Apparatus and method for generating power from moving water
US7270513B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 8, 2003 |
| Grant date | Sep 18, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S416/04
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus for generating power from a water current in a body of water comprises a longitudinally extending flotation platform for maintaining the apparatus afloat in the body of water and a water turbine operatively carried by the platform for generating power in response to water current in the body of water. The platform is configured to enhance the flow of water current over the turbine blades and, as well, to enable a number of like platforms each with an associated turbine or turbines to be arrayed in a cooperative manner. The water turbine may comprise a turbine rotor with a plurality of relatively narrow, flexible elongated blades arranged in circumferentially spaced rows extending along the rotor. In each row, the blades are distanced from each other in succession by a space. The rows may be staggered with respect to each other such that the blades in a given one of the rows circumferentially align with the spaces between blades in the row immediately circumferentially forward of the given row and with the spaces between blades in the row immediately circumferentially rearward of the given row.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.