초록 ▼

A generator can convert the energy from subsurface currents or undertow into electricity. The generator has a submergible electrical coil adapted to allow water propelled by subsurface currents to enter and flow axially through the coil. The electrical coil is supported above a sea floor in substant

A generator can convert the energy from subsurface currents or undertow into electricity. The generator has a submergible electrical coil adapted to allow water propelled by subsurface currents to enter and flow axially through the coil. The electrical coil is supported above a sea floor in substantial alignment with the subsurface currents. A magnetic shuttle is mounted to longitudinally reciprocate in the coil, driven by water flowing through the coil. Additionally, a plurality of electrical coils can be submerged above a sea floor. Magnetic shuttles are placed separately into a corresponding one of the coils to longitudinally reciprocate, driven by water flowing through the coils.

대표청구항 ▼

The invention claimed is: 1. A generator for converting into electricity the energy from subsurface currents having horizontally moving components, comprising: a submergible electrical coil adapted to allow subsurface currents to enter and flow axially through said coil; a support adapted to engage

The invention claimed is: 1. A generator for converting into electricity the energy from subsurface currents having horizontally moving components, comprising: a submergible electrical coil adapted to allow subsurface currents to enter and flow axially through said coil; a support adapted to engage a sea floor and to support and orient said electrical coil to allow horizontal components of subsurface currents to produce an axial flow through said coil; and a magnetic shuttle mounted to longitudinally reciprocate in said coil driven by water flowing through said coil. 2. A generator according to claim 1 wherein said shuttle is neutral buoyant. 3. A generator according to claim 2 comprising: an onshore rectifier for rectifying current from said coil. 4. A generator according to claim 2 wherein said shuttle comprises: a gas filled case; and one or more magnetic elements mounted in said case. 5. A generator according to claim 4 wherein said case has opposite frustoconical ends. 6. A generator according to claim 4 wherein said one or more magnetic elements comprise a plurality of magnetic rods. 7. A generator according to claim 1 comprising: a frame for guiding said shuttle, said frame having a screen. 8. A generator according to claim 1 comprising: a frame having a plurality of guide rods for guiding said shuttle. 9. A generator according to claim 8 comprising: a plurality of longitudinally spaced collars mounted on said frame and supporting said guide rods. 10. A generator according to claim 9 wherein said coil comprises: an interconnected plurality of coil segments, said collars being interleaved with said coil segments. 11. A generator according to claim 1 comprising: a primary frame having a plurality of guide rods, said magnetic shuttle including a primary plurality of cases, each of said cases having a plurality of grooves each slidably engaging one of said guide rods. 12. A generator according to claim 11 comprising: a second frame having a plurality of guide rods, said magnetic shuffle including a second plurality of cases, each of said cases having a plurality of grooves each slidably engaging one of said guide rods. 13. A generator according to claim 12 wherein said primary frame and said secondary are stacked and supported by said support to rotate azimuthally. 14. A generator according to claim 1 wherein said coil is supported by said support to rotate azimuthally. 15. A generator according to claim 1 wherein said coil is twice as long as said shuttle. 16. A generator according to claim 1 wherein said coil is three times as long as said shuttle. 17. A method employing a magnetic shuttle and an electrical coil for converting into electricity the energy from subsurface currents having horizontally moving components, the method comprising the steps of: submerging the electrical coil above a sea floor coil to allow horizontal components of subsurface currents to produce an axial flow through said coil; placing the magnetic shuttle in said coil to longitudinally reciprocate driven by water flowing through said coil. 18. A method according to claim 17 comprising the step of: adjusting the shuttle to be neutral buoyant. 19. A method according to claim 17 comprising the step of: rectifying current from said coil. 20. A method according to claim 17 comprising the step of: azimuthally adjusting the coil to increase capture of energy. 21. A method according to claim 17 wherein said shuttle is given freedom to reciprocate along a path more than twice as long as said shuttle. 22. A method according to claim 17 wherein said shuttle is given freedom to reciprocate along a path more than three times as long as said shuttle. 23. A method employing a plurality of magnetic shuttles and a parallel plurality of electrical coils for converting into electricity the energy from subsurface currents having horizontally moving components, comprising the steps of: submerging the plurality of electrical coils above a sea floor to allow horizontal components of subsurface currents to produce an axial flow through said coils; and placing the magnetic shuttles separately into a corresponding one of said coils to longitudinally reciprocate driven by water flowing through said coils.