Hydroelectric system
OwnerJean L. Bussiereinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system for generating electrical power from sea waves employs a multiplicity of turbine units, preferably disposed in a generally V-shaped array. By properly positioning them with respect to the surface of the water and the direction of wave front progression, and in some instances by providing means for diverting the course to water flow, the turbine wheels are caused to rotate so as to drive associated generators and thereby to produce electric power. A control subsystem automatically adjusts the vertical position of the turbine wheels to accommodate tidal variations.
Claims17
A hydroelectric system for the generation of power from waves formed in a body of water, comprising:
- a multiplicity of turbine units, each including mounting means, a turbine wheel rotatably supported by said mounting means, and a machine operatively connected to said wheel for the generation of electrical power by rotation thereof, said units being adapted to permit the flow of water along paths so as to effect rotation of said turbine wheels;
- and means for positioning a set of a plurality of said turbine units side-by-side, with the axes of rotation of said turbine wheels disposed somewhat above the nominal surface of the body of water and substantially on a common axis, said common axis extending horizontally and at an acute angle to the general direction of progression of wave fronts along the water surface, and said mounting means and positioning means cooperating to cause the flow of water to occur unless diverted predominantly below said axis of rotation, to impinge upon and effect rotation of said wheels in one direction.
A turbine unit for a hydroelectric power generating system, comprising a plurality of elongated support members;
- mounting means mounted on said support members for movement lengthwise therealong;
- a turbine wheel rotatably supported by said mounting means;
- and a machine operatively connected to said wheel for the generation of electrical power by rotation thereof, said unit being adapted to permit the flow of water along a path therethrough so as to effect rotation of said turbine wheel;
- said unit additionally including means for adjusting the position of said mounting means along said support members, so as to adjust the position of said supported turbine wheel with respect to the water flow path.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.