Extracting Power From Moving Fluid Patents (Class 405/75)
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Patent number: 7611307Abstract: The apparatus may include a space frame on which is mounted at least one hydrofoil for generating positive or negative lift. The frame is attachable to underwater equipment such as a turbine. The hydrofoils are adapted to produce negative lift when a flow of liquid passes over them and so in use cause the apparatus and attached equipment to sink to the seabed. The flow of water over the hydrofoils continue to produce negative life and so maintain the apparatus on the seabed. In certain embodiments, the hydrofoils can typically be set to a passive configuration in which they flip over when the current flow changes direction. Furthermore, the hydrofoils are selectively rotatable to provide an angle of attack such that they may be adapted to provide positive lift when it is necessary to remove the apparatus from the water.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2007Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Robert Gordon UniversityInventors: Alan Owen, Ian Gordon Bryden
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Patent number: 7585131Abstract: A wave power plant arranged to be placed on or in the sea or a lake in order to produce energy, comprising a fixed or floating structure and at least one floating body (1) that moves vertically relative to the floating structure and is connected to the structure via energy transmission devices (11). The floating body (1) is designed to be held in a fixed position during part of the wave induced motion of the body (1), thus to increase the recovery of energy from the waves. A method is also disclosed, in which the body (1) is held in a fixed position during part of the time it takes for a wave crest or trough to pass the body (1).Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2004Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: FOBOX ASInventors: Hans Øigarden, Fred Olsen
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Publication number: 20090110485Abstract: A method for selectively generating electrical power by using waste water gravity flow to generate electrical power includes attaching ends of a water flow diversion pipe to a waste water pipe. At least some of the waste water flowing by gravity through the waste water pipe is diverted into and through the diversion pipe and back into the waste water pipe. An electrical power generator is driven to generate electrical power in response to the waste water flowing through the diversion pipe. At least a portion of the electrical power generated by the at least one electrical power generator is stored and can be tapped later to supplement the output of the electrical power generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2007Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventor: Jeffrey L. Cripps
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Patent number: 7478974Abstract: Normally hydroelectric dam powerhouses use river flow once before discharging it as turbulent tailwater, ineffective to spin turbines. The present invention uses tapered channels to confine and constrict turbulent tailwater into laminar flow that drives turbines both submersible and floatable utilizing the same water three times concurrently to generate new electricity. Channels originate adjacent to draft tube outlets, constrict in the downstream direction to create narrow necks where turbine/generators benefit from debris free, increased velocity and laminar flows to generate electricity. Hydroelectricity uses zero fuel, creates zero waste and has zero carbon dioxide emissions. Structures are uncomplicated, construction is within project boundaries minimizing environmental impacts and speeding projects coming online. New facilities are protected by existing dam security. Hydroelectricity replaces less dependable renewable energy systems.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2008Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Inventor: William Lowell Kelly
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Patent number: 7470086Abstract: A submersible and remotely-operable platform system for carrying out repeated operations in a submarine position, and producing electrical energy as either a primary or secondary purpose by means of one or more energy-conversion payload devices installed thereon. The platform and payload devices may be periodically brought to the surface and thence, if necessary, to a shore-based facility for maintenance or refit. In deployment, the platform is preferably engaged to its mooring lines and electrical cables while still on the surface. Simultaneous with controlled flooding of certain of its volumes, the platform is guided to an operational depth and attitude by the action of its winch assemblies upon their engaged mooring lines. Subsea currents energize the platform's payload of energy conversion devices, the electrical output being preferably conveyed via one or more surface-attached cables to an off-board facility for further processing, distribution, or consumption.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Inventors: Clifford Allen Jennings, James Phillip Martin, Jr.
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Patent number: 7452160Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2007Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Inventor: Jeffrey L. Cripps
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Patent number: 7441988Abstract: An undersea power generation apparatus (1) includes two turbines (3) mounted side by side at either side of a support strut of hydrofoil-shaped cross section, each turbine (3) having a set of turbine blades which counter rotate so as to cancel out the respective torque produced by each turbine. The apparatus (1) is pivotally interconnected at point (9) to a pair of mooring cables (7), which are releasably moored to the seabed (6). The turbines (3) are positively buoyant such that in zero current they point vertically upwards as denoted by (8). When the current flows in the direction shown by arrow A, the drag forces on turbines (3) and support strut cause the apparatus (1) to pivot about point (9) and pitch over into condition denoted by (10) and shown in broken lines.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2004Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Soil Machine Dynamics LimitedInventor: Jonathan Ralph Manchester
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Patent number: 7429147Abstract: An anti-flooding device with possible displacement of the waters for the exploitation of water energy includes a double closing system with an outer or inner cylindrical element with automatic, semi-automatic or manual operation, a pipe-line provided with an opening at the surface level which assures a constantly equal water level in the basin, and below which there are a plurality of pipes which come out above the surface for the air passage and for being guided to a float connected to a tubular sluice-gate that closes an opening on the bottom of the main pipe-line.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2003Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Inventor: Antonio Marchetti
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Patent number: 7357599Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2005Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Criptonic Energy Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey L Cripps
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Publication number: 20080023963Abstract: Methods and systems for producing electrical power, desalinated water, and/or salt are provided. The system can include one or more first turbines in fluid communication with a body of salt water; one or more boilers for heating the salt water to provide steam and brine; and one or more second turbines in fluid communication with the steam for producing the electrical power.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2007Publication date: January 31, 2008Inventor: Stephen Perich
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Patent number: 7275891Abstract: The apparatus may include a space frame on which is mounted at least one hydrofoil for generating positive or negative lift. The frame is attachable to underwater equipment such as a turbine. The hydrofoils are adapted to produce negative lift when a flow of liquid passes over them and so in use cause the apparatus and attached equipment to sink to the seabed. The flow of water over the hydrofoils continue to produce negative life and so maintain the apparatus on the seabed. In certain embodiments, the hydrofoils can typically be set to a passive configuration in which they flip over when the current flow changes direction. Furthermore, the hydrofoils are selectively rotatable to provide an angle of attack such that they may be adapted to provide positive lift when it is necessary to remove the apparatus from the water.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2003Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Robert Gordon UniversityInventors: Alan Owen, Ian Gordon Bryden
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Patent number: 7153060Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for environmental stabilization of a body of water. A body of water is stabilized by extracting water from a higher elevation body of water at a downhill flow rate, receiving the water at lower elevation body of water, and extracting water from the lower elevation body of water to a higher elevation body of water or the like at an uphill flow rate. In certain embodiments, the invention may also include extracting energy from the downhill flow rate and using at least a portion of the energy to generate an uphill flow rate. The system and method may also include temporarily adjusting the downhill and uphill flow rates in preparation for a high demand interval.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2005Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Inventor: Robert F. Bennion
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Patent number: 7067935Abstract: Method of regulating a water level of a dam installation having a plurality of turbine generator units arranged to generate electrical power, wherein at least some of the plurality of turbine generator units are arranged at least one of one above another and one beside another so as to form at least one turbine generator module. The method includes regulating, at least to some extent, the water level to a predefinable set point by starting or stopping at least one of the plurality of turbine generator units and adjusting, in discrete steps, a quantity of water which can flow through the dam installation, wherein a discrete step is defined by a quantity of water which can flow through a defined number of turbine generator units.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2004Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: VA Tech Hydro GmbH & Co.Inventors: Günther Hess, Heinz Panholzer
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Patent number: 7037058Abstract: A resin embedded rock bolt dimensioned to be inserted into a hole drilled in a rock body with a clearance fit between the bolt and hole, the bolt having a shank which is plastically deformed by the application of an eccentric shear force to form a paddle protruding beyond the undeformed exterior of the shank prior to deformation, the paddle being shaped to mix the resin.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2002Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Industrial Roll Formers Pty. Ltd.Inventor: Jeffrey R. Fergusson
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Patent number: 7033111Abstract: A hydraulic power generating system designed to minimize equipment costs by simplifying the configuration thereof, to maximize efficiency of power generation by reducing loss in hydraulic power, and to allow economical and convenient maintenance of the system. The system comprises a power generator, a buoy floating the power generator on the surface of the water, and a fixing apparatus restricting movement of the buoy and the power generator. The power generator comprises a looped rail, a plurality of pulleys moving along the rail, a coupler to join the plurality of pulleys, a plurality of wings, each being installed to each of the pulleys to move the pulley by absorbing flow energy of water, and a generator installed in the rail to generate electricity after receiving kinetic energy of the pulleys through power transmission gears.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Inventors: Koo Shik Lee, Dae Hoon Lee
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Patent number: 6863806Abstract: A tidal-powered desalinization system is mounted on a barge that oscillates about fixed pier structures, generating a two-way pumping action. The two-way pumping action is changed to a single direction flow of seawater. The sea water is directed into an on-board desalinization system. Fresh water is produced and collected in reservoirs, without an intervening generation of electricity.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Lunatech, LLCInventors: Christian Stark, Brett Holton
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Publication number: 20040247393Abstract: Method of regulating a water level of a dam installation having a plurality of turbine generator units arranged to generate electrical power, wherein at least some of the plurality of turbine generator units are arranged at least one of one above another and one beside another so as to form at least one turbine generator module. The method includes regulating, at least to some extent, the water level to a predefinable set point by starting or stopping at least one of the plurality of turbine generator units and adjusting, in discrete steps, a quantity of water which can flow through the dam installation, wherein a discrete step is defined by a quantity of water which can flow through a defined number of turbine generator units. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Applicant: VA TECH HYDRO GmbH & Co.Inventors: Gunther Hess, Heinz Panholzer
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Publication number: 20040228687Abstract: This Invention is sea waterpower station. When sea wave is down, sea water stop. When sea wave is up, sea water rise to pool on mountain.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2003Publication date: November 18, 2004Inventor: Koji Nakayamada
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Publication number: 20040022584Abstract: A tidal irrigation and electrical system used to harness the power of the ocean tide to generate electricity, create sustainable aquaculture, act as a CO2 sink, and generate hydrocarbons. An artificial atoll is created on the continental shelf to define a lagoon completely isolated from the surrounding ocean. As the tides rise and fall, the natural tidal action draws nutrient-rich, cold seawater into the lagoon to stimulate the growth of biolife. As the ocean tide falls, the natural tidal action draws the lagoon water out of the lagoon and through a biofilter to remove the biolife prior to discharge of the water back to the ocean.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventor: Martin T. Sherman
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Publication number: 20040005195Abstract: Holding apparatus for supporting a dam unit, wherein the apparatus includes a frame structure including at least one support member. The at least one support member is arranged to support the dam unit when the dam unit is raised from a lowered position to a holding position. The at least one support member is at least one of detachably connected to the dam unit and removably engagable with the dam unit. The at least one support member essentially experiences compression forces when the dam unit is supported in a holding position. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2003Publication date: January 8, 2004Applicant: VA TECH HYDRO GmbH & Co.Inventor: Stefan Winkler
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Patent number: 6641327Abstract: A water turbine arrangement employs a generator enclosed in a cylindrical casing. A turbine is arranged directly on the generator shaft outside the casing. The casing is arranged to a flow conduit by a support structure which has a tubular support shaft arranged to carry the cylindrical casing in the flow conduit. The cylindrical casing and the tubular support shaft and the turbine are removable from the flow conduit as a single structure through an installation hole.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2000Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: ABB OyInventors: Tommi Lassila, Risto Pakaste
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Publication number: 20030039512Abstract: A method of siphoning water over dams by means of a siphon. The siphon is started by closing both ends, by means of a ball valve, gate valves, check valves or other means to seal off the ends.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2001Publication date: February 27, 2003Inventor: James N. Bethune
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Patent number: 6472768Abstract: An improved method and means for transforming kinetic energy into mechanical energy to generate hydroelectric power. A submersible scoop-like composite structure (10) with a hollow, tapered, inner chamber to funnel moving water through a turbine (22). The structure (10) has a hydrodynamically clean outer hull with cambered surfaces to increase the velocity of moving water to enhance the turbine's (22) efficiency. The structure (10) has a large orifice with a protective grill (14). The body of the structure (10) contains a vertical stabilizer petition (13) to keep the structure (10) parallel with the direction of the moving water. The detachable turbine (22) is housed in a tube (11) attached aft of the structure (10). The detachable generator (25A, 25B, 25C) is housed in a protective housing (12A, 12B, 12C) and attached to the turbine housing (11). The turbine (22) is coupled to the generator (25A, 25B, 25C) by a turbine drive shaft (24) through a gear box (23) to a generator drive shaft (26A, 26B, 26C).Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2000Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Inventor: Darwin Aldis Salls
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Publication number: 20020131823Abstract: The purpose of this tidal irrigation and electrical system (TIES) is to harness the power of the tide to generate electricity, create sustainable aquaculture and generate hydrocarbons and/or ethonals and/or other products derived from biomass, all the while furnishing a CO2 sink.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2001Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventor: Martin Sherman
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Patent number: 6451204Abstract: An inlet screen for an ocean thermal power plant has an outer side parallel to the ocean current and a plurality of parallel bars extending at an acute angle to the horizontal, wherein the acute angle opens toward the upstream direction of the current. The total area of through openings in the inlet screen receive the predetermined flow requirement of the power plant at a velocity no greater than 0.5 feet per second, so that fish are not sucked against the screen. The vertical spacing between the bars is no greater than one-half of the inner diameter of tubes in heat exchangers in the plant. The spacing between bars is at a minimum at the outer side of the screen, and the spacing increases between the outer side and the inner side, so that objects do not become wedged between the bars. The inlet screen extends sufficiently below the ocean level to accommodate the plant's water flow requirement at a velocity of no greater than 0.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2001Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Sea Solar Power, Inc.Inventor: J. Hilbert Anderson
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Publication number: 20020114670Abstract: A system for protecting a coastal land from a rise of the surface of the sea, wherein offshore dams and caissons containing pump-turbines are provided in such a manner that the caissons and dams extend in parallel with the coastline of the land. Partition dams are provided so as to connect the offshore dams and the coastline together to make ponds. The water level of each pond is kept lower than a preset level, which is several meters lower than an average level of the surface of the ocean, by an operation of the pump-turbines and avoiding not only the submergence of the coastal land due to the rise in the sea level caused by global warming, but also expanding the area of offshore land.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2002Publication date: August 22, 2002Applicant: The Earth Science Laboratory Cop.Inventor: Hitoshi Kinno
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Patent number: 5882143Abstract: A low head hydroelectric system for maximizing electrical power generation is disclosed. The hydroelectric system includes a support structure having a rail member adapted to be positioned above a flowing body of water adjacent a low head dam wall. An actuator is mounted to a transfer carriage which is supported for movement along the rail member. When actuated, the actuator moves an arm linearly in a vertical direction. The arm rotatably supports a water wheel including a plurality of vanes for contacting the flowing water. A generator is supported by the arm and is operably connected to the water wheel such that electricity is generated as the water wheel is caused to rotate from impact by the flowing water.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1997Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Inventor: Fred Elmore Williams, Jr.
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Patent number: 5499889Abstract: A wave motion power generator comprising a frame, including ballast members and buoyancy members, first cross members extending between opposed buoyancy members, a plurality of pairs of cylinders, a hollow piston rod associated with each cylinder, support bars extending upwardly from the second cross members, a buoyancy plate having elongate openings through which the support bars extend, the buoyancy plate being connected to the piston rods associated with a pair of the cylinders, a pressure reservoir, a manifold connected with the reservoir, a flexible conduit connected between each piston rod and the manifold and an electricity generator driven by liquid discharged from the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1994Date of Patent: March 19, 1996Inventor: Myung-Shik Yim
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Patent number: 5217324Abstract: A dynamic breakwater system pumps water from a body of water in response to wave action or underwater currents. A submerged stationary base is fixed to a solid subsurface. A breakwater protrudes upwardly through the surface of the water. Wheels support the breakwater for displacement on the base along a generally horizontal displacement axis. Springs acting against opposing sides of the breakwater urge it to a rest position between two horizontally extreme positions, and wave action and underwater currents against either side of the breakwater produce a reciprocating movement of the breakwater along its displacement axis. A pump pumps water in response to the reciprocating movement. The pump has a large piston spaced from the pump housing by roller assemblies. A door permits access to the pump interior for removal of debris or for repair, and a locking mechanism fixes the breakwater to the base to arrest pumping action for such purposes.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1992Date of Patent: June 8, 1993Inventor: Kenneth W. Freelain
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Patent number: 4998846Abstract: Bottom discharge works of a concrete dam comprise a bottom water conduit provided within the dam body and a block attached thereto at the tail-water end. In the lower portion of the attached block, there are provided a turbine chamber with a hydroelectric unit and a draught tube, while the upper portion of the attached block represents a water discharge chute. An opening with a gate is provided in the ceiling of the turbine chamber, at its inlet from the bottom water conduit.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1990Date of Patent: March 12, 1991Inventors: Jury I. Evstratov, Viktor V. Kononov, Oleg L. Sandigursky, Mikhail T. Nerovny, Sergei V. Larionov, Oleg I. Evstratov
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Patent number: 4941771Abstract: A hydroelectric system is disclosed which is designed to run intermittently to compensate for a low flow source. A float system is employed to control the operating points of the turbine by opening an inlet valve at one predetermined pond level and closing the inlet valve at a lower predetermined level. A novel entrance to the turbine inlet pipe is also disclosed which eliminates problem turbulence when the pond level is near the lower predetermined limit.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 1989Date of Patent: July 17, 1990Inventor: Robert Perper
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Patent number: 4772157Abstract: A control apparatus responsive to the difference between liquid levels, and a method of controlling a liquid flow regulator by use of the apparatus is disclosed. The control apparatus may comprise a transducer responsive to the back-pressure maintained in a bubbler system including a pair of interconnected gas bubblers, one positioned upstream and one downstream of a flow restriction, such as a trash screen protecting the inlet to a hydroelectric turbine. The mouth of the downstream bubbler is positioned at a pre-selected elevation below that of the mouth of the upstream bubbler so that the pressure head of water at the mouth of the upstream bubbler sets the system back-pressure. When the downstream water level drops sufficiently below that of the upstream water level, the reduced water pressure head at the mouth of the downstream bubbler sets the system back-pressure. A flow regulator, such as a turbine wicket gate, is operated in response to the control apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1987Date of Patent: September 20, 1988Inventor: Henry K. Obermeyer
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Patent number: 4746244Abstract: A hydroelectric power generating plant includes separate barges upstream and downstream of a dam, and a siphoning penstock attached to and spanning between the barges to enable fluid communication over the dam and to appropriate power generating equipment. In constructing the power generating plant, the barges and penstock are constructed remotely at a convenient manufacturing facility and either floated to the dam site over water, or transporated to the dam site over land. At the dam site the barges are positioned so as to span the dam, and moored in position, and the siphoning penstock is connected to and between the barges using trunnion supports which enable respective pivotal movement.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1986Date of Patent: May 24, 1988Assignee: Williams and Broome, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth R. Broome
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Patent number: 4717832Abstract: An improved hydroelectric system provides automatic adjustment for both tidal (reversing) and river (one way) type flow. A plurality of parallel, axial flow auger-type impellors are mounted in a horizontal plane on a floating, inverted-dry-dock type vessel that has an upper deck mounting hydroelectric generators. The vessel has no bottom beneath the impellors but has parallel with them on each side a tank for buoyancy and level and flow control. Over and under the impellors are pivoting deflectors that direct flow onto the impellors and automatically reverse and rest against appropriate bumper stops when the flow reverses, from one open end to the other open end of the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1986Date of Patent: January 5, 1988Inventor: Charles W. Harris
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Patent number: 4613252Abstract: A method of building a sea wave power plant of the type in which the power plant (11) must be installed near a steep rock wall (1). The installation site is determined inside the rock formation (F), at a distance from the open rock surface (1). A power plant well which is also serving as a building site (3) is blasted out from the rock formation with a natural rock wall (4) separating the well from the sea. After the plant is completed, the well is filled with water and the partition wall is removed by blasting, opening the well to the sea.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1985Date of Patent: September 23, 1986Assignees: Kvaerner Brug A/S, Ingenior F. Selmar A/SInventors: Tomas B. Einstabland, Gunnar Aas, Nicolay G. Berg, Knut Bonke, Ivar Oftebro
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Patent number: 4573827Abstract: A hydraulic turbine installation is disclosed for a site comprising a dam having a floor and opposing sidewalls defining a spillway. The installation comprises a frame member which slideably engages the spillway floor on a downstream side of the dam. The frame member is slideable transverse to a direction of water flow through the spillway. A hydraulic turbine and connected generator are carried by the frame member. The frame member is provided with an intake such that when the frame member is in a first position within the spillway, water flow through the spillway is directed through the turbine runner. The frame member is slideable to a second position with the frame member out of the spillway and water flow through the spillway uninterrupted. Power actuated means such as hydraulic servomotors are provided for sliding the frame member between the first and second positions.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1984Date of Patent: March 4, 1986Assignee: Allis-Chalmers CorporationInventor: Howard A. Mayo, Jr.
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Patent number: 4540313Abstract: A hydroelectric power generating plant includes separate intake and power generating barges spanning a dam, and a penstock attached to and between the barges to enable fluid communication over the dam and between the barges. In constructing the power generating plant, the barges are constructed remotely at a convenient manufacturing facility and floated to the dam site over water. At the dam site the barges are positioned so as to span the dam, making use of a lock system associated with the dam, and moored in position. The barges may be floated adjacent to opposite side of the dam, or grounded, making use of discrete moorings associated with the dam site and/or the dam itself.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1984Date of Patent: September 10, 1985Assignee: Williams and Broome, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth R. Broome
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Patent number: 4468153Abstract: A tidal station includes a plurality of turbine/generator sets removably insertable along the central axis of a caisson to provide a symmetrical installation. Fixedly disposed basin side and sea side diffusers include inlets alternately juxtaposed opposite ends of the turbine/generator sets as the sets are rotatably displaced 180 degrees between ebb and flood tides. Ballasting/deballasting structure contained in the caisson permits self-portability of the caisson to its site and subsequent positioning thereat.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1982Date of Patent: August 28, 1984Inventor: Francisco J. Gutierrez Atencio
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Patent number: 4358220Abstract: A hydrodynamically transformable dam with a fluid path through its main body includes a hydromotive body containing one or more hydromotive assemblies each having a fluid conduit provided with an energy transformation unit. The function of the dam is selectively transformed by controllably displacing the hydromotive body to alternately position its respective conduits relative the main dam body and fluid path whereby either a sluicing action or an energetic transformation is achieved by fluid flowing through the dam. The alternate functions are obtained by fluid flows operating in either a pure hydroelectric mode, a combined reversible pumped-storage manner or a tidal powered mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1980Date of Patent: November 9, 1982Inventor: Francisco J. Gutierrez Atencio
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Patent number: 4326819Abstract: A hydrostation installation includes a dam body with a fluid flow conduit therethrough cooperating with a displaceable hydromotive set provided with a conduit containing a generator set therein. A separate, gated assembly is insertable intermediate the dam body and hydromotive set to complete a fluid flow path through the hydromotive set, gated assembly and dam body. In use, the hydromotive set and gated assembly may be attached to one another to form a hydromotive assembly and upon release of this attachment, the gated assembly and/or hydromotive set may be independently removed from the installation.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1979Date of Patent: April 27, 1982Inventor: Francisco J. G. Atencio
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Patent number: 4317330Abstract: A water turbine generator system for use in a stream or river, said system having a catch basin formed by an end wall, a plurality of water chutes downstream of the catch basin and in communication with the catch basin by gates and closures and a plurality of turbines and associated generators journalled in the chutes for rotation by water passing therethrough. The turbines are provided with ribbon flight blades set at a pitch angle to maximize torque.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1979Date of Patent: March 2, 1982Inventor: Mihaly Brankovics
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Patent number: 4289971Abstract: A hydroelectric power generator having a bulb turbine generator housed in a bulb shaped inner casing. The turbine runner of the generator is connected to a main shaft of the electric power generator. The outer casing is coupled to the inner casing by stay vanes. A draft tube is coupled to the downstream end of the outer casing. A liftable gate is positioned to retain water in the open channel and the outer casing is fixedly secured to the gate and vertically movable with it.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1979Date of Patent: September 15, 1981Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tsuneo Ueda
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Patent number: 4241283Abstract: A hydro-electric power plant for use in any location having flowing streams of water including a diversion dam which extends part way into the flowing stream to divert water to a spillway which includes a plurality of water wheels driven by the water flow to operate turbine-generators for the generation of electricity.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 1978Date of Patent: December 23, 1980Inventor: Richard R. Storer, Sr.
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Patent number: 4211077Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is comprised of transfer tanks which are located below the hydraulic head of a dam. Connected to the transfer tanks are air inlets extending from the transfer tanks to the atmosphere, and having check valves located therein. A water inlet and valve, interconnect the transfer tanks with the fluid behind the dam, and a water outlet and valve empty the transfer tank downstream of the dam. A storage tank is interconnected to the transfer tank by transfer lines having check valves at their transfer tank ends, and a turbine outlet extends from the storage tank to an air driven turbine. In one embodiment of the invention two transfer tanks and one open-bottomed storage tank are located on the upstream side of the dam at its base. In this embodiment water outlets pass from the bottom of the transfer tanks through the face of the dam.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1978Date of Patent: July 8, 1980Assignee: Energy Kinematics, Inc.Inventor: Joseph C. Cassidy
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Patent number: 4211076Abstract: The present invention provides a new method of obtaining energy without using fuels. Basically the device consists of a conveyor belt that contains a continuous arrangement of cells or pockets that are open in the outward direction perpendicular to it's motion. The conveyor belt is set in motion by the effect of natural water flow or currents upon the hinged flaps that are attached to it. The cells when pointed in a downward direction, will carry air down to great depths and release the air at the point at which the belt turns beneath the water and when the cells are pointed in an upward direction. This highly compressed air can then be captured in a container and the stored energy thusly obtained can be used by gradually releasing it for the purpose of driving a turbine wheel.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1978Date of Patent: July 8, 1980Inventor: Magnar J. Grande
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Patent number: 4208873Abstract: A device for extracting energy from gaseous or liquid fluid flows, comprising two or more foils having openings on the foils' outer surface to tap the low and high pressures created by the fluids passing around them; within each foil there is a partition to keep the pressures separated and each chamber is vented to a manifold; the manifolds channel the pressures to a device which produces mechanical or electrical energy utilizing the pressure differential which has been created.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 1978Date of Patent: June 24, 1980Inventor: Vincent Foglia
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Patent number: 4207015Abstract: Transportable self-stabilized hydromotive assembly for a fluid storing dam for purposes of energy production; being engineered with a water flow circulation path having a very restricted longitude, and an electric generator having a rotor with a great moment of inertia; then introducing a dynamically self-stabilized performance into the connected electrical networks.Means are also provided for purposes of: starting, synchronizing, keep running, and stopping the turbine-generator set; and for introducing a balanced upwardly lifting pull into the structural body of said hydromotive assembly when positioned in submerged status for purposes of energy production, or for transportation procedures.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1978Date of Patent: June 10, 1980Inventor: Francisco J. G. Atencio
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Patent number: 4193265Abstract: A transducer for converting the energy of ocean currents to the energy of a high-pressure fluid comprises a plurality of transducer units each including a sea-water channel, a plenum room overlying the channel, an impeller rotatably disposed in the channel and plenum room and rotatable by a sea-water flow through the channel, and a converter mechanism operatively coupled with the shaft of the impeller for producing a high-pressure fluid in response to revolution of the impeller. To prevent pressurized air in the plenum room for leaking out of the transducer unit when the transducer is joggled underwater as in stormy conditions, a pair of air-trapping chambers are located one on each side of the plenum room and open toward the channel for receiving any air which has escaped from the plenum room through the channel.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1978Date of Patent: March 18, 1980Inventor: Fumio Ootsu
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Patent number: 4184807Abstract: A hydraulic engine for transforming the energy of a flowing current of water into a pressure head of water. The engine is mounted on a platform supported by floats and fitted with a series of paddles linked by drive chains which pass about a pair of drive wheels such that flow of water over the platform causes the paddles to move in the direction of flow to rotate the drive wheels with the paddles and chain being elevated above the water level for return travel. A drive wheel is joined by a shaft to a cam wheel against which an end of a piston shaft is engaged so that rotation of the cam wheel causes reciprocal travel of the piston shaft with the piston enclosed in a cylinder that pumps water up through a vertical pipe to create a pressure head of water for driving a generator engine. The cam wheel is shaped so that the reciprocal travel of the piston may be varied depending upon the radial position of the piston shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1978Date of Patent: January 22, 1980Inventor: George W. Berg
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Patent number: 4165467Abstract: Transformable hydroelectric station for a water storing dam, having means for alternatively permitting incorporation and positioning of selected ones of a plurality of hydroelectric assemblies each comprising a machine individually designed to be fitted against the water passing means of the dam. Additionally, the water storing dam includes auxiliary equipment permitting maneuvering of the hydromotive assemblies when they are fitted to or removed from the main structural body of the dam.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1977Date of Patent: August 21, 1979Inventor: Francisco J. G. Atencio