Integrated system for optimal extraction of head-driven tidal energy with minimal or no adverse environmental effects

A closed system for optimal extraction of head-driven tidal energy with minimal negative environmental effects, the system comprising:

• an on-shore bladder located at a local mean sea level;
• an off-shore bladder in communication with the on-shore bladder;
• a liquid at least partially disposed within one of the on-shore bladder and the off-shore bladder, the liquid adapted to flow between the on-shore bladder and the off-shore bladder depending on a pressure differential between the bladders;
• a hydropower turbine disposed between the on-shore bladder and the off-shore bladder, wherein the turbine captures potential energy derived from head differentials over a tidal cycle between the on-shore bladder and the off-shore bladder;
• a generator in communication with the hydropower turbine;
• and
• a pressure-sensing shut-off valve in communication with the off-shore bladder, wherein the shut-off valve is opened when a pressure differential of a water level above the off-shore bladder is sufficient to generate optimal power from the flow of the liquid through the generator, wherein opening the shut-off valve permits head-driven flow of the liquid to flow through the generator at a flow velocity.

A closed tidal energy system, comprising:

• an on-shore bladder located at a local mean sea level;
• an off-shore bladder in communication with the on-shore bladder;
• a liquid at least partially disposed within one of the on-shore bladder and the off-shore bladder, the liquid adapted to flow between the on-shore bladder and the off-shore bladder depending on a pressure differential between the bladders;
• a turbine housing disposed between the on-shore bladder and the off-shore bladder;
• a hydropower turbine disposed within the turbine housing, wherein the turbine captures potential energy derived from head differentials over a tidal cycle between the on-shore bladder and the off-shore bladder;
• a generator in communication with the hydropower turbine;
• a pressure-sensing shut-off valve in communication with the off-shore bladder, wherein the shut-off valve is opened when a pressure differential of a water level above the off-shore bladder is sufficient to generate optimal power from the flow through the generator, wherein opening the shut-off valve permits head-driven flow to flow through the generator,
• wherein the off-shore and on-shore bladders include manifolds on each side of the generator to cause flow velocity to increase as the flow approaches the generator;
• a control system, including the manifolds, that maintains the flow velocity in an optimal velocity range for the hydropower turbine, thus enabling maximum energy extraction,
• wherein the shut-off valve is closed when the pressure differential above the off-shore bladder reduces to a value that is insufficient for optimal power generation,
• wherein the shut-off valve remains closed until the lowering water above the off-shore bladder attains a potential pressure differential capable of producing optimal negative flow for power generation in the offshore direction.