Abstract

An underwater frame supporting a plurality of tidal turbines. The frame is tethered to a seabed fixing such that the frame and tidal turbines are positioned downstream of tidal flow. The frame is steerable so as to increase energy capture from said turbines by exposing them to undisturbed tidal flow.

IPC Classes  ?

• 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

Abstract

A method and means of attaching an underwater turbine generator assembly to an underwater anchorage comprises an actuator engageable with the assembly and connected to a floating winch. In use the winch lowers the actuator to engage the assembly and anchorage, and after engagement the actuator is raised to the surface. The assembly is retained by a sliding key. A transverse catcher may be provided to allow initial contact between the assembly and anchorage by drifting in the stream flow; the catcher may be compliant or controllable to ensure cushioned contact. The arrangement avoids the requirement for permanent powered components of an anchorage latch to be provided underwater.

IPC Classes  ?

• 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

Abstract

An array of underwater turbines is mounted frame which is tethered to the underwater surface. A fixed length yaw restraint provides stability in a fully submerged condition. The array can be brought to the surface by change of buoyancy without disconnection or length adjustment of the yaw restraint. Several embodiments are disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• 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

Abstract

An underwater turbine mounting includes a rigid tether having one end attached thereto at a pivot, and the other end adapted for connection to an underwater anchorage. The mounting is pivotable between a deployment condition and an operating condition solely by adjusting the buoyancy thereof.

IPC Classes  ?

• 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

Abstract

A platform of underwater turbines is tethered to an underwater anchorage (8). The platform consists of elongate substantially parallel spar buoys (1, 2) and is adapted for rollover transition between a generally upright operating condition and a floating maintenance condition in which the turbines (3) are out of the water.

IPC Classes  ?

• 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

Abstract

The invention discloses methods and apparatus of regulating underwater turbines arranged in an array on a submersible platform.In one embodiment resistive loads are switchable on demand to the generator output in order to increase the load thereon, so as to regulate turbine speed.

IPC Classes  ?

• 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
• H02J 3/36 - Arrangements for transfer of electric power between ac networks via a high-tension dc link
• H02J 3/38 - Arrangements for parallelly feeding a single network by two or more generators, converters or transformers

Abstract

A system for mounting the subsea rotating joint and electrical power-carrying cable of a powered or power-generating underwater unit allows the joint and cable rotation system to be removed for repair or replacement without disturbing the seabed foundation.

IPC Classes  ?

• F03B 3/04 - Machines or engines of reaction typeParts or details peculiar thereto with substantially axial flow throughout rotors, e.g. propeller turbines
• 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

Abstract

A buoyant submersible mounting (10) for an underwater turbine (19) comprises a first depending leg (16) for attachment to an underwater anchorage (12), and a second leg (17) trailing the first leg in use, whereby the second leg has variable buoyancy for changing the pitch of the mounting in use.

IPC Classes  ?

• 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

Abstract

A system for retaining a marine structure such as a wave or tidal energy device, at a fixed location on a sea or river bed, by means of an anchor chain or cable passing through an underground tunnel from a position on a shore or dry land. The system can also provide a means of remotely anchoring the marine structure without recourse to large crane or drilling vessels and also to provide a passage for any power or communications cabling to or from the device without the need for sea or river bed trenching or other protection.

IPC Classes  ?

• E02D 27/50 - Anchored foundations
• E02D 27/52 - Submerged foundations
• E02B 9/08 - Tide or wave power plants