The present invention provides a system and method of deploying and recovering a hydroelectric turbine onto a subsea base preinstalled on a subsea surface, the method comprising positioning a deployment vessel above the subsea base and lowering or raising the turbine between the deployment vessel and the subsea base by means of a frame assembly.
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
2.
A HYDROELECTRIC TURBINE DEPLOYMENT AND RECOVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD
The present invention provides a system and method for the deployment and recovery of a hydroelectric turbine system, the method involving releasably securing a recovery frame in spaced relationship to a lifting frame such as to define a frame assembly within which the hydroelectric turbine system may be carried, securing the frame assembly to the turbine system, and then lifting the hydroelectric turbine system with a first lifting hook connected via a sling to the lifting frame.
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
An electrical generator unit comprises an electrical generator and a plurality of AC to DC converters. Each converter is coupled to the generator to receive an AC electrical input and is configured to produce a respective DC electrical output. The converter outputs are connected together in series to provide the DC generator unit output. The converters may be VSI converters. The generator unit is particularly suited for use as part of a hydroelectric turbine generator.
An array (1001) of generator units (1020) each producing a DC electrical output that are connected in parallel to provide the array DC electrical output. The array is connectable to a receiving station (1026) by output power transmission cables (1024), each transmission cable being connected to a respective one of the generator units being array output units. Each array output unit is connected to at least one other of the generator units in order to receive the DC output from the respective connected generator unit, and each generator unit that is not an array output unit is connected to one or more array output unit and/or to one or more other non-array output generator unit so that its DC output is transmittable to any one or each of the units to which it is connected and so that the DC output of each generator unit is transmittable to said at least two output transmission cables (1022). The array further includes fault detection means for detecting faults in the transmission cables (1022, 1024). In response to detection of a fault, the fault detection means causes switch devices (1007) at each end of the faulty cable (1022, 1024) to open to disconnect the respective generator units (1020) from the faulty cable.
H02H 3/06 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection Details with automatic reconnection
H02H 7/26 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred
H02H 3/02 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection Details
H02H 9/02 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for limiting excess current or voltage without disconnection responsive to excess current
6.
GROUP OF ELECTRICAL AC GENERATORS WITH RECTIFIERS CONNECTED IN SERIES
An electrical generator for generating an AC electrical output, the generator comprising generator winding groups having a set of generator windings for each phase of the AC electrical output. Each set of generator windings is included in a respective electrically separate winding circuit. Each winding circuit includes a respective transformer winding in series with the or each generator winding of the respective set. The respective winding circuit further includes a respective normally closed switching device operable to break the respective winding circuit in the event of a fault. The generator unit further includes fault detection means configured to detect a fault in anyone of the winding circuits, and in response to detecting a fault to cause the respective switching device to break the respective winding circuit.
The present invention is concerned with a hydroelectric turbine control system and method, which is intended to provide physical and/or electrical protection to the turbine during significantly elevated fluid flow velocities such as may occur during an extreme event such as a storm or the like, by switching the turbine from operating as a generator to operating as a motor in order to actively drive a rotor of the turbine in order to generate a thrust which will counteract the axial thrust applied by the flow of fluid across the rotor.
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
The present invention is concerned with a hydroelectric blade connector which is operable to secure a blade to a rotor of a hydroelectric turbine and to securely retain the blade during operation, the blade connector include a pair of interlocking parts, the first part being a tapered root of the blade itself, and the second part being a body provided in or formed integrally with the rotor and defining a tapered channel for receiving the root of the blade in order to establish a taper lock therewith.
The present invention provides an adaptive hydroelectric turbine system (10) comprising a base (14) for a hydroelectric turbine (12) or other electrical component, the base (14) having four ground contacting feet (24), at least one of which is displaceable relative to the remaining of the base (14) such as to ensure that all four feet (24) can contact the seabed to provide improved stability and load bearing capabilities.
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
E02B 17/00 - Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legsConstruction methods therefor
10.
A DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A SUBMERSIBLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A displacement system (10) for a submersible electrical system such as a tidal turbine system (12), the displacement system (10) comprising a base (14) for the turbine (12) or related electrical components, a vessel (18) having a buoyant body (20) and at least three rigid legs each displaceable relative to the body between a raised and a lowered position, and in which the base is adapted to be secured to and displaceable by the three legs (22) in order to allow the base (14) to be deployed or retrieved from the seabed using the legs (22), which legs can also be utilised to raise the body of the vessel (18) out of the water to provide a stable work platform above the deployment site.
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 35/00 - Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
E02B 17/08 - Equipment specially adapted for raising, lowering, or immobilising the working platform relative to the supporting construction for raising or lowering
The present invention is concerned with a hydroelectric turbine system (10) which includes a base (12) and a turbine (14) mounted for support on the base, the base has a number of ground contacting legs (18, 20) which penetrate the seabed in order to prevent movement of the system under tidal forces, wherein at least one of the legs (20) is disposed at an angle, in use, to the horizontal in order to increase penetration into the seabed in response to the tidal forces acting on the system, thereby reducing or eliminating sliding displacement of the base along the seabed.
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
12.
A METHOD OF MANAGING A HYDROELECTRIC TURBINE ARRAY
The present invention provides a method of managing a hydroelectric turbine array comprising installing a plurality of subsea foundations on a subsea surface and positioning interconnecting electrical cables between two or more of the subsea foundations, which cables then remain in position on the seabed during the operation of the array while allowing other components such as turbines to be removed for repair or the like without disturbing said cables.
H02G 1/10 - Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing, or dismantling electric cables or lines for laying cables, e.g. laying apparatus on vehicle in or under water
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
13.
TURBULENCE COMPENSATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TURBINE GENERATORS
A method of controlling power provided by a generator (10) to an end system (12) in which power is diverted from the output of said generator (10) to an auxiliary system (22) during periods of excessive power output from the generator. The diverted power is stored in an energy store (24) and, during periods of lower power output from the generator, is returned to the end system by discharging the energy store. The diversion and return of power is controlled to maintain the power delivered to the end system at a desired mean power level. Diversion of power from the generator also has the effect of preventing the generator from producing excessive voltage levels.
F03D 9/00 - Adaptations of wind motors for special useCombinations of wind motors with apparatus driven therebyWind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations
14.
TURBULENCE PROTECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TURBINE GENERATORS
A method of controlling power provided by a generator (10) to an end system in which power is diverted from the output of said generator to an auxiliary system (22) during periods of excessive power output from the generator. The diverted power is stored in an energy store (24) and, during periods of lower power output from the generator, is returned to the end system by discharging the energy store. The diversion and return of power is controlled to maintain the power delivered to the end system at a desired mean power level. Diversion of power from the generator also has the effect of preventing the generator from producing excessive voltage levels.
F03D 9/00 - Adaptations of wind motors for special useCombinations of wind motors with apparatus driven therebyWind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations
H02H 9/04 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for limiting excess current or voltage without disconnection responsive to excess voltage
The present invention provides a hydroelectric turbine system (10) including a base (12) on which a hydroelectric turbine (14) is mounted and supported, the base (12) having a number of fixed length legs (20) and at least one adjustable length leg (22), in order to allow all of the legs to contact the seabed in order to evenly distribute the system load into the seabed.
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 power generator for a hydro turbine is axially coupled to the hydro turbine. The generator comprises a rotor arranged to rotate about an axis in response to fluid flow through said turbine. A first stator structure incorporates at least a first winding disposed circumferentially around the axis and axially displaced in a first inboard direction from the rotor. A second stator structure incorporates a least a second winding disposed circumferentially around the axis and axially displaced in a second outboard direction from the rotor, the rotor being arranged to electrically couple with the windings.
An electrical machine comprising a stator and a member arranged to move relative to said stator. The stator comprises a first stator structure incorporating a first plurality of windings disposed along the direction of relative motion and displaced from the movable member in a direction perpendicular to the direction of motion, and a second stator structure incorporating a second plurality of windings displaced in a second direction from the movable member, so that the movable member lies between the two stator structures. The movable member is arranged to electrically couple with the windings. The first plurality of windings includes a single phase winding connected to a first single-phase ac supply, and the second plurality of windings includes a single phase winding of the same pole pitch being displaced in the direction of relative motion from first plurality of windings and connected to a second single-phase ac supply whose phase is displaced from that of the first supply.
According to the present invention there is provided a hydroelectric turbine system comprising a base comprising a frame, and a plurality of legs extending from the frame, the base being provided with one or more load bearing members in the form of outriggers extending from the base at a position adapted to resist, in use, overturning of the base, in particular during extreme tidal conditions.
The present invention provides a hydroelectric turbine system comprising a base mounted turbine for location on the seabed or the like, in order to generate electricity from the tidal flow of water through the turbine, the system incorporating a load bank, for example in the form of an array of resistive windings, to which the turbine can be selectively electrically connected in order to dissipate the electrical power as heat into the passing water.
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
The present invention is concerned with a method of transporting a hydroelectric turbine system (12), and a vessel (10) suitable for use in implementing said method, whereby the vessel comprises a raised or raisable section (28), which enables the vessel to pass over a portion of a base (16) of the hydroelectric turbine system (12), when located in a flooded dry dock, which portion of the base (16) projects above the water line in the dock.
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
21.
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING HYDROELECTRIC TURBINES
A control system for controlling an operation of a hydroelectric turbine. The control system comprises a converter system to convert AC power, supplied by a generator connected to the turbine, and having a voltage and frequency that is a function of a rotational speed of the turbine, to AC power having a voltage and frequency of a transmission system for transmitting the AC power to a receiving station. The system further comprises a control unit that is arranged to co-operate with the converter system to adjust the AC voltage supplied by the generator in response to a water flow speed through the turbine to thereby control rotation of the turbine. The converter system comprises a first-stage converter and a second-stage converter, with a DC link provided between the first and second-stage converters. The first-stage converter is arranged to convert the AC power supplied by the generator to DC power. The second-stage converter is arranged to convert the DC power to the AC Power for transmission to the receiving station and the second-stage converter is of a current- source inverter type.
H02M 5/45 - Conversion of AC power input into AC power output, e.g. for change of voltage, for change of frequency, for change of number of phases with intermediate conversion into DC by static converters using discharge tubes or semiconductor devices to convert the intermediate DC into AC using devices of a thyratron or thyristor type requiring extinguishing means using semiconductor devices only
22.
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING HYDROELECTRIC TURBINES
A control system for controlling an operation of a hydroelectric turbine. The control system comprises a converter system to convert AC power, supplied by a generator connected to the turbine, and having a voltage and frequency that is a function of a rotational speed of the turbine, to AC power having a voltage and frequency of a transmission system for transmitting the AC power to a receiving station. The system further comprises a control unit that is arranged to co-operate with the converter system to adjust the AC voltage supplied by the generator in response to a water flow speed through the turbine to thereby control rotation of the turbine. The converter system comprises a first-stage converter and a second-stage converter, with a DC link provided between the first and second-stage converters. The first-stage converter is arranged to convert the AC power supplied by the generator to DC power. The second-stage converter is arranged to convert the DC power to the AC Power for transmission to the receiving station and the second-stage converter is of a voltage- source inverter type.
H02P 9/48 - Arrangements for obtaining a constant output value at varying speed of the generator, e.g. on vehicle
H02M 5/45 - Conversion of AC power input into AC power output, e.g. for change of voltage, for change of frequency, for change of number of phases with intermediate conversion into DC by static converters using discharge tubes or semiconductor devices to convert the intermediate DC into AC using devices of a thyratron or thyristor type requiring extinguishing means using semiconductor devices only
23.
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING HYDROELECTRIC TURBINES
A hydroelectric turbine array system comprises an array of turbine systems and a supervisory controller. Each turbine system of the array comprises a hydroelectric turbine and a control system. The control system includes a converter system arranged to convert AC power, supplied by a generator connected to the hydroelectric turbine and having a voltage and frequency that is a function of a rotational speed of the hydroelectric turbine, to AC power having a voltage and frequency of a transmission system for transmitting the AC power to a receiving station and a control unit co-operable with the converter system to adjust the AC voltage supplied by the generator. The supervisory controller determines a performance level of a plurality of hydroelectric turbines within the array and instructs the control unit of at least one of the turbine systems to adjust the AC voltage supplied by the generator to alter the power generated by the at least one of the turbine systems to thereby control the overall power generated by the array.
H02M 5/45 - Conversion of AC power input into AC power output, e.g. for change of voltage, for change of frequency, for change of number of phases with intermediate conversion into DC by static converters using discharge tubes or semiconductor devices to convert the intermediate DC into AC using devices of a thyratron or thyristor type requiring extinguishing means using semiconductor devices only
The present invention provides a hydroelectric turbine for generating electricity by extracting power from the tidal flow of water through the turbine, the turbine comprising a shaftless rotor which results in the eccentric rotation of the rotor relative to the stator, which can result in uneven generation of power through differences in the spacing between rim mounted magnets and coils forming a generator of the turbine, the turbine thus employing groupings of equally spaced and serially connected coils.
H02K 3/28 - Layout of windings or of connections between windings
F03B 17/06 - Other machines or engines using liquid flow, e.g. of swinging-flap type
H02K 7/18 - Structural association of electric generators with mechanical driving motors, e.g.with turbines
H02K 41/06 - Rolling motors, i.e. motors having the rotor axis parallel to the stator axis and following a circular path as the rotor rolls around the inside or outside of the stator
A method of testing a hydroelectric turbine before the turbine is installed and secured on the seabed, in order to ensure that the turbine is operating as expected, the method involving securing the turbine to a vessel and displacing the vessel through water in order to effect rotation while monitoring one or more operating parameters of the turbine.
G01M 10/00 - Hydrodynamic testingArrangements in or on ship-testing tanks or water tunnels
E02B 17/02 - Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legsConstruction methods therefor placed by lowering the supporting construction to the bottom, e.g. with subsequent fixing thereto
E02D 15/08 - Sinking workpieces into water or soil
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
26.
A HYDROELECTRIC TURBINE RECOVERY SYSTEM AND A METHOD THEREFOR
The present invention relates to a hydroelectric turbine recovery system, and in particular a system which significantly reduces the complexity of recovering a base mounted hydroelectric turbine from a deployment site on the seabed by providing a frame having an open mouth which can be advanced around the turbine before the frame is fully lowered into locking engagement with the base, thereby allowing the base, with the turbine thereon, to be recovered from the seabed.
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 system (20) and method for electrical power conversion is described. The system (20) is intended for use in converting a high voltage DC power output from a turbine generator to an AC power signal that is suitable for connecting to an AC power grid. The system (20) utilises a mechanical coupling (27) between a synchronous motor (26) driving a synchronous generator (28) in order to provide isolation, as well as allowing for control of the real power output by the system.
The present invention provides a hydroelectric turbine system comprising an array of turbines in series and a cabling system for use in connecting together adjacent turbines in the array, the cabling system being designed to allow the majority of the cabling connecting adjacent turbines to be laid substantially in line with the direction of tidal flow in order to reduce stress on the cabling system when the turbines are deployed on the seabed at sites of high tidal flow.
F03B 13/12 - 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
The present invention provides provided a hydroelectric turbine having a stator and a rotor, an array of magnets being fixed to rotor and a corresponding array of coils being fixed to the stator, the turbine further including means for cooling the coils during operation of the turbine, the cooling means preferably taking the form of one or more channels passing through the stator, in close proximity to the coils, in order to allow fluid flow through the channels to cool the coils.
There is described a method for controlling the output of a tidal hydroelectric turbine generator (10) from a remote location, without the need for control circuitry to be housed local to the generator. The rotational speed of the turbine (10), and consequently the output power level of the generator, is controlled by varying the transmission line voltage of the submarine power cable (24) connecting the off-shore turbine with an on-shore substation (22).
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
This present invention relates to a hydroelectric turbine having a stator and a rotor within the stator on at least one set of bearings, the turbine having a brake which becomes operational following a predetermined level of bearing wear in order to avoid damage to the turbine.
A method of installing an off-shore tidal hydroelectric turbine generator is described. The method provides for a number of safety features, ensuring that all components are safe to handle during the installation operation, and also ensuring that the turbine will not start spinning during the installation operation.
H02G 1/10 - Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing, or dismantling electric cables or lines for laying cables, e.g. laying apparatus on vehicle in or under water
H02G 9/02 - Installations of electric cables or lines in or on the ground or water laid directly in or on the ground, river-bed or sea-bottomCoverings therefor, e.g. tile
33.
A METHOD OF SECURING A HYDROELECTRIC TURBINE AT A DEPLOYMENT SITE AND HYDROELECTRIC TURBINE
The present invention provides a method of securing a hydroelectric turbine at a deployment site, for example on the seabed and in an area of significant tidal flow, which method enables the turbine to be located securely without risk of overturning or sliding out of position, but without requiring the use of piling or other complex fixing operations, by using the tidal flow to generate a downwardly acting force on one or more legs of a base on which the turbine is mounted.
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
The present invention provides a hydroelectric turbine support system, and in particular the combination of a base on which the turbine is supported on the seabed during use, and a vessel used to transport the turbine and base to a deployment site, and which are designed to allow, when the system is docked at a quayside or the like, the base to contact the seabed during periods of low tide and to support the vessel thereon during such periods, without damage to either the base or the vessel.
The present invention is concerned with a hydroelectric turbine system with aligning means which enables a hydroelectric turbine system, comprising a base and a turbine mounted thereon, to be lowered to the seabed in a running tide while effecting and maintaining stability and a desired orientation of the system.
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
patents
