A hydrodynamic power generation assembly and method of use therefor for generating electrical power from the combination of kinetic energy, hydrostatic energy, and turbulent energy of water. The power generation assembly comprises a water accelerator assembly comprising a support structure which is at least partially buoyant and a baffle panel member (or an array of baffle panel members) having an opening, inter-panel spacing, or flow passageway around the baffle panel(s). A hydropower converter is supported from, by, or on the support structure and is operatively coupled to a generator. The hydropower converter is positioned behind baffle assembly. Water flowing through or around the baffle assembly has an increased velocity relative the ambient current and therefore is capable of generating more power relative to the ambient water where power generation assembly is deployed. Particular types of hydropower converters suitable for use with the invention are turbines and water wheels.
A hydrodynamic power generation assembly and method of use therefor for generating electrical power from the combination of kinetic energy, hydrostatic energy, and turbulent energy of water. The power generation assembly comprises a water accelerator assembly comprising a support structure which is at least partially buoyant and a baffle panel member (or an array of baffle panel members) having an opening, inter-panel spacing, or flow passageway around the baffle panel(s). A hydropower converter is supported from, by, or on the support structure and is operatively coupled to a generator. The hydropower converter is positioned behind baffle assembly. Water flowing through or around the baffle assembly has an increased velocity relative the ambient current and therefore is capable of generating more power relative to the ambient water where power generation assembly is deployed. Particular types of hydropower converters suitable for use with the invention are turbines and water wheels.
A hydrodynamic power generation assembly (10) and method of use therefor for generating electrical power from the combination of kinetic energy, hydrostatic energy, and turbulent energy of water. The power generation assembly (10) comprises a water accelerator assembly (40a, 40b) comprising a support structure (15) which is at least partially buoyant and a baffle panel member (or an array of baffle panel members) having an opening, inter-panel spacing, or flow passageway around the baffle panel(s). A hydropower converter (55) is supported from, by, or on the support structure (15) and is operatively coupled to a generator. The hydropower converter (55) is positioned behind baffle assembly (40a, 40b). Water flowing through or around the baffle assembly has an increased velocity relative the ambient current and therefore is capable of generating more power relative to the ambient water where power generation assembly is deployed. Particular types of hydropower converters suitable for use with the invention are turbines and water wheels.
Assemblies, systems, and methods are disclosed for generating energy from natural and renewable forces and, more particularly, to energy generation using tidal action. A tidal energy conversion assembly includes a displacement vessel coupled via an anchor cable to a directional converter and an electrical power generator on land. The displacement vessel includes a horizontally rotatable drag panel extending into the water to capture drag forces caused by the flow of water. The flow of water against the drag panel causes the displacement vessel to move laterally and pull on the anchor cable thus exerting a force on the directional converter. The directional converter converts this force into rotational energy that may be harnessed by the electrical power generator to generate electricity for consumption. The horizontally rotatable drag panel may be rotated to adjust the amount of electrical energy produced.
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
5.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TIDAL ENERGY CONVERSION AND ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION
Assemblies systems, and methods are disclosed for generating energy from natural forces and, more particularly, to energy generation using tidal action. A tidal energy conversion assembly includes a displacement vessel housing a directional converter that is coupled to an electrical power generator. The tidal energy conversion assembly further includes an anchor cable having a first end, a second end connected to the directional converter, and a length in between the first end and the second end. The anchor cable may be threaded through an anchor at a stationary location, such as a sea floor. The rising, falling, and/or drag forces of the tide cause a change in the length of the anchor cable thus exerting a force on the directional converter. The directional converter converts this force into rotational energy that may be harnessed by the electrical power generator to generate electricity for consumption.
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
6.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TIDAL ENERGY CONVERSION AND ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION
Assemblies systems, and methods are disclosed for generating energy from natural forces and, more particularly, to energy generation using tidal action. A tidal energy conversion assembly includes a displacement vessel housing a directional converter that is coupled to an electrical power generator. The tidal energy conversion assembly further includes an anchor cable having a first end, a second end connected to the directional converter, and a length in between the first end and the second end. The anchor cable may be threaded through an anchor at a stationary location, such as a sea floor. The rising, falling, and/or drag forces of the tide cause a change in the length of the anchor cable thus exerting a force on the directional converter. The directional converter converts this force into rotational energy that may be harnessed by the electrical power generator to generate electricity for consumption.
B63B 35/00 - Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
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
7.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HYDRO-BASED ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION
A hydrodynamic power generation assembly (10) and method of use therefor for generating electrical power from the combination of kinetic energy, hydrostatic energy, and turbulent energy of water. The power generation assembly (10) comprises a water accelerator assembly (40a, 40b) comprising a support structure (15) which is at least partially buoyant and a baffle panel member (or an array of baffle panel members) having an opening, inter-panel spacing, or flow passageway around the baffle panel(s). A hydropower converter (55) is supported from, by, or on the support structure (15) and is operatively coupled to a generator. The hydropower converter (55) is positioned behind baffle assembly (40a, 40b). Water flowing through or around the baffle assembly has an increased velocity relative the ambient current and therefore is capable of generating more power relative to the ambient water where power generation assembly is deployed. Particular types of hydropower converters suitable for use with the invention are turbines and water wheels.
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