# US 2014/0154050 A1 · Hydrokinetic unit

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- Number: US 2014/0154050 A1
- Document ID: US20140154050A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 14/123,740
- Filed: 2012-06-05
- Published: 2014-06-05
- Earliest claimed: 2011-06-03
- Assignees: Calin BULTOC
- Inventors: Dan Campeanu
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140154050A1

## CPC

- F03B 17/06: using liquid flow {with predominantly kinetic energy conversion}, e.g. of swinging-flap type {, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head" (F03B13/264 takes precedence)}
- F05B 2240/40: Use of a multiplicity of similar components
- Y02E 10/20: Hydro energy
- F03B: MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS (positive-displacement engines for liquid F03C; machines for liquids and gases F01; positive-displacement machines for liquids F04, rotary fluid gearing of the hydrokinetic type F16H41/00)
- F05B: INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- Y02E: REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION

## Abstract

The invention refers to a hydrokinetic unit which allows a high level exploitation of the energetic potential of rivers in the plain regions, where the flat relief does not allow to build dams or culverts and which is destined to convert the kinetic energy of flowing waters into useful mechanical energy for producing electric energy or for pumping water by using such modular hydrokinetic assemblies equipped with generators or pumps. The hydrokinetic unit according to the invention comprises a threshold (1) of a constant level provided with flaps (2) and two catching connectors (3) with protection grids (4) and, one or more connections (5) with the flaps which regulate the water flow rates necessary for driving the modular hydrokinetic assemblies (6), connected to the catching connector (3) and, which may be equipped with electric generators or water pumping groups.

## Claims

### Claim at position 1

1-5. (canceled)

### Claim 6

A hydrokinetic unit wherein, in order to convert the kinetic energy of flowing waters into mechanical energy, said hydrokinetic unit comprises a threshold (1) of a constant level provided with flaps (2) and two catching connectors (3) which are provided with protection grids (4) against ice floes, and one or more connections (5) which are provided with flaps, which regulate the water flow rates necessary for operating the modular hydrokinetic assemblies (6), connected to the catching connector (3) and which may be equipped with electric generators or water pumping groups, said hydrokinetic unit being covered with translucent and heat insulating panels (11) which produce and maintain a greenhouse effect inside, to render protection against water freezing on winter time in the unit hydraulic circuit.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The hydrokinetic unit according to claim 6, wherein, in order to perform the maintenance and repairing activities, it is provided with a portal crane (7) mounted on the rails (8) supported by posts (9), as well as a plate (10) situated on one of the river margins.

### Claim 8 (depends on 6)

The hydrokinetic unit according to claim 6, wherein, it has a channel (A) allowing the downstream to displace ice-floes when the river thaws, by opening said flaps (2), while said threshold (1) is provided with cut-offs (12) for breaking the ice-floes and eliminating ice storage.

### Claim 9 (depends on 6)

The hydrokinetic unit according to claim 6, wherein, it has an energetic capacity that depends mainly on the height of said threshold (1), given which one or more modular hydrokinetic assemblies (6) may be installed, connected one after another and, in relation with the available flow rate of a catching connector (3), given which one or more modular hydrokinetic assemblies (6) may be installed, in parallel.