Systems and methods for hydro-based electric power generation

A hydrodynamic power generation assembly for generating electricity in an ambient water flow, comprising:

• a support structure defining a bottomless flow channel open to water flow;
• a baffle assembly mounted to the support structure and positionable in the water flow for increasing velocity of the ambient water flow, the baffle assembly comprising two or more baffle panel members having an inter-panel spacing between adjacent panel members to form at least one opening through which water passes at increased velocity relative to ambient water flow when the support structure is deployed therein, wherein the baffle assembly is a single structural element;
• a hydropower converter located at a predetermined distance rearward, or downstream, of the baffle assembly and positioned to be actuated by water passing said baffle assembly;
• and
• a generator operatively coupled to the hydropower converter for generating electricity as a result of flowing water actuating said hydropower converter.

A hydrodynamic power generation assembly for generating electricity in an ambient water flow, comprising:

• a support structure defining a bottomless flow channel open to water flow;
• a baffle assembly mounted to the support structure and positionable in the water flow for increasing velocity of the ambient water flow, the baffle assembly comprising two or more baffle panel members having at least one opening therein or therebetween for enabling water to pass said baffle assembly at an increased velocity relative to that of the ambient water flow when the support structure is deployed therein, wherein the baffle assembly is a single structural element;
• a hydropower converter located at a predetermined distance rearward, or downstream, of the baffle assembly and positioned to be actuated by water passing said baffle assembly, wherein the hydropower converter is a water wheel comprising a plurality of paddles mounted to a rotatable shaft;
• a generator operatively coupled to the hydropower converter for generating electricity as a result of flowing water actuating said hydropower converter, and
• at least a pair of directional converters located at respective ends of the water wheel shaft which convert rotational energy received from the water wheel and transfer the rotational energy to the at least one generator for actuating the at least one generator.

A hydrodynamic power generation assembly for generating electricity in an ambient water flow, comprising:

• a support structure defining a bottomless flow channel open to water flow;
• a first baffle assembly mounted to the support structure and positionable in the water flow for increasing velocity of the ambient water flow, the first baffle assembly comprising two or more baffle panel members having at least one opening therein or therebetween for enabling water to pass said baffle assembly when the support structure is deployed therein;
• a hydropower converter located at a predetermined distance rearward, or downstream, of the first baffle assembly and positioned to be actuated by water passing said first baffle assembly;
• a second baffle assembly mounted to the support structure at a location opposite to the first baffle assembly, and wherein the hydropower converter is reversible in a direction to generate electricity from ambient water flow in either of two directions;
• and
• a generator operatively coupled to the hydropower converter for generating electricity as a result of flowing water actuating said hydropower converter.