Abstract: A geothermal energy storage/converting system utilizes hot water and pressure, such as steam, generated by the geothermal heat/ground water to store energy and/or generate electricity. The system utilizes a motion of a piston, driven by steam generated by geothermal heat, to control movement of an amount of water, which is used to store the energy by compressing gas as energy storage. When electricity is needed, the compressed gas provides a force to push the stored water to drive a hydrogenerator to generate electricity. In a geothermal energy converting embodiment, system utilizes a motion of a piston, driven by steam generated by geothermal heat, to control movement of an amount of water to drive a hydrogenerator to generate electricity.

Abstract: A computer-controlled energy storage system optimizes the process of energy storage and electricity re-generation. In an energy storage and release cycle, the gas is compressed and released in a pressure range that is optimized in terms of energy storage and release (e.g., round trip) efficiency. In some embodiments, the gas is not pressurized to an unneeded high-pressure level (e.g., 100 atm) and also does not release to an exhaust pressure level (e.g., 0 atm).

Abstract: A motor continuously operating is a one hundred percent duty cycle motor. High duty cycle could detrimentally lower a motor's life expectancy and is therefore a problem. A means of solving said problem can be a system for use with a motor that reduces the proportion of a rotation during which said motor operates whilst rotation continues to be maintained by a system characterised by having a rotary shaft connected to two forms with misalignment between the cross-sectional longitudinal axis of one to the cross-sectional longitudinal axis of the other, and by having the rotary shaft with means to connect to a pawl and ratchet system which can be connected to a motor's shaft, and by having the rotary shaft also connected to a further ratchet with means to operate with a pawl, and with the rotary shaft having means to connect to a driver gear.

Abstract: A power tunnel comprises a tube body, an inlet, and an outlet. The tube body provides space to accommodate gases, liquids, people, vehicles, etc. The power tunnel can be used for energy storage, power generation, air-raid shelter, or other purposes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for storing gas at almost constant pressure, which involves the injection and withdrawal of a liquid in a process known as hydraulic compensation. This disclosure teaches a way to minimize that dissolution by ensuring that, as the gas containment is charged up, the hydraulic compensation liquid emerges from the containment at the gas storage pressure and the pressure of that liquid is caused to fall in a number of discrete steps with settling volumes present at the nodes between these steps. These settling volumes enable some gas to come out of solution at each node having lost relatively small amounts of pressure. The gas is compressed back up to storage pressure and re-injected into the main storage containment without significant use of energy.

Abstract: A system includes a generator using a fluid mixture obtained via a generator inlet, a compressor having a compressor inlet that is connected to a generator outlet by a first set of conduits, a second set of conduits connected to the compressor outlet and the generator inlet, and a sensor in communication with the second set of conduits, where a portion of the fluid mixture includes gas from a gas emission source, and where exhaust fluid of the generator is provided to the compressor. A process includes obtaining a target fluid property and a fluid measurement using the sensor and modifying a parameter of a fluid control device to modify a first flow rate of the flow of the exhaust fluid through the second set of conduits relative to a second flow rate of the flow of the gas provided by gas emission source through the first set of conduits.

Abstract: An inflatable clamping apparatus and system that are utilized to securely support a wide variety of objects on an elongated member, such as a pole, post, beam, tree or the like. In one embodiment, the clamping apparatus has a pair of inflatable bladders that define a member receiving area, an air chamber inside each bladder, a connecting section interconnecting the bladders, an apparatus connecting mechanism that connects to the object, and an air valve to place pressurized air into the air chambers. In one configuration, the apparatus connecting mechanism connects to an object connecting mechanism associated with the object to secure the object to the apparatus. When the elongated member is in the member receiving area, the bladders are filled with air and the object is attached to the apparatus, the bladders will press tightly against the elongated member to securely hold the apparatus and object thereon.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system of a constant-pressure full-capacity energy-release type, includes two or more liquid-gas coexisting containers, at least one of the two or more liquid-gas coexisting containers is filled with a pressurized liquid, the rest liquid-gas coexisting containers are configured to store a high-pressure air, and the two or more liquid-gas coexisting containers are in communication with each other. When the compressed-air energy storage system of the constant-pressure full-capacity energy-release type operates in an energy storage operating condition, the high-pressure air can be directly stored in the liquid-gas coexisting container without energy conversion loss. When the compressed-air energy storage system operates in an energy release operating condition, the pressurized liquid circulates in the liquid-gas coexisting containers storing the high-pressure air, to realize a constant-pressure full-capacity release of the high-pressure air.

Abstract: Provided is a wave force utilization unit capable of further reducing product cost and installation cost and effectively utilizing a wave force while decreasing the wave force, and a wave force utilization system in which the unit is used. The wave force utilization unit includes a box-shaped floating unit 1 supported via a support to move in an up-down direction, in response to movement of the sea surface in the up-down direction. The floating unit 1 includes a main body 2, an introduction part 3 disposed continuously on one side of the main body 2, and a water drain part 4 disposed continuously on the other side of the main body 2, the main body 2 includes an air chamber 5 that is a sealed space and acts to float up the floating unit 1, and a flow-through chamber 6 through which seawater flows from the introduction part 3 to the water drain part 4.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus that adapts the rate of its computational work to match the availability of energy harvested from a stochastic energy source; and, with respect to some types of energy harvesting, regulates the rate of energy capture, the rate of energy conversion, and the rate of consumption of stored potential energy, through its alteration, regulation, and/or adjustment, of that same computational work load.

Abstract: An energy storage system includes at least one heterogeneous pressure media and interactive actuation module (“module”), a liquid source, a pump, a converter, a first pipeline, and a second pipeline. The module includes a first container storing an initial gas and a second container storing an initial liquid. The liquid source stores a working liquid. The pump regulates the working liquid from the liquid source into the module. The initial liquid is driven by the working liquid to continuously compress the initial gas so that the first container stores a first pressure energy, and the initial gas is continuously expanded to drive the initial liquid to convert the first pressure energy into a second pressure energy. The second pressure energy through the first pipe drives the converter to generate an electrical energy, and the working liquid after driving the converter is returned to the liquid source through the second pipeline.

Abstract: An energy storage and generation device is coupled to a source of energy, preferably green energy, and an energy storage and generation elevator that is configured for allowing the raising and lowering of one or more weights disposed on the energy storage and generation elevator from a lower position to a raised position, the raised position higher than the lower position. A first energy and storage elevator movement mechanism is configured for raising and lowering the energy storage and generation elevator while a second energy and storage elevator movement mechanism is configured for causing the energy generator to generate electrical energy when the energy storage and generation elevator including one or more weights moves from the raised position to the lower position with one or more of the weights disposed on the energy storage and generation elevator.

Abstract: A system for generating power is disclosed. The system comprises a first storage reservoir for a first liquid fluid and a second storage reservoir for a second higher density fluid located at a lower elevation. Power is generated using a pump, a generator, and fluid displacement.

Abstract: A system for generating power is disclosed. The system comprises a first storage reservoir for a first liquid fluid and a second storage reservoir for a second higher density fluid located at a lower elevation. Power is generated using a pump, a generator, and fluid displacement.

Abstract: An energy collection apparatus includes an upper body and a lower body. The upper body has a first storage compartment, and is arranged to connect to an external energy generator. The lower body downwardly extends from the upper body, and has a second storage compartment. The energy collection apparatus is securely supported in a deep sea level above seabed so that when sea water enters the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment, geothermal energy and pressure difference between the sea water in the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment create upthrust steam at a top portion of the first storage compartment, the upthrust steam being guided to reach the external energy generator for further use.

Abstract: A system for storing and generating power is disclosed. The system comprises a first storage reservoir configured to store a first fluid, a second storage reservoir located at a lower elevation than the first storage reservoir and configured to store a second fluid wherein said second fluid has a higher density than the first fluid, and a pump. In some embodiments a generator may be employed. The pump and the first and the second reservoir are operatively connected such that power is stored by displacing the second fluid in the second storage reservoir by pumping the first fluid from the first storage reservoir to the second storage reservoir and such that power is generated by allowing the pumped first fluid in the second storage reservoir to exit the second reservoir. The first fluid is generally a liquid.

Abstract: A system for powering electric hydraulic fracturing equipment, the system including a power storage system and electric powered hydraulic fracturing equipment in selective electrical communication with the power storage system. The system further includes at least one circuit breaker between the power storage system and the electric powered hydraulic fracturing equipment, the circuit breaker configured to facilitate or prevent electrical communication between the power storage system and the electric powered hydraulic fracturing equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power generation apparatus, and more particularly to a power generation apparatus that generates power by dropping collected water. A power generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a chamber having an accommodation space for accommodating water, and configured to accommodate water introduced through an intake pipe disposed on the bottom surface thereof; a pressure pump configured to discharge the air of the accommodation space out of the chamber through a discharge pipe provided on the ceiling surface of the chamber by generating pressure; a spray unit provided on the side surface of the chamber, and configured to spray water, introduced by the pressure pump and accommodated in the accommodation space, out of the chamber; and a power generation unit configured to generate power using the pressure of water sprayed by the spray unit.

Abstract: A system and method of generating electricity. A work string extends into a wellbore. A heat pump unit at a surface location circulates a working fluid through the work string to absorb heat from a formation surrounding the wellbore. A turbine generates a rotation from the working fluid that has absorbed the heat. A generator generates electricity from the rotation of the turbine. The electricity is transmitted to the surface location via an electrical cable.

Abstract: Wave energy conversion (WEC) systems and methods for harvesting wave energy by use of the systems are described. WEC systems incorporate a plurality of submerged oscillating water columns (SOWC) that encourage oscillating water motion within each submerged column to mimic the motion of waves passing the SOWC system. A WEC system includes multiple SOWC connected to one another via air pockets within each submerged column. Each SOWC includes a float connected to a power take-off. The oscillations of the floats are converted to useful energy by the power take-off of the system.

Abstract: Disclosed techniques include energy management based on modularized energy control using pooling. Operating data is obtained from a plurality of energy modules within an energy storage system. The plurality of energy modules is pooled. One or more operating goals are obtained for the plurality of energy modules. The operating goals can be based on cost, availability, or energy module status. One or more processors are used to analyze the operating data, the one or more operating goals, energy demand, and energy module operating health. The operation of one or more of the plurality of energy modules is controlled based on the analysis. The energy modules can be a pooled homogeneous bank of energy modules. The homogeneous banks can be pooled into heterogeneous energy modules. The pools can include dynamically added energy module peers.

Abstract: A collapsible wind turbine includes a turbine with a vertical axis (A). The turbine is supported by a vertical pylon, pivotably mounted about a hinge, and by linking members connecting the rotation shaft of the turbine to the pylon while maintaining a separation therebetween. The wind turbine includes: —an electricity generator of which the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pylon, the generator being secured to the ground; and—at least one flexible link connecting and synchronising the rotation of the generator with the rotation shaft of the turbine by linear travel of the flexible link in a closed-circuit path, so as to drive the rotation shaft of the generator by the movement of the turbine. The present structure is, in particular related to land-based wind turbines in a cyclone-prone area.

Abstract: A system and method by which energy from ocean waves is converted into hydrogen, and that hydrogen is used to manifest electrical and mechanical energies by an energy consuming device. A portion of the generated electrical power is communicated to water electrolyzers which produce oxygen and hydrogen from water as gases. At least a portion of the generated hydrogen gas is transferred to a transportation ship via a hose-carrying, remotely operated (or otherwise unmanned) vehicle, and subsequently transferred to an energy-consuming module or infrastructure, where a portion of the hydrogen is consumed in order to manifest a generation of electrical energy, a mechanical motion, and/or a chemical reaction.

Abstract: Wind turbine farms are presented including: a number of steerable wind turbines each having a turbine diameter, where the number of steerable wind turbines is grouped pairwise into a number of monopole wind tower pairs, where each monopole wind tower pair is placed in a fixed pair placement and oriented in one of a number of fixed pair orientations, where each one of the number of fixed pair orientations corresponds with one of a number of prevailing wind directions, and where the number of monopole wind tower pairs is placed in a number of fixed pair positions.

Abstract: A hydroelectric power generation system includes: a generator driven by the hydraulic turbine; a head adjuster adjusting an effective head of the hydraulic turbine; and a controller cooperatively executing: flow rate control for controlling the generator such that a flow rate in the hydraulic turbine is brought close to a target flow rate; and head adjusting control for adjusting the effective head of the hydraulic turbine using the head adjuster such that the effective head of the hydraulic turbine falls within a first range.

Abstract: An assembly for a wind turbine, comprising a shaft extending within a main shaft housing. A radially outer portion of the shaft includes at least one engagement formation. A retention mechanism is moveable radially between a radially inward position in which the retention mechanism can engage the at least one engagement formation, such that rotation of the shaft is constrained, and a radially outward position in which the retention mechanism cannot engage the engagement formation, thereby allowing rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A wave energy extractor such as a wave energy converter (WEC) or wave energy dissipater has a floating body with a channel at the fore or aft end, the channel having a sloping base, side walls, in some embodiments an end wall, and an opening for receiving waves. Resonance effects enhance the energy extracted from the waves and transferred to the floating body. Embodiments include WECs such as hinged raft WECs and heaving buoy WECs. The channels may also be fitted to a floating breakwater.

Abstract: A power generation system includes one or more micro-turbine electric generators (“MTEGs”). The MTEGs include a housing having an inlet for receiving pressurized gas and an outlet for releasing expanded gas. The MTEGs also include a rotor, a user-replaceable nozzle for directing pressurized gas over blades of the rotor, and a stator for generating alternating current (“AC”) responsive to rotation of the rotor. The power generation system also includes a programmable logic controller (“PLC”) coupled to the MTEGs that operates flow control valves (“FCVs”) coupled to the MTEGs to modulate the flow of gas to the MTEGs to generate output power suitable to support an electrical load. The system also includes power conversion circuitry configured to convert AC generated by the MTEGs to direct current (“DC”) and to provide the DC to an electrical load. The system also includes a skid for mounting multiple and MTEGs and FCVs.

Abstract: A floating body device for suppressing vibration of enclosure includes a floating body surrounding the enclosure and an excitation device which can excite the floating body to float up and down. The excitation device includes a tether connected to the floating body to prevent the floating body from falling off from the enclosure. When the floating body floats up and down, an airflow boundary layer on an outer wall of a tower can be destroyed, and a cause of vortex-induced vibration can be directly suppressed. In addition, a change of an aerodynamic configuration is obtained. The up and down floating of the floating body disrupts both upper and lower sections of a nearby flow field, thus weakening a combined action thereof, thereby preventing the vortex induced vibration of the tower.

Abstract: Energy may be stored by injecting fluid into a fracture in the earth and producing the fluid back while recovering power and/or desalinating water. The method may be particularly adapted to storage of large amounts of energy such as in grid-scale electric energy systems. The fracture may be formed and treated with resin so as to limit fluid loss and to increase propagation pressure. The fluid may be water containing a dissolved salt or fresh water and a portion or all of the water may be desalinated using pressure in the water when it is produced.

Abstract: The present application pertains to novel methods to generate power. In a representative embodiment, power is generated by warming a body of air having a temperature lower than the freezing point of liquid water by contacting the body of air with liquid water. The liquid water has a temperature greater than the freezing point of liquid water. Liquid water freezes thereby generating latent heat from freezing and thereby warming the body of air. The warmed body of air may be passed through an air turbine to generate power. Other methods and systems are described that use similar principles.

Abstract: A generator system having a dynamo that contains an armature, a stator and a housing. The armature rotates about a first axis of rotation. The stator is concentrically positioned around the armature. Both the armature and the stator are free to rotate in opposite directions about the first axis of rotation. The housing of the dynamo is connected to a motor that can rotate the dynamo around a second axis of rotation. There is an angle of inclination between the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation. This angle of inclination is selectively altered during operation. By changing the angle of inclination between the two axes of rotation, a precession can be created that adds rotational energy to both the armature and the stator. This increases the output of the dynamo and creates a highly efficient electrical generator.

Abstract: A river, tidal, wave or ocean current or a wind turbine for generating electricity harnesses a predetermined minimum or baseload value of hydrokinetic/wind energy from variable water/wind flow. A harnessing module may have a waterwheel or propeller and a-generator or a waterwheel or propeller alone. A harnessing module harnesses wind or water energy and may be connected to a land module of electrical and mechanical apparatus by an electrical cable. Received variable electrical input from the harnessing module is converted to a-constant electrical frequency by a connected generator feeding a grid, for example, using a Hummingbird speed converter. The received variable electrical load power may be mechanically corrected by feedback to a Kingfisher converter. An output generator to output constant frequency may use a voltage regulator, a variable voltage transformer and a control motor to provide feed forward control.

Abstract: Wind turbine farms are presented including: a number of steerable wind turbines each having a turbine diameter, where the number of steerable wind turbines is separated into a number of modules each placed in a fixed module placement and oriented in one of a number of fixed module orientations, where each one of the number of fixed module orientations corresponds with one of a number of prevailing wind directions, where the number of modules is separated into a number of sets placed in a number of fixed set positions. In some embodiments, each of the number of modules is positioned no closer than approximately six turbine diameters and no further than approximately fifteen turbine diameters from each another.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hydropower electric generator, in accordance with some embodiments. Accordingly, the hydropower electric generator may include a closed conduit. Further, the closed conduit may include a reservoir, a downward flow pipe, a horizontal pipe, an upward flow pipe. Further, the downward flow pipe may include a first turbine configured to intercept the downward flow of the water and generate rotational force. Further, the upward flow pipe may include an airlift assembly configured to receive compressed air into the upward flow pipe. Further, the upward flow pipe may include a second turbine configured to intercept an upward flow of the water and generate rotational force. Further, the hydropower electric generator may include an air pump configured to generate the compressed air based on electrical energy. Further, the hydropower electric generator may include an energy storage device.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electricity generator comprising a pressure chamber having a releasably sealable air vent, a liquid supply, a sump tank configured to deliver liquid to the pressure chamber and a turbine. The electricity generator further comprises a piping network including an upright liquid conduit configured to deliver water from the pressure chamber through the turbine and back to the sump tank, a pressurized air supply operable to pressurize air in the pressure chamber, a plurality of valves, and a controller to operate the plurality of valves. In use, a small amount of air may be used to efficiently move a large body of water which in turn is used to power a turbine. The electricity generated by the turbine may be harvested and subsequently used, thereby reducing electricity spend. The installation is compact and may be installed in a factory or other installation where electricity requirement/spend are high.

Abstract: A hydroelectric power system can include: a first level including a drain system, the drain system including a bell siphon coupled to a mixed flow turbine and a cross flow turbine, the drain system configured to provide a path way for a working fluid to flow from the bell siphon, through the mixed flow turbine, and through the cross flow turbine; and a second level below the first level, the second level for receiving the working fluid from the cross flow turbine of the drain system of the first level.

Abstract: A system and method for producing compressed air from ocean waves. The system includes an enclosing frame having a base anchored to an ocean floor with two or more columns extending upward from the base to above the ocean surface and a platform at an upper end of the columns. A float is located in the frame between the columns so that the float is confined to go up and down. The float is placed on the ocean surface within the frame and goes up and down with the ocean waves. One or more pumps are located on the platform with the hammer head that can be raised and lowered to produce compressed air with the pumps. The hammer head is connected to the float with two or more elongated shafts so that the hammer head is raised and lowered by the ocean waves and produces compressed air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for pumping or removing a fluid from a region within or on top of or in contact with a water or liquid body and applications for said systems and methods. Some embodiments may also relate to anti-fouling or reducing fouling structures like docks.

Abstract: A liquid suction pump comprising: a drive pipe to receive a liquid drive flow for the pump; a liquid conduit with first and second liquid delivery arms to provide pumped liquid, and a connecting valve arrangement between the arms. First and second pump inlets to the arms have respective first and second one-way inlet valves. The valve arrangement has a valve inlet coupled to the drive pipe and valve outlets coupled to the arms to alternately close off a liquid connection between the valve inlet and respective arms. A compliant element is coupled to the drive pipe. The drive flow oscillates in pressure/flow rate due to alternate switching of the valves. A compliance of the compliant element is such that a geometry of the suction pump in combination with the compliance defines a resonant condition, and the oscillation is at a resonant frequency of the pump.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power generating system utilizing current around a structural body. The power generating system is disposed in a flow field, wherein the streams of the flow field flow along a main fluid flow direction. The power generating system comprises a supporting device and a power generating device. The supporting device comprises a supporting body, wherein at least one of a stream-facing region, a side-stream region, and a vortex region is defined on the supporting body. The power generating device comprises at least one power generating unit and a power storage unit, wherein the power generating unit is disposed in at least one of the stream-facing region, the side-stream region, and the vortex region.

Abstract: An air compression apparatus which can be used without requiring power supply equipment, including: a cylindrical body; an impeller which is provided inside the cylindrical body; a rotary shaft provided to be rotatable coaxially with the impeller; a cylindrical casing accommodating a part of the rotary shaft; a rotation transmission mechanism that transmits the rotation of the impeller to the rotary shaft while increasing the rotation speed of the rotary shaft; a piston connected via a crank unit to the rotary shaft housed in the casing; a cylinder provided on the outer peripheral wall of the casing; an introduction unit provided in a cylinder for introducing air into the cylinder; and a discharge pipe each connected to the cylinder for discharging a compressed air compressed by the piston inside the cylinder. Therefore, it is possible to provide an air compression apparatus which can be used without requiring power supply equipment.

Abstract: A facility for generating electricity that includes a water source, at least one water inlet valve for delivering water to a pressure vessel under pressure, a plurality of pressure vessel water outlet valves in flow communication with the pressure vessel and a turbine-powered electrical generator for delivery of water under pressure from the pressure vessel water outlet valves according to a predetermined sequence, and an electrical distribution system for selectively delivering electricity generated by the electrical generator to an external source for use or to an air compressor operatively connected to the water source for pressurizing the water being delivered to the pressure vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for pumping or removing a fluid from a region within or on top of or in contact with a water or liquid body and applications for said systems and methods. Some embodiments may also relate to anti-fouling or reducing fouling structures like docks.

Abstract: An electric driven hydraulic fracking system is disclosed. A pump configuration that includes the single VFD, the single shaft electric motor, and the single hydraulic pump that is mounted on the single pump trailer. The single VFD converts the electric power of at least 13.8 kV to a VFD rated voltage level of at least 4160V and drives the single shaft electric motor at the VFD voltage level of up to 4160V to control the operation of the single shaft electric motor and the single hydraulic pump. The single shaft electric motor drives the single hydraulic pump with the rotation at the rated RPM level of at least 750 RPM. The single hydraulic pump continuously pumps the fracking media into the well at the HP level of at least 5000 HP. The single hydraulic pump operates on a continuous duty cycle to continuously pump the fracking media at the HP level of at least 5000 HP.

Abstract: Energy may be stored by injecting fluid into a fracture in the earth and producing the fluid back while recovering power and/or desalinating water. The method may be particularly adapted to storage of large amounts of energy such as in grid-scale electric energy systems. The fracture may be formed and treated with resin so as to limit fluid loss and to increase propagation pressure. The fluid may be water containing a dissolved salt or fresh water and a portion or all of the water may be desalinated using pressure in the water when it is produced.

Abstract: An oceanographic sensor mooring section for use with standard oceanographic moorings comprising: mooring oceanographic equipment, such as floatation devices and sensors; and a subsurface power generation unit connected to the mooring oceanographic equipment, wherein the mooring section has connective swivels at opposing ends thereof for attachment of the mooring section to standard oceanographic moorings, mooring lines, or mooring anchors, to allow the mooring section to independently orient in the direction of current flow. The subsurface power generation unit comprises a battery and power management/tracking electronics and a rim turbine generating unit that harnesses the power of underwater currents to power any sensors and related electronics equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for pumping or removing a fluid from a region within or on top of or in contact with a water or liquid body and applications for said systems and methods. Some embodiments may be applicable to, for example, inhibiting or preventing growth formation or fouling of structures in liquid environments. Other embodiments may be applicable to, for example, an energy storage device or a tidal power energy generation system.

Abstract: A system is provided for converting fluid motion into electrical power, with the system being deployable in a body of fluid. The system includes a support structure and a movable structure connected to the support structure. The support structure includes a generator assembly configured to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy and provide electric power from the electrical energy. The movable structure has three or more degrees of freedom, and is configured to generate mechanical energy for conversion by the generator assembly during a power generation phase of a power cycle in which the fluid motion acts on the movable structure. The movable structure has a first configuration during the power generation phase and a second, different configuration during a recovery phase of the power cycle, with the movable structure in the first configuration having a greater surface area normal to the flow of fluid.

Abstract: A closed system that captures energy derived from the head differential rather than open-water flows velocities while reducing potential environmental damages and costly maintenance due to bio-fouling. The continuously derived energy system utilizes an offshore bladder in communication with both a primary onshore bladder and a supplemental onshore bladder. Tidal energy is captured by turbines as fluid is transferred between the bladders. In addition, the system continuously extracts energy by diverting fluid to and from the supplemental onshore bladder during periods of near-high-ride and near-low-tide, during which the pressure differential between the offshore bladder and the primary onshore bladder becomes inefficient for energy production.