Method and apparatus for converting tidal power into electrical energy

摘要

There is disclosed a caisson and a method of using same. The caisson is for creating electrical power from a tidal stream. The power may be used to create hydrogen for hydrogen fuel cells. The device includes a body having an inlet and an outlet to allow the passage of water there through. A compartment extends between the inlet and the outlet and provides at least one paddle wheel rotatably mounted within the compartment for contact with incoming water. The compartment may be pressurized to reduce the volume of water present in the compartment when the caisson is submerged in the stream. The paddle wheel is connected to suitable pumps and generators in order to harness the energy from the mechanical energy created by the paddle wheel.