Abstract: An energy island system arranged related to a body of water with a seafloor, a surface and a depth over an underground is disclosed. The system comprises a structurally rigid shell (1) extending from the seafloor to above the water surface, inclosing a lagoon of the body of water, material with a negative buoyancy stacked around the shell (1) forming a gravity stabilized wall (2), and a tunnel (5) established in the wall (2), providing for hydraulic communication between the surrounding body of water and the interior of the shell (1). Further, a method for construction of an energy island is disclosed.

Abstract: An aquaculture system can include an aquafarm with one or more aquatic pods of aquatic organisms and a remote device to manage the aquafarm. An aquatic pod may be associated with an aquatic structure with a buoyancy system and a control device to automatically perform daily farming functions. The aquatic structure may include an enclosure to hold the aquatic organisms. The control device may be configured to use a smart buoyancy assistant to control the buoyancy system and to determine the farming task to perform in response to environmental stimuli. The remote device can receive data representing crop metrics, harvest results, and sensor data. The remote device can aggregate data from multiple aquatic pods and correlate the data to generate aquaculture models to improve the harvest results. The remote device can generate overview and maintenance reports for the aquafarm.

Abstract: An enclosed hydroelectricity generator system includes an inlet channel, a low-pressure enclosed turbine, an outlet channel, and a hydroelectric generator. The enclosed turbine includes an inner can, an outer housing, a turbine axle, a plurality of paddle boards, and a water pressure containment chamber. The turbine axle is concentrically and symmetrically connected to the inner can. The plurality of paddle boards is radially connected around the inner can. The inner can and the plurality of paddle boards are rotatably enclosed within the outer housing. The inlet channel and the outlet channel are oppositely traversing into the outer housing. The inlet channel is in fluid communication with the outer channel through the water pressure containment chamber. The hydroelectric generator is operatively coupled with the turbine axle so that a kinetic energy of a pressurized water flow that enters into the water pressure containment chamber can be converted into hydroelectricity.

Abstract: A flow control device includes a cylindrical body disposed about a primary axis. The cylindrical body includes a primary flow passage extending therethrough. A ball element having an inlet flow passage extending therethrough is pivotable relative to the cylindrical body between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the inlet flow passage is in fluid communication with the primary flow passage, and in the closed position, the inlet flow passage is not in fluid communication with the primary flow passage. The flow control device further comprises an internal flow control body having a collar positioned within the cylindrical body about the primary axis. A plurality of outer helical fins extend outwardly from the collar and define a plurality of outer helical passageways, and a plurality of inner helical fins are positioned inwardly from the collar and define a plurality of inner helical passageways.

Abstract: There is a desire to be able to generate electrical power from the tides without turbines posing an unacceptable hazard to sea traffic and/or life, and in particular without causing such sea traffic and/or life to alter their behaviour in response to the placement of turbines and/or other structures. According to the present invention, a tunnel (7) is provided at a height substantially between the low tide height and high tide height; a power take-off system (11) is configured to convert movement of water in the tunnel into usable energy. In this way, a tunnel inlet (5) may be placed at a location that does not interfere with shipping and/or the natural environment.

Abstract: Embodiments of a hydroelectric system for a low head dam can include a module including a protective housing, a turbine housing retained within the protective housing, the turbine housing including an upper inlet portion at a first end, a substantially tubular portion, and a lower outlet portion at a second end, the upper inlet portion being positioned above the lower outlet portion, a turbine retained at least partially within the turbine housing, the turbine including a plurality of blades coupled with a central shaft, and a fluid pump, the fluid pump being coupled with the central shaft, where the fluid pump is configured to pump a high pressure fluid, a fluid circuit, the fluid circuit including piping, where the high pressure fluid is retained within the piping, and a shoreline generator, the shoreline generator being coupled with the fluid circuit, where the offsite generator is driven by the high pressure fluid that is pumped by the fluid pump in response to the rotation of the turbine.

Abstract: A fluid conduit includes an open chamber. A rotating device is mounted in the chamber. The rotating device includes a portion protruding through the open chamber and into the conduit. A plurality of fluid impingement surfaces are spaced apart on a surface of the rotating device, whereby fluid moving through the conduit impinges on the impingement surfaces and rotates the rotating device.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, computer program product, and system for energy production from fluid. In a step, the computer determines if the rate of the fluid level increase in the one of the one or more fluid reservoirs is above a predetermined threshold. In a step, the computer sends a signal to a bypass valve to open and release fluid through a bypass fluid connection from the one of the one or more fluid reservoirs if the rate of the fluid level increase in the one of the one or more fluid reservoirs is above a predetermined threshold. In a step, the computer sends a signal to a regulation valve to open for fluid connection to one or more turbines if the fluid level of the one of the one or more fluid reservoirs is above the predetermined threshold level.

Abstract: An underwater apparatus for generating electric power from ocean currents and deep water tides. A submersible platform including two or more power pods, each having a rotor with fixed-pitch blades, with drivetrains housed in pressure vessels that are connected by a transverse structure providing buoyancy, which can be a wing depressor, hydrofoil, truss, or faired tube. The platform is connected to anchors on the seafloor by forward mooring lines and a vertical mooring line that restricts the depth of the device in the water column. The platform operates using passive, rather than active, depth control. The wing depressor, along with rotor drag loads, ensures the platform seeks the desired operational current velocity. The rotors are directly coupled to a hydraulic pump that drives at least one constant-speed hydraulic-motor generator set and enables hydraulic braking. A fluidic bearing decouples non-torque rotor loads to the main shaft driving the hydraulic pumps.

Abstract: A hydraulic structure having walls (1) creating a downstream narrowing passage in a streaming surface water. The downstream ends (4) of the walls (1) are edged in order to generate vortices (2) dissolving from the edges (4) downstream which dissipate the energy of the flow created by a level difference between the entry and the exit of the passage.

Abstract: An electrical power generating system is connected to a sewer for conveying waste water to a sanitary treatment station. Waste water is propelled through the sewer line by pumping equipment which simultaneously pulverizes most large objects carried by the waste water. The waste water drives one or more water-operated turbines. The turbines are operatively connected to electrical power generators for producing electrical power and dispersing the power through an electrical power transmission system.

Abstract: The invention is David Stauffer's river bottom siphon and hydroelectricity generator for a pollution-free hydroelectric energy generator using a submerged river pipeline and gravity for the delivery of fresh river-water for agriculture and drinking through a fabricated ecosystem to ease the problems of global warming, rising ocean levels, flooding, drought, pollution, depletion of the ozone layer, the blockage of fish migration by dams, and loss of rain forests, grazing land, and agricultural land through a system of large river-bottom pipelines to transfer the abundant supply of fresh water on the bottoms of the Columbia and Mississippi Rivers and, eventually, the Nile, Tigris, Rhine, Yellow, and all other rivers throughout the world to lands in need of fresh water (no really, I'm not joking) invention.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for generating energy. According to one representative embodiment, a main housing includes an air chamber having an open bottom, and a paddlewheel is attached to the main housing so that the paddlewheel is free to rotate and thereby generate kinetic energy. An anchor is attached to the main housing, and an electrical generator which converts the kinetic energy of the paddlewheel into electrical energy is coupled to the paddlewheel. An upper portion of the paddlewheel is enclosed by the air chamber. When the main housing is submerged underwater and maintained in a level orientation, air within the air chamber remains trapped within the air chamber, thereby reducing resistance to rotation of the paddlewheel.

Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to a seat portion structure for a ground-based hydraulic turbine engine. The seat portion structure includes a base plate. A first bearing element is connected to the base plate and contacts the ground. At least three arms are connected to the base plate by a pivoting link. The arms are adapted for pivoting relative to the base plate between a first position, in which the arms are placed near each other, and a second position, in which the arms radially extend from the base plate. A second bearing element is connected to one end of each arm and contacts the ground. A positioning device is adapted for changing the distance between the end of at least one arm and the associated second element. The structure includes, for each arm, a device for locking the arm in the second position.

Abstract: Circulation and aeration systems for ponds, lakes, sounds, treatment basins, and other bodies of water. In one set of embodiments, water is pumped in a downward direction to circulate ambient oxygen from the atmosphere and produced by plant photosynthesis to deeper strata. In other embodiments, water is circulated within predetermined depth strata. Each system preferably includes a wind turbine, a drive shaft, and an impeller array. Some systems include conduits for conveying and mixing water from and to selected depth strata, or configured as an open impeller-mixing apparatus. Alternative embodiments include systems which incorporate electrical power generation by the wind turbine, solar power generation and use hybrid wind-solar apparatus, and combinations of land-based and in-water based apparatus. A pneumatic pump diffuser and a control flow centered orifice diffuser line are employed in some embodiments.

Abstract: A method for selectively generating electrical power uses water gravity flow to generate electrical power. An electrical power generator is driven to generate electrical power in response to the waste. A portion of the electrical power generated by the at least one electrical power generator can be stored and tapped later to supplement the output of the electrical power generator. A portion of the water flow can be stored and tapped later to supplement the water flow.

Abstract: An offshore structure for deploying and retrieving underwater electrical power generators that converts energy derived from water currents into electrical energy. The offshore structural platform includes a pair of vertical guide rails to guide a propulsion device lowering said generator underwater onto a seabed propulsion device. The seabed propulsion device is engaged on an underwater seabed rail system and transports the generator onto one of many unique frames specifically designed to support underwater generators. Securing devices are utilized to ensure the generators remain anchored to each propulsion device and to the unique frame. Rail transferring elements are also utilized for a smooth and safe transition during the transport process.

Abstract: An electrical power generating system is connected to a sewer for conveying waste water to a sanitary treatment station. Waste water is propelled through the sewer line by pumping equipment which simultaneously pulverizes most large objects carried by the waste water. The waste water drives one or more water-operated turbines. The turbines are operatively connected to electrical power generators for producing electrical power and dispersing the power through an electrical power transmission system.

Abstract: A liquid level determination system includes pressure determination components that include an interference dampener to mitigate interference originating from a bubbler air compressor. The system may include a pressure pipe with a pressure sensing pipe end located adjacent to the pressure determination components and a bubbler pipe end locatable at least partially in a wet well. The wet well may include a pump that has a volute. The pressure pipe may further include layered pipe sections, and the position of the bubbler pipe end may be calculated so that it is not lower than a level substantially equivalent to a center line through the volute. The bubbler air compressor may provide air pressure to the pressure pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wave power unit with a floating body (1), a submerged station (2) and flexible connection means (3) connecting the floating body (1) to the submerged station (100). The submerged station (100) has a stator 5 (5) and a moving part (6). According to the invention the flexible connection means (3) is provided with a damper (12). The damper (12) is arranged to absorb tensile forces in the flexible connection means (3). The invention also relates to a use of such a wave power unit and to a 10 method for producing and supplying electric energy.

Abstract: A method for selectively generating electrical power uses water gravity flow to generate electrical power. An electrical power generator is driven to generate electrical power in response to the waste. A portion of the electrical power generated by the at least one electrical power generator can be stored and tapped later to supplement the output of the electrical power generator. A portion of the water flow can be stored and tapped later to supplement the water flow.

Abstract: A liquid level determination system to determine the level of a liquid in a wet we is disclosed. The system may include pressure determination components and a pressure pipe with a pressure sensing pipe end located adjacent to the pressure determination components and a bubbler pipe end locatable at least partially in the wet well. A transducer is used to determine a pressure level within the pressure pipe maintained by a bubbler air compressor. A level detection processor may analyze the pressure level to determine a liquid level in the wet well. An interference dampener is included to mitigate interference originating from the bubbler air compressor. The interference dampener may be provided by transducer plug to restrict air flow. Alternatively, the interference dampener may be provided by a computer operated program to monitor and mitigate the interference.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improved power generation through movement of water retrofitting existing hydroelectric dams with draft tube inserts and tailrace walls to increase water velocity for production of power using hydrokinetic turbines installed in the tailrace. By initial design or by draft tube inserts and tailrace walls, increased and streamlined water flow leads to higher efficiencies of the hydrokinetic turbine, thus more efficiently converting available kinetic energy of the water into usable energy.

Abstract: An improved wave energy collecting apparatus comprising a frame (1) including at least one hinged (2) vertically tilting or rotating surface (3), such as a barrier in the form of a panel or a sail, for collecting energy from passing wave pressure fronts via a tilting or rotating motion within the frame (1), wherein the hinge (2) is positioned below the surface of the fluid at the trough of the passing waves, said barrier (3) being connected to a device capable of transforming the tilting or rotating motion into different types of energy, wherein the apparatus is located at a depth such that the tilting or rotating barrier (3) breaks the surface of passing waves at the crest of the waves. Such an apparatus may also include vertically positioned side walls (4) for directing the pressure fronts from passing waves towards the tilting barrier (3).

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 sea bed anchor of the plug-and-socket type, in which the depth of the socket (2) needed to keep the plug in the socket against tidal force is reduced by downwards force from a hydrofoil (5). The same force is used to lock the plug and socket positively together. The effective area of hydrofoils (5) can be increased when the tide is flowing, and reduced when it is not. Downwards force from hydrofoils is also used to enable submersible vessels to drill sockets in rock or to embed suction anchors in sediment.

Abstract: The device (100) serves to separate solid particles from the water of a flow (E) feeding a hydraulic machine of the turbine, pump, or turbine-pump type. The device has flow inlet and outlet zones (104, 105) for the flow that are spaced apart along an advance axis (X100) of flow advance through the device (100). The device (100) comprises a plurality of ducts (110) placed in parallel, each having a mouth and a downstream end between the inlet zone (104) and the outlet zone (105). In section perpendicular to the advance axis (X100), each duct presents a section in the form of a spiral with a radius of curvature that increases from the mouth towards the downstream end or from the downstream end towards the mouth, with each duct (110) presenting a thickness measured in a generally radial direction relative to the advance axis that is less than 10% of the width (l110) of said duct, measured parallel to said axis (X100).

Abstract: An electrical power generating system is connected to a sewer for conveying waste water to a sanitary treatment station. Waste water is propelled through the sewer line by pumping equipment which simultaneously pulverizes most large objects carried by the waste water. The waste water drives one or more water-operated turbines. The turbines are operatively connected to electrical power generators for producing electrical power and dispersing the power through an electrical power transmission system.

Abstract: A method for selectively generating electrical power uses waste water gravity flow to generate electrical power. An electrical power generator is driven to generate electrical power in response to the waste. A portion of the electrical power generated by the at least one electrical power generator can be stored and tapped later to supplement the output of the electrical power generator. A portion of the waste water flow can be stored and tapped later to supplement the waste water flow.

Abstract: “The Environmentally Safe Hydro-Electric Pipeline And Water Delivery System” will provide over one million gallons of fresh water per day to areas and communities in desperate need of clean fresh water. This will be accomplished with a very small environmental footprint. This pipeline will be self powered by use of gravity and siphon principals. There will be enough flow and water pressure left over to power many water turbine electric generators, which may be located anywhere along the pipeline, where the power can be sold.

Abstract: A Mechanically Produced Thermocline Based Ocean Temperature Regulatory System to sequester carbon dioxide, create a cold water barrier to hurricanes and tropical storms, and ensure the function of the thermohaline circulation.

Abstract: A deployment device for deploying a buoyant underwater electricity generating apparatus to a submerged location in a body of water is disclosed. The deployment device comprises a winding apparatus (14) adapted to be mounted to the electricity generating apparatus and adapted to engage an anchor chain (24) fixed to a floor of the body of water and to move along said anchor chain in a first direction to move the electricity generating apparatus to said submerged location. The deployment device also comprises a locking mechanism (38) having a locked condition in which movement of the winding apparatus along the anchor chain in a second direction, opposite to said first direction, is prevented when the locking mechanism is at a predetermined location on said anchor chain, and an unlocked condition in which said winding apparatus can move along the anchor chain in said second direction.

Abstract: An improved fish passage apparatus is combined with hydroelectric power generation to facilitate migration of fish between water bodies of different heights with minimal injury or trauma to fish. It may also be optimized for power generation when fish are not moving through it. The fish passage apparatus comprises a connecting tube providing fluid communication between upper and lower water bodies, an upper valve in the connecting tube adapted to control flow of water to or from an upper water body, a lower valve in the connecting tube adapted to control flow of water to or from a lower water body, and a working tube opening into the connecting tube between the upper and lower valves a working portion of which extends functionally vertical to above a water level of the upper body of water and to below a water level of the lower body and is vented at its top such that water can flow freely in and out of the working portion.

Abstract: An electrical power generating system is connected to a sewer for conveying waste water to a sanitary treatment station. Waste water is propelled through the sewer line by pumping equipment which simultaneously pulverizes most large objects carried by the waste water. The waste water drives one or more water-operated turbines. The turbines are operatively connected to electrical power generators for producing electrical power and dispersing the power through an electrical power transmission system.

Abstract: A method for selectively generating electrical power uses waste water gravity flow to generate electrical power. An electrical power generator is driven to generate electrical power in response to the waste. A portion of the electrical power generated by the at least one electrical power generator can be stored and tapped later to supplement the output of the electrical power generator. A portion of the waste water flow can be stored and tapped later to supplement the waste water flow.

Abstract: A mooring (10) for connecting an ocean energy capturing device (51) to a seabed (16) is disclosed. The mooring (10) comprises a base (12) adapted for connection to the ocean energy capturing device (51). A plurality of anchor bolts (18) are each connected at a first end to the base (12) and have a second end adapted to be embedded in the seabed (16) for attaching the base (12) to the seabed (16). A method of securing the ocean energy capturing device (51) to the seabed (16) is also disclosed. The method involves passing a tensile transmission line (46) through a guide opening (44) in the base (12) and drawing the tensile transmission line (46) through the guide opening (44) to drag the ocean energy capturing device (51) toward the base (51).

Abstract: A sea bed anchor of the plug-and-socket type, in which the depth of the socket (2) needed to keep the plug in the socket against tidal force is reduced by downwards force from a hydrofoil (5). The same force is used to lock the plug and socket positively together. The effective area of hydrofoils (5) can be increased when the tide is flowing, and reduced when it is not. Downwards force from hydrofoils is also used to enable submersible vessels to drill sockets in rock or to embed suction anchors in sediment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the construction of a hydroelectric power generation system and to hydroelectric power generation systems constructed by such a method.

Abstract: A method for selectively generating electrical power uses waste water gravity flow to generate electrical power. An electrical power generator is driven to generate electrical power in response to the waste. A portion of the electrical power generated by the at least one electrical power generator can be stored and tapped later to supplement the output of the electrical power generator. A portion of the waste water flow can be stored and tapped later to supplement the waste water flow.

Abstract: A pressure release apparatus includes a water tower, a plurality of water supply pipes, a plurality of pressure release units and a plurality of generating units. Each of the generating units includes a generator and a collector. Each of the pressure release units includes two propeller shafts each connected with the generator of the respective generating unit to drive the generator to generate an electric power, and two impellers each secured on the respective propeller shaft to rotate the respective propeller shaft. Thus, the pressure release units co-operate with the generating units to provide a water pressure release effect and an electric generating function simultaneously.

Abstract: A high altitude pumped-storage system for selectively integrating, storing, and distributing water and energy to increase the regional productivity of existing and future water and energy resources throughout multiple river basins is disclosed. This system addresses in part the increased requirement of supplying energy demands from a renewable energy source, such as wind, solar, or water generated power. The system includes at least one primary reservoir connected to multiple secondary reservoirs by conduits. The system allows for selectively distributing water and energy between secondary reservoirs and at least one primary reservoir. The system may comprise one or more hydroelectric power generation facilities. A method for increasing the regional efficiency of existing and future systems for producing, storing, and delivering energy from sources such as hydroelectric, wind and solar power from the water collected by the system described herein is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrical power generating system is connected to a sewer for conveying waste water to a sanitary treatment station. Waste water is propelled through the sewer line by pumping equipment which simultaneously pulverizes most large objects carried by the waste water. The waste water drives one or more water-operated turbines. The turbines are operatively connected to electrical power generators for producing electrical power and dispersing the power through an electrical power transmission system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for harnessing wave energy. In one embodiment, a wave energy conversion device comprises a buoyant component connected to a generator such that wave energy is transferable from the buoyant component to the generator. A restricting mechanism connected with the buoyant component, is configured to selectively restrict the buoyant component from rising strictly along with passing waves. The restricting mechanism may be selectively released at an optimal time during a passing wave. In some embodiments, a system may include an array of wave energy conversion devices and a communications network. The communications network may allow for each of the buoyant components in the array to be released at an optimal time in sequential fashion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improved power generation through movement of water retrofitting existing hydroelectric dams with draft tube inserts and tailrace walls to increase water velocity for production of power using hydrokinetic turbines installed in the tailrace. By initial design or by draft tube inserts and tailrace walls, increased and streamlined water flow leads to higher efficiencies of the hydrokinetic turbine, thus more efficiently converting available kinetic energy of the water into usable energy.

Abstract: An environmental protective electrical power generating system is formed by a penstock connected at its opposite ends to a large sewer for conveying waste water from feeder pipelines to a sanitary treatment station. Sewer waste water is propelled through the sewer line by pumping equipment which simultaneously pulverizes most large objects carried by the waste water. The waste water is diverted, through a control gate, into the penstock where it flows through and operates one or more water-operated turbines. The turbines are operatively connected to electrical power generators for producing electrical power and dispersing the power through an electrical power transmission system. Depending upon the size of the sewer pipes, the volume of liquid flowing there-through, and the turbine and generator equipment, electrical power is generated without affecting the environment or ecology and without the use of fossil fuels.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the general art of energy storage and power generation, and in particular to systems for capturing and storing energy, for instance, offshore floating ocean energy systems. In various embodiments, such systems may include a pneumatically stabilized platform base coupled to a power generator and a potential energy storage device.

Abstract: A hydroelectric system comprising a support member, a rotational torque converter, a drive member being disposed at one end of a support arm, a water driven mechanism in rotational communication with the drive member, wherein the support arm can be pivotally adjusted by a retraction mechanism are disclosed. A spillway deflector comprising a spillway deflector wedge, a deflector anchor, and a flat portion extending between the deflector anchor and the deflector wedge are disclosed.

Abstract: A hydraulic power generating system is disclosed. The hydraulic power generating system includes a looped rail, a plurality of pulleys moving along the looped rail, a plurality of water receiving plates, each being installed to each of the pulleys, side plates which are hingedly coupled to left and right side portions of each of the water receiving plates by hinge shafts, and spread adjusting devices which make the side plates spread against a direction of water flow. Accordingly, since the spread direction of the side plates hingedly coupled to both side portions of the water receiving plate can be changed forward and backward according to the direction of water flow so as to receive a larger amount of water, efficiency in generating power using water energy increases.

Abstract: A method for selectively generating electrical power uses waste water gravity flow to generate electrical power. An electrical power generator is driven to generate electrical power in response to the waste. A portion of the electrical power generated by the at least one electrical power generator can be stored and tapped later to supplement the output of the electrical power generator. A portion of the waste water flow can be stored and tapped later to supplement the waste water flow.

Abstract: A turbine structure and a gate structure for tidal power plants of the present invention features that middle walls which can be installed as two units of one block are installed with an inside stuffing and a flexible joint so as to absorb and reduce the internal and external effects of the buoyancy and mechanical vibration of the turbine structures and the gate structures on the tidal power plants, save construction costs by shortened construction period and reduced concrete placing quantity, and prevent the cracks of concrete and the generation of hydration heat.