Floating, water current-driven electrical power generation system
OwnerMichael J. Sosnowskiinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A floating, water current-driven electrical power generation system has a hull supporting one or more paddle wheels. The unit is tethered in a stream or river so that the moving water turns the paddle wheel coupled to an electrical generator. A transmission matches stream flow conditions to the electrical generator. Stabilizing fins on the hull bottom help keep the hull properly aligned in the stream's current. Built-in leg structures are sized to prevent bottoming of the paddle wheel during periods of low water in the stream or river. Mounts are provided for an outboard motor useful for propelling the unit to a desired location. Larger versions of the system may be equipped with a boat mooring facility allowing a boat to propel the unit to a desired position in a stream or river.
Claims20
A floating, water current-powered electrical generation system, comprising:
- a) a buoyant hull supporting a substantially horizontal platform on an upper surface thereof, said hull being adapted to float in a flowing body of water
- b) a paddle wheel rotatively supported upon said platform and adapted for engagement with and rotation by water in said flowing body of water
- c) an electrical generator operatively connected to said paddle wheel for producing an electrical current when turned thereby;
- and
- d) at least one leg projecting downwardly from a lower surface of said hull, said at least one leg being adapted for preventing bottoming of said paddle wheel when said flowing body of water is insufficiently deep.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.