초록 ▼

A device and method of converting tidal currents into power. The device comprises a plurality of modules and is mounted in tidal water so that one face is presented inland and the opposite face is presented seaward. Each module comprises a turbine mounted on an elevator means which moves the turbine

A device and method of converting tidal currents into power. The device comprises a plurality of modules and is mounted in tidal water so that one face is presented inland and the opposite face is presented seaward. Each module comprises a turbine mounted on an elevator means which moves the turbine vertically in response to water level changes during a tide. The modules are alternately presented toward the inland and seaward directions thereby permitting tidal water movement associated with both flood and ebb tides to be converted into power. Apparatus for sensing the amount of water flowing over the turbine for controlling the movement of the elevator device, and apparatus for withdrawing power from the device are also disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

A device for converting tidal current into electrical power comprising: an upright supporting structure located in a body of water subject to tides, said supporting structure having a structure top, one side presented inland and another side presented seaward so that horizontal water movement associ

A device for converting tidal current into electrical power comprising: an upright supporting structure located in a body of water subject to tides, said supporting structure having a structure top, one side presented inland and another side presented seaward so that horizontal water movement associated with said tides causes water to move past said supporting structure; a turbine wheel having a turbine top and a turbine bottom and mounted on said supporting structure so that water moving past said supporting structure flows over said turbine top to cause rotation thereof, said turbine wheel being mounted on said supporting structure to be vertically movable thereon between a first position located a predetermined distance below said structure top and a second position located adjacent said structure top; a turbine wheel moving means connected to said supporting structure for vertically moving said turbine wheel in a manner such that said turbine wheel is moved between said first and second positions during said tides so that said turbine moves vertically in cooperation with changes in water level during said tides; power generating means connected to said turbine wheel for converting turbine wheel rotation into electric power; and power withdrawing means connected to said power generating means for withdrawing electric power therefrom.