NO20230882A1

NO20230882A1 - Apparatus for generating power from water currents

Info

Publication number: NO20230882A1
Application number: NO20230882A
Authority: NO
Inventors: Nader Hassavari
Original assignee: Nader Hassavari
Priority date: 2023-08-17
Filing date: 2023-08-17
Publication date: 2025-02-18
Also published as: WO2025037988A1

Description

APPARATUS FOR GENERATING POWER FROM WATER CURRENTS

The present invention is related to an apparatus for generating electric power from water currents, according to the preamble of claim 1.

The present invention is especially related to an apparatus for generating electric power from water currents that is floating at the surface by means of at least two buoyant bodies.

Background

There has been over the year been many attempts on designing apparatuses and plants for utilizing water currents to generate electric power.

In the prior art there are many examples of apparatuses or plants using boats, floats or pontoons to position the apparatus or plant at the sea or river for performing generation of electric power from water currents. Examples of such apparatuses or plants making use of two or more boats or plants and at least one power generating devices (turbine) are found in DE2555663 A1, DE4112730 A1, DE4201317 A1, DE10210597 A1, EP1471252 A2, CN2630513 Y, CN1676925 A, CN101585398 A, CN204716453 U, US2018274516 AA, CN107061115 A, US2021246866 AA, US525130 A, and DE7425236 U.

Even though the solutions have developed to the better over time, the solutions further lack from that many of them are only designed for working with one-way flow, i.e. such as one will have in a river, and will not be usable at sea where the tidal water results in the water current flowing in two different directions.

The prior art solutions further suffer from that they are requiring a frame structure, where the boats, floats or pontoons are connected to each other to form a frame for the apparatus or plant. The use of such a frame structure will result in that the entire structure will be affected by forces acting on any parts of the structure which over time will deteriorate the structure and the structure will break.

Further, the prior art solutions are not provided with means preventing them from hitting seabed or riverbed if the water flow drops, resulting in that the blades of the power generating device will be damaged.

Many of the prior art solutions further suffer from that all the power generating devices are arranged to the boats, floats or pontoons by means of a frame/support structure, positioning the shafts of the power generating devices above the boats, floats or pontoons, resulting in an elevated stabilization point for the apparatus or plant.

The prior art solutions further suffer from requiring deep hulls of the boats, floats or pontoons and wherein the depth of the blades in the vertical direction must be shorter than the depth of the hull, to be protected in low water levels and to prevent them from hitting the seabed/riverbed, requiring the boats, floats or pontoons to be semi-submerged to keep the blades of the power generating device in a desired depth. The larger boats, the higher costs.

There is accordingly a need for an apparatus for generating electric power from water currents addressing the above discussed drawbacks of the cited prior art solutions.

There is further a need for an apparatus for generating electric power from water currents enabling the use of cheaper floating bodies.

There is a need for an apparatus for generating electric power from water currents suitable for use with tidal waters wherein the water current direction and magnitude changes.

There is further a need for an apparatus for generating electric power from water currents adapted for handling changing water depths preventing them from being damaged in contact with the seabed or riverbeds.

There is further a need for an apparatus for generating electric power from water currents enabling large scale production of renewable energy in the whole of the world to reduce the use of fossil fuels and thus result in reduction in emissions and slow down global warming for a better environment.

There is a need for an apparatus for generating electric power from water currents resulting in a large industry and job market.

It is further a need for an apparatus for generating electric power from water currents enabling low energy prices resulting in a boost to industries and world economy.

Object

The main object of the present invention is to an apparatus for generating electric power from water currents partly or entirely solving the drawbacks of prior art solutions.

An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for generating electric power from water currents capable of handling different water current flow directions from tidal waters.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for generating electric power from water currents provided with means preventing it for contact with the seabed or riverbed.

An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for generating electric power from water currents enabling the use of buoyant bodies with lower height and larger power generating devices compared to prior art solutions.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for generating electric power from water currents capable of handling forces in a better manner than prior art solutions.

An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for generating electric power from water currents providing higher power generating efficiency than prior art solutions.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for generating electric power from water currents enabling large scale production of renewable energy in the whole of the world to reduce the use of fossil fuels and thus result in reduction in emissions and slow down global warming for a better environment.

An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for generating electric power from water currents resulting in a large industry and job market.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for generating electric power from water currents enabling low energy prices resulting in a boost to industries and world economy.

Further objects of the present invention will appear from the following description, claims and attached drawings.

The invention

An apparatus for generating electric power from water currents according to the present invention is defined by the technical features of claim 1. Preferable features of the apparatus are described in the dependent claims.

The present invention is related to an apparatus for generating electric power from water currents, that is suitable both for rivers, with one water flow direction, and sea, with one or two flow directions caused by tidal waters.

The apparatus according to the present invention comprises a buoyant main body and at least two buoyant side bodies arranged in a formation with the buoyant side bodies arranged at each side of the buoyant main body on a common transversal center axis.

The apparatus comprises at least one power generating device arranged between the buoyant main body and each of the respective adjoining buoyant side body by means of a shaft.

In accordance with the present invention, the buoyant main body and at least two buoyant side bodies are held in formation by the mentioned shafts and structure support elements extending from distal longitudinal parts or ends of the buoyant main body to or via respective distal longitudinal parts or ends of the buoyant side bodies.

In accordance with one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the buoyant main body has a longitudinal length that is longer than the longitudinal length of the buoyant side bodies.

According to an alternative embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the buoyant side bodies have decreasing longitudinal length from the main buoyant towards the outermost buoyant side body.

In accordance with another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, buoyant main body and side bodies have corresponding longitudinal length, but wherein arrangement of the structure support elements are arranged farther towards the distal end of the buoyant main body than the buoyant side bodies.

According to one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the apparatus comprises two buoyant side bodies displaced along the common transversal center axis at each side of the buoyant main body. In this embodiment a power generating device is arranged between the buoyant main body and respective adjoining buoyant side body by a shaft, and a power generating device is arranged between the respective adjoining buoyant side bodies by a shaft.

In accordance with the present invention, the power generating devices at the same side of the buoyant main body are connected by a common shaft or separate shafts connected to form a common shaft.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the common shaft is rotationally attached to the buoyant side bodies by means of bearings and rotationally connected to the buoyant main body by means of a flexible or spherical bearing allowing some degree of movement of the shaft.

In accordance with the present invention, the common shaft is arranged to a generator arranged on the buoyant main body. As is mentioned below, the generators can be arranged on the side bodies, but this solution will not be a preferred embodiment.

According to one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the buoyant bodies are provided with a ballast system comprising ballast tanks in front part and rear part, and a pump enabling movement of ballast water between the front and rear part for stabilization and counteracting the moment forces caused by the power generating devices and generators.

In accordance with one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the ballast system further comprises ballast tanks arranged at starboard and port side of the buoyant bodies for further stabilization of the buoyant bodies.

In accordance with one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the ballast system of the respective buoyant side body is configured to level the mentioned respective shaft in accordance with the main buoyant body.

According to one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the apparatus comprises anchoring means comprising anchoring wires securing the buoyant bodies to an anchoring point at the seabed, riverbed or shore.

In accordance with one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the anchoring wires are arranged to lower parts of the buoyant bodies by means of controllable winches.

According to one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the buoyant bodies are provided with downwards vertically extending legs.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the buoyant bodies are provided with one or more controllable rudders for controlling the heading and position in the water.

The apparatus according to the present invention thus forms a formation of buoyant bodies that forms a solid construction that can move forth and back as one unit in the water and adjust itself with the water level at any time, as well as suitable for water current from different directions (caused by tidal waters).

Further preferable features and advantageous details of the present invention will appear from the following example description, claims and attached drawings.

Example

The present invention will below be described in further detail with references to the attached drawings, where:

Fig.1a-b are principle drawings of an apparatus for generating electric power from water currents according to one embodiment of the present invention,

Fig.2a-e are principle drawings of an apparatus for generating electric power from water currents according to further embodiments of the present invention,

Fig.3a-b are principle drawings of an apparatus for generating electric power from water currents according to further embodiments of the present invention,

Fig.4 is a principle drawing of an apparatus for generating electric power from water currents according to one embodiment of the present invention,

Fig.5a-b are principle drawings showing different details of the apparatus according to the present invention,

Fig.6 is a principle drawing showing a further embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, and

Fig.7a-b are principle drawings of further embodiments of the apparatus according to the present invention.

Reference is now made to Fig.1a-b showing principle drawings of an apparatus 100 for generating electric power from water currents (AGEPFWC) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The AGEPFWC 100 according to the present invention comprises a buoyant main (center) body 200 and at least two buoyant side bodies 210a-b. In accordance with the present invention, the buoyant main body 200 and at least two buoyant side bodies 210a-b arranged in a formation where the buoyant side bodies 210a-b are arranged at each side of the main buoyant body 200 with a distance therefrom for arrangement of power generating devices 300a-b. The buoyant main body 200 and side bodies 210a-b are all arranged/centered on a common transversal center axis such that the buoyant side bodies 210a-b are laterally reversed about the buoyant main body 200. In accordance with the shown embodiment of the present invention, the main buoyant body 200 exhibits a length in longitudinal direction that is longer than the at least two buoyant side bodies 210a-b. However, in other embodiments of the AGEPFWC 100, the buoyant main body 200 and side bodies 210a-b may be of similar longitudinal length, or the buoyant side bodies 210a-b are of decreasing longitudinal lengths the farther positioned from the main buoyant body 210a-d, as will be further discussed below.

In accordance with the present invention, the AGEPFWC 100 comprises at least two power generating devices 300a-b arranged, with their longitudinal direction along the mentioned common transversal center axis (Fig.2e) of the buoyant bodies 200, 210a-b.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the power generating devices 300ab comprises a respective shaft 310, which at one end is rotatably arranged to the buoyant main body 200 and at the other end is rotatably arranged to the respective buoyant side body 210a-b.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the respective shaft 310 is extending a length beyond the outermost buoyant side body 210a-b, as shown in Fig.1a, while in an alternative embodiment the length of the shaft 310 corresponds to the distal transversal side of the respective outermost buoyant side body 210a-b, as shown in Fig.1b.

The respective buoyant side bodies 210a-b are provided with rotary bearings 311 at upper surface thereof for rotationally attaching the shaft 310 of the respective power generating device 300a-b to the respective buoyant side body 210a-b. In the shown embodiment, the buoyant side bodies 210ab are provided with two of the mentioned bearings 311 distributed in transversal direction of the buoyant side bodies 210a-b to distribute the load from the power generating device 300a-b on the buoyant side body 210a-b.

The buoyant main body 200 is provided with a flexible bearing 312, such as a spherical bearing, for rotationally attaching the end of the respective shaft 310 to the buoyant main body 200. The use of a flexible or spherical bearing 312, such as ball bearings, will allow the power generating device 300a-b to move some in relation to the common transversal center axis (Fig.2e). E.g. the bearing 312 is a ball bearing configured to move within a steel frame with an interior curved shape.

As shown in Fig.4, the shaft 310, at the buoyant main body 200 is arranged to a respective generator 313 via suitable transmission means 314, such as a universal joint, which is well known for a skilled person and requires no further description herein. There may further be arranged one or more transmissions or gear boxes to increase the rotational velocity of the generators 313. In an alternative embodiment, there may also be used a flywheel between the shaft 310 and generator 313.

In this manner the power generating devices 300a-b are arranged to the buoyant bodies 200, 210ab and wherein the respective shaft 310 also acts as a structure part holding the buoyant bodies 200, 210a-b in formation, together with structure support elements 220, further described below.

The power generating devices 300a-b further comprises a number of blades 320 extending in longitudinal direction of the shaft 310, wherein the blades have a desired height and are distributed in circumferential direction of the shaft 310. The blades 320 may at the longitudinal ends thereof be tapered, as shown in the exemplified embodiments. The blades 320 of the power generating device is preferably arranged on the shaft 310 with a distance from the buoyant main body 200 allowing the shaft 310 and power generating device 300a-b to move in the flexible bearing 312 without the blades 320 hitting the buoyant main body 200 due to movements up and down and sideways.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the power generating device 300a-b, the are arranged reinforcing walls 321 between the respective blades 320, extending in a perpendicular direction thereof, to reinforce the blade structure and preventing them from being bent. The mentioned reinforcing walls 321 may be arranged displaced in relation to each other in the longitudinal direction of the power generating device 300a-b.

To produce a large amount of tidal and sea current energy, the producing part (here rotating blades 320) must cover a very wide front of the current perpendicularly. To cover a very wide front of tidal or sea current, there is a need to build long shafts 310.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the blades 320 are filled with a composite or similar material to ensure strength for a long lifetime. Similarly, the mentioned shaft 310 may be filled with hard Styrofoam or a similar material to ensure strength for a long lifetime.

The supporting structure of the mentioned blades 320 can be trusses covered with plates and filled with composite to achieve equilibrium. Preferably, there is some additional weight so that the blades penetrate the water surface easily, such that the blades 320 do not make resistance by its buoyancy while being pushed down in the water by the water current.

The shaft 310 may similarly be provided with a support structure of trusses inside the shaft for reinforcement of the shaft 310.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the width of the mentioned blades 320 will be designed according to the current in respective are and the generators and buoyant bodies 200, 210a-d used. In some embodiments the force arm of the mentioned blades 320 may be increased to provide additional torque by increasing the width of the blades 320, i.e. increasing the distance between the shaft and sea surface to increase the torque. Increasing the width of the blades 320 will require the shaft 310 to be positioned higher, something that can be achieved by changing the design of the buoyant bodies 200, 210a-d (higher hulls), using platforms for the shafts 310 or other modifications obvious for a skilled person.

The design of the blade 320 width will accordingly be dependent on whether there is a fast running water current or slow running water current, as well as the force of the running water current, as well as a cost analysis. The higher torque the larger generator is needed and thus larger buoyant bodies 200, 210a-d.

In other words, the design will be dependent on the current location and requirement for power generator to find the optimal cost-production solution.

In accordance with the present invention, the AGEPFWC 100 further comprises structure support elements 220 extending from the distal longitudinal parts or ends of the buoyant main body 200 to respective distal longitudinal parts or ends of the buoyant side bodies 210a-b, i.e. front distal parts or ends of the main body 200 is connected to front distal part or ends of the side bodies 210a-b and the rear distal parts or ends of the main body 200 is connected to rear distal parts or ends of the side bodies 210a-b. The mentioned structure support elements 200 is rigid (none-tensional), such as trusses, bars, beams or similar, or adjustable in the form of structure wires. By means of the mentioned structure support elements 220, the formation is maintained by the buoyant bodies 200, 210a-b being connected together by means of the structure support elements 220 and the shafts 310.

In Fig.1a, the mentioned structure support elements 220 is in the form of structure wires, which at one end thereof is arranged adjustable to the buoyant main body 200 by means of an adjustable connection device 221, such as a winch, the structure wires running over a pulley 222 arranged at longitudinally distal part or end of the buoyant main body 200 to position the structure wire close to longitudinal distal parts or ends of the buoyant main body 200 and ensure improved transfer of forces via the support wire. The structure wire is at the other end arranged to the longitudinal distal end of the respective shaft 310 via a rotational connection 223 and a pulley 222 arranged at longitudinal distal part or end of the buoyant side body 210a-b, to the hold the structure wire 220 away from the blades 320 and ensure improved transfer of forces from the support wire to the buoyant side body 210a-b.

Accordingly, by means of the winch 221 and information from sensor (not shown) monitoring the position of the shaft 310, the structure wires 220 may be controlled, by tightening and loosening the respective structure wires 220, to keep the shaft 310 perpendicular and within operating limits of the generator to ensure efficient production of electricity at all times. The system may also use information from sensors measuring the water current velocity to adapt for change in water velocity. Accordingly, the winches 221 will be controlled to keep the shaft 310 as close to perpendicular in relation to the main body 200 at all times.

In Fig.1b, the mentioned structure support element 220 is in the form of a rigid support structure element arranged to the respective buoyant bodies 200, 210a-b via a fixed connection device 224 allowing the rigid structure support element 220 to move some in vertical direction thereof. In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the structure support elements 220 can be arranged adjustable in longitudinal direction by a length adjustment device, such as a turnbuckle, enabling adjustment of length by tightening and loosening.

As will be described further below, the mentioned principles above for support structure elements may be used on AGEPFWC 100 according to the present invention comprising more than one buoyant side bodies 210a-d.

As shown in Fig.1, 2a-b and 3a-b, the length of the buoyant bodies 200, 210a-b are configured in accordance with the height of the blades 320 of the power generating devices 300a-b, such that the mentioned structure support elements 220 do not come in contact with the blades 320.

The mentioned buoyant bodies 200, 210a-d are according to one embodiment of the present invention filled with Styrofoam or similar material. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the buoyant bodies 200, 210a-d are interiorly filled with Styrofoam to a level above the sea surface, such that with completely filled ballast tanks, the Styrofoam is above the sea level, to ensure that in the case of a leakage, seawater will not flow into the body 200, 210a-d and sink it.

The use of Styrofoam or similar materials will accordingly reinforce the structures of the buoyant bodies 200, 210a-d (and shaft 310) for long operating life and to prevent sinking of the buoyant bodies 200, 210a-d by leaking or other accidents or failure.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the mentioned buoyant bodies 200, 210a-b are provided with ballast controlling means (not shown), in the form of ballast tanks (not shown) arranged in front and rear and/or port and starboard side and one or more pumps enabling movement of the ballast fluid from one tank to the other for stabilizing the respective buoyant body 200, 210a-b when subject to forces from the power generating means 300a-b, generators 313 and/or mooring/anchoring means 400, further described below. The mentioned pump will be arranged to a control system enabling automated control of the stabilization of the respective buoyant body 200, 210a-b based on sensors (not shown) arranged to buoyant bodies 200, 210a-b to detect motions thereof.

The ballast controlling means of the buoyant side bodies 210a-b are configured to level the mentioned respective shaft 310 in accordance with the buoyant main body and water level.

The length of the buoyant main body 200 is dependent on water current and generator resistance, as well as the need for the size of the ballast volume, to provide a stable formation for the AGEPFWC 100 together with the structure support elements 220, buoyant side bodies 210a-d and anchoring means (further described below). In many practical applications, the longer the length of the buoyant main body 200, the better it will be for the stabilization.

In Fig. 1a-b are accordingly shown embodiments of the AGEPFWC 100 according to the present invention with two power generating device 300a-b.

In Fig. 2a-e, 3a-b and 5a are shown further embodiments of the AGEPFWC 100, wherein the AGEPFWC 100 comprises additional power generating devices 300c-d, arranged outside the mentioned buoyant side bodies 210a-b and at the distal end is arranged to additional side bodies 210c-d, respectively. The mentioned power generating devices 300a, c, and 300b, d at the respective sides are arranged to a common shaft 310, extending from the buoyant main body 200 and to the side body 210c, d respectively, and rotationally attached to both side bodies 210a, c and 210b, d.

Accordingly, instead of long power generating devices 300a-d the power generating devices 300a-d may shorter units supported by side bodies 210a-d. Further, additional power generating device 300a-d and side bodies 210a-d can thus be added to adapt the AGEPFWC 100 according to the location. By dividing the AGEPFWC 100 in smaller parts, the transport and installation of the AGEPFWC 100 at the desired location will also be facilitate. To be able to utilize a long distances of the sea, such as e.g.300 meters, it will be preferable to have more than two buoyant side bodies 210a-b supporting the shaft 310 and power generating devices 300a-d, to avoid the shaft 310 from bending and cause wear and tear resulting in the shaft 310 being damaged or breaks after a short period. In the shown embodiments in Figures 2a-e, 3a-b, 5a, and 6, a total of four side bodies 210ad are used, two on each side of the main body 200. The number of side bodies 210a-d on each side of the main body 200 may of course be higher than two.

The mentioned shaft 310 is according to a further embodiment be formed by sections that is assembled on site, to facilitate the transport and assembly.

As shown in Figures 1a-b, 2a-e, 3 and 5a, structure support elements 220 are arranged between the distal parts or ends of each of the buoyant side bodies 210a-d and to respective distal ends of the main body 200.

In Fig. 2a is shown an embodiment where the AGEPFWC 100 comprises two buoyant side bodies 210a, c and 210b, d, respectively, and wherein the buoyant side bodies 210a and 210b have a larger length than the buoyant side bodies 210c and 210d, respectively. In the shown embodiment the buoyant side bodies 210a-b, being arranged closest to the buoyant main body 200 at each side thereof, are arranged to the buoyant main body 200 by means of a structure wire 220 at one end thereof is fixed to the distal part of the respective buoyant side bodies 210a-b by means of a fixed connection deice 224 and at the other side the structure wire 220 is arranged to the buoyant main body 200 by means of a winch 221 and pulley 222, as described above. Further, the outermost buoyant side bodies 210c-d are arranged to the respective adjacent buoyant side body 210a-b by means of a structure wire 220 at one end thereof arranged to the distal end of the shaft 310 by means of the rotational connection and pulley 220, as described above, and at the other end the structure wire 220 is arranged to the adjacent side body 210a-b by means of a winch 221 and pulley 222, as described above. Accordingly, the embodiment enabling individual controlling of the structure wires 220 extending between each of the buoyant bodies 200, 210a-d.

In Fig.2b is shown an embodiment similar to Fig.2a as regards the length of the buoyant side bodies 210a-d. In this embodiment, the structure wires 220 are arranged to the buoyant side bodies 210ab positioned between the buoyant main body 200 and the respective outermost buoyant side bodies 210c-d by means of fixed connection devices 224. Accordingly, the structure wire 220 extending between the buoyant side bodies 210a, c and 210b, d are fixed and wherein the both the buoyant side bodies 210a, c and 210b d of the respective side of the buoyant main body 200 is controlled by a respective winch 221 and pulley 222 at the buoyant main body 200.

In Fig. 2c is shown an embodiment where each the respective buoyant side bodies 210a-d are arranged to the buoyant main body 200 by means of a respective structure wire 220 and winch 221. The structure wire 220 is at one end arranged to the shaft 310 by means of a rotational connection 223 and extending over a pulley 222 at longitudinal distal part or end of the respective buoyant side body 210a-d and to the respective winch 221. For the intermediate buoyant side bides 210a-b, i.e. side boats positioned between the main body 200 and the outermost side bodes 210c, d, the rotational connection 223 is positioned at the distal side of the respective side body 210a-b, seen from the main body 200.

In Fig.2d is shown an embodiment where each of the buoyant side bodies 210a-d are arranged to the buoyant main body 200 by means of rigid support elements 220 extending from fixed connection devices 224 at distal ends of the side bodies 210a-d and main body 200.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the use of rigid and controllable structure support elements 220 may be combined. E.g. there can be used a rigid structure support element 220 between the shaft 310 and the side body 210a-d or between side bodies 210a, c and 210b, d in the above described embodiments.

In accordance with a further embodiment, not shown, the outermost side bodies 210c-d are only connected to intermediate side bodies 210a-b via the shaft 310 and bearings while the intermediate side bodies 210a-b are arranged to the main body via support structure elements 220.

Accordingly, the use of fixed and controllable support structure elements 220 may be altered depending on the application and design features.

Accordingly, Figures 2a-d show a number of possible implementations of the structure support elements 220 between the buoyant side bodies 210a-d and main body 200 to create a formation for the AGEPFWC 100 according to the present invention.

Reference is now made to Fig.6 showing a further embodiment of the AGEPFWC 100 according to the present invention. In accordance to the shown embodiment, there may be arranged two or more structure wires or rigid structure members 220 between the respective buoyant side bodies 210a-d and the buoyant main body 200 or between adjacent buoyant side bodies 210a-d. In the shown embodiment, there is shown an embodiment combining adjustable and fixed structure support elements 220 with different connection points to the buoyant bodies 200, 210a-d.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the respective structure support element 220 may consist of two or more elements that together forms the structure support element 220 or for redundancy/safety.

The buoyant main body 200 may according to the present invention exhibit different shape, depending on the design of the AGEPFWC 100. In the embodiments described above, the buoyant main body 200 is an elongated body with tapering ends. According to a further embodiment, as shown in Figures 3a-b, the main body 200 is formed by enlarged longitudinal distal ends.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the buoyant side bodies 210a-d are formed as elongated bodies with tapering distal longitudinal ends.

The mentioned buoyant bodies 200, 210a-d may also be referred to as boats, barges or pontoons.

The buoyant main body 200 will be designed to handle the affection from the moment forces of the power generating devices 300a-b and generators 313. It is required that the buoyant main body 200 has sufficient buoyancy to resist the moment forces from the blades 320 of the power generating devices 300a-b and generators 313. By designing the main body with enlarged distal end areas 201, in relation to the remaining parts of the main body 200, a higher buoyancy is achieved that will prevent the front or rear end of the buoyant body 200 from being submerged due to the mention moment forces. The shape and size of the longitudinal distal end areas 201 of the main body 200 will also depend on the ballast controlling means, hereunder the size of the ballast tanks.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, one or more of the buoyant bodies 200, 210a-d is provided with one or more controllable rudders 600, as shown in Figures 2ab. Preferably at least the main body 200 is provided with at least one controllable rudders 600. Controllable rudders 600 may, e.g., be arranged both in the front and/or the rear side or in the middle of the buoyant body/-ies 200, 210a-d to control the heading of the respective buoyant body 200, 210a-d based on sensors, without letting the entire AGEPFWC 100 rotate or drift out of the course, based on information from positioning sensors, and when the tide changes and the flow direction changes, resulting in that the AGEPFWC 100 moves with the flow and changes its position back and forth.

In cases with higher water current velocity on one side of the buoyant main body 200 than on the other side, rudders 600 on the buoyant side bodies 210a-d positioned on the opposite side of the buoyant main body 200 is according to the present invention used for preventing rotation of the whole construction/AGEPFWC 100 and there will be no need for rudders 600 on side bodies 210a-d on the side with high velocity current. If the side bodies 210a-d are provided with rudders 600 that are not used for the controlling per se, they of course do not have to be removed. The will contribute to stabilization of the buoyant side body 210a-d in any case.

Reference is now made to Figures 5a-b showing further details of the present invention. In accordance with the present invention, the AGEPFWC 100 comprises anchoring (mooring) means 400 for attaching the AGEPFWC 100 to the seabed or riverbed. The anchoring means 400 is according to one embodiment of the present invention, formed by anchoring wires 410a-b attached to an anchoring point 420 in the seabed, riverbed or shore. An example of a suitable anchoring point in the seabed is disclosed in WO2022055358, in the name of the applicant, the content thereof included herein by reference. The anchoring wire 410a-b is at the other end arranged to the buoyant bodies 200, 210a-d. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is arranged two separate anchoring wires 410a-b, arranged at lower part of starboard and port side of the buoyant body 200, 210a-d, both at front end (410a) and at rear end (410b) of the buoyant body 200, 210a-d.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention the length of the anchoring wires 410a-b are fixed for applications where the flow direction is constant and from one direction, such as in a river, while in application where the flow direction changes, such as in tidal waters, the anchoring wires in front 410a or rear 410b may be adjustable and/or designed with a length allowing the entire AGEPFWC 100 to move a few meters to either side in relation to the flow direction and up and down in relation to water level. The anchoring wires 410a-b may stretch differently by water speed and water volume on one side of the main body 200 than on the other side thereof.

Having sufficiently long anchoring wires 410a-b enable the entire construction/ AGEPFWC 100 to move forward and backwards at tidal flow change which again compensates for the difference in height of the tidal waters. Alternatively, the length of the anchoring wires 410a-b are designed based on the crest of the tidal at its highest point and can further have some additional length for unforeseen natural events.

In most cases there will be sufficient to have anchoring wires 410a-b arranged to the buoyant main body 200, but in alternative embodiments, anchoring wires 410a-b may in addition be arranged to one or more of the buoyant side bodies 210a-d.

In a further embodiment, adjustable anchoring wires 410a-b can also be used on the buoyant side bodies 210a-d to align the buoyant side bodies 210a-d along the common transversal center axis (Fig. 2e) to release tension on bearings caused by strong currents affecting the side bodies 210ad/power converting devices 300a-d.

As an example, if the tidal water level difference at a location is 10 meters, the anchoring wires 410a-b may, e.g. allow the AGEPFWC 100 to move 10 a few meters to the opposite sides and up and down when the flow changes due to low tide and high tide. In the operational time in tidal waters, the anchoring wires 410a-b are respectively tightened in one side while on the other side are loosened due to flow direction.

Adjustable anchoring wires 410a-b may be achieved by arranging the anchoring wires 410a-b to a controllable winch (not shown) arranged in the respective buoyant bodies 200, 210a-d. The controllable winch is preferably controlled in an automated manner by sensors arranged to the buoyant bodies 200, 210a-d monitoring the anchoring wires 410a-b, position of the buoyant bodies 200, 210a-d, tension in the shaft 310 and bearings 311, 312, etc.

In accordance with one embodiment of the preset invention, the anchoring wires 410a-b extending from the main body 200 to seabed have a fixed length and become respectively tightened and loosened in the front and rear side, respectively, when the AGEPFWC 100 moves in the flow direction, as described above.

In applications with fixed length, anchoring wires 410a-b may be exchanged with chains or other suitable means.

In an alternative embodiment, where one desires to maintain the side bodies 210a-d in position to maintain the shafts 310 in perpendicular position to the main body 200 to reduce the tension of the bearings the side bodies 210a-d and in cases with an extreme current on one side in which rudders 600 are not able to maintain the position of the AGEPFWC 100, the side bodies 210a-d can be anchored to the seabed and winches be used, controlled by sensors on the side bodies 210a-d, to adjust the length of the anchoring wires 410a-b to the seabed to maintain the position of the whole AGEPFWC 100 to the flow direction and follow the same pattern for as the anchoring wires 410a-b of the main body 200 and follow the same movement up and down following tidal height and tightening and loosening.

Accordingly, in normal operating conditions, the mentioned rudders 600 will be sufficient to maintain the AGEPFWC 100 in correct position and heading. If needed, the adjustable wires 410a-b can be used to assist in maintaining the correct position and heading, as well as maintaining the shafts 310 mainly perpendicular in relation to the main body 200 and side bodies 210a-d.

Further, in cases where these options are not sufficient, additional adjustable wires 410a-b may be arranged between one or more of the side bodies 210a-d to further facilitate the militainment of position and heading, as well as maintaining the shafts 310 within operating conditions as regards the angles to the generators.

It should be mentioned that by arranging the support structure elements 220 to the distal ends of the shaft 310 extending beyond the side bodies 210a-d, the pressure and tension on the bearings 311-312 of the side bodies 210a-d are reduced considerably, compared to the embodiment where the support structure elements 220 are arranged to the distal parts or ends of the side bodies 210ad.

The anchoring of buoyant side bodies 210a-d is usually only needed if the water current on one side is extreme and the rudders 600 are not sufficient to stop rotation on the AGEPFWC 100.

In cases where anchoring of buoyant side bodies 210a-d are needed, the anchoring wires 410a-b are preferably arranged close to the center of the bodies 210a-d. In embodiments where the anchoring wires 410a-b are arranged closer to longitudinal distal ends of the buoyant side bodies 210a-d, they are preferably provided with ballast tanks configured to compensate for the pulling force from the anchoring winch that otherwise would sink the nose of the buoyant side bodies 210ad into the sea.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the mentioned buoyant bodies 200, 200a-d are provided with downwards vertically extending legs 500. The downwards vertically extending legs 500 can be provided with feet or base plates 510 at lower end thereof. There are preferably arranged downwards vertically extending legs 500 at each corner of the buoyant body 200, 210a-d and the legs 500 have a length that at least is longer than the vertical extension of the blades 320 of the power converting devices 300a-d. As the buoyant bodies 200, 210a-d will move with the water level, the legs 500 will prevent the blades 320 of the power converting devices from hitting the riverbed or seabed and being destroyed in low-level water. By providing the legs 500 with feet or base plates 510 with larger area, this will prevent the sinking of the legs 500 in a muddy riverbed or seabed.

The feet or base plates 510 may further be provided with spikes at lower side thereof for gripping into the seabed/riverbed, which often uneven, sloped and contains stones, rocks, etc.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the legs 500 are telescopic enabling controlling of the length thereof to adapt for variation in the seabed/riverbed.

In accordance with the present invention, the mentioned legs 500 can be installed inside, outside, or in a compound inside-outside shape. The legs 500 can have a hydro-dynamic shape outside to prevent creating resistance in the flow directions.

The generators 313 of the AGEPFWC 100 will be connected to a power grid or user, onshore or offshore, by a power cable. There may be used converters for adapting the power to be transferred.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the AGEPFWC 100 will be provided with one or more energy storages arranged in the mentioned buoyant bodies 200, 210a-d for powering the ballast systems, winches, rudders, control units, etc., which may be charged by power generated by one or more of the power generating devices 300a-d.

Reference is now made to Fig.6a-b showing further embodiments of the AGEPFWC 100 according to the present invention. In accordance with a further embodiment of the AGEPFWC 100 comprises one or more covers 700 configured to shield the parts of the power generating devices 300a-d exposed above the water surface to prevent wind (and waves) from having a negative effect on the energy production. The cover 700 will at the same time prevent debris and other objects in the water from hitting and damaging the power generating devices 300a-d. Such a cover 700 will also act as a safety for smaller boats, and humans and animals coming in contact with the power generating devices 300a-d.

In the embodiment shown in Fig.6a, the cover 700 exhibit the shape of a half-cylinder 701 covering the upper part of the power generating devices 300a-d.

In the embodiment of Fig.6b is shown an embodiment where the half cylinder is formed by two quarts of a cylinders 702a-b movably arranged to a V-frame 703. In this manner there is provided a cover 700 that can be moved to either side depending on if there is required to shield on one side or both sides.

Other alternative embodiments for the cover 700 will be within the knowledge of the skilled person.

The features of the above described embodiments can be combined to form modified embodiments within the scope of the attached claims.

Accordingly, by the present invention is provided an AGEPFWC 100 that can be used to generate electric power from currents in rivers or the sea. By the present invention it is provide an AGEPFWC 100 that can be used for currents flowing in two directions, such as will be experienced in tidal waters.

By the present invention is provided an AGEPFWC 100 that may be adapted the location in question by adding buoyant side bodies 210a-d and power generating devices 300a-d to extend the length of the AGEPFWC 100 in relation to available space for generating power and water conditions.

By the present invention is provided an AGEPFWC 100 wherein the buoyant bodies will float up and down dependent on the water flow, while being attached to the riverbed or seabed with anchoring means.

In accordance with one embodiment of the AGEPFWC 100 according to the present invention, the AGEPFWC 100 is allowed to move some back and forth following the tidal water by the use of anchoring wires 410a-b that have some excess length.

By the present invention is provided an AGEPFWC 100 that comprises means for preventing the power generating devices from being damaged if the AGEPFWC 100 drops to the seabed or riverbed due to the water level drops.

Due to the buoyant bodies of the AGEPFWC 100 being provided with ballast tanks, this enables them to be adjusted in correct position and level, as well as resisting moment forces from the power generating device and generators, that otherwise would sink the front part (facing the water flow direction). In applications with changing water direction, the buoyant bodies of the AGEPFWC 100 can move ballast water from one end to the other end to create more buoyancy in one end and ballast at the other end in an automated manner to achieve this. This will also contribute in leveling the shafts 310 to a horizontal position according to the buoyant main body 200.

Due to the legs that prevents the AGEPFWC 100 from being damaged due to water level dropping, the power generating devices may have larger (higher) blades, compared to prior art solutions.

The AGEPFWC 100 enables the use of long shafts 310 without depending on one or many frames, which is the case in the prior art solutions. This again enables the use longer blades in mainly perpendicular direction of the water current, that together with the fact that they are larger/higher, comparted to prior art solutions, results in higher efficiency and higher power generation, compared to prior art solutions.

The AGEPFWC 100 according to the present invention further allows for the use of smaller buoyant bodies due to the construction of the system, the legs, and the fact that no support frames are required on the buoyant bodies to elevate the shaft of the power generating devices.

By the present invention it is provided an AGEPFWC 100 wherein the two sides thereof will be able to move up and down and side-wise independently in water with an uneven current on the two sides of the buoyant main body 200 due to not using rigid frames. It will be possible to utilize very long shafts and power production devices with multiple buoyant side bodies.

The features of the above described embodiments may be combined or modified to form other embodiments within the scope of the attached claims.

Modifications

The shaft of the power generating devices is according to the present invention on each side of the buoyant main body may be a common shaft or the power generating devices may comprises separate shafts allowing the power generating devices to rotate with different speeds if the water velocity is different on the different sides of the buoyant side bodies. The shafts will then be connected by a suitable transmission to a joint connection to the generator.

In an alternative embodiment, the power generating devices are arranged to separate generators arranged on the closest buoyant body. This will however, require larger buoyant bodies, similar to the described buoyant main body. The size of the buoyant body is decided by generator capacity.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the AGEPFWC is provided with protection devices in front and/or rear to prevent floating objects from reaching and damaging the AGEPFWC, especially the power generating devices. The protection devices are e.g. V-shaped bodies that directs objects away from the AGEPFWC.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the AGEPFWC comprises security wires from all the buoyant bodies in case of failure of the anchoring means.

The buoyant bodies, shafts, power generating devices and/or blades are according to a further embodiment formed by modules and/or section such that the respective component can be assembled on the installation site.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention more than one shaft with blades are arranged on the same construction, i.e. one shaft after the another with larger buoyant side bodies. However, such a solution will not be optimal due to the blades in the front will utilize the energy and slow down the current for the blades on the second shaft reducing the rotational speed.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the anchoring wires 410a-b are arranged to the shaft via a rotational connection instead of the buoyant body.

As mentioned above, the one may use buoyant side bodies of different lengths, as long as one use the connection with structure support elements following the same pattern as the main pattern.

To keep the costs low the buoyant bodies of the present invention may be built by using long trusses or similar, for example four long trusses, two on the outer sides and some other needed trusses along in the width of the bodies. The outer wall and the outer bottom of the buoyant bodies are covered by tiny stainless steel or fiberglass or other materials, and the inside at the bottom is filled with hard Styrofoam until some height over sea level. This will ensure a low-cost construction and in addition ensure a long operating life of the construction. The use of hard Styrofoam at the same time keeps the buoyant body steady and leakage-proof and more or less unsinkable with full ballast tanks in the worst cases.

Claims

1. Apparatus (100) for generating electric power from water currents, wherein the apparatus (100) comprises a buoyant main body (200) and at least two buoyant side bodies (210a-d) arranged in a formation with the buoyant side bodies (210a-d) arranged at each side of the buoyant main body (200) on a common transversal center axis, wherein the apparatus (100) comprises at least one power generating device (300a-d) arranged between the buoyant main body (200) and each of the respective adjoining buoyant side body (210a-d) by means of a respective shaft (310), wherein the buoyant main body (200) and at least two buoyant side bodies (210a-d) are held in formation by the mentioned shafts (310) and by structure support elements (220) extending from distal longitudinal parts or ends of the buoyant main body (200) to or via respective distal longitudinal parts or ends of the buoyant side bodies (210a-d).

2. Apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises two or more buoyant side bodies (210a-d) displaced along the common transversal center axis at each side of the buoyant main body (200), and wherein a power generating device (300a-d) is arranged between the buoyant main body (200) and respective adjoining buoyant side body (210a-d) by a shaft (310), and a power generating device (300a-d) is arranged between the respective adjoining buoyant side bodies (210a and 210c, 210b and 210d) by a shaft (310).

3. Apparatus (100) according to claim 2, wherein the power generating devices (300a and 300c, 300b and 300d) at the same side of the buoyant main body (200) are connected by a common shaft (310) or separate shafts (310) connected to form a common shaft (310).

4. Apparatus (100) according to claim 3, wherein the common shaft (310) is rotationally attached to the buoyant side bodies (210a-d) by means of bearings (311) and rotationally connected to the buoyant main body (200) by means of a flexible or spherical bearing (312).

5. Apparatus (100) according to claim 4, wherein the common shaft (310) is arranged to a generator (313) arranged on the buoyant main body (200).

6. Apparatus (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the buoyant bodies (200, 210a-d) are provided with a ballast system comprising ballast tanks in front part and rear part, and a pump enabling movement of ballast water between the front and rear part.

7. Apparatus (100) according to claim 6, wherein the ballast system further comprises ballast tanks arranged at starboard and port side of the buoyant bodies (200, 210a-d).

8. Apparatus (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus (100) comprises anchoring means (400) comprising anchoring wires, chains or similar(410a-b) securing the buoyant bodies (200, 210a-d) to an anchoring point (420) at the seabed, riverbed or shore.

9. Apparatus (100) according to claim 8, wherein the anchoring wires (410-B) are arranged to lower parts of the buoyant bodies (200, 210a-d) by means of controllable winches.

10. Apparatus (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the buoyant bodies (200, 210a-d) are provided with downwards vertically extending legs (500).

11. Apparatus (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the buoyant bodies (200, 210a-d) are provided with one or more controllable rudders (600) enabling controlling of heading and position in the water.

12. Apparatus (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the buoyant main body (200) has a longitudinal length that is longer than the longitudinal length of the buoyant side bodies (210a-d).

13. Apparatus (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the respective shaft (310) have a longitudinal extension extending beyond the outermost buoyant side body (210a-d).

14. Apparatus (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein structure support element (220) at one end is arranged to the respective shaft (310) outside the buoyant side body (210a-d) by means of a rotational connection (223) and extends via a pulley (222) arranged in distal longitudinal part or end of the respective buoyant side body (210a-d) to an adjacent buoyant side body (210a-d) or the buoyant main body (200).

15. Apparatus (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the structure support element (220) is at one end adjustably arranged to the buoyant main body (200) or buoyant side body (210a-d) by means of a winch (221) and a pulley (222) arranged in distal longitudinal part or end of the buoyant main body (200) or buoyant side body (210a-d).