Method and system for converting kinetic energy contained in horizontal flows into useful mechanical energy

A method for converting kinetic energy contained in horizontal currents in naturally occurring horizontal flowing fluids accumulated above ground into useful mechanical energy, comprising:

• providing at least one circulating element, which circulating element is guided in a closed circulation course, and which circulating element and closed circulation course are arranged substantially horizontally above the ground, and to which circulating element at least one buoyant body having a cross section of impact is attached via at least one tether rope or tether chain;
• converting the kinetic energy of the horizontal current into mechanical energy via a circulation of the circulating element;
• adjusting the spacing between the circulating element and the buoyant body in a portion of the closed circulation course in which a propulsive force oriented in a direction of circulation acts on the buoyant body, such that the spacing between the circulating element and the buoyant body is greater than in a portion of the closed circulation course in which, via the current impacting on the cross section of impact, no propulsive force oriented in the direction of circulation acts on the buoyant body;
• and adjusting the buoyant body in its alignment with the current during the circulation such that, even with a current acting transversely to the instantaneous direction of circulation of the circulating element, it experiences a force component acting in the direction of circulation and transfers it to the circulating element via the at least one tether rope.