With Flow Restrictor Or Ramp Patents (Class 405/77)
  • Patent number: 11060500
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a ducted bidirectional tidal current power station system, mainly consisting of a bidirectional tidal current power generation device, a dam, an open sea, an inland sea, a duct, and an opening/closing gate. The bidirectional tidal current power generation device is installed in the duct on the bottom of the dam. Openings, respectively communicated with the open sea and the inland sea, are formed at two ends of the duct, and an opening/closing gate is arranged at each of the two openings. By the ducted bidirectional tidal current power station system of the present invention, the cost of marine construction, operation and maintenance of the tidal current power generation device in an open sea area is saved, and the complex structure of the power generation device in the tidal power station and the cost of strict construction of auxiliary devices and runners are avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: HangZhou JiangHe Hydro-Electrical Sci. & Tech. Co.
    Inventors: Liwei Chen, Changlu Liu, Jianfeng Yu, Dongli Zhang, Yinhua Chen, Qianqian Li, Yujuan Wang, Jinbo Hu
  • Patent number: 11028821
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure include a tidal power generator comprising a first container, at least one second container pivotably coupled to the first container, a frame pivotably coupled to the first container, a first valve, associated with the first container, configured to selectively control ingress of a first volume of a first fluid into the first container, and a second valve, associated with the first container, configured to selectively control egress of a second volume of the first fluid out of the first container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Inventor: Gregory H. Nahas
  • Patent number: 10947952
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the offshore renewable energy utilization technology. A novel floating wind-wave integrated power generation system is based on the braceless semi-submersible floating wind turbine concept and the oscillating water column (OWC) wave energy generator. The integrated system includes the offshore wind energy system and the oscillating water column wave energy system. The novel floating wind-wave integrated power generation system transfers the rise and fall movement of the water column into the air in and out movement which is converted into the electricity by the air turbine generator. This invention makes good use of pontoons at of the semi-floating platform and the mooring lines. Since the wave energy system will move with the wave movement, which will reduce the power generation efficiency. The pontoon can help to mitigate this movement. The mooring system can further prevent the movement of the wave energy device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Dalian University of Technology
    Inventors: Wei Shi, Zhiyu Jiang, Zhengru Ren, Dezhi Ning
  • Patent number: 10408188
    Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein provide a tidal power generator including a first container, a second container coupled to the first container, a frame pivotably coupled to the second container, a first valve, associated with the second container, configured to selectively control ingress of a first volume of a fluid into the second container, and a second valve, associated with the second container, configured to selectively control egress of a second volume of the fluid out of the second container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventor: Gregory H. Nahas
  • Patent number: 9163606
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hydro-electric energy system comprised of an inner and outer tube designed to contain and distribute water such that failing water powers hydro-electric turbines located in the inner tube. The system may be located in a body of water taking in and distributing the surrounding water, or on and utilizes natural or/constructed/water sources. A number of different pump types are utilized at the bottom of the inner tube to maintain water levels and water flow within the system. In certain embodiments the pumps are driven by pressure and gravitational forces. In other embodiments supplemental power sources drive the pumps either power generated from the system's turbines or power sources external to the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Inventor: Chris Essa Azar
  • Patent number: 8500364
    Abstract: A method is provided for installing a barrage across a body of water for generating electricity or current flow, the barrage being formed from a series of modules, each of which comprise a base structure carrying a number of substantially vertical pipe structures in a spaced, side-by-side arrangement, and a deck structure extending across the top of the pipe structures and supported by at least two pipe structures, the method comprising: preparing a series of foundation terraces across the bed of the body of water substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow, each foundation terrace providing a substantially flat base on which the base structure of one or more modules on the terraces side by side such that the base section of each module rests on a terrace and the deck structure of each module is located at substantially the same height as that of its neighboring modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Verderg Limited
    Inventor: Peter Miles Roberts
  • Patent number: 8033752
    Abstract: A system for generating energy from sea or ocean waves flowing toward a shore, comprises a channel or a container and a slanting structure constructed above the surface of the sea. The slanting structure is located in the way of waves toward the channel or container so the waves are lifted along the slanting structure wherein the wave energy is transformed into a generally homogenous flow. The water flow enters the channel or container to fill it to a level higher than sea level. Preferably, the slanting structure is placed in a location where the horizontal distance between adjacent waves is twice the depth (vertical distance) between the adjacent waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Elazar Tagansky
  • Publication number: 20110236135
    Abstract: A method of and modifies for installing a barrage across a body of water for generating electricity from tidal or current flow, the barrage being formed from a series of modules (12) each of which comprises a base structure (18) carrying a number of substantially vertical pipe structures (22) in a spaced, side-by-side arrangement, and a deck structure (32) extending across the top of the pipe structures and supported by at least two pipe structures, the method comprising: preparing a series of foundation terraces across the bed of the body of water substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow, each foundation terrace providing a substantially flat base on which the base structure of one or more modules can be positioned; and positioning a series of modules on the terraces side by side such that the base section of each module rests on a terrace and the deck structure of each module is located at substantially the same height as that of its neighbouring modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: VERDERG LIMITED
    Inventor: Peter Miles Roberts
  • Publication number: 20110217122
    Abstract: The invention provides a floating device, system and method for channeling, elevating, conducting and retaining up to the sea shore the higher hydraulic head of the ocean surface waves, which comprises a pontoon-like lower body protected externally by vertical walls, a bottom slab and a top slab, the latter slab may be the bottom or floor of the device; an upper body with lateral walls mounted on both sides of the pontoon-like lower body constitutes a wave canal, where the floor or bottom of the device on its seaward end has an entrance ramp, which together with the vertical walls on the seaward end of the pontoon, bank and elevate the waves collected from the flotation level of the device (1) whereas on its inland end, the bottom or floor of the device has a vertical gate that has the same height of the lateral walls mounted on both sides of the pontoon-like inferior body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: Ernesto Rodolfo WAGNER FONSECA
  • Publication number: 20100092242
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Rodney Ashby Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20100034589
    Abstract: A system for generating energy from sea or ocean waves flowing toward a shore, comprises a channel or a container and a slanting structure constructed above the surface of the sea. The slanting structure is located in the way of waves toward the channel or container so the waves are lifted along the slanting structure wherein the wave energy is transformed into a generally homogenous flow. The water flow enters the channel or container to fill it to a level higher than sea level. Preferably, the slanting structure is placed in a location where the horizontal distance between adjacent waves is twice the depth (vertical distance) between the adjacent waves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: Elazar Tagansky
  • Publication number: 20040170475
    Abstract: A baffle apparatus and method for directing fluid flow to reduce damage to an energy dissipating basin that includes an inlet, an outlet, a floor, a sidewall that extends upward from an edge of the floor, and an opposing sidewall that extends upward from an opposing edge of the floor defining a basin interior with a basin span between the sidewall and the opposing sidewall. The baffle apparatus includes a deflector structure that is generally planar and is fixedly or adjustably positioned substantially transverse to a downstream direction flow in the basin, the deflector structure spanning between the sidewall and the opposing sidewall above the floor. Also included, is a retaining structure for fixedly or adjustably positioning and securing the deflector structure to the sidewall. The deflector structure directs flow in the basin to flow in a downstream direction from a reverse upstream direction adjacent to the basin floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Leslie J. Hanna, Brent W. Mefford
  • Patent number: 4476396
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a hydroelectric generating system for use with low-head dam and spillway installations. A vessel in the form of a barge contains ballast tanks, pumps and associated structure permitting the vessel to selectively float or to be submerged at a spillway. The vessel contains a plurality of horizontal penstock and draft tube passages extending therethrough each containing a turbine for generating electricity. The vessel is of such configuration as to be floated into the gate of a dam spillway wherein the water flowing therethrough passes through the vessel passages energizing the turbines to generate electricity. Anchor apparatus defined adjacent the spillway and complimentarily shaped abutments defined upon the vessel cooperate to maintain the submerged operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1984
    Assignee: Commonwealth Associates Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Calvert, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4394098
    Abstract: A radial or taintor gate utilized to control the flow of water to a turbine is provided with an independently movable flap-gate which is operable to control the release of small incremental amounts of water to flow to the turbine as required, such as speed synchronization; the large radial gate can be maintained closed until such time as synchronization of the turbine has been achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1983
    Assignee: Allis-Chalmers Corporation
    Inventors: Helmut H. Wirschal, Warren G. Whippen
  • Patent number: 4363564
    Abstract: A water power generator for generating electrical energy from a moving body of water comprising structural means interposed in the path of water flow. The structural means includes at least one side wall which is longitudinally curved from a diverting point at the outer end thereof to a gradually flattened curve at the inner end thereof. The wall is transversely curved from a generally planar surface at the outer end thereof to a curvature approaching circular at the inner end thereof. Cowling means is positioned at the inner end of the side wall, and turbine generator means is located at the outer end of said cowling means. In certain forms of the invention, two or more longitudinally and transversely curved side walls are provided, each having an associated cowling and turbine generator. The invention is adaptable to wave action, tidal action and river current environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1982
    Assignee: Hydrodynamic Energy Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Peter M. Borgren
  • Patent number: 4332506
    Abstract: A wave-and-tide-pump apparatus and method to provide a continuous flow of water from a large body of water to a small body of water, whereby the wave-and-tidal action of the first larger body of water is funneled into the second smaller body of water by means of a pump which is connected therebetween, the pump apparatus comprising an inlet mouth having a freely pivoted, flap-gate member that opens in the direction of the wave flow or incoming tide, thus allowing water to flow into a receiving reservoir and then pass through a conduit or tunnel which is connected to the second body of water, the water entering at a point opposite the natural inlet/outlet of the second body of water, thereby providing a continuous flow of water through the second body of water and establishing a flushing action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1982
    Inventor: Ottie H. Andrews