (2) is controlled by means of a programmable logic control device (24) having an adjustable internal controller (25) in dependence upon the rotational frequency of a turbocharger rotor (1) detected by a speed sensor (26). Parameters necessary for control are determined empirically in a tuning run which includes tuning the controller (25) to a proportional control action with high gain Kp and inputting the nominal balancing speed as target value for the controller (25), monitoring and comparing the actual speed with the target value. If the actual speed exceeds the set target value, halving the gain Kp of the controller (25) and repeating the run until the actual speed is below the set target value.

Abstract: A wave energy extraction device (or paddle) for converting wave energy into mechanical motion is curved in the horizontal plane, with a concave side (11) facing the incoming waves to increase energy capture and a convex side (12) on the lee side to reduce energy dissipation. The concave surface is substantially parabolic or semi-elliptical and the convex side is optionally provided with a substantially Gaussian profile (4) to improve the hydrodynamics and provide additional strength. To simplify connection to a base platform the paddle curvature optionally tapers to a straight edge (1) at the mounting points and the base device can be located either above or below the water surface. One embodiment is also curved about a vertical as well as the horizontal plane to create a spoon- or cup-shaped paddle (9).

Abstract: Roughness is added to the surface of a bluff body in a relative motion with respect to a fluid. The amount, size, and distribution of roughness on the body surface is controlled passively or actively to modify the flow around the body and subsequently the Vortex Induced Forces and Motion (VIFM). The added roughness, when designed and implemented appropriately, affects in a predetermined way the boundary layer, the separation of the boundary layer, the level of turbulence, the wake, the drag and lift forces, and consequently the Vortex Induced Motion (VIM), and the fluid-structure interaction. The goal of surface roughness control is to decrease/suppress Vortex Induced Forces and Motion. Suppression is required when fluid-structure interaction becomes destructive as in VIM of flexible cylinders or rigid cylinders on elastic support, such as underwater pipelines, marine risers, tubes in heat exchangers, nuclear fuel rods, cooling towers, SPAR offshore platforms.

Abstract: Arrangements of turbines are described. The turbines are staggered or aligned in the downwind direction.

Abstract: A device for utilizing the kinetic energy of flowing water with several pressure surfaces rotating around a common rotor axis. The pressure surfaces can be pivoted around axes arranged parallel to and spaced from the rotor axis, in particular for the production of energy from tidal currents of the sea. The pressure surfaces are attached to the pivot axes in a pendulum-like manner and stop elements for the pressure surfaces are arranged in the radial planes between the pivot axes and the rotor axis. The pivot axes of the pressure surfaces are attached by their ends to support disks radially directed towards the rotor axis. The support disks are located at the ends of the rotor axis. The support disks are embodied in at least a double-walled manner. Alternatively or additionally each pressure surface is embodied at least in a double-walled manner.

Abstract: A helical multi-piece auger that is rotatable by a moving fluid for the generation of energy is provided. The helical multi-piece auger may include several interior pieces and two tapered end-pieces mounted on a central shaft. The pieces may include an outer spiral flange perpendicular, in both directions, to a portion of helical auger. Each tapered end-piece may be tapered with respect to both the outer diameter of a helical auger portion, and the width of an outer spiral flange. Each tapered end-piece may have an outer edge that effectively merges with the central shaft of the multi-piece auger over a radial arc of between 90 and 180 degrees. The helical multi-piece auger may include wing-shaped nose cones that are axially offset with respect to each other and house hydraulic components. The helical multi-piece auger may be rotatable by the moving fluid to facilitate generation of energy.

Abstract: A helical auger turbine and hydrokinetic device for use with electrical generators for producing electricity. A helical turbine blade may be mounted on a central shaft, and a flange extending perpendicularly to an edge of the turbine blade. The helical auger may be a multi-section auger having radial sections covering a radial arc of between 45 degrees and 180 degrees, and that are rotational molded with identical center sections. The auger may have tapered end sections. The radial and end sections may be interlockingly mounted onto the central shaft to enable the complete transfer of torque captured by the helical auger by a moving fluid media, such as a tidal water flow, to the central shaft. The adjacent surfaces of the radial and end sections may be flush with one another to reduce disruptions of the moving fluid flowing over the completed helical auger and rotating the assembled helical auger.

Abstract: Roughness is added to the surface of a bluff body in a relative motion with respect to a fluid. The amount, size, and distribution of roughness on the body surface is controlled passively or actively to modify the flow around the body and subsequently the Vortex Induced Forces and Motion (VIFM). The added roughness, when designed and implemented appropriately, affects in a predetermined way the boundary layer, the separation of the boundary layer, the level of turbulence, the wake, the drag and lift forces, and consequently the Vortex Induced Motion (VIM), and the fluid-structure interaction. The goal of surface roughness control is to increase Vortex Induced Forces and Motion. Enhancement is needed in such applications as harnessing of clean and renewable energy from ocean/river currents using the ocean energy converter VIVACE (Vortex Induced Vibration for Aquatic Clean Energy).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting energy for a tidal stream in a body of the water are described. The apparatus comprises a body located in a tidal stream, a generator; and a line coupled to the generator such that relative movement between the line and the generator drives the generator. In one configuration, the body comprises a drag surface oriented substantially in the direction of the tidal stream and has at least one formation for promoting a drag force on the body. The drag force causes movement of the body with the tidal stream, which results in relative movement of the line and generator to drive the generator.

Abstract: A helical auger turbine and hydrokinetic device for use with electrical generators for producing electricity. The auger turbine includes a generally helical turbine blade rotatably mounted on a central shaft, which may be tapered at each end, and a flange extending perpendicularly to an edge of the turbine blade. At least one turbine blade support connection is included for connecting the central shaft to a support structure. An electrical generator may be powered by the helical auger turbine, that can be used in a tidal water flow. The helical auger turbine can operate a high pressure pump connected to a hydraulic accumulator for storing pressurized hydraulic fluid from the high pressure pump. An electrical generator can be operated by hydraulic fluid delivered from the hydraulic accumulator at times of slow water flow. A plurality of helical auger turbines can be horizontally oriented under water, tethered to legs of an ocean platform such as an oil rig secured to the seabed.

Abstract: A wind-hydro power generation system and its power generation method which use both wind power and hydraulic power. Increasing the size of a hydraulic turbine for the hydraulic power generation may result in the decreased rotation power of the hydraulic turbine caused by the resistance of the wind when blades on the hydraulic turbine come out of the water. The present invention has a blade rotation system on the blades of the hydraulic turbine so that the blades may rotate according to the direction of the wind. As a result, wind resistance is not effected to the rotation of the hydraulic turbine even when the blades on the hydraulic turbine are out of water, but enhances the rotation power of the hydraulic turbine, which enables the use of wind power and hydraulic power at the same time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for attracting animals. In one aspect, there is provided a wind driven device, such as a decoy for animals, such as waterfowl, birds, humans, and the like. The device may include a support pole; a hanging rod coupled to the support pole; and a blade coupled to a swivel mechanism. The swivel mechanism is further coupled to the hanging rod. The blade is attached to the swivel mechanism and shaped to move to attract one or more animals when the blade moves in response to wind. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: An impulse-type “wave motor” employs a seabed-mounted or supported structure mounting a wave energy absorbing panel on a hinged lever arm for reciprocation motion to obtain optimal absorption of wave energy from wave motion in the sea. For deepwater wavelengths of L, the panel is optimally positioned in a region within L/2 depth from the sea surface. The panel motion is coupled by a connecting rod to a fluid pump which generates a high-pressure fluid output that may be used to drive a reverse osmosis desalination unit or to produce other useful work. Seawater or brackish water may be desalinated through reverse osmosis membranes to produce water quality for consumption, agricultural, or other uses. The submerged operating environment of the device in a region of one-half the design wavelength provides the maximum available energy flux and forced oscillations. The pump may be of the positive-displacement piston type, plunger type, or multi-staging driver type, or a variable volume pump.

Abstract: A water torque converter for extracting energy from the reciprocal motion of water beneath waves in a body of water comprising an open frame on which is mounted a rigid sail. The rigid sail is guidingly moved from one end of the frame to the opposite end of the frame by the reciprocal motion of the water. An elongated driving member is connected through a multi-clutch mechanism to the sail. This elongated driving member is also connected to an output shaft. The reciprocal movement of the sail results in the output shaft to be rotationally driven in one direction.

Abstract: The present invention is an oscillating wing system like lifting surface featuring a symmetrical profile mounted free to rotate over a fixation point located ahead neutral point and self-trimming at angle of attack in the flow by adjustment of a trailing edge elevon, and whose the system is actuated by linear lateral or vertical movement allowing to produce electrical energy with the wind flow or water flow of a deep river or at flood/ebb tide.

Abstract: An improved system for harnessing the energy of ocean waves to produce useful energy like electricity is disclosed wherein a power generating apparatus is attached to a support structure located out of the water and on dry land. The support structure comprises a mechanical boom disposed on a base located on the shore and a moveable mounting structure provided with a plurality of hydraulic cylinders such that the power generating apparatus may be moved in all directions and placed in position in the water flow optimal for the generation of power. The power generating apparatus comprises a selectively moveable turbine unit coupled to either a power generating mechanism, such as a generator, or pumping mechanism such that the rotation of the turbine unit due to the impact of the ocean waves can be converted into useful energy.