Underwater power generator

Apparatus for converting the energy of water currents into useful power comprising:

• at least two power producing members adapted to be submerged within a water current of substantially constant velocity,
• a power absorbing and converting member, and
• means connecting said power producing members to said power absorbing and converting member,
• said power producing members including
• rotor means having blades positioned substantially normal to the direction of said water current and adapted to rotate under the axial influence of said water current,
• a source of liquid,
• first centrifugal pump means upstream from and communicating with said source of liquid,
• power transmission means between said rotor means and centrifugal pump means for operating said centrifugal pump means to pump liquid from said source through said connecting means to said power absorbing and converting member when said rotor means rotates under the influence of said water current,
• said power absorbing and converting member including means for converting mechanical energy to useable power and,
• second centrifugal pump means communicating with said connection means and operable in response to receiving liquid from said first centrifugal means through said connection means for supplying mechanical energy to said energy converting means and for returning said liquid to its source.