Marine current turbine platform with faired spar
US12392316B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 23, 2022 |
| Grant date | Aug 19, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 23, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF05B2270/202
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention is a marine current turbine featuring a downstream rotor, a faired spar, a deckhouse at the waterline, and a ballasting and mooring arrangement to ensure the center of buoyancy is above the center of gravity to provide a stable platform and ample rotor torque reaction. The faired spar minimizes the wake deficit ingested by the rotor and reduces turbulence and drag on the turbine. The deckhouse provides buoyancy to react to gravitational forces and the downward tension component supplied by the mooring system during maximum platform and rotor drag conditions and reserve buoyancy if a portion of the platform becomes flooded. The mooring arrangement preferably forms a bridle to provide yaw stability.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.