Hydroelectric turbine and method for producing electricity from tidal flow
OwnerHerbert L. Williamsinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A hydroelectric turbine for the production of electricity from tidal flow forces, the turbine having a rotor with an open center such that the blades are mounted between an inner rim and outer rim, where retaining members and anti-friction members are provided to prevent excessive movement of the rotor relative to the housing in either axial direction, such that water flow in either direction operates the turbine.
Claims14
An open-center turbine, said turbine producing electricity from bi-directional water flow in a first water flow direction and an opposite second water flow direction without reversing the position of said turbine relative to the water flow direction, comprising:
- a rotor comprising blades extending from an outer rim to an inner rim, said inner rim defining an open center, said rotor capable of rotating in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction;
- a housing comprising retaining means to retain said rotor and to prevent excessive movement of said rotor in either of the directions of said bi-directional water flow;
- means to generate electricity as a result of rotation of said rotor in either said first rotation direction or said second rotation direction.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.