Abrégé

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.

Classes IPC  ?

• F03B 13/26 - Utilisation de l'énergie des marées

Abrégé

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.

Classes IPC  ?

• F03B 13/10 - Ensembles fonctionnels immergés comportant génératrices ou moteurs électriques
• F03B 13/26 - Utilisation de l'énergie des marées

Abrégé

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.

Classes IPC  ?

• F03B 13/26 - Utilisation de l'énergie des marées

Abrégé

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.

Classes IPC  ?

• F03B 13/26 - Utilisation de l'énergie des marées
• F03B 17/06 - Autres "machines" ou machines motrices utilisant un écoulement de liquide, p. ex. du type à clapets oscillants

Abrégé

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.

Classes IPC  ?

• F03B 13/10 - Ensembles fonctionnels immergés comportant génératrices ou moteurs électriques
• F03B 13/26 - Utilisation de l'énergie des marées
• F03B 17/06 - Autres "machines" ou machines motrices utilisant un écoulement de liquide, p. ex. du type à clapets oscillants

Abrégé

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.

Classes IPC  ?

• F03B 13/26 - Utilisation de l'énergie des marées
• H02J 3/36 - Dispositions pour le transfert de puissance électrique entre réseaux à courant alternatif par l'intermédiaire de haute tension à courant continu
• H02J 3/38 - Dispositions pour l’alimentation en parallèle d’un seul réseau, par plusieurs générateurs, convertisseurs ou transformateurs

Abrégé

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.

Classes IPC  ?

• F03B 3/04 - "Machines" ou machines motrices du type "à réaction"Parties constitutives ou détails particuliers les concernant à écoulement à travers les rotors essentiellement axial, p. ex. turbopropulseurs
• F03B 13/10 - Ensembles fonctionnels immergés comportant génératrices ou moteurs électriques
• F03B 13/26 - Utilisation de l'énergie des marées

Abrégé

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.

Classes IPC  ?

• F03B 13/26 - Utilisation de l'énergie des marées
• F03B 17/06 - Autres "machines" ou machines motrices utilisant un écoulement de liquide, p. ex. du type à clapets oscillants

Abrégé

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.

Classes IPC  ?

• E02D 27/50 - Fondations ancrées
• E02D 27/52 - Fondations submergées
• E02B 9/08 - Installations pour l'utilisation de l'énergie des vagues ou des marées