Apparatus for the generation of hydroelectric power and method of manufacturing and installing same
AssigneeWilliams and Broome, Inc.
InventorKenneth R. Broome
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A hydroelectric power generating plant includes separate intake and power generating barges spanning a dam, and a penstock attached to and between the barges to enable fluid communication over the dam and between the barges. In constructing the power generating plant, the barges are constructed remotely at a convenient manufacturing facility and floated to the dam site over water. At the dam site the barges are positioned so as to span the dam, making use of a lock system associated with the dam, and moored in position. The barges may be floated adjacent to opposite side of the dam, or grounded, making use of discrete moorings associated with the dam site and/or the dam itself.
Claims38
An apparatus for generating hydroelectric power in association with damming means spanning at least portions of a fluid flow, said apparatus comprising:
- a first barge adapted for floating and located adjacent to and upstream of said damming means, said first barge incorporating means for withdrawing fluid from said fluid flow;
- a second barge adapted for floating and located adjacent to and downstream of said damming means, said second barge incorporating means for generating said power in response to a received water flow and head;
- and
- penstock means having respective ends attached to and extending between portions of the first barge and portions of the second barge so that said first barge is placed in fluid communication with said second barge, and so that fluid withdrawn from said first barge is capable of being delivered over the damming means to the second barge to develop said water flow and head.
A method for constructing a hydroelectric power generating means in association with a damming means spanning at least portions of a fluid flow, said method comprising the steps of:
- constructing a first barge adapted for floating and incorporating means for withdrawing fluid from said fluid flow;
- constructing a second barge adapted for floating and incorporating means for generating said power in response to a received head;
- constructing mooring means for securing said first and second barges adjacent to said damming means;
- positioning said first and second barges adjacent to and on opposite sides of said damming means, and mooring said first and second barges in position;
- and
- attaching penstock means to and between said first and second barges, and over said damming means, said penstock means being in fluid communication with said first and second barges;
- whereby fluid withdrawn from said fluid flow by means of said first barge is delivered to said second barge to develop said head.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.