Abstract: A kinetic energy capture device consisting of one or more wings having a high coefficient of lift and which leading edge of the wing or wings faces substantially in the direction of the wind or gas passing around the wing. The wing is designed to have a very high coefficient of lift in a low Reynolds gas or wind flow. The wing or wings are connected to a rotationally structure, which contains an axle. The axle of the kinetic energy capture device has an orientation substantially horizontal relative to the ground. The kinetic energy capture system is designed to minimize costs, minimize environmental impact, maximize reliability and optimize the production of electrical energy in a kinetic environment where the average Reynolds number is low.

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 device (10) for capturing energy from a fluid flow is disclosed. The device (10) comprises a base (12) adapted for stationary mounting relative to the fluid flow. A member (20), having a longitudinal axis (21), is pivotally connected relative to the base (12) about a substantially vertical first pivotal axis (22) and is adapted to move relative to the base (12) towards a position in which the longitudinal axis (21) generally aligns with a vertical plane parallel to the direction of the fluid flow passing the member (20). A lift generating element (26) is connected to the member (20) and is movable relative to the direction of the fluid flow to vary a direction of lift produced by the lift generating element (26) as fluid flows therearound. The lift generated by the lift generating element (26) drives the member (20) in oscillatory motion relative to the base (12). An energy transfer mechanism is attached to the member (20) and is adapted to be driven by the oscillation of the member (20).

Abstract: A brushless generator with permanent-magnet multi-pole rotor disks and stator winding disks in their axial magnetic field includes integral electronics to efficiently generate regulated DC current and voltage from mechanical input power over a broad speed range. All power for the electronics is provided by rectifier diodes from its stator windings. Differential amplifiers provide stator voltage feedback signals. Its power rating is scalable, depending on the number of its disks. Having no iron cores and no gears, it incurs no cogging torque, and no gear friction. Integral power control electronics includes high-frequency pulse-width-modulated boost regulation, which provides regulated current at requisite voltage over its broad speed range. A main wind-powered embodiment to produce DC power for a constant voltage DC load over a broad speed range includes signal processing so output power varies according to the third power of speed.

Abstract: The vertical windmill turbine generator is a combination of three distinct previously defined inventions by the same inventor and one new invention. It is designed to take advantage of the increased, wind speed caused by the up welling or downward sliding of winds found at walls, fences, or roofs and similar obstructions. This windmill generator has infinitely adjustable vanes, which allow the windmill to govern its speed or respond easily to very low-speed winds. The design also allows inertia to more readily be taken advantage of. With the included flying-magnet-dynamo, as the generator, the static inertia of the windmill generator is greatly minimized. The electrical output is gathered with low ESR capacitors, then regulated by a switching regulator. Vibration and speed censors detect over-speed and agitated wind situations, allowing the device to protect itself by closing some or all vanes instantly. The rotating components communicate with stationery components by radio.

Abstract: A hydroelectric generator includes a body and an electromechanical apparatus cabin. The body has a tube penetrating the body and a first flow channel. The tube has a tapering segment and a throat portion communicating with the first tapering segment. One end portion of the first flow channel is located on a wall surface of the throat portion, so that the first flow channel communicates with the tube. The first flow channel is used to enable a fluid to flow into the tube from the first flow channel or guide a fluid to flow out of the body from the throat portion. The electromechanical apparatus cabin has an energy retrieving apparatus disposed in the throat portion of the tube, and the end portion of the first flow channel communicating with the tube is located at a front side or a back side of the energy retrieving apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided a water current power generating device for generating electric power from water current power, the device comprising: a sway vibrating body which bends in response to a fluid force exerted on a circumference surface thereof by a water current, sways in a bending state, and generates tension in response to a deflection angle from a direction of the water current, and at least one tension power generating unit for converting electro-magnetically or piezoelectrically the tension transferred from the sway vibrating body into the electric power. With the above configurations, ever stable electric power can be generated from water current power in a variety of water areas of slow-moving water current to fast-moving water current.

Abstract: As for the floodgate which it flows into one-way from a tide level, the High Water Source flowing in is made, and the Low Water Source flowing out is made. A tank is located between these Water Sources, repetition of the feed water from a high-water level, and the drain to a low-water level, it generates electricity by rotating a air turbine by the pressure in a Tank. As for the method of the improvement in efficiency, a turbine is set to Air Duct between two sets of tanks, the double electric power is obtained by interlocking with opposite feed water and drain. Moreover, the variation of electric power is improved by shifting the cycle of the tank of parallel movement. And it responds to water level in a tank, the stable production of electricity is obtained by the drive of selection of the turbine of the capacity difference of a parallel drive. If this mechanism is opened and closed with the underwater valve of a big flow, it becomes possible to obtain the big electric power.

Abstract: A reciprocating transducer to convert windpower to electrical energy includes an odd sub-array of blades and an even sub-array of blades, wherein two odd thrust rods are pivotably coupled to the ends of each of the odd numbered blades, two even thrust rods are pivotably coupled to the ends of each of the even numbered blades, an odd tilt rod is pivotably coupled to the trailing edge of each of the odd numbered blades, an even tilt rod is pivotably coupled to the trailing edge of each of the even numbered blades. The tilt rods are moved up and down, thereby changing the attitude of the blades, a crank shaft converts the linear motion of the thrust rods into rotational motion, and a generator converts the rotational motion into electrical power.

Abstract: The present invention provides a swirly fluid sprinkler comprising a sprinkling body, a fluid guide, and an electrical generator. The fluid guide disposed inside the fluid inlet of the sprinkling body includes a plurality of swirl channels for dividing a fluid flow into a plurality of swirly fluid flows. The electrical generator disposed inside the sprinkling body and opposite to the fluid guide has a plurality of blades disposed on the top thereof. Each of the blades has an inclining angle wherein the blade surface opposite to the fluid guide has an angle in relation to the corresponding swirly fluid for receiving the propelling force from the swirly fluid so as to rotate the electrical generator and thereby generate electrical power. In another embodiment, the swirly fluid sprinkler further has a lighting module for providing illumination while the water spray is discharged.

Abstract: A method of recovering energy from the potential energy of water in a body of water includes providing a reservoir at least partly below a surface of a body of water, leading water from the body of water in the reservoir, and storing potential energy by removing water from the reservoir. A hydroenergy plant recovers energy from the water while leading the water into the reservoir using a turbine and an electric generator coupled to the turbine.

Abstract: A power recovery system using the Rankine power cycle incorporating a two-phase liquid-vapor expander with an electric generator which further consists of a heat sink, a heat source, a working fluid to transport heat and pressure energy, a feed pump and a two-phase liquid-vapor expander for the working fluid mounted together with an electric generator on one rotating shaft, a first heat exchanger to transport heat from the working fluid to the heat sink, a second heat exchanger to transport heat from the heat source to the working fluid.

Abstract: A reciprocating transducer to convert windpower to electrical energy includes an odd sub-array of blades and an even sub-array of blades, wherein two odd thrust rods are pivotably coupled to the ends of each of the odd numbered blades, two even thrust rods are pivotably coupled to the ends of each of the even numbered blades, an odd tilt rod is pivotably coupled to the trailing edge of each of the odd numbered blades, an even tilt rod is pivotably coupled to the trailing edge of each of the even numbered blades. The tilt rods are moved up and down, thereby changing the attitude of the blades, a crank shaft converts the linear motion of the thrust rods into rotational motion, and a generator converts the rotational motion into electrical power.

Abstract: A shaft power plant (1) for generating electricity by energy conversion of a discharge between a headwater (2) and a tailwater (6), comprising a vertical shaft (7), the top (10) of which forms an inflow plane (11) which is parallel to the bed and extends below the water level (3) of the headwater, wherein the shaft (7) is open toward the top and is closed by a base (9) at its bottom end, a unit (15) composed of a turbine (16) and an electrical machine (17), wherein the unit (15) is arranged entirely under water in the shaft (7) and wherein the turbine (16) is arranged for water to pass through horizontally, and an outflow (24), which is connected to the turbine (16), represents a closed flow channel and leads through a through-passage (28) in the shaft (7) to the tailwater (6), wherein a horizontal first cross-sectional area of the shaft (7) is much larger than a vertical second cross-sectional area taken up by the turbine runner (19).

Abstract: An adaptive system for harvesting hydrokinetic energy from flowing fluid uses a hydrofoil-type vane in a flow-way and an electrical power generator to convert torque generated by the oscillating vane to electrical current. The generator may be electromagnetic or piezoelectric. The system includes a control module that measures the oscillation of the vane, the generated torque, or the characteristics of the generated current, and modifies the resistance of the vane or the conversion of the electrical current in response to changes therein. Some systems include a frame that can be anchored in a body of water. Some systems are portable and provide illumination. Some systems are adapted for use as hiking or camping gear and may be inserted into stream beds or used as walking sticks. Some systems are in-line devices. Some systems are adapted as fishing lures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tidal power plant, comprising a machine nacelle having a nacelle housing; a water turbine, which is part of a revolving unit, wherein the revolving unit is supported on the nacelle housing by means of a sliding bearing arrangement comprising a plurality of bearing elements. The invention is characterised in that the nacelle housing comprises at least one load-bearing concrete part and the bearing elements are adjustably fastened to the concrete part or to a bearing support cast into the concrete part.

Abstract: A device for transforming the motion of the flow of a watercourse into a motion for an electricity generator includes one or more circular planes and more than one blade hinged to the circular plane according to a circular arrangement. The blades have two different surfaces arranged on planes that are not parallel to each other, of which a first thrust surface has a surface area that is larger than the surface area of a second lifting surface. The blades are hinged to the circular plane with the same orientation with respect to the center of the circular plane, and the circular plane is designed to be directly or indirectly connected to a rotor of an electricity generator.

Abstract: A system to harvest energy from shaft rotation includes a housing, a curved shaft disposed within the housing, and a magnetostrictive material embedded in the housing. A rotation of the curved shaft strains the magnetostrictive material, generating an electrical current in a conductor disposed proximate to the magnetostrictive material.

Abstract: The present invention includes a drive system for use in a flowing fluid, the drive system preferably having a first turbine connected to a shaft, a first gear connected to the shaft, a second turbine rotatably mounted on a pipe, a second gear rotatably mounted on the pipe and connected to the second turbine, and two or more satellite gears in fixed locations relative to the pipe and rotatably engaged, directly or indirectly, with the first gear and the second gear. The drive system may be used, for example, in a wind generator to generate electrical energy.

Abstract: A machine which capitalizes on the descent of water which has been elevated by making use of the random use of waves and or the velocity of the waters. A device which determines the true surface level in spite of random motions of the waters such as waves, surges and etc. by establishing the theory that water seeks its own level. A device which capitalizes on the velocity and weight of water, such as is present in waves and river waters, wherein the current has sufficient velocity to depress a ramp and produce useful energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to hydroelectric generating plants which may be prefabricated and subsequently exchanged for preexisting radial water control gates. The hydroelectric generating plant disclosed herein may be particularly advantageous for hydroelectric development of projects with preexisting submergible radial gates. Various configurations are disclosed which maximize generating capacity, hydraulic efficiency, and flood flow capacity, while minimizing weight and cost.

Abstract: A rotor for a radial flow turbine has an impulse chamber (51) having an inlet defined in a circumferential surface of the rotor and a reaction chamber (62) having an outlet defined in the circumferential surface of the rotor. The impulse chamber is in fluid communication with the reaction chamber, and the reaction chamber outlet is axially displaced from the impulse chamber inlet.

Abstract: A Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system guides navigation of a vessel enabled to extract energy from wind and/or water currents primarily in offshore marine environments. An exemplary SCADA system could embody server and client software applications running on microprocessor systems at a remote control central service logging and energy distribution facility, and the vessel itself. The remote control service facility runs Human Machine Interface (HMI) software in the form of a Graphical User Interface (GUI) allowing choices to maximize system performance. The central server accesses information to control vessel position based on transmitted Global Position Satellite (GPS) data from the vessel, and weather information from the Geographic Information System (GIS) provided by multiple spatial temporal data sources.

Abstract: A device and method for harvesting electrical power from kinetic energy of a flow. The electricity generator includes a vibration assembly and magnetic field source. The external gas or liquid flow causes a vibration of the assembly with an integrated conductive element, producing electricity in proximity of a magnetic field. The vibrating assembly has a set of resonant frequencies that correspond to a set of the frequencies of the flow vortices within a predetermined range of the external flow velocities. An arbitrary number of adjustable generators can be connected into a single circuit, either in-series or in-parallel, to increase an overall power output. It is capable to operate under wide range of flow characteristics and can serve as a virtually maintenance-free source of electrical power.

Abstract: A wind turbine captures energy from a flowing fluid medium using drum-shaped drive elements that spin while traveling along a continuous orbiting course around a base. Attached roller bearings engaging stationary raceways can guide the drive elements. Means for spinning the drive elements can include toothed belts engaging drive element cog wheels. Spinning can provide Magnus effect enhancement. Wind energy is captured by the drive element motion, then transferred to the base cog wheels by a toothed belt and finally fed to an output shaft. The invention includes locating drive elements in a moving fluid medium, spinning the drive elements as they are urged by the wind along a continuous orbiting course and capturing energy by linking the motion of the drive elements to an external device. The method includes adjusting the base's azimuth and the angle of incidence of the wind in response to wind direction and speed.

Abstract: An energy conversion system may include a stationary structure, a rotatable structure configured to rotate relative to the stationary structure, wherein the rotatable structure defines an axis of rotation. The system may further include at least one blade member mounted to and extending radially outward from the rotatable structure, the at least one blade member being configured to interact with fluid currents flowing in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation to cause the rotatable structure to rotate about the axis of rotation, and at least one bearing mechanism disposed to provide at least one of a radial and axial bearing between the rotatable structure and the stationary structure as the rotatable structure rotates about the stationary structure. The system may be configured to convert rotation of the rotatable structure to at least one of electricity and hydrogen production.

Abstract: A submersible electric power generation system includes one or more propeller units interconnected by universal joints, and a generator stage at one end of the propeller unit or units and interconnected thereto by a universal joint and a generator drive shaft. The generation system is deployed within a flowing stream of water so that the propeller units transmit rotational torque, caused by the flowing stream of water, to the generator stage for generating electrical power. The generation system is deployed into the water by a set of arms controlled by a control unit disposed within a water going vessel. The propeller units' buoyancy and the universal joints encourage an undulating movement within a flowing stream which serves to protect the system from damage caused by debris carried within the flowing stream.

Abstract: A submersible telemetry platform includes a body and lift-generating surface(s) configured to provide lift to the body when a fluid flows thereacross. The platform includes attitude control surface(s) for controlling a pitch of the body in such a way that modifies the lift characteristics of the body. A control device is coupled to the attitude control surface(s) for controlling the lift attitude control surface(s). A base is configured to be anchored to a subsurface location and is coupled to the telemetry platform by a tether in such a way that the telemetry platform has freedom-of-movement about a common center point at the base. Telemetry equipment is coupled to the body of the telemetry platform for enabling wireless communication with at least one remote device. The telemetry platform is controllable to rise from a submersed position in a body of liquid to a surface of the body of liquid.

Abstract: An electro-hydrodynamic system that extracts energy from a gas stream, which includes an injector that injects a first species of particles having the same polarity into the gas stream, wherein particle movement with the gas stream is opposed by a first electric field; an electric field generator that generates a second electric field opposing the first, such that the net electric field at a predetermined distance downstream from the injector is approximately zero; an upstream collector that collects a second species of particles having a polarity opposite the first particle species; a downstream collector that collects the charged particle; and a load coupled between the downstream collector and the upstream collector, wherein the load converts the kinetic energy of the gas stream into electric power.

Abstract: A power plant for providing electric power to a power grid includes energy sources; power conditioning units and a controller configured to cause power provided to the grid to have selected electrical characteristics. The controller is in high speed real-time communication with the power conditioning units and programmed to provide instructions to the power conditioning units.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a underwater unit (1) for a hydroelectric power plant and a modular hydroelectric power plant (2) comprising a plurality of such units. The unit (1) according to the invention uses the principle of functioning of the traditional hydroelectric power plants and comprises a penstock (200) which involves a “head” of at least 100 m, and preferably of about 150-300 m, and carries elevated kinetic energy water masses from the surface of a water basin down to one or more turbines (301a-301f) provided in depth under the surface of the basin itself, so as to transfer the kinetic energy from the water to said turbines and to transform then the kinetic energy into electric power. Thanks to the use of variable volume discharge tanks (313a,313b) positioned downstream the turbines, it is possible to easily and effectively return the water masses used for the actuation of turbines themselves to the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A method of controlling a tethered, underwater, water current-driven turbine, power-generating device. The device is comprised of dual turbines and dual rotor blades turned by fluid flow, each turbine including one or more generators driven by rotor blades. The device is connected by device tethers to a strut, which is moveable to control depth of the device. The strut is connected to the ocean floor by tripodal tethers: a main tether, a left side tether and a right side tether, which are strut control tethers. One or more winches are controlled to maintain operation of the device within set parameters by varying the tension on one or more of the strut control tethers.

Abstract: The potential energy of wastewater is considered as source of electric green energy in the present invention. The total potential energy, spontaneous and stimulated, of wastewater discharged from residential and business buildings are collected at the maximum point before leaving the buildings. Hence the conversion of the potential energy of wastewater in each building into electricity via electromagnetic induction or hydroelectric generator is more valuable in this case.

Abstract: Hydroelectric generators for generating hydroelectric energy from a liquid drawn upstream of a cascading water feature, including an intake positioned upstream of the cascading water feature, a columnar conduit mounted substantially underground in fluid communication with the intake, the columnar conduit configured to collect a selected quantity of liquid from the intake to pressurize the liquid to a selected amount of head pressure, and a generation unit downstream and in fluid communication with the columnar conduit, the generation unit being configured to receive the pressurized liquid from the columnar conduit and he driven by the pressurized liquid to generate electricity.

Abstract: A device configured for the production of hydrokinetic energy that allows the efficient capture of energy from fluid in motion, especially slow flowing fluids. The device features an innovative structural design and drive train system as well as redundancy, which allows the device to be deployed in position, placed in service and maintained over its lifetime through the use of remotely operated vehicles. The device features one or more turbines, each turbine having an open center tube. The device features a buoyancy system including a plurality of thin walled modular buoyancy chambers with a redundant (re)pressurization system and remotely operated vehicle replaceable bladder modules. Structure cavities of the device are capable of storing energy via processed energy storage liquids such as hydrogen or via gas compression in tanks and then exporting the stored energy or reconverting the stored energy into electricity.

Abstract: A method compressing a gas, advantageously air, is disclosed. The gas is compressed by disposing one or more hydrofoils in a liquid flow for the purpose of generating a downpull and thereafter a lift by altering the angle of attack on the hydrofoil relative to the flow of liquid, advantageously water. The down force causes the load, advantageously air, to be submerged, and hence compressed proportional to the depth of liquid to which the air is subjected. The hydrofoil is attached to a mechanical device, which in turn is anchored or moored in the depth of the liquid and at or under the surface. The angle of attack of the hydrofoil is altered by mechanical devices connected to tension bars or strings or by flaps. The volume of air loaded in the hydrofoil is adapted such that the down force is greater than the buoyancy of the air. An accelerating effect is achieved by that the volume of air decreases inversely proportional to the increasing depth to which it is subject.

Abstract: Hydroelectric generators for harnessing potential energy from a flowing liquid source with a varying surface level. Hydroelectric generators may comprise platforms with buoyancies selected to remain suspended in the liquid source at a selected depth. In some examples, generation units may be fixed to the platform, the generation unit including turbines partially submerged in the liquid source, generators drivingly connected to the wheel, and electrical interfaces connected to the generator, the electrical interface configured to connect to an external power system. In some examples, hydroelectric generators may include one or more anchors connected to the platform. In some examples, generation units may include rotors. In some examples, hydroelectric generators may include projections extending into the liquid source and define channels between the projections.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device (10) for capturing energy from ocean waves. The device (10) comprises a base (12) adapted for stationary mounting relative to a fluid flow generated by the ocean waves. A drive member (14) is movably connected relative to the base (12) and adapted to be driven in oscillatory rotational motion relative to the base (12). An array of paddles (14c) extend from the drive member (14), such that forces applied to the paddles by the ocean waves drive the drive member in oscillatory rotational motion relative to the base (12), A plurality of removable modular energy transfer mechanisms (20) are associated with the drive member (14) and adapted to be driven by the oscillation of the drive member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a helical turbine power generation system for generating electricity by using a helical turbine and a synchronous generator, the system including: a helical turbine rotatably provided in a frame so as to continuously generate rotation force under unidirectional or multidirectional fluid flow; a step-up gear for increasing a rotational velocity of the helical turbine up to a level required for generating electricity; a fluid coupling for preventing the rotational velocity increased by the step-up gear from increasing above a required velocity at a temporarily high rate of fluid flow; and a synchronous generator for generating electricity by using the rotational velocity transferred from the fluid coupling. Therefore, it is possible to reduce equipment costs and to prevent environmental pollution.

Abstract: The ribbon drive generation apparatus is comprised of a ribbon-like curved shape, composed either of metal or other suitable material, attached to a containment tube, peripheral rings, shaft, or porous central tube, with the complete apparatus being contained in a tube having a constant diameter for the length of the tube. The ribbon can be peripherally mounted to the containment tube and optionally to a central porous tube. In this form the containment tube rotates and can form part of a rotor for a generator apparatus. The optional central porous tube can also be used as a bearing surface or, if attached to the inside edge of the ribbon, a power take-off shaft.

Abstract: Mechanisms are described which receive and transfer forces via transducers having one or more persistent deformations in changeable locations. Actuator or propulsion embodiments are powered by elastic or variable length transducers that exert forces on the deformed members which in turn exert forces onto ambient fluid such as air or water. Generator embodiments receive forces from ambient moving fluid via deformed members which transfer those forces to elastic or variable length transducers which convert those forces into electrical energy.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a hydrokinetic device that includes an energy transducer. The method comprises setting a target condition for the hydrokinetic device, monitoring an actual condition of the hydrokinetic device, comparing the target condition to the actual condition to determine an error signal, and invoking a power control protocol with depth change protocol based on the error signal to maintain the hydrokinetic device at the target condition.

Abstract: A system includes a collection of water at a first elevation, an aquifer at a second elevation lower than the first elevation and one or more fluid communication channels that facilitate fluid communication between the collection of water and the aquifer. A turbine-generator is in one of the fluid communication channels to convert kinetic energy of fluid that has flown out of the collection of water into electrical energy. A fluid collection area is downstream of the turbine-generator that at least temporarily collects fluid that has passed through the turbine-generator. An injection pump is provided to pump fluid that has accumulated in the collection area into the aquifer.

Abstract: An apparatus (2) for placement on or in a body of flowing water (8) for generating hydroelectric power. The apparatus comprises a generally horizontal rotor (6) driven by the water flowing (14) past it to generate electrical power. A method of generating hydroelectric power. The method comprises placing an apparatus in or on a body of water and allowing water to flow past a generally horizontally disposed rotor to turn it and generate electrical power.

Abstract: A series of underwater sails spaced apart, attach to a moving cable loop between pulleys with electric generators. The sails inflate by the force of the water current and drive the cable in the direction of the current to turn the generators to generate electricity. As the sails reach the end pulley or tail spool they deflate and are pulled back to the beginning power pulley in a continual repeated cycle.

Abstract: This invention discloses the efficient, non-polluting generation of electricity through the construction and use of an electric power generating system wherein electricity is generated by utilizing the powerful subsurface undercurrents present near an ocean shoreline. The undercurrent water is caused to cycle internally through a conical shell housing assembly constructed in an upwardly narrowing configuration to produce a nozzle effect within the shell housing. The nozzle effect generates a combined water and air power piston that alternates in a vertical direction within the shell assembly. In both the upward and downward cycles, the power piston impacts a fan blade component that causes the shaft of an electricity generating turbine to rotate and produce electricity.

Abstract: Heated air rises in a long, diagonal chimney up the side of a mountain. The airflow in the chimney turns wind turbines. Air entering the chimney's feeder tubes is heated in stages, where each stage has its own solar concentration and thermal insulation needs. Water, water vapor and air can be preheated as they are shipped to a chimney's lower end. Both low heat for preheating and high heat can be stored for night electricity generation and for continuing the chimney's electric production during cloudy periods. A pressurized chimney or tube may be built with cables pulling the sides outward or holding the sides inward as needed, with separate air fairing and weather protection layers for the chimney or tube. Putting wind turbines in series in a chimney can lessen the air pressure stresses on the chimney's roof. Water vapor rising a considerable elevation in a diagonal chimney will condense, giving up latent heat to the chimney air as it produces distilled water or mountaintop snow.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using instream water flow velocity to increase hydro turbine output is provided. In one implementation, the system and method are adapted to harness the kinetic energy in flowing water, preferably in waste water spilling over low-head dams or flowing from pump discharge at reservoir pumping stations, and using such energy in conjunction with differentials between head water and turbine location to improve turbine output. In certain implementations, the novel technology can be used to establish dispersed small-scale hydroelectric generation units at existing low-head dams. Preferably, the dispersed small-scale hydroelectric generation units can be connected to the existing power grid, thus providing a new source of sustainable alternative energy.

Abstract: The present invention is a ring generator with a rotor internal diameter equal to the turbine outside diameter, and having the turbine mounted on the inside of the rotor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high efficiency waterwheel apparatus having track-type blades and a track-type blade set thereof, which includes at least one track disk, a plurality of moving elements and a plurality of blades. The track disk has at least one track surrounding a central axis of the track disk. The moving elements move in the track. The blades are connected to the moving elements. The blades are pushed by water flow to revolving around a central axis. The moving elements connected to the blades are guided by a track so that the blades have different angles while revolving to different positions of the track. Thus, the blade set rotate at a variable angular velocity. When the track-type blade set is applied for power generation, the power generation efficiency is improved in a low-speed ocean current.