Hydrokinetic turbine structure and system
US8764391B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 10, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jul 1, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 18, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S415/908
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hydrokinetic turbine system, including a plurality of hydrokinetic turbines is installed on a bed of a body of water. Each turbine has a shroud with a forward entrance portion and rear exit portion. The shroud includes a propeller disposed in a middle portion thereof. An inner surface of the shroud includes a plurality of rifling vanes formed therein to induce water entering the forward entrance portion to rotate in a vortex-like fashion. A plurality of pre-spin guard blades disposed adjacent the forward entrance portion also induce rotation of water and serve to provide a barrier preventing objects from passing into the forward entrance portion. A plurality of stabilizers extending from an exterior surface of the shroud that position the forward entrance portion in the direction of current flow.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.