Fluid flow intensifier for tide, current or wind generator
US4224527A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 6, 1978 |
| Grant date | Sep 23, 1980 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 6, 1998 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method is described of intensifying a relatively slow speed natural substantially horizontal flow of a natural fluid, such as a tidal flow, as opposed to a tidal rise, or a river flow, the natural flow being used to turn about a substantially horizontal axis rotary means arranged to act directly on a working fluid, which may be the natural fluid, where the latter is a liquid, or a separate liquid, and force it through a pipe system to a flow intensifier in the form of a constriction. The working liquid is forced through the pipe system without the formation of an head, and can be used to drive means for generating electricity. Flow intensifying apparatus is also described using seawater as the natural fluid and either fresh water or the seawater as the working fluid. Several of the apparatus may be disposed to cause a vortex or maelstrom which then serves to drive the apparatus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.