초록 ▼

A subsurface floating cluster of current energy converters is disclosed. A cluster consists of many nodes on a single mooring cable. Two converters, rotating in opposite direction, are connected as a pair. At least two pairs, four converters, are connected to each node. Each converter consists of a

A subsurface floating cluster of current energy converters is disclosed. A cluster consists of many nodes on a single mooring cable. Two converters, rotating in opposite direction, are connected as a pair. At least two pairs, four converters, are connected to each node. Each converter consists of a rotor with curved blades, a transmission, and an electrical generator. A computer on the mother ship, that tows the cluster, controls the rotating rate of every rotor in the cluster. Each node moves vertically or horizontally according to the rotation-rate-differential in each pair of rotors. Each node seeks and remains in peak velocity region, or at a predetermined water depth, to convert kinetic energy to electricity with an optimal efficiency. This invention has characteristics of simplicity in design, using artificial intelligence to achieve high efficiency in peak speed region of an ocean current, incremental capacity, and mobility.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A system for generating electricity from the flow of seawater through two ocean current energy converters interconnected as a pair, two of said pairs defining a first node, each said converter comprising: a rotor defined by blades extending from a rotatable shaft anda chamber that houses an elect

1. A system for generating electricity from the flow of seawater through two ocean current energy converters interconnected as a pair, two of said pairs defining a first node, each said converter comprising: a rotor defined by blades extending from a rotatable shaft anda chamber that houses an electrical generator and transmission, said shaft connected to said electrical generator through said transmission;at least one pressure sensor and sensors for measuring said rotor's rotation rate, said sensors contained within said chamber;a flow meter for sensing the seawater flowrate, said flow meter attached to said node;a braking mechanism to add braking force to one said shaft responsive to said pressure sensor;said two converters being mated so that said rotors only rotate in opposite directions, wherein one said rotor rotates clockwise the other said rotor always rotates counter-clockwise; andwherein said node and each said converter are designed to be equal to average water density and therefore neutrally buoyant in water. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said connection cable extends between said node and a computer that is mounted on a platform, said cable comprising: data and power transmission between said node and said computer, said data including data generated by said sensors;said computer configured to send commands to each said transmission in each said converter to change said rotor's rotation rate;said computer being configured to send commands a said converter to apply said braking mechanism to change said rotors rotation rate;said computer further configured to send said commands in order to keep each said node to remain in peak speed region of ocean current to achieve an optimal efficiency of energy conversion and to keep said node at a predetermined water depth; andwherein said node sends current speed data and water depth data to said computer through said connection cable;and each said converter sends water depth data and rotation rate data to said computer. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein said platform comprises a movable platform selected from a group including an anchored surface ship and an anchored submersible vessel. 4. The system of claim 2, wherein said platform comprises a platform selected from a group including an oil-drilling rig, an island, and a seamount. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein said pair of ocean energy converters comprises two identical modules with one said electrical generator and one said gear-transmission in each said module. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein said pair of ocean energy converters comprises two converters sharing one said electrical generator and with two separate said transmissions. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein said pair of ocean energy converters are sized to be carried in a suitcase; the said portable converters are further designed with extendable blades to increase power outputs in river flow and coastal current.