Tidal generator adaptable to available topography - uses generator with propeller tethered to concrete base on sea-bed and always in direction of water flow

摘要

A tidal generator is conceived as being one of a batch of units similar to the windmills on a "wind farm". The AC generator has a propeller (turbine) mounted on its shaft and the unit is tethered to a concrete base on the sea bed such that it cannot deviate from the main tidal flow direction, though it is otherwise semi-buoyant. Each individual unit conveys electric energy over a cable to a central control point where there are transformers and/or rectifiers. At the control point, the electricity can either feed into the grid or produce d.c. for the electrolytic production of hydrogen as a form of energy storage.