| 摘要 |
A system for generating energy from a current flowing in a body of water, eg a deep ocean current, comprises a generator assembly 10 held between an anchor, eg wellhead 8, on the ocean bed and the water surface by retaining means 12, the generator assembly being rotatable about a substantially vertical axis with respect to the anchor assembly. The retaining means 12 may comprise a tubular 22, universal joints 16, 24 and a swivel joint 30. The generator assembly 10 may include a turbine with a vertical axis (figs.1-3,10-17,20) or a horizontal axis (figs.4-8,18,19). The generator may generate electricity or pressurised fluid. A number of generator assemblies may be provided in a vertical array (figs.2-8). The generator assembly may have a housing (eg 604,fig.11) formed such that it has an upstream orientation and an impellor assembly having blades fixed to a shaft such that fluid may be exchanged between the inner regions of the blade cavities. The generator may have two impellors (620,figs. 10-13) the swept volumes of which overlap. The system may be supported by buoys (410, 510, figs.8,9) and cables (408,412,508,512,514). |
