A water current power generation system includes a connection system (1) that provides electrical connections between a power generating unit and a support structure. The system includes a control system (70) that operates to break such a connection should the relative rotation between the power generating unit and the support structure reach a predetermined amount.
F03B 13/26 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
F16B 2/02 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
A coupling device for use in deploying submerged equipment (1) is disclosed. The coupling device passively couples to a support structure (2) during deployment of such equipment (1) onto the support structure (2).
F03B 13/26 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
B63B 21/16 - Tying-upShifting, towing, or pushing equipmentAnchoring using winches
A water current power generating system (1) comprises a support structure (11) located on the bed (6) of a body of water and including an export connector for the export of electrical power from the system, and a power generating apparatus (2) including a rotor assembly (3), an electrical power generating unit rotatable by the rotor assembly (3) and operable to output electrical power, and an electrical output for export of electrical power from the power generating apparatus. The system includes a cable management system mounted outside of an engagement portion (4) of the power generating apparatus (2).
F03B 13/26 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
H01R 35/04 - Turnable line connectors with limited rotation angle
F16B 2/02 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
A water current turbine arrangement (9) of a water current turbine farm comprises a plurality of water current turbine power generating units (1) arranged in a predetermined pattern. The predetermined pattern is such as to increase overall power output of the water current turbine farm when compared with a grid array arrangement of turbine units.
F03B 13/26 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
F03B 17/06 - Other machines or engines using liquid flow, e.g. of swinging-flap type
A water current power generating system comprises a power generating apparatus (1), a support structure (11) and a transition piece (15). The transition piece (15) serves to provide improved ease of location and securing of the power generating apparatus (1) on the support structure (11) and improved deployment and maintenance by providing a semi-permanent location and export connection component.
F03B 13/26 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
F16B 2/02 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
A technique for deploying submerged power connectors (5, 8) is disclosed in which a buoyant winch device (10) is used to winch down a connector (8) attached to an export cable (9) into engagement with an output connector (5) located on the bed (3) of a body of water. Such a technique is suitable for use with a water-based power generating device, such as a water current turbine device (1).
F03B 17/06 - Other machines or engines using liquid flow, e.g. of swinging-flap type
F03B 13/26 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
A clamp arrangement for an underwater power generating system is described. The clamp arrangement has an open position in which the power generation unit (4) is removable from the support structure (2), a bearing position in which the power generation unit (4) is rotatable with respect to the support structure (2) but not removable therefrom, and a closed position in which the power generating unit (4) is not rotatable with respect to, or removable from, the support structure (2).
F03B 13/10 - Submerged units incorporating electric generators or motors
F03B 13/26 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
F16B 2/02 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
8.
TIDAL CURRENT POWER GENERATION SYSTEMS WITH CLAMPING ARRANGEMENT
A clamp arrangement for an underwater power generating system is described. The clamp arrangement has an open position in which the power generation unit (4) is removable from the support structure (2), a bearing position in which the power generation unit (4) is rotatable with respect to the support structure (2) but not removable therefrom, and a closed position in which the power generating unit (4) is not rotatable with respect to, or removable from, the support structure (2).
F03B 13/26 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
F03B 17/06 - Other machines or engines using liquid flow, e.g. of swinging-flap type
A power generating system (1) comprising a power generating apparatus comprising a turbine (2) having a rotor and at least one blade supported on the5 rotor, and a generator. The system further comprises a support structure (4) and an inductive auxiliary transformer (6) arranged in use to transmit auxiliary power from the shore via an export cable to the power generation system. The inductive transformer (6) comprises a primary coil (6A) in communication with the power generating apparatus, and a secondary coil (6B) in communication with the10 support structure (4).
F03B 13/10 - Submerged units incorporating electric generators or motors
F03B 13/26 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
F03B 17/06 - Other machines or engines using liquid flow, e.g. of swinging-flap type
A power generating apparatus (4) is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a generator (8) having a stator mounted along a substantially vertical axis and a rotor, and a turbine (14) having a rotor (16) and at least one blade (18) supported on the rotor (16). The generator (8) and the turbine (14) form an integral unit. The generator rotor forms a component part of the turbine rotor (16). The turbine rotor (16) being mounted for rotation about the stator.
A clamp arrangement (30) is described which comprises a clamp member (34) which defines a bearing surface (35), an actuation point (37) and actuation axis which extends through the actuation point (37). The clamp member (34) is attached to a mounting portion (32) and is rotatable relative to the mounting portion (32) about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the actuation axis. An actuation ring (38) is arranged for rotation relative to the mounting portion (32) about a second axis substantially parallel to the actuation axis of the clamp member (34). A resilient member (4) is attached between the actuation ring (38) and the actuation point (37) of the clamp member (34). An actuator (44) is provided which is operable to act on the actuation ring.
F03B 13/26 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
F16L 23/036 - Flanged joints the flanges being connected by members tensioned axially characterised by the tensioning members, e.g. specially adapted bolts or C-clamps
A water current power generating system comprises a support structure (2) located on a bed (3) of a body of water. A power generating apparatus (4), such as a water current turbine device, is mounted on the support structure (2), by way of a mounting portion (6). The system also includes a measurement unit operable to determine operating information relating to operation of the system, and a controller operable to determine loading on the system from such operating information, and to adjust a controlled parameter of the system such that loading on the system falls below a predetermined threshold value.
A subsea cable engagement system for connecting at least one cable end connector in communication with a power generation unit to a hub mounted cable connector of a hub. The system comprises a base; and at least one hub. The base comprises an engagement section for receiving a hub(s); and at least one engagement member for engaging a cable-end connector. The hub(s) comprises at least one hub-mounted cable connectors. The engagement member(s) of the base and/or the at least one hub-mounted cable connector are arranged to provide relative movement therebetween for engagement of at least one cable-end connector with at least one hub-mounted cable connector.
A water current power generation system comprising a water current power generating device capable of rotation relative to its sea or river bed support structure (3) to face the oncoming current flow, in which the device comprises: a mechanical connection between the main body of the water current power generating device (2) and its support structure (3) which allows a degree of freedom about the desired axis of rotation (M); and a toothless gear interface provided between the device (2) and its support structure (3) arranged for rotation of the device about the desired axis of rotation.
A water current power generation structure comprising: • a power generation unit including a main body, a mounting portion (2) which extends from the main body and which defines a mounting axis (M); • a support structure adapted for engagement with a bed of a body of water, and including a support housing (3); • wherein the structure further comprises a yaw mechanism (6) for rotating the power generation unit relative to the support structure, the mechanism comprising: • a pinion (7) associated with the mounting portion (2); and • a gear (8) associated within the support housing (3) and arranged to engage the pinion (7) to rotate the power generation unit about the mounting axis (M) relative to the support structure; and • a selective engagement mechanism for selectively engaging the yaw mechanism (6).
F03B 13/26 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
F03B 17/06 - Other machines or engines using liquid flow, e.g. of swinging-flap type
An underwater structure comprising a power generation apparatus including a main body; a mounting portion (1) rigidly connected to the main body defining a mounting axis (M); a connection carrier (6), a connector mounted on the connection carrier; and an actuation mechanism (9) in communication with the connection carrier (6). The structure further comprises a support structure (2) adapted for engagement with a bed of a body of water; and including a support housing (5); a support connection carrier (12) attached to the support housing; and a support connector mounted on the support connection carrier (12). The mounting portion (1) and the support housing (5) are adapted to cooperate with one another for mounting of the power generation apparatus on the support structure. The connection carrier (6) is releasably engageable with the support connection carrier (12), such that the connection carrier (6) is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position the actuation mechanism (9) is operable to rotate the mounting portion (1) about the mounting axis (M). In the disengaged position the actuation mechanism (9) is operable to rotate the connection carrier (6) about the mounting axis (M).
F03B 13/26 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
F03B 17/06 - Other machines or engines using liquid flow, e.g. of swinging-flap type
Power generating equipment comprises a support structure (1) adapted to be disposed on the bed of a body of water having a surface above the bed; and a buoyant power generating apparatus (2) having positive buoyancy releasably connectable to the support structure (1), the power generating apparatus (2) being adapted to be released from the support structure (1) and to make controlled free ascent to the surface (18) of the water following such release.
F03B 17/02 - Other machines or engines using hydrostatic thrust
F03B 17/06 - Other machines or engines using liquid flow, e.g. of swinging-flap type
F03B 13/26 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
B63B 21/00 - Tying-upShifting, towing, or pushing equipmentAnchoring
Power generating equipment comprising a support structure (1), a power generating apparatus, a winching device (21) and a flexible winch tether (3). The support structure (1) is adapted to be disposed on the bed of a body of water. The support structure (1) provides a first engagement feature for releasable engagement with a winch tether (3). The winching device is releasably engageable with the power generating apparatus, and operable to pay out and to retract a flexible winch tether. The flexible winch tether has a first end connectable to the winching device and a second end (2) providing a second engagement feature (4) for releasable engagement with the first engagement feature (5) of the support structure (1). The second engagement feature (4) is located on the support structure such that in the engaged position the winch tether (3) is connected to the support structure (1). In the disengaged position the winch tether (3) is disconnected from the support structure (1).
F03B 13/26 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
F03B 17/06 - Other machines or engines using liquid flow, e.g. of swinging-flap type
B63B 21/00 - Tying-upShifting, towing, or pushing equipmentAnchoring
This invention relates to a clamp arrangement for coupling two components (213,215), comprising: a clamp (250) having at least two arms (314a, 314b, 314c) which are operable so as to close around either or both of the first and second components; and, at least two drives (316a, 316b), each drive being connected to and configured to move at least one of the arms relative to either or both of the two components.
F15B 11/12 - Servomotor systems without provision for follow-up action with only one servomotor providing distinct intermediate positionsServomotor systems without provision for follow-up action with only one servomotor with step-by-step action
F03B 13/26 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
F03B 17/06 - Other machines or engines using liquid flow, e.g. of swinging-flap type
F16L 23/08 - Flanged joints the flanges being connected by members tensioned in the radial plane connection by tangentially arranged pin and nut
20.
A YAW BEARING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SUB-AQUATIC TURBINE
This invention relates to a power generating apparatus, comprising: a support structure; a power generating module, wherein the power generating module is adaptably attached to the support structure so as to have a fixed configuration and rotatable configuration; and, a lifting device for placing the power generating module in the rotatable configuration from the fixed configuration. In some arrangements,the lifting device may be actively controlled. The active control may be used to differentially lift the power generating module to tilt a yawing axis of the power generating module away from vertical.
F03B 13/26 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
F03B 17/06 - Other machines or engines using liquid flow, e.g. of swinging-flap type
This invention relates to asub-aquatic structure comprising: a first component;a second component, wherein the first component and second component are mateably engaged along a mating axis when in use; and, an alignment mechanism which is arranged to relatively rotate the first and second components when the first and second components mateably engage one another along a mating axis.
A connection system for connecting a first connection point with a second connection point, the second connection point being arranged for rotation and translation with respect to the first connection point, the connection system comprises a first connection point, a first support surface moveable linearly with respect to the first connection point, a second support surface moveable linearly and rotationally with respect to the first connection point, and a second connection point moveable linearly and rotationally with respect to the first connection point, moveable rotationally with respect to the first support surface, and fixed with respect to the second support surface, and a reverse bend radius cable chain located on the first and second support surfaces, and having a first end connected with the first connection point via a first connector cable, and a second end connected with the second connection point via a second connector cable.
F03B 13/26 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
A water-based power generating installation comprises a water based power generating device operable to derive power from a body of water, and to export that power via a power export cable,and an infrastructure arrangement for providing a power export connection from the installation, and including infrastructure equipment for the installation, which infrastructure equipment serves to connect the power generating device with the power export connection.
F03B 11/00 - Parts or details not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups
F03B 13/26 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
F03B 17/06 - Other machines or engines using liquid flow, e.g. of swinging-flap type
H01R 13/523 - Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases for use under water
H02B 7/00 - Enclosed substations, e.g. compact substations
An underwater structure (1) comprises a power generation unit (4) including a main body (10), a mounting portion (14) which extends from the main body (10) and which defines a mounting axis (M), and a support structure (2) adapted for engagement with a bed (3) of a body of water, and including a support housing (20). The mounting portion (14) defines a substantially continuous mounting surface which extends substantially completely around the mounting portion, and the support housing (20) defines a substantially continuous support surface which extends substantially completely around the support housing. The mounting surface and support surface are arranged to abut one another substantially continuously when the power generation unit (4) is mounted on the support structure (2). The mounting portion (14) and the support housing (20) are adapted to cooperate with one another for mounting of the power generation unit (4) on the support structure (2) in any polar orientation about the mounting axis (M). The power generation unit includes a connection actuator means (39) operable to rotate the connection carrier about the mounting axis.
F03B 13/18 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member and another member wherein the other member is fixed, at least at one point, with respect to the sea bed or shore
F03B 13/26 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
F03B 17/06 - Other machines or engines using liquid flow, e.g. of swinging-flap type
A method for installing a structure (2) on a bed (4) of a body of water (5) includes attaching an underwater power cable to the structure (2), providing an installation rig for securing the 5 structure (2) to the bed (4), and operating the installation rig using power and control signals supplied via the underwater power cable, wherein the power cable is subsequently used for exporting electrical power from an electrical power generator (3) mounted on the structure.
An infrastructure arrangement (5) for use in an underwater power generation installation includes a support structure (6) adapted for engagement with a bed (3) of a body of water, and an infrastructure module (7) adapted to house infrastructure equipment for connection to power generating units of the installation. The infrastructure module (7) is releasably engageable with the support structure.
F03B 13/26 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
F03B 17/06 - Other machines or engines using liquid flow, e.g. of swinging-flap type
A method of installing a structure (2) on a bed (4) of a body (5) of water comprises deploying a structure (2) to be installed to a bed (4) of a body (5) of water from a deployment vessel (6), operating an installation unit (10) to secure the structure (2) to the bed (4), wherein the method further comprises using the structure (2) as a tether point for the deployment vessel (6) during operation of the installation unit (10).
A method of controlling a water current turbine (1) which includes a rotor assembly (10) arranged to drive a generator (12) is disclosed. The method includes adjusting the electrical torque of the generator to control the output power of the generator (12). The control also takes loading characteristics of the turbine into account, and allows variation in the output power level in line with predefined power quality requirements.
A method of controlling a water current turbine (1) which includes a rotor assembly (10) arranged to drive a generator (12) is disclosed. The method includes adjusting the electrical torque of the generator to control only the output power of the generator (12).
Power generating equipment comprises a support structure (1 ) adapted to be disposed on the bed of a body of water, a buoyant power generating apparatus (2) having a centre of buoyancy, a winching device (3) releasably engageable with the power generating apparatus (2), and operable to pay out and to retract a flexible winch tether (6). The flexible winch tether (6) has first and second portions releasably connectable to one another, the first portion being connectable at one end thereof to the support structure (1 ) and at a second end thereof to the second portion, and the second portion being attached at one end thereof to the winching device (3), and being connectable at a second end thereof to the first portion.
F03B 13/26 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
F03B 17/06 - Other machines or engines using liquid flow, e.g. of swinging-flap type
31.
WATER CURRENT TURBINE ARRANGEMENTS AND GROUP CONTROL
A method is described for controlling a water current turbine array (1) which includes first and second pluralities (row A, row B) of water current turbines (10) operable to generate electricity from a water current. The method comprises controlling respective power generation characteristics of the water current turbines in the array so as to maximise power generation of the array (1) as a whole.
F03B 5/00 - Machines or engines characterised by non-bladed rotors, e.g. serrated, using friction
F03B 13/26 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
F03B 17/06 - Other machines or engines using liquid flow, e.g. of swinging-flap type
A rotor assembly for a water flow electricity power generating device comprises a water flow path (30) from an inlet (26) to an outlet (28) which is located radially outside of the inlet, and a control mechanism (32) operable to control flow of water along the water flow path (30).
F03B 13/22 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the flow of water resulting from wave movements, e.g. to drive a hydraulic motor or turbine
F03B 13/26 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
F03B 17/06 - Other machines or engines using liquid flow, e.g. of swinging-flap type
A turbine assembly comprising a plurality of turbine blades, each blade having a setting angle distribution such that the thrust coefficient of the blade increases with rotational speed of the turbine assembly up to a first rotational speed and decreases significantly beyond the first rotational speed up to a runaway speed for the turbine assembly.
An underwater structure comprising a power generation apparatus and a supporting structure is disclosed. A coupling is provided that allows attachment of the power generating device (1) to the submerged support structure (2) incorporates the function of a yaw bearing allowing rotation of the PGA about a substantially vertical
A method of installing a structure (2) on a bed of a sea, estuary or river from a floating installation vessel (1) is described. In such a method a plurality of attachment piles (6) and corresponding installation rigs. (5) are attached to the structure (2) prior to deployment of the structure. In addition, respective umbilical control cables (7) are connected to the installation rigs (5) prior to deployment of the structure. The structure (2) is deployed from a floating vessel (1) to a bed of a sea, estuary or river, such that, when the structure is located on the bed, the umbilical control cables (7) do not support the structure or installation rigs. A single installation operation for each attachment pile is performed, in which operation an installation rig (5) is activated so as to install fully the corresponding attachment pile (6) in the bed, without removal of the umbilical control cable (7) or the installation rig (5) therefrom.
A water current generating device consisting of a main body (3) and a horizontal axis rotor (5) is attached by a mechanical connection (2) to a fixed support structure (1 ). Under the action of one or more hydrodynamic thrusters (4) the main body of the turbine is rotated about a desired axis of rotation to face the oncoming current flow. The mechanical connection incorporates an appropriate degree of freedom to allow this re-orientation to take place.
F03B 13/26 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
Power generating equipment comprising a buoyant power generating apparatus (1) and a support structure (7) for the power generating apparatus (1), which support structure (7), in use, is disposed on the bed of a body of water, the power generating apparatus (1) comprising a motor-driven winching device (4) having a tether (10) which is connectable at its free end to the support structure (7) whereby retraction of the tether (10) causes the power generating apparatus (1) to be drawn downwardly through the body of water into engagement with the support structure (7), the power generating apparatus (1) and the support structure (7) being provided with means (3, 5) for aligning and latching the power generating apparatus (1) with respect to the support structure (7) upon engagement with the support structure (7).
F03B 17/06 - Other machines or engines using liquid flow, e.g. of swinging-flap type
F03B 13/26 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
B63B 21/00 - Tying-upShifting, towing, or pushing equipmentAnchoring
F03B 13/10 - Submerged units incorporating electric generators or motors
A method of securing a load bearing structure to the bed of a sea, river or estuary. The method comprises placing the load bearing structure on the bed; forming a pile-receiving hole in the bed by means of drilling equipment which is connected to a surface vessel by flexible lines only so that the weight of the drilling equipment is supported by the bed, the drilling equipment being guided by the load bearing structure, and the load bearing structure resisting any non-vertical loads imparted to the drilling equipment; and withdrawing the drilling equipment and installing an attachment pile within the formed hole.
patents