IMPROVED TIDAL STREAM TURBINE

摘要

The invention relates to a tidal stream turbine (10) arranged to be located underwater in a tidal stream flow to generate a hydraulic head. The turbine comprises a nacelle (12) pivotally coupled to a support such that the nacelle (12) can rotate about a substantially vertical pivot axis A; a rotor (22) having a plurality of circumferentially spaced blades (26) radially extending from a hub (24); a plurality of circumferentially spaced guide vanes (30) radially extending from the nacelle (12) and positioned upstream of the rotor; and a pump (34) arranged to be driven by the rotor (22) and having a water inlet (40) and a water outlet (42). In use the tidal stream causes the rotor (22) to rotate, thereby driving the pump (34) which draws in water through the water inlet (40), increases the hydraulic head of the water, and delivers the water from the outlet (42).