Abstract: A water current power generation system is provided, including at least one or more submerged flotation chambers; one or more submerged induction type power generation units disposed in communication with the one or more submerged flotation chambers; one or more impellers disposed in communication with the one or more submerged induction type power generation units; one or more body frame members disposed in communication with the one or more submerged induction type power generation units; and one or more impeller rotation means disposed in communication with the one or more body frame members. A variety of additional structures useful together, individually or in various combinations with the disclosed system, are also disclosed. Methods of transporting and maintaining the system, or individual components and subsystems thereof, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cyclonic vertical separator for two-phase hydrocarbon separation is provided, the separator including at least a double helix finned cyclonic device such as a double helix screw for separating associated process fluids into gasses, liquids, and combinations thereof. The double helix finned cyclonic device is disposed in electro-mechanical communication with an electronic submersible pump, either statically, as a removable package, or in series on associated electronic submersible pump tubing. The double helix screw includes a pair of threaded helical surfaces surrounding a central pipe shaft that defines a first helix surface for the handling of liquids and a second helix surface for the handling of gas. In practice, an upper portion of the cyclonic separator primarily handles gas and lesser amounts of liquids, and a lower portion of the cyclonic separator primarily handles liquids and lesser amounts of gas.

Abstract: A water current power generation system is provided, including at least one or more submerged flotation chambers; one or more submerged induction type power generation units disposed in communication with the one or more submerged flotation chambers; one or more impellers disposed in communication with the one or more submerged induction type power generation units; one or more body frame members disposed in communication with the one or more submerged induction type power generation units; and one or more impeller rotation means disposed in communication with the one or more body frame members. A variety of additional structures useful together, individually or in various combinations with the disclosed system, are also disclosed. Methods of transporting and maintaining the system, or individual components and subsystems thereof, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various subsystems for a submerged or waterborne system used to generate power derived from fast-moving water currents using an induction-type generator system equipped with one or more fin-ring propellers are disclosed. Many of the systems and subsystems shown and described herein are individually suitable for use in systems using conventional generator drive systems and other means of power creation. Means for transmission of power generated by such systems, tethering and mooring systems, and methods for improving system transportation, installation and maintenance are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various subsystems for a submerged or waterborne system used to generate power derived from fast-moving water currents using an induction-type generator system equipped with one or more fin-ring propellers are disclosed. Many of the systems and subsystems shown and described herein are individually suitable for use in systems using conventional generator drive systems and other means of power creation. Means for transmission of power generated by such systems, tethering and mooring systems, and methods for improving system transportation, installation and maintenance are also disclosed.

Abstract: A water current power generation system is provided, including a plurality of flotation tubes joined by a body structure; a plurality of ballast chambers joined by a body structure; a plurality of induction type power generation units disposed within housings associated with one or more of the flotation chambers, ballast chambers and body structure; and a plurality of propellers disposed in mechanical communication with each of the induction type generator units. In one presently preferred embodiment, a plurality of propellers disposed in communication with a plurality of induction type generator units, wherein the propellers each include one or more concentrically disposed rings, with each of the concentrically disposed rings having an inner ring member, an outer ring member, and a plurality of curved fin members separated by gap spaces disposed between the inner and outer ring members.

Abstract: A water current power generation system is provided, including a plurality of flotation tubes joined by a body structure; a plurality of ballast chambers joined by a body structure; a plurality of induction type power generation units disposed within housings associated with one or more of the flotation chambers, ballast chambers and body structure; and a plurality of propellers disposed in mechanical communication with each of the induction type generator units. In one presently preferred embodiment, a plurality of propellers disposed in communication with a plurality of induction type generator units, wherein the propellers each include one or more concentrically disposed rings, with each of the concentrically disposed rings having an inner ring member, an outer ring member, and a plurality of curved fin members separated by gap spaces disposed between the inner and outer ring members.

Abstract: A water current power generation system is provided, including a plurality of flotation tubes joined by a body structure; a plurality of ballast chambers joined by a body structure; a plurality of induction type power generation units disposed within housings associated with one or more of the flotation chambers, ballast chambers and body structure; and a plurality of propellers disposed in mechanical communication with each of the induction type generator units. In one presently preferred embodiment, a plurality of propellers disposed in communication with a plurality of induction type generator units, wherein the propellers each include one or more concentrically disposed rings, with each of the concentrically disposed rings having an inner ring member, an outer ring member, and a plurality of curved fin members separated by gap spaces disposed between the inner and outer ring members.

Abstract: A water current power generation system is provided, including a plurality of flotation tubes joined by a body structure; a plurality of ballast chambers joined by a body structure; a plurality of induction type power generation units disposed within housings associated with one or more of the flotation chambers, ballast chambers and body structure; and a plurality of propellers disposed in mechanical communication with each of the induction type generator units. Methods and means of deploying, positioning, maintaining, controlling and operating the system are also provided, as are detailed descriptions of novel inductor type generators used to obtain power from fast moving water currents, flotation tanks for tensioning the system against a submerged anchoring system disposed on an associated seafloor, and fluid-filled ballast chambers equipped with multiple sub-chambers that lend precision control and continuous adjustability to the system.

Abstract: A water current power generation system is provided, including a plurality of flotation tubes joined by a body structure; a plurality of ballast chambers joined by a body structure; a plurality of induction type power generation units disposed within housings associated with one or more of the flotation chambers, ballast chambers and body structure; and a plurality of propellers disposed in mechanical communication with each of the induction type generator units. In one presently preferred embodiment, a plurality of propellers disposed in communication with a plurality of induction type generator units, wherein the propellers each include one or more concentrically disposed rings, with each of the concentrically disposed rings having an inner ring member, an outer ring member, and a plurality of curved fin members separated by gap spaces disposed between the inner and outer ring members.

Abstract: A water current power generation system is provided, including a plurality of flotation tubes joined by a body structure; a plurality of ballast chambers joined by a body structure; a plurality of induction type power generation units disposed within housings associated with one or more of the flotation chambers, ballast chambers and body structure; and a plurality of propellers disposed in mechanical communication with each of the induction type generator units. Methods and means of deploying, positioning, maintaining, controlling and operating the system are also provided, as are detailed descriptions of novel inductor type generators used to obtain power from fast moving water currents, flotation tanks for tensioning the system against a submerged anchoring system disposed on an associated seafloor, and fluid-filled ballast chambers equipped with multiple sub-chambers that lend precision control and continuous adjustability to the system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing hydrocarbons from a well, and especially for producing gas from low pressure gas wells containing water, are disclosed. An electrical submersible pump is attached to and in fluid communication with the bottom end of a string of pipe joints or tubing extending in the well bore from the surface to below the water-containing gas interval, a further string of pipe joints or tubing having one or more openings therein at the bottom end thereof extends from the surface to below the water-containing gas interval, and water supplied from the surface via the further string of pipe joints or tubing along with water from the water-containing gas interval is constantly pumped by the electrical submersible pump at a rate sufficient to prevent the pump from overheating and failing and to prevent production-limiting water build-up in the well bore.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided to protect a gas engine or turbine used to generate electric power against damage that would otherwise result from changes in the operating characteristics of the engine, for example, changes caused by fluctuation in the heat content of the gaseous fuel. To effect such protection, the engine or turbine is controlled by adjusting the supply of fuel gas to the engine or turbine in response to changes in the output of the electric power generated.

Abstract: An induction generator system is disclosed for utilization with an oil producing well having casing gas available at the wellhead and an existing electrical power system. An electric motor is coupled to the existing electrical power system and is utilized as a generator to drive a submersible pump or other electrical load. A gas engine which is powered by the casing gas is mechanically coupled to the electric motor by means of a drive belt and is utilized to drive the electric motor at a speed greater than the synchronous speed of the motor. While the electric motor is driven at a speed greater than its synchronous speed it will generate electrical energy which can be utilized to carry the electrical load. A novel control system is utilized to control the operation of the engine/motor generator system in response to variations in motor speeds, engine operating parameters and load/voltage conditions.