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: A fluid flow metering device and a method thereof are provided. The fluid flow metering device includes a fluid flow detector, a memory, a micro controller and a power generator. The fluid flow detector is disposed in a supply tube of a fluid flow provider. When the fluid flows in the supply tube, the power generator generates a supplying power through flow of the fluid, and provides the supplying power to the fluid flow detector, the memory and the micro controller. When the fluid flow detector detects the flow of the fluid, the fluid flow detector detects the flow of the fluid outputted from the supply tube to derive a detecting value. The micro controller receives the detecting value and writes the detecting value into the memory, or the micro controller converts the detecting value into a flow value and writes the flow value into the memory.

Abstract: Extracting energy from wind. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: directing fluid flow across an aperture of a nozzle in operational relationship with an resonant cavity, a central axis of the nozzle and the central axis of the resonant cavity nonconcentric, and the resonant cavity has a resonant frequency; creating pressure waves within the resonant cavity, the pressure waves created at least in part by vortices within the fluid flow across the aperture; and extracting energy from pressure waves within the resonant cavity.

Abstract: A system that converts acceleration to rotational energy by using gravity to lower a ballast member and buoyancy to raise it when the ballast member is filled with compressed air. The ballast's initial ascent is controlled by a brake member. This ascent causes a rack assembly to rise that actuates a compressor to refill the intermediary tank with compressed air so the cycle can repeat itself. The initial phase begins with the ballast member containing compressed air so it can ascend up a liquid-filled silo, generating rotational energy along the way using a mounted cable that travels around a wire drum. Upon reaching the top of the silo, valves will open allowing water to enter the ballast thereby sinking it to the bottom, creating additional rotational energy.

Abstract: A wind farm comprising a number of wind turbines arranged on a ground comprising a first ground portion having a first ground surface and an outer periphery and a second ground portion having a second ground surface and surrounding the first ground portion. The first ground portion is covered with a reflective artificial covering to provide a reflecting surface having an albedo higher than the albedo of the second ground portion and thereby generating a lower temperature and a higher pressure in the first ground portion than in the second ground portion and a wind having a speed in a direction from the first ground portion towards the second ground portion. Some of the wind turbines are arranged in the second ground portion in such a distance from the periphery of the first ground portion that they are subjected to the wind coming from the first ground portion.

Abstract: A wind energy system with a wind turbine having a cowling surrounded by a diffuser, a plurality of inner rotor blades located inside of the cowling that rotate about an inner rotor hub, a plurality of outer rotor blades positioned between the diffuser and the cowling that rotate in an opposite direction to that of the plurality of inner rotor blades, a drive mechanism located within the inner rotor hub, a dynamic telescopic tower with a height that adjusts automatically by motors controlled by a controller based on input from sensors located in the dynamic telescopic tower and on the wind turbine, and a tower support that connects the wind turbine to the dynamic telescopic tower.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatus for increasing turbulent mixing in the wake of at least one wind turbine. Doing so, increases efficiency of a wind turbine located in the wake by transferring energy to the wake that was lost when the wind passed through the upwind turbine. Turbulent mixing may be increased by changing the induction factor for a rotor by, for example, altering the pitch of the blades, the RPMs of the rotor, or the yaw of the nacelle. These techniques may be static or dynamically changing. Further, the different induction factors for a plurality of wind turbines may be synchronized according to a predetermined pattern to further increase turbulent mixing.

Abstract: A device (1) for registering data and features of ducts includes at least one camera (3, 5), at least one distance measurement apparatus and at least one apparatus for measuring properties of the medium contained in the duct. Furthermore, provision can be made for an illumination apparatus (4), a tracking sensor (10), which emits data in relation to the current position of the device (1), and an inclination measurement device (inclinometer and gyroscopic compass 9). The device can have a passive or active drive for moving the device (1) along the duct. The device (1) can register a length recording of the duct with the aid of photo geometry or with sound, radar, acceleration sensors and/or mechanical distance measurements. Thus, after a duct has been inspected, each point can be assigned precisely in terms of length.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for safe, efficient, economically productive, environmentally responsible, extraction and utilization of dissolved gases in deep waters of a rare type of “exploding” lake, where methane (CH4) is accompanied by abundant CO2. CH4 is combusted to generate electricity. CO2 usually is considered a contaminant requiring removal to avoid power loss. Cleaning high CO2 levels from CH4, however, is costly and causes CH4 loss. Venting CO2 is environmentally undesirable. Or, if CO2 is disposed in water flow returned to the deep lake, danger persists. CO2 and CH4 are degassed efficiently together and input into oxy-fuel combustion. Three process outputs are: degassed nutrients-rich water flow, power and CO2+H2O exhaust, all usable for industrially productive purposes. Extracting and using both gases together in an integrated method advances safety, economic productivity and environmental stewardship. Previously, it has not been possible to accomplish these ends together.

Abstract: A subsea system is for uptake and supply of a liquid. The system comprises a storage tank having at least one outlet, a valve assembly, a pump having a high-pressure side and a low-pressure side, and a feed line. The outlet is in fluid communication with a lower internal volume of the tank, and the valve assembly. The low-pressure side of the pump and the feed line are in fluid communication with the outlet, and the valve assembly is arranged on the feed line, and the feed line is bypassing the pump, such that said pump may withdraw liquid from the tank when the valve assembly on the feed line is closed.

Abstract: A subsea drilling, production or processing actuation system comprising a variable speed electric motor (10) adapted to be supplied with a current, a reversible hydraulic pump (8, 28) driven by the motor, a hydraulic piston assembly (92, 101, 111, 121, 131) connected to the pump and comprising a first chamber (2), a second chamber (3) and a piston (4) separating the first and second chambers and configured to actuate a valve (91) in a subsea system, a fluid reservoir (14) connected to the pump and the hydraulic piston assembly, the pump, hydraulic piston assembly and reservoir connected in a substantially closed hydraulic system, and a pressure compensator (13, 65) configured to normalize pressure differences between outside the hydraulic system and inside the hydraulic system.

Abstract: The solar chimney of the present invention comprises an elongated chamber having an inlet end and an outlet end, the chamber defining a path for fluid, such as air, from the inlet to the outlet. Air updrafts in the chamber drive an internal turbine which is connected to an electric generator, or to some other machine. The chamber has the general configuration of an hourglass; the diameter of the chamber becomes progressively smaller with distance from the inlet end, until the diameter reaches a minimum value, then becomes progressively larger, as one proceeds towards the outlet end. Disposed within the chamber are one or more heat exchangers for heating air in the chamber by solar and/or wind energy.

Abstract: A method for operating a wind farm is provided. The method includes determining a wind condition, determining a wake-effect between at least two wind turbines forming at least a sub-set of the wind farm, each of the at least two wind turbines having a yaw system, and determining a desired yaw angle setpoint for each of the at least two wind turbines so that a total power production of at least the sub-set is expected to be increased compared to independently operating the yaw systems of each of the at least two wind turbines. Furthermore, a wind farm is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus has a tank with an open top, a tank wall, and a closed bottom. A first ringwall extends from the bottom such that a first annular space is defined by the first ringwall and the tank wall, and a second annular space is defined by the first ringwall. A second ringwall extends in the second annular space and defines a third annular space between the first ringwall and the second ringwall and further defines a cylindrical space. A conduit extends into the cylindrical space. A pod disposed into the cylindrical space has a closed chamber and a displacement chamber. An inner riser disposed in the third annular space has an open bottom, and an outer riser is disposed in the first annular space and has a closed top, a wall, and an open bottom.

Abstract: This invention provides a tidal current generating device and an installation frame thereof. The tidal generating device includes an installation frame, at least three hydro turbines, and at least one power generation module. The installation frame of the tidal current generating device includes an outer frame and at least two buoy units. The at least two buoy units are disposed on two sides of the outer frame. When the installation frame of the tidal current generating device is used, the at least two buoy units are vertical to a horizontal plane and parallel to a direction of water flow. The at least three hydro turbines are disposed in parallel within the outer frame. The at least one power generation module is connected with the three hydro turbines. When water flows to the hydro turbines, the hydro turbines rotate to drive the power generation module to generate power.

Abstract: Provided herein is an oscillating water column type wave energy converting apparatus that is suspended underwater by a mooring device and system thereof, the apparatus and system comprising an damping plate connected to the mooring device; a post with a hollow of which both ends are open, the post extending vertically upwards from the mooring device; a turbine disposed inside the hollow of the post; and a housing of which its lower end is open and which is disposed at an upper portion of the post, wherein the turbine is rotated by air that flows according to changes in water level inside the hollow of the post.

Abstract: A system for converting a waste stream to energy including a water purification device that outputs purified water and a waste stream that includes an electrolyte, a wind and electrolytic energy generation device that receives the waste stream from the water purification device and outputs energy based on the electrolyte present in the waste stream and a power distribution system which receives and stores the energy from the wind and electrolytic energy generation device. The water purification device is further connected to the power distribution system and receives energy enabling further operation of the water purification device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of integrating one or more thermal processes with one another, wherein the thermal processes to be integrated have different supply and demand criteria for thermal energy. The method involves the use of one or more thermal stores.

Abstract: A hydrocratic generator comprises a generally horizontal solid pipe and an inner tube, and an annular space formed between the solid pipe and the inner tube. The solid pipe receives a first aqueous solution and the inner tube receives a second aqueous solution. The inner tube is comprised of a membrane wall which facilitates the mixing between the first and the second aqueous solution.

Abstract: A fluid-working machine for a renewable energy generation device, the fluid-working machine comprising a ring cam and a plurality of working chambers, the ring cam having an annular working surface extending around an axis of rotation of the ring cam, the annular working surface defining a plurality of waves, each working chamber having a piston, each piston in operative engagement with the ring cam working surface, the ring cam and working chambers being mounted to rotate relative to each other, cycles of working chamber volume being thereby coupled to rotation of the ring cam relative to the working chambers, characterized in that the individual waves of the ring cam working surface have an asymmetric profile.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic control system includes a pump configured to pressurize a fluid, and a swing motor selectively driven by pressurized fluid from the pump. The swing motor is configured to move a part of the machine. The hydraulic control system also includes a controller in communication with the pump. The controller is configured to receive an input indicative of a difference between a desired speed and an actual speed of the swing motor, and determine if the swing motor is accelerating, decelerating, or operating at neutral mode. The controller is configured to determine an amount of return fluid from an actuator of the machine that is available as makeup fluid for the swing motor if the swing motor is operating at neutral mode. The controller is configured to control the pump based on at least the amount of return fluid.

Abstract: A wave energy converter (10) for extracting energy from waves in a body of liquid. The converter (10) comprises an inflatable sleeve (12) having an air inlet (14) at or towards one end and an air outlet (18) at or towards its other end. A flexible diaphragm (22) is located within the sleeve (12) so as to extend lengthwise thereof. The diaphragm (22) is sealingly engaged with the sleeve (12) along opposed, elongate edges (22a,22b) thereof. A flexible spine (24) is retained within the diaphragm (22) so as to extend lengthwise thereof. The spine (24) is fixed with the diaphragm (22), relative to the sleeve (12), at or towards each end of the sleeve (12). The converter (10) also comprises a loading device operable to apply an axial compressive force to the spine (24) relative to the sleeve (12) such that, on operation of the loading device, the spine (24) and the diaphragm (22) are buckled into a waveform (26) constrained within the sleeve (12).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a natural energy extraction apparatus which can extract kinetic energies of river water currents or tidal water currents at various depth layers, and which is easy to attach to the fixed structure above water current. A natural energy extraction apparatus comprises a float, a vertical-axis water turbine fixed to the float and extending downward, a power transmission device engaging an upper end of the float and converting rotational kinetic energy of the float to driving torque for driven equipment, and arm members supporting the power transmission device rotatably around a horizontal axis at one ends and supported by a fixed structure above a water current rotatably around a horizontal axis at the other ends, wherein the float and the vertical-axis water turbine are located in a river water current or tidal water current.

Abstract: A wave responsive electrical generator device having a buoyant member connected to an anchor by a tether line member, the line member passing through a sheave mounted within the buoyant member and descending to a counterweight, whereby vertical motion of the buoyant member results in rotation of the sheave, which in turn operates an alternator to produce electricity, wherein the line member is a plurality of belts mechanically interlocking with the sheave.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for harnessing ocean wave energy, wherein the apparatus relieves excessive loadings on components to avoid damage thereof in adverse wave conditions. The apparatus includes a buoyant actuator and a pump anchored within the body of water. Fluid at high pressure is pumped ashore by the pump, energy is extracted as useful work at an on-shore plant, and the resultant reduced pressure fluid is returned to the offshore pump to be re-energized. The buoyant actuator is operably connected to the pump by tether and is buoyantly suspended within the body of water above the pump. The buoyant actuator is provided with a connector that includes a damping mechanism configured to maintain a substantially rigid connection between the hollow body and the tether until such time as loading therebetween exceeds a prescribed load whereupon the damping mechanism facilitates limited relative movement therebetween to relieve the loading.

Abstract: Systems and methods relate to utilizing fluid potential energy to produce large scale and sustainable hydroelectric power by employing a Cho-Venturi hydraulic ram (CVHR). The CVHR system includes a Cho-Venturi tube (CVT) in which a primary flow from a fluid at a head pressure at a depth in a body of the fluid combines with a recirculation flow in a throat section of the CVT. A pressure higher than the pressure outside the plant is generated at the end of a diverging section the CVT, which enables expulsion of the fluid discharged from hydraulic turbines under atmospheric pressure to the fluid depth while another portion of the fluid is recycled for power generation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for maintaining the active power production of a fluid turbine and regulating the temperature of an electrical generating component by controlling the reactive power production are disclosed. A thermal parameter of the electrical generating component is monitored. If the electrical generating component exceeds a thermal parameter the reactive power production of the turbine is reduced. A fluid turbine may be de-rated to further reduce an electrical generating component's thermal parameter. A fluid turbine may shut down to further reduce an electrical generating component's thermal parameter. A fluid turbine's power production is re-started when the electrical generating component returns to an acceptable thermal parameter.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for the compression, expansion, and/or storage of a gas are described herein. An apparatus suitable for use in a compressed gas-based energy storage and recovery system includes a pneumatic cylinder having a working piston disposed therein for reciprocating movement in the pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic actuator coupled to the working piston, and a hydraulic controller fluidically coupleable to the hydraulic actuator. The apparatus is fluidically coupleable to a compressed gas storage chamber which includes a first storage chamber fluidically coupleable to the pneumatic chamber, and a second storage chamber is fluidically coupleable to the first storage chamber. The first storage chamber is disposed at a first elevation and is configured to contain a liquid and a gas. The second storage chamber is disposed at a second elevation greater than the first elevation, and is configured to contain a volume of liquid.

Abstract: A system to pressurize barrier fluid of a submersible installation to provide a differential pressure between the ambient pressure surrounding the submersible installation and the pressure of the barrier fluid internally in the submersible installation during submersion of the system, wherein the differential pressure fits within a predetermined differential pressure range. The system comprises a pre-charge arrangement and a pressure intensifier which is adapted to start working at a start-up pressure. The pre-charge arrangement is adapted, during submerging of the system, to provide a differential pressure within the predetermined differential pressure range until the ambient pressure equals the start up pressure of the pressure intensifier, while the pressure intensifier is adapted to provide a differential pressure within the predetermined differential pressure range when the ambient pressure equals the start-up pressure of the pressure intensifier during further submersion of the system.

Abstract: A device to harvest energy from lightning is disclosed. The electrical energy of the lightning may be used to heat a fluid, which may then be used to drive a turbine to produce electricity. The electricity provided by the turbine is in a form suitable to either by used or stored. The lightning strikes an antenna and is conducted through an insulated chamber where it heats the fluid.

Abstract: The power plant disclosed is an engine that derives its usefulness in the pursuit of energy generation by utilizing hydrostatic pressure differentials found or created in various liquids, gases or solutions, such as but not limited to water and air. It is generally provided as a two-stroke piston cycle power generating system, wherein the actions of the pistons perform work or replenish working fluid from a lower head to a higher head, and can be utilized to generate power, pump fluids, or perform work, for example. Multiple power generating systems are interconnected to provide continuous and constant power generation through a penstock and turbine system.

Abstract: An axial-flow turbine assembly that includes one or more features for enhancing the efficiency of the turbine's operation. In one embodiment, the turbine assembly includes a turbine rotor having blades that adjust their pitch angle in direct response to working fluid pressure on the blades themselves or other part(s) of the rotor. In other embodiments, the turbine assembly is deployable in an application, such as an oscillating water column system, in which the flow of working fluid varies over time, for example, as pressure driving the flow changes. In a first of these embodiments, the turbine assembly includes a valve that allows the pressure to build so that the flow is optimized for the turbine's operating parameters. In a second of these embodiments, one or more variable-admission nozzle and shutter assemblies are provided to control the flow through the turbine to optimize the flow relative to the turbine's operating parameters.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating energy in which an oscillating air column created by wave motion continuously drives a turbine in one direction.

Abstract: A hydroelectric power plant comprising a pipe from a water source in a mountain range which is made to open into a much larger in diameter piston cylinder at a much lower elevation. The piston therein is driven by water pressure to drive a gear train operatively connected to an electric generator on its far end. The piston is made to move slowly under great force, while the generator is made to turn at a much greater velocity, producing electricity. Water pressure may be derived from some municipal water systems. Much less water is expended through the device than by using a turbine, as in U.S. Pat. No. 1,774,603. Instead of a piston, piezoelectric elements may be used with shut-off valves on either side of the elements. By alternating the operation of these valves intense pressure waves may be induced to produce electricity. This obviates the need for turbines and generators for hydroelectric power generation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a facility for converting water power into mechanical or electrical energy, including at least one hydraulic turbine, a water reservoir (R), and a pipe (5) for supplying the turbine with water (E) from the water reservoir. The facility also includes a device (200) submerged in the water reservoir and suitable for imposing an ascending movement on a water flow (E0) moving in the water reservoir (R) towards the opening (51) of the supply pipe (5), and a gas-collecting means (400), arranged above a portion (V200) of the device (200) in which the ascending movement of the water flow (E0) takes place.

Abstract: A temperature compensated accumulator and method for use thereof downhole in a well. The accumulator may include a housing with separate bulkhead and piston assemblies. Thus, one assembly may include a hydraulic fluid chamber separated from a gas precharge pressure chamber by a piston and the other assembly may include an ambient pressure chamber separated from an atmospheric chamber by another piston. Additionally a pressure relief and check valve assembly may be located at a pressure relief chamber between the other assembly sections. Thus, venting to or from the gas precharge pressure chamber may take place upon exposure to a predetermined decreased or elevated temperature so as to maintain a substantially constant precharge level for the accumulator, for example, in spite of dramatic changes in downhole temperatures.

Abstract: Techniques, systems and material are disclosed for transport of energy and/or materials. In one aspect, a method includes generating gaseous fuel (e.g., from biomass dissociation) at a first location of a low elevation. The gaseous fuel can be self-transported in a pipeline to a second location at a higher elevation than the first location by traveling from the first location to the second location without adding energy of pressure. A liquid fuel can be generated at the second location of higher elevation by reacting the gaseous fuel with at least one of a carbon donor, a nitrogen donor, and an oxygen donor harvested from industrial waste. The liquid fuel can be delivered to a third location of a lower elevation than the second location while providing pressure or kinetic energy.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a device are disclosed which are capable of using moving liquid to create energy in the form of compressed air. The method, system, and/or device does not harm or consume the liquid to operate. The compressed air can be used to operate anything from vehicles to electric generators.

Abstract: A system and method for converting pressure differentials to electricity is disclosed. Initially, a first chamber is empty and a second chamber holds compressed air/fluid. When the device is disposed in the large bodies of water, due to pressure difference inside the first chamber and the ambient pressure, water fills the first chamber. As the water passes through the first chamber, it turns the turbine or creates pressure difference in transducer to produce electricity. The device descends itself in the deeper water column due to added water in first chamber. When the device obtains equilibrium, the compressed air/fluid from second chamber is allowed to flow to the first chamber to evacuate the filled water. The evacuating water again turns the turbine or creates pressure difference in transducer to produce electricity. After evacuation of water, the device will ascend itself to a shallower depth and the process repeats.

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

Abstract: Energy can be stored by directing fluid into an expandable receptacle that has a relatively heavy mass above it. The fluid fills the receptacle such that it expands and lifts up the heavy mass above it. At a time when energy is needed, the fluid can be allowed to flow out of the receptacle and through a turbine or hydraulic motor to generate power or electricity. Intermittent or unreliable sources of power can be used to fill the receptacle, or power from a power grid can be used to fill the receptacle at times that are off-peak. During peak-load times, the potential energy of the fluid in the receptacle can be converted to power. The receptacle can also be used to control water flows and can provide a source of power and potable water to a community.

Abstract: A wind turbine station for generating electricity comprising a multi floor structure having open framing. The open framing comprising at least two spaced-apart, open, vertical frames, the frames each made primarily of uncovered beams and columns. The station has a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontal, interior platforms forming the floors of the structure, each interior platform extending between and joined to both of the frames over the length of the frames. Wind turbines are mounted on the structure about the outer periphery of each platform. The wind turbines face outwardly and are each operatively connected to a generator to produce electricity. In a preferred embodiment, the structure has an annular shape with an outer cylindrical or polygonal prism frame and an inner cylindrical or polygonal prism frame spaced from the outer frame. The interior platforms have a flat, ring shape. The invention includes a method for building the station.

Abstract: A turbine system that can be releasably anchored in a flow of liquid, like a waterfall, and generate power from the flow includes a runner operable to receive some or all of the flow of liquid and rotate to generate power, a penstock operable to direct some or all of the flow toward the runner, and an intake operable to direct some or all of the flow into the penstock. The runner may be coupled to a generator to generate electric power. The penstock has a length that is adjustable to accommodate changes in the height of the liquid drop or waterfall, which may be desirable if the distance between the top and bottom of the drop fluctuates like an ocean's tide. The turbine system also includes a valve operable to modify the flow of the liquid flowing into the runner, and a control circuit operable to determine an amount of liquid entering the penstock and, in response to the determined amount, move the valve to increase or decrease the flow of liquid into the runner.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: An embodiment of a system and method for moving an object in one axis includes one or more fluid inflatable containers which are arranged to transmit fluid pressure to a plunger, such that a flexible membrane of the fluid inflatable container engages with the plunger and forms a rolling lobe in response to changes in volume. The fluid inflatable containers are enclosed within an enclosure or drum, and a shaft runs axially through the center of the enclosure. The system further includes one or more control valves operably connected to the one or more fluid inflatable containers for controlling the volume of fluid in the one or more containers. By changing the volume of fluid in the one or more containers the object is moved. In an embodiment an arced plunger is used to assist in creating the rolling lobe.

Abstract: A wave responsive electrical generator device having a buoyant member connected to an anchor by a tether line member, the line member passing through a sheave mounted within the buoyant member and descending to a counterweight, whereby vertical motion of the buoyant member results in rotation of the sheave, which in turn operates hydraulic cylinders to deliver hydraulic fluid under pressure to an hydraulic motor, which drives an electrical generator, wherein the line member is a plurality of belts mechanically interlocking with the sheave.

Abstract: Disclosed is an energy recovering system having a first pump for pumping a fluid from a first lower level at a first lower potential energy to a second higher level corresponding to a second higher potential energy, and a turbine being located at a third level corresponding to a third potential energy being smaller than said second higher potential energy, wherein the turbine is fluidly connected to the first pump by a connecting pipe such that the fluid can be fed by the first pump via the connecting pipe from the first lower level and via the second higher level to the turbine located at the third level, where the turbine is connected to the first pump in such a way that a recovery-energy recovered from the fluid by passing through the turbine (T) is used for a drive of the concurrently operating first pump.

Abstract: A device for obtaining internal energy from liquid by utilizing buoyancy includes: an inner body (2); a sealing strip (3); a shell body (5); an axle (1) and liquid, wherein the sealing strip (3) is mounted between the shell body (5) and the inner body (2), a liquid entrance (6) is provided at a bottom portion of the shell body (5), the inner body (2) is connected to the axle (1), an energy transformer is connected to the axle (1) or the shell body (5). Internal energy not used in the liquid is transformed into mechanical energy by a combination of the liquid, the inner body (2) and the axle (1). The present invention also provides a method for obtaining internal energy from liquid by utilizing buoyancy.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: A power transfer system comprising a turbine for capturing wind energy; a plurality of driven devices which can be coupled to the turbine to be driven thereby; and a controller adapted to monitor a parameter relating to the energy output of the turbine and selectively load or unload one or more of the plurality of driven devices to maximise the efficiency of the turbine and maximise efficient power transfer from the turbine to one or more of the driven devices. The present invention efficiently power matches the available turbine energy with the energy capacity of the driven devices to thereby ensure the turbine and driven devices operate within an optimum range to minimise energy wastage and increase energy transfer efficiency.