| 摘要 |
<p>Apparatus for generating power comprises an open unit 6 through which a first fluid is permitted to flow, and a second, closed, unit 57-71 filled with a second fluid. Flow of the first fluid through the first unit drives the flow of the second fluid within the second unit, which drives a turbine 62. Water flow 53 can be diverted by a concave scoop 82 into chambers 57, 69, each having a balloon-like flexible barrier 59,70 that separates the two fluids. The relative volumes of the chambers can be changed in turn, controlled by a multi-flow valve (fig 3, 45-48) that alternately block channels (fig 3, 41-44) to direct fluid in and out of the balloons. Turbine 62 can be a high-volume slow-turning turbine and drive another faster-turning turbine 63 by gears which can drive electrical generator 90, connected to the closed unit by tubes 64, 65. The apparatus can be deployed underwater and be used to harness a subsea hydropower source such as the Gulf Stream. Maintenance and cleaning are minimised because seawater cannot infiltrate sensitive parts of the apparatus which are only exposed to the second fluid, which can be a hydraulic fluid having lubricating, cleaning and ant-freeze properties.</p> |
