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US 7,242,107 B1Granted
Water-based wind-driven power generation using a submerged platform
OwnerHarry Edward Dempsterinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Provided are systems, methods and techniques by which a wind-powered energy generating platform, secured to an anchor, can pull (or winch) itself beneath the surface of the water and thereby avoid most of the significant effects of storms and waves. In more particularized aspects, a variable-buoyancy anchor is utilized, thereby facilitating the construction and transportation of the entire assembly.
Claims25
An apparatus for generating usable energy from wind power in a water environment, comprising:
- (a) an anchor having variable buoyancy;
- (b) platform means for housing components of a wind-driven power-generating system, said platform means including winching means for attaching the platform means to the anchor and then pulling the platform means beneath a water's surface;
- and
- (c) wind-power conversion means, attached to the platform means, for extending above the water's surface when the platform means is pulled beneath the water's surface and for converting wind power into usable energy.
1 more element
A method for generating usable energy from wind power in a water environment, comprising:
- (a) towing an anchor and a platform assembly to a use site, the platform assembly including a platform, a winch, a windmill and components for converting mechanical energy produced by the windmill into stored energy, wherein the anchor is attached to the platform by a cable;
- (b) submerging the anchor at the use site;
- and
- (c) using the winch to pull the platform to a use position below the surface of the water,
- wherein in the use position the windmill extends substantially vertically from the platform beneath the water to a point above the surface of the water.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.