Installation for harvesting ocean currents (IHOC) and methods and means for its delivery, installation and servicing

摘要

Installation for harvesting energy of ocean currents (IHOC) in deepwaters is based on utilization of a semisubmersible platform and the multiple of vertically oriented Darrieus type hydraulic turbines. The turbines are located as close as possible to ocean surface, where speed of current is usually at its maximum. Since speed of current fluctuate during the seasons a system controlling buoyancy force of that keeps IHOC floating near surface is employed. The mooring system consists of three tethers, which prevent transferring of overturning moment applied to IHOC to anchoring base. The electric power generators are located in a machinery room on a structure well above sea level and would transmit electric power to the shore utilizing flexible cable. During hurricane it will be lowered to the depth preventing turbines from being affected by wave actions, at the same time it would keep machinery room above wave action. For the purpose of delivery assembled on shore Turbine Housing to destination site and installing it there a special convoy is formed consisting of Catamaran Delivery Barge and Stabilizing Platform. The second Embodiment of this invention is designed to harvest energy of tides in deepwaters.