Systems and Methods for Offshore Power Generation Using Airborne Power Generating Craft Tethered to a Floating Structure
OwnerChristopher G. Hart, Donald P. Bushby +2inventors
InventorsChristopher G. Hart, Donald P. Bushby, Brandon Cassimere, Roald T. Lokken
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of generating power. An airborne power generating craft is connected to a floating structure using an aloft portion of a tether line. The floating structure is connected to an anchor using an underwater portion of the tether line. The anchor is secured to an underwater floor. Power is generated based on movement of the airborne power generating craft in response to a wind force. The floating structure is connected to an electrical transmission system through at least part of the tether line. The generated power is transmitted to the electrical transmission system.
Claims20
An offshore power generation system, comprising:
- an airborne power generating craft;
- an aloft portion of a tether line being connected at a first end to the airborne power generating craft;
- a floating structure configured to float on a water surface, a second end of the aloft portion of the tether line rotatably connected to the floating structure;
- an underwater portion of the tether line being connected at a first end to the floating structure;
- an anchor to which a second end of the underwater portion of the tether line is attached, the anchor being secured to an underwater floor;
- and
- an electrical transmission system connected to the airborne power generating craft through the tether line, the electrical transmission system being configured to transmit power generated by the airborne power generating craft.
An offshore power generation system, comprising:
- an airborne element that moves in response to a wind force;
- an aloft portion of a tether line being connected at a first end to the airborne element;
- a floating structure, wherein a second end of the aloft portion of the tether line is rotatably connected to the floating structure;
- an underwater portion of the tether line being connected at a first end to the floating structure;
- an anchor to which a second end of the underwater portion of the tether line is attached;
- an electrical transmission system connected to the floating structure through at least part of the tether line, the electrical transmission system being configured to transmit power generated by movement of the airborne element;
- and
- a motor/generator attached to the floating structure and electrically connected to the electrical transmission system through the tether line, the motor/generator configured to generate power in response to movement of the airborne element.
A method of generating power, comprising:
- connecting an airborne power generating craft to a floating structure using an aloft portion of a tether line;
- connecting the floating structure to an anchor using an underwater portion of the tether line, the anchor being secured to an underwater floor;
- generating power based on movement of the airborne power generating craft in response to a wind force;
- connecting the floating structure to an electrical transmission system through at least part of the tether line;
- and
- transmitting the generated power to the electrical transmission system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.