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WO2007070935A1 - A system of underwater power generation - Google Patents

A system of underwater power generation Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2007070935A1
WO2007070935A1 PCT/AU2006/001926 AU2006001926W WO2007070935A1 WO 2007070935 A1 WO2007070935 A1 WO 2007070935A1 AU 2006001926 W AU2006001926 W AU 2006001926W WO 2007070935 A1 WO2007070935 A1 WO 2007070935A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
power generation
generation system
foil
underwater power
carriage
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2006/001926
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Michael David Perry
Gary James Campbell
Robert Kusters
Bruce Thomas Kuhnell
Colin Marshal Kerr
Original Assignee
Atlantis Resources Corporation Pte. Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2005907109A external-priority patent/AU2005907109A0/en
Application filed by Atlantis Resources Corporation Pte. Limited filed Critical Atlantis Resources Corporation Pte. Limited
Priority to JP2008546027A priority Critical patent/JP2009520143A/en
Priority to CA002637372A priority patent/CA2637372A1/en
Priority to EP06828033A priority patent/EP1963668A1/en
Priority to AU2006326924A priority patent/AU2006326924B2/en
Publication of WO2007070935A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007070935A1/en
Priority to NO20083212A priority patent/NO20083212A/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B17/00—Other machines or engines
    • F03B17/06—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head"
    • F03B17/062—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head" with rotation axis substantially at right angle to flow direction
    • F03B17/065—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head" with rotation axis substantially at right angle to flow direction the flow engaging parts having a cyclic movement relative to the rotor during its rotation
    • F03B17/066—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head" with rotation axis substantially at right angle to flow direction the flow engaging parts having a cyclic movement relative to the rotor during its rotation and a rotor of the endless-chain type
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2240/00—Components
    • F05B2240/20—Rotors
    • F05B2240/30—Characteristics of rotor blades, i.e. of any element transforming dynamic fluid energy to or from rotational energy and being attached to a rotor
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/20—Hydro energy
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/30—Energy from the sea, e.g. using wave energy or salinity gradient

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a system of underwater power generation.
  • the invention relates to a system of converting the kinetic energy of moving water to electrical energy.
  • Clean power generation has become a major concern due to the effects of global warming.
  • Renewable clean power generation has been developed using solar cells, wind turbines and wave turbines.
  • an effective renewable power generation system has yet to be developed using ocean currents.
  • US Patent No. 4,383,182 discloses an apparatus for generating power from ocean currents.
  • the apparatus is winged and is anchored to the ocean floor.
  • a number of propellers are attached to the wing and are rotated by the ocean current.
  • the rotation of the propellers causes rotation of a generator to generate electricity.
  • the problem with this apparatus is that the apparatus is not easily moved to cater for changes in the direction of ocean currents. Further, the generation of energy is dependant upon the size and number of propellers to catch a specific area of current flow.
  • US Patent No. 4,163,904 discloses an underwater turbine plant for generating electrical power using ocean currents.
  • the turbine is driven by the flow of the water current across the blades of the turbine. Again, the level of electricity generated is proportional to the area of water that the turbine plant is able to capture.
  • US Patent No. 4,335,319 discloses a hydroelectric power apparatus that includes a powerhouse containing a power generator above the powerhouse located above the surface of the water. A hydraulic turbine is lowered from the powerhouse when the ocean currents are sufficient to drive the turbine. The disadvantage with this apparatus is that power is required to extend and retract the turbine. Further, the ocean current area that is utilised is equivalent to the inlet area of the turbine.
  • US Patent No. 5,440,176 discloses a hydroelectric power plant similar to that of US Patent No. 4,335,319 in that a series of turbines are extended and retracted dependant upon the velocity of the ocean currents.
  • US Patent No. 6,109,863 discloses a fully submersible apparatus for generating electricity.
  • the apparatus includes a buoyant structure having a motor mounted thereto.
  • a series of vanes are connected to the motor.
  • the vanes are rotated by the ocean current to cause electricity to be generated.
  • a disadvantage with this apparatus is that the generation of electricity is dependant upon the area of current that the vanes are able to capture.
  • US Patent No. 4,313,059 discloses a system for generating electricity from ocean currents.
  • the system uses two drags that are connected to opposite ends of a cable.
  • the middle of the cable is wrapped around a generator.
  • the drags are lowered into the ocean and moved from a drag position to a non-drag position to reciprocate movement of the cable.
  • the disadvantage with this system is that the generator must be able to generate energy when rotated in both directions. Further, the energy supply is not constant as the generator is constantly changing directions.
  • GB Patent Application 2.214.239A discloses an apparatus for harnessing power from natural fluid flows.
  • the apparatus includes a continuous belt having a number of vanes.
  • the continuous belt encircles a pair of cylinders that are operatively connected to drive a generator.
  • the continuous belt is orientated so that water flow across the vanes to drive the belt and hence rotate the cylinders.
  • the problem with this apparatus is that water flows through a front set of vanes and then through a rear set of vanes on the continuous belt. This creates water turbulence in water that passes through the rear set of vanes and hence efficiency of the apparatus is reduced.
  • an underwater power generation system comprising: at least one continuous pathway; at least one carriage that is movable around said pathway; at least one foil attached to the at least one carriage, the at least one foil able to be driven by a water current; and at least one power take-off having a rotatable member; wherein the driven foil cause the at least one carriage be moved about the pathway and contact said rotatable member to cause rotation of the rotatable member.
  • the pathway is a track.
  • carriages there are at least 5 carriages. More preferably there are at least 20 carriages.
  • the carriages may be joined together via a pivotal link. Normally the carriages are joined together by wire rope or cable.
  • the at least one foil rotates substantially within a plane that is substantially perpendicular to flow of water current. In this manner, the foil can drive the carriage around the entire length of the pathway.
  • the power take-off may be operatively connected to a pump or generator or the like device.
  • the rotatable member is typically a wheel.
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective of an underwater power generation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 shows front view of the underwater power generation system of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 shows a top perspective view of the underwater power generation system of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of a foil carriage
  • FIG. 5 shows a bottom perspective view of a foil carriage
  • FIG. 6 shows a detailed view of a carriage engaging with a power take off wheel.
  • FIGS. 1 to 6 show an underwater power generation system 10 that uses water currents to produce electricity.
  • the underwater power generation system 10 includes a frame 20, a track 30, twenty-two foils 40, two power take- offs 50 and twenty-two foil carriages 60.
  • the frame 20 is formed from a main cylindrical body 21 with two arcuate attachment arms 22.
  • the main cylindrical body 21 is hollow and has a centre fin 23 that extends rearwardly and forwardly from the main cylindrical body 21.
  • the arcuate arms 22 are used to hold the underwater power generation system 10. Placement cables (not shown) are attached to ends of each of the arcuate arms 22 and are anchored to an ocean or river floor to hold the underwater power generation system 10 in position. Alternatively, the cables are mounted to a bridge, boat, or the like structure.
  • Track support members 25 are attached and extend outwardly from the main cylindrical body 21.
  • the track support members 25 are used to mount the track 30.
  • Each track support member 25 is formed from a track arm
  • the track 30 is flat and oval in shape.
  • the track 30 has outwardly extending lips 31 that are located on the sides of the track 30.
  • Each of the foils 40 is formed from two wings 41 and a connection arm 42.
  • the two wings 41 are rearwardly splayed with respect to each other and are inclined downwardly with respect to the connection arm 42.
  • the wings 41 are formed from fibre-glass and are of a tear-drop shape when viewed in transverse cross-section.
  • a series of holes are located through the connection arm to connect respect foils to respective carriages 60.
  • Each of the two power take-offs 50 include a power take-off shaft 51 and a power take-off wheel 52.
  • the power take-off shaft 51 extends through and is mounted for rotation by the main body 21. Bearings (not shown) are used to mount the power take-off shaft 51.
  • a series of apertures 53 is located along the circumference of each power take-off wheel 51.
  • a peg mounting plate 54 is located within each aperture 53 and fastened to the power take-off wheel 51.
  • a peg 55 extends outwardly from each peg mounting plate 54.
  • Circumferential grooves 56 extend the circumference of the power take-off wheels 52.
  • a gear box 57, a gear box shaft (not shown) and an alternator 58 are located adjacent an end of the power take-off shaft 51.
  • the gear box 57 is connected to the power take-off shaft 51 and also connected to the gear box shaft.
  • the gear box is geared so that the gear box shaft is rotated at a substantially greater speed that the power take-off shaft 51.
  • the gear box shaft is connected to the alternator 58 to drive the alternator and produce electricity.
  • Each of the foil carriages 60 is formed from a foil carriage body 70 and two wheel assemblies 80.
  • the foil carriage body 70 is formed from a flat body plate 71 with two upwardly extending wheel assembly attachment plates 72 attached to adjacent ends of the flat body plate 71.
  • Two spaced apart splice plates 73 are located adjacent one end of the foil carriage body 70.
  • Holes 74 are located through the splice plates to connect a foil 40 to the foil carriage 60.
  • a brace 75 is attached to the foil carriage body 70 to attach the splice plates to the foil carriage body 70.
  • connection arm 42 of the foil 40 When assembled, the connection arm 42 of the foil 40 is located between the splice plates 73 and fastened to the splice plates 73 to attach the foil 40 to the foil carriage 60.
  • the angle of the foil 40 is able to be adjusted using the series of holes located in the foil connection arm 42.
  • the angle of the foils 40 is determined by numerous elements such as the velocity of the water and the direction of the water current.
  • Each of the wheel assemblies 80 is formed from a U-shaped wheel bracket 81 and two wheels 82 mounted for rotation adjacent opposite ends of the U-shaped bracket 81 via wheel shafts 83.
  • Each of the wheels 82 has a wheel channel 84 located within the wheel.
  • the U-shaped brackets 81 are pivotally mounted to the wheel assembly attachment plates 72 via two bolts 85.
  • the wheels 82 are located on side of the track 30 to allow the foil carriage 60 to run along the track 30.
  • the outwardly extending lips 31 are located within the wheel channel 84 so that the wheels are unable to disengage the track 30.
  • the U-shaped brackets 81 are allowed above to pivot so that the wheels 82 are able to move around the curved portions of the track 30.
  • Cable attachment portions 90 are attached to an underside of the flat body plate 71.
  • Carriage cables 91 are pivotally mounted to the cable attachment portions 90 via cable attachment pins 92.
  • Each carriage cable 91 is mounted to two foil carriages 60.
  • a pusher 100 extends downwardly from an underside of the flat body plate 71. The pusher 100 is located between the channel attachment portions 90.
  • the underwater power generation system 10 is located within a water current so that the track 30 is substantially perpendicular to the water current.
  • the water current acts on the foils 40 and causes the foil carriages 60 to be driven around the track 30.
  • the pusher 100 contacts the peg 55 as shown FIG 6.
  • the cables 90 are located within the groove 56. Both the pusher contacting the peg 55 and the cable 90 being located within the groove causes the power take-off wheels 52 to be rotated which causes rotation of the power take-off shafts 51.
  • the power take-off shafts 51 drive the gear boxes 57 which in turn drives the gear box shafts at a substantially greater rotation speed.
  • the gear box shafts drive the alternators 58 to produce electricity which can be utilised as desired.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)
  • Hydraulic Turbines (AREA)

Abstract

An underwater power generation system comprising at least one continuous pathway; at least one carriage that is movable around said pathway; at least one foil attached to the at least one carriage, the at least one foil able to be driven by a water current; and at least one power take-off having a rotatable member; wherein the driven foil cause the at least one carriage be moved about the pathway and contact said rotatable member to cause rotation of the rotatable member.

Description

"A SYSTEM OF UNDERWATER POWER GENERATION"
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a system of underwater power generation. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to a system of converting the kinetic energy of moving water to electrical energy.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Clean power generation has become a major concern due to the effects of global warming. Renewable clean power generation has been developed using solar cells, wind turbines and wave turbines. However, an effective renewable power generation system has yet to be developed using ocean currents.
US Patent No. 4,383,182 discloses an apparatus for generating power from ocean currents. The apparatus is winged and is anchored to the ocean floor. A number of propellers are attached to the wing and are rotated by the ocean current. The rotation of the propellers causes rotation of a generator to generate electricity. The problem with this apparatus is that the apparatus is not easily moved to cater for changes in the direction of ocean currents. Further, the generation of energy is dependant upon the size and number of propellers to catch a specific area of current flow.
US Patent No. 4,163,904 discloses an underwater turbine plant for generating electrical power using ocean currents. The turbine is driven by the flow of the water current across the blades of the turbine. Again, the level of electricity generated is proportional to the area of water that the turbine plant is able to capture.
US Patent No. 4,335,319 discloses a hydroelectric power apparatus that includes a powerhouse containing a power generator above the powerhouse located above the surface of the water. A hydraulic turbine is lowered from the powerhouse when the ocean currents are sufficient to drive the turbine. The disadvantage with this apparatus is that power is required to extend and retract the turbine. Further, the ocean current area that is utilised is equivalent to the inlet area of the turbine. US Patent No. 5,440,176 discloses a hydroelectric power plant similar to that of US Patent No. 4,335,319 in that a series of turbines are extended and retracted dependant upon the velocity of the ocean currents.
Similar disadvantages exist with the power plant disclosed in US Patent No. 5,440,176 as with the apparatus disclosed in US Patent No. 4,335,319.
US Patent No. 6,109,863 discloses a fully submersible apparatus for generating electricity. The apparatus includes a buoyant structure having a motor mounted thereto. A series of vanes are connected to the motor. The vanes are rotated by the ocean current to cause electricity to be generated. A disadvantage with this apparatus is that the generation of electricity is dependant upon the area of current that the vanes are able to capture.
US Patent No. 4,313,059 discloses a system for generating electricity from ocean currents. The system uses two drags that are connected to opposite ends of a cable. The middle of the cable is wrapped around a generator. The drags are lowered into the ocean and moved from a drag position to a non-drag position to reciprocate movement of the cable. The disadvantage with this system is that the generator must be able to generate energy when rotated in both directions. Further, the energy supply is not constant as the generator is constantly changing directions. GB Patent Application 2.214.239A discloses an apparatus for harnessing power from natural fluid flows. The apparatus includes a continuous belt having a number of vanes. The continuous belt encircles a pair of cylinders that are operatively connected to drive a generator. The continuous belt is orientated so that water flow across the vanes to drive the belt and hence rotate the cylinders. The problem with this apparatus is that water flows through a front set of vanes and then through a rear set of vanes on the continuous belt. This creates water turbulence in water that passes through the rear set of vanes and hence efficiency of the apparatus is reduced.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to overcome or alleviate at least one or more of the above disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, the invention resides in an underwater power generation system comprising: at least one continuous pathway; at least one carriage that is movable around said pathway; at least one foil attached to the at least one carriage, the at least one foil able to be driven by a water current; and at least one power take-off having a rotatable member; wherein the driven foil cause the at least one carriage be moved about the pathway and contact said rotatable member to cause rotation of the rotatable member.
Preferably, the pathway is a track.
Preferably, there are at least 5 carriages. More preferably there are at least 20 carriages. The carriages may be joined together via a pivotal link. Normally the carriages are joined together by wire rope or cable.
The at least one foil rotates substantially within a plane that is substantially perpendicular to flow of water current. In this manner, the foil can drive the carriage around the entire length of the pathway. The power take-off may be operatively connected to a pump or generator or the like device. The rotatable member is typically a wheel.
Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION QF THE DRAWINGS To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical, an embodiment of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 shows a perspective of an underwater power generation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 shows front view of the underwater power generation system of FIG. 1 ; FIG. 3 shows a top perspective view of the underwater power generation system of FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of a foil carriage; FIG. 5 shows a bottom perspective view of a foil carriage; and FIG. 6 shows a detailed view of a carriage engaging with a power take off wheel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIGS. 1 to 6 show an underwater power generation system 10 that uses water currents to produce electricity. The underwater power generation system 10 includes a frame 20, a track 30, twenty-two foils 40, two power take- offs 50 and twenty-two foil carriages 60.
The frame 20 is formed from a main cylindrical body 21 with two arcuate attachment arms 22. The main cylindrical body 21 is hollow and has a centre fin 23 that extends rearwardly and forwardly from the main cylindrical body 21.
The arcuate arms 22 are used to hold the underwater power generation system 10. Placement cables (not shown) are attached to ends of each of the arcuate arms 22 and are anchored to an ocean or river floor to hold the underwater power generation system 10 in position. Alternatively, the cables are mounted to a bridge, boat, or the like structure.
Track support members 25 are attached and extend outwardly from the main cylindrical body 21. The track support members 25 are used to mount the track 30. Each track support member 25 is formed from a track arm
26 and a track cradle 27. The track 30 is flat and oval in shape. The track 30 has outwardly extending lips 31 that are located on the sides of the track 30.
Each of the foils 40 is formed from two wings 41 and a connection arm 42. The two wings 41 are rearwardly splayed with respect to each other and are inclined downwardly with respect to the connection arm 42. The wings 41 are formed from fibre-glass and are of a tear-drop shape when viewed in transverse cross-section. A series of holes (not shown) are located through the connection arm to connect respect foils to respective carriages 60.
Each of the two power take-offs 50 include a power take-off shaft 51 and a power take-off wheel 52. The power take-off shaft 51 extends through and is mounted for rotation by the main body 21. Bearings (not shown) are used to mount the power take-off shaft 51. A series of apertures 53 is located along the circumference of each power take-off wheel 51. A peg mounting plate 54 is located within each aperture 53 and fastened to the power take-off wheel 51. A peg 55 extends outwardly from each peg mounting plate 54. Circumferential grooves 56 extend the circumference of the power take-off wheels 52.
A gear box 57, a gear box shaft (not shown) and an alternator 58 are located adjacent an end of the power take-off shaft 51. The gear box 57 is connected to the power take-off shaft 51 and also connected to the gear box shaft. The gear box is geared so that the gear box shaft is rotated at a substantially greater speed that the power take-off shaft 51. The gear box shaft is connected to the alternator 58 to drive the alternator and produce electricity.
Each of the foil carriages 60, shown in detail in FIGS 4 and 5, is formed from a foil carriage body 70 and two wheel assemblies 80. The foil carriage body 70 is formed from a flat body plate 71 with two upwardly extending wheel assembly attachment plates 72 attached to adjacent ends of the flat body plate 71. Two spaced apart splice plates 73 are located adjacent one end of the foil carriage body 70. Holes 74 are located through the splice plates to connect a foil 40 to the foil carriage 60. A brace 75 is attached to the foil carriage body 70 to attach the splice plates to the foil carriage body 70.
When assembled, the connection arm 42 of the foil 40 is located between the splice plates 73 and fastened to the splice plates 73 to attach the foil 40 to the foil carriage 60. The angle of the foil 40 is able to be adjusted using the series of holes located in the foil connection arm 42. The angle of the foils 40 is determined by numerous elements such as the velocity of the water and the direction of the water current.
Each of the wheel assemblies 80 is formed from a U-shaped wheel bracket 81 and two wheels 82 mounted for rotation adjacent opposite ends of the U-shaped bracket 81 via wheel shafts 83. Each of the wheels 82 has a wheel channel 84 located within the wheel. The U-shaped brackets 81 are pivotally mounted to the wheel assembly attachment plates 72 via two bolts 85. When assembled, the wheels 82 are located on side of the track 30 to allow the foil carriage 60 to run along the track 30. The outwardly extending lips 31 are located within the wheel channel 84 so that the wheels are unable to disengage the track 30. As the foil carriage 60 moves around the track 30, the U-shaped brackets 81 are allowed above to pivot so that the wheels 82 are able to move around the curved portions of the track 30. Cable attachment portions 90 are attached to an underside of the flat body plate 71. Carriage cables 91 are pivotally mounted to the cable attachment portions 90 via cable attachment pins 92. Each carriage cable 91 is mounted to two foil carriages 60. A pusher 100 extends downwardly from an underside of the flat body plate 71. The pusher 100 is located between the channel attachment portions 90.
In use, the underwater power generation system 10 is located within a water current so that the track 30 is substantially perpendicular to the water current. The water current acts on the foils 40 and causes the foil carriages 60 to be driven around the track 30. As the carriages are driven around the track 30, the pusher 100 contacts the peg 55 as shown FIG 6. The cables 90 are located within the groove 56. Both the pusher contacting the peg 55 and the cable 90 being located within the groove causes the power take-off wheels 52 to be rotated which causes rotation of the power take-off shafts 51. The power take-off shafts 51 drive the gear boxes 57 which in turn drives the gear box shafts at a substantially greater rotation speed. The gear box shafts drive the alternators 58 to produce electricity which can be utilised as desired.
It should be appreciated that various changes and modification may be made to the embodiment described without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. An underwater power generation system comprising: at least one continuous pathway; at least one carriage that is movable around said pathway; at least one foil attached to the at least one carriage, the at least one foil able to be driven by a water current; and at least one power take-off having a rotatable member; wherein the driven foil cause the at least one carriage be moved about the pathway and contact said rotatable member to cause rotation of the rotatable member.
2. The underwater power generation system of claim 1 wherein the pathway is in the form of a track.
3. The underwater power generation system of claim 1 wherein the at least one foil is formed from a connection arm and two wings.
4. The underwater power generation system of claim 1 wherein there are at least 5 carriages.
5. The underwater power generation system of claim 1 wherein there are at least 20 carriages.
6. The underwater power generation system of claim 5 wherein the carriages are joined to each other via a pivotal link.
7. The underwater power generation system of claim 1 wherein the at least one foil rotates substantially within a plane that is substantially perpendicular to flow of water current.
8. The underwater power generation system of claim 1 wherein the power take-off is operatively connected to a pump or generator or alternator.
9. The underwater power generation system of claim 1 wherein The rotatable member is a wheel.
10. The underwater power generation system of claim 1 wherein the at least one carriage moves around the pathway via wheels.
11. The underwater power generation system of claim 1 wherein the power take-off is operatively connected to a gear box.
PCT/AU2006/001926 2005-12-19 2006-12-18 A system of underwater power generation WO2007070935A1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2008546027A JP2009520143A (en) 2005-12-19 2006-12-18 Underwater power generation system
CA002637372A CA2637372A1 (en) 2005-12-19 2006-12-18 A system of underwater power generation
EP06828033A EP1963668A1 (en) 2005-12-19 2006-12-18 A system of underwater power generation
AU2006326924A AU2006326924B2 (en) 2005-12-19 2006-12-18 A system of underwater power generation
NO20083212A NO20083212A (en) 2005-12-19 2008-07-18 Subsea power generation system

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2005907109A AU2005907109A0 (en) 2005-12-19 A system of underwater power generation
AU2005907109 2005-12-19

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007070935A1 true WO2007070935A1 (en) 2007-06-28

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EP (1) EP1963668A1 (en)
JP (1) JP2009520143A (en)
AR (1) AR058373A1 (en)
AU (1) AU2006326924B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2637372A1 (en)
NO (1) NO20083212A (en)
PE (1) PE20070841A1 (en)
TW (1) TW200839091A (en)
UY (1) UY30024A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2007070935A1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2009065189A1 (en) 2007-11-23 2009-05-28 Atlantis Resources Corporation Pte Limited Control system for extracting power from water flow
GB2450902B (en) * 2007-07-11 2011-05-18 Brian Trim Electricity generating installation
EP2499356A2 (en) * 2009-11-12 2012-09-19 Nostrum Energy Pte. Ltd. Hydrokinetic energy conversion system
CN106170625A (en) * 2014-01-31 2016-11-30 风筝农场有限公司 The equipment of power is extracted from fluid in flowing

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR101121709B1 (en) 2011-09-06 2012-03-12 한영태 Power generating device using by water-flow
GB2628167A (en) 2023-03-17 2024-09-18 Oakes Ltd A hydroelectric power harvesting apparatus

Citations (4)

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TW200839091A (en) 2008-10-01
AU2006326924B2 (en) 2009-10-01
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AR058373A1 (en) 2008-01-30
CA2637372A1 (en) 2007-06-28

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