Water flow energy extraction device
OwnerDickie L. Lampinventor
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Abstract
The specification and drawings describe machines and methods that transform the kinetic energy of moving bodies of fluid into useful work. Specifically, embodiments of the invention may be used to generate electricity. In preferred embodiments a buoyant or semi-buoyant propeller assembly interfaces with a flowing body of water to capture power for electricity generation or any other work project.
Claims20
A propeller assembly for a water powered generation apparatus, said assembly comprising:
- a shaft;
- a plurality of propeller blades extending from said shaft, the propeller blades having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is more proximate to the shaft than the second end;
- and
- a cowling encircling said propeller blades, the cowling being rigidly attached to the second ends of at least two of said propeller blades;
- wherein said propeller assembly is capable of exhibiting sufficient buoyancy when placed in water such that between about 75% and about 95% of a diameter of the cowling is submerged.
A floating vessel for generating power, said vessel comprising:
- a vessel hull;
- a power train assembly positioned at least partially on said vessel hull;
- a buoyant propeller assembly attached to said power train assembly, said propeller assembly including a propeller shaft and a plurality of propeller blades extending therefrom;
- wherein said propeller assembly is capable of exhibiting sufficient buoyancy when placed in water such that between about 75% and about 95% of a diameter of the cowling is submerged;
- and
- a generator positioned on said floating vessel and attached to said power train assembly in a manner to receive mechanical power from said power train assembly.
A method of generating electricity comprising:
- providing a floating vessel for generating power, said vessel comprising:
- a vessel hull;
- a power train assembly positioned at least partially on said vessel hull;
- a buoyant propeller assembly attached to said power train, said propeller assembly including a propeller shaft and a plurality of propeller blades extending therefrom;
- wherein said propeller assembly is capable of exhibiting sufficient buoyancy when placed in water such that between about 75% and about 95% of a diameter of the cowling is submerged;
- and
- a generator positioned on said floating vessel and attached to said power train assembly in a manner to receive mechanical power from said power train assembly;
- fixing said floating vessel in a moving body of water.
A floating vessel for generating power, said vessel comprising:
- a vessel hull;
- a vertical shaft housing that extends downward from said vessel hull and is attached to a horizontal shaft housing;
- a power train assembly positioned at least partially on said vessel hull;
- a buoyant propeller assembly attached to said power train assembly, said propeller assembly including a propeller shaft and a plurality of propeller blades extending therefrom;
- and
- a generator positioned on said floating vessel and attached to said power train assembly in a manner to receive mechanical power from said power train assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.