FLEXIBLE WATER TURBINE

摘要

The invention relates to a water mill, power generator, for use underwater, having a flexible support shaft which permits the water current to orient the turbine axis substantially parallel to the direction of flow so that the force of the water on the blades is optimized for a given turbine, without the need for slip ring style connections between the generator at the turbine and the 5 anchored base. Optionally, the design features fins or cowlings on the flexible support shaft to further improve reorientation of the turbine with the water current or flow acting as the source of power; and/or output power links or power conditioning systems at the anchored base. The generators may be selected to meet low rotation operating conditions, and the entire system may be designed for particular ocean bottom and/or current parameters applicable to the 10 deployment. The power generator could be used to provide electrical power to underwater installations for military, security, oceanography, monitoring and oil & gas exploration purposes.

主权项

1. An underwater power generation unit, comprising:
a. A turbine unit, itself comprising a turbine for powering a generator in the turbine unit, b. connected by a flexible member; c. to a base; and d. wherein the power generation unit is shaped to permit a force applied by water current in a direction of flow to orient the axis of the turbine substantially in the direction of flow without moving the base; whereinthe flexible member is a resilient flexible shaft composed of a non-twist hollow material, from a group of flexible non-twist materials consisting of hollow fibre glass tubing, flexible carbon fibre tubing and stainless steel anti-twist wire rope.