| 摘要 |
The invention relates to a method for converting the kinetic energy contained in horizontal currents of naturally occurring fluids that float above ground to useful mechanical energy. At least one circulating element (1) is guided in a closed cycle and is arranged substantially in a plane parallel to the ground. On said element, at least two lengthwise adjustable traction ropes (6, 7) and or traction chains are fastened in at least two substantially opposite positions. Said ropes or chains have buoyancy elements (8) at their free ends, said buoyancy elements having respective cross-sections for the current to impact. In a first embodiment, a) a traction rope (7) which is fixed to a section (2) of the circulating element facing the direction of the horizontal current, when seen in the direction of circulation of the circulating element (1), and/or a traction chain is adjusted to be longer than said traction rope (6) and/or a traction chain which is fixed to a section (3) of the circulating element (1) facing away from the direction of the horizontal current, when seen in the direction of circulation of the circulating element (1), and b) the lengths of the traction rope (6, 7) in the region of the points of return (4, 5) of the circulating element (1) in which the course of the circulating element (4) relative to the horizontal current is reversed, when seen in the direction of circulation of the circulating element (4), are adapted in such a manner that they again meet the conditions mentioned under a). In a second embodiment, the respective cross-section of impact of the buoyancy elements (8) is varied in such a manner that the cross-section of impact of a buoyancy element (8) moving in the direction of the horizontal current is larger than the cross-section of impact of a buoyancy element (8) that moves in the opposite direction. |
