Tidal power system and methods
OwnerEthan Novekinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention pertains to a new method and system for producing electricity from tidal energy. In one embodiment the system employs at least one underground region for collecting water percolating at a higher tide level and at least another underground region capable of fluid communication with the first underground region. The system is configured to release water at separate times from the underground regions to operate hydro turbines and generators to produce electricity.
Claims28
A hydropower generation method utilizing changing water levels, the method comprising:
- collecting water percolating through a permeable substance into a first underground region as a water level is increased;
- releasing water from the first underground region into a second underground region, and thereby operating a first hydro turbine and generator operatively coupled therebetween to generate power;
- and
- releasing water from the second underground region as a water level is decreased, and thereby operating a second hydro turbine and generator operatively coupled therebetween to generate power;
- wherein the method is characterized by (1) wherein the permeable substance comprises a beach;
- or (2) wherein the changing water levels are due to a tide;
- or (3) both.
A tidal power system comprising:
- a first underground region for collecting water percolating through a coastal area medium at a higher tide level;
- a second underground region capable of fluid communication with the first underground region;
- an inflow pipe through which water is released from the first underground region to the second underground region, the inflow pipe further comprising a first hydro turbine and generator operatively coupled thereto to generate power;
- and
- an outflow pipe through which water is released from the second underground region, the outflow pipe further comprising a second hydro turbine and generator operatively coupled thereto to generate power;
- wherein the system is configured to release water at separate times from the first underground region and the second underground regions to operate the hydro turbines and generators and thereby produce electricity and wherein the system is characterized by (1) the first underground region comprising a mesh or screen for filtering water percolating through the coastal area medium;
- or (2) the second underground region being insulated from water infiltration through the coastal area medium;
- or (3) both.
A hydropower generation method utilizing changing water levels, the method comprising:
- collecting water percolating through a permeable substance into a first underground region as a water level is increased;
- releasing water from the first underground region into a second underground region, and thereby operating a first hydro turbine and generator operatively coupled therebetween to generate power;
- and
- releasing water from the second underground region as a water level is decreased, and thereby operating a second hydro turbine and generator operatively coupled therebetween to generate power which method comprises providing a filter around at least a portion of the first underground region for filtering water.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.