GB2459447A - Tidal power generating unit - Google Patents
Tidal power generating unit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2459447A GB2459447A GB0807245A GB0807245A GB2459447A GB 2459447 A GB2459447 A GB 2459447A GB 0807245 A GB0807245 A GB 0807245A GB 0807245 A GB0807245 A GB 0807245A GB 2459447 A GB2459447 A GB 2459447A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- duct
- impeller
- support
- generating unit
- power generating
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 30
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 6
- GQPLMRYTRLFLPF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nitrous Oxide Chemical compound [O-][N+]#N GQPLMRYTRLFLPF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011261 inert gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000001272 nitrous oxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
- F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
- F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
- F03B13/26—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
- F03B13/264—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy using the horizontal flow of water resulting from tide movement
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2240/00—Components
- F05B2240/10—Stators
- F05B2240/13—Stators to collect or cause flow towards or away from turbines
- F05B2240/133—Stators to collect or cause flow towards or away from turbines with a convergent-divergent guiding structure, e.g. a Venturi conduit
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2240/00—Components
- F05B2240/90—Mounting on supporting structures or systems
- F05B2240/94—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a movable wheeled structure
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2260/00—Function
- F05B2260/50—Kinematic linkage, i.e. transmission of position
- F05B2260/503—Kinematic linkage, i.e. transmission of position using gears
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/30—Energy from the sea, e.g. using wave energy or salinity gradient
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Oceanography (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)
Abstract
A tidal power generating unit 1 comprises an impeller 9 rotatably mounted in a duct 7, which is mounted on a support 3, the impeller 9 being exposed in use such that tidal water flows through the duct 7 to drive the impeller 9. The duct 7 may be mounted on the support 3 such that, in use, the duct 7 can rotate on the support 3 to a position wherein the rotational axis 38 of the impeller 9 is substantially aligned with the direction of flow of the tidal water. The impeller 9 may be rotatably mounted on a nacelle 37 which houses impeller bearings and an impeller driven gearbox and generator, the nacelle 37 being mounted within the duct 7 by at least one strut 39 which allows access to the inside of the nacelle 37 via the duct 7. The unit 1 may comprise an access tower 41 mounted on the duct 7, the top of which projects above the highest astronomical tide, and which comprises an internal cavity providing access to the duct 7.
Description
A TIDAL POWER GENERATING UNIT
The present invention relates to a tidal power generating unit.
Tidal power generating units have been proposed comprising a duct mounted in a particular orientation on the bed of a tidal water supply such as the sea or an estuary. An impeller is rotatably mounted within the duct, tidal flow of water through the duct rotating the impeller which is operative to drive an electric generator which generates an electric current.
It has been proposed to provide only a uni-directional Unit, that is, a unit which only functions with tidal flow in one direction through the duct as a uni-directional unit is more efficient than a bi-directional unit which can function with tidal flow in either direction through the duct.
However, tidal flow rarely occurs in only one direction and so uni-directional units are limited in their application. Bi-directional units partially solve this problem but they are significantly less efficient because the duct design cannot be shaped so as to provide a low pressure area downstream of the impeller.
Prior tidal power generating units typically require a relatively expensive * off shore substation to, amongst other things, convert the electric output from the generator into a suitable form for onward transmission to land. * **. * * *e.
Furthermore, such generating units typically comprise an impeller, *..* * gearbox and electric generator in the form of a retrievable sub assembly mounted in the duct. This sub assembly requires removal for S..
maintenance requiring a relatively expensive specialist lifting vessel, and :. 25 low water. Sufficiently low water typically only occurs for about two hours and in favourable sea conditions.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a tidal power generating unit comprising a support, and a duct mounted on the support, an impeller being rotatably mounted in the duct, the impeller being exposed in use such that tidal water flows through the duct to drive the impeller, the duct being mounted on the support such that, in use, the duct can rotate on the support to a position wherein the rotational axis of the impeller is substantially aligned with the direction of flow of the tidal water.
Preferably the duct is rotatably mounted on the support for 3600 rotation about the support.
Preferably the duct varies in diameter along its length, such that in use an area of low pressure is induced downstream of the impeller.
Preferably the duct extends away from the impeller both upstream and downstream of the impeller.
Preferably the support is adapted to be fixed to at least one pile in the tidal water bed.
Preferably the support comprises a main support fixed to the pile, and a *:::* duct support mounted on the main support.
Preferably the duct support is removably mounted on the main support. *..S
Preferably at least one of the main support and duct support comprises projections adapted to be received in recesses formed on the other of the main support and duct support, the projections and recesses being such as to enable the duct support to be removably mounted on the main support.
Preferably the duct support comprises bearing means on which the duct is mounted.
Preferably the tidal power generating unit comprises drive means operative to rotate the duct on the support.
Preferably the drive means comprises a driven wheel on which the duct is mounted.
Preferably the drive means comprises at least one drive wheel mounted on the duct support.
Preferably the driven and drive wheels are toothed.
Preferably the drive wheel is powered by a hydraulic pump.
Preferably the duct comprises at least one fin arranged such that the tidal flow, in use, acts on the fin to generate a resultant force which assists rotation of the duct to a position in which the rotational axis of the impeller is substantially aligned with the direction of flow of the tidal water.
Preferably the duct comprises more than one fin. * ** * * * * **
Preferably the impeller is rotatably mounted on a nacelle, the nacelle **** being mounted in the duct, the nacelle housing impeller bearings, and a *S*.
gearbox and electric generator that are driven by the impeller. **
S
Preferably the nacelle is mounted in the duct by at least one Strut. S... S. S. * . S
Most preferably three struts are provided.
Preferably at least one strut enables internal access to the inside of the nacelle from the duct.
Preferably the tidal generator unit comprises an access tower mounted on the duct, the top of which projects above the highest astronomical tide, the access tower comprising an internal cavity enabling access to the duct.
Preferably the access tower is mounted for rotation with the duct.
Preferably the access tower is in internal communication with at least one strut such that the access tower enables access to the strut which in turn enables access to the impeller nacelle.
Preferably one of the struts enables internal access to the duct support.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a tidal power generating unit comprising a support, and a duct mounted on the support, an impeller being rotatably mounted in the duct, the impeller being exposed in use such that tidal water flows through the duct to drive the impeller, the impeller being rotatably mounted in a nacelle, the nacelle being mounted on the duct, the nacelle housing the impeller * bearings, and a gearbox and electric generator that are driven by the impeller, the nacelle being mounted in the duct by at least one strut, the strut enabling internal access to the inside of the nacelle from the duct. ***.
S
According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a tidal power generating unit comprising a support, and a duct mounted on the S...
:::: support, an impeller being rotatably mounted in the duct, the impeller : * . being exposed in use such that tidal water flows through the duct to drive the impeller, the tidal generator unit further comprising an access tower mounted on the duct, the top of which projects above the highest astronomical tide, the access tower comprising an internal cavity enabling access to the duct.
Other aspects of the present invention may include any combination of the features or limitations referred to herein.
The present invention may be carried into practice in various ways, but embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a part-sectional side view of a tidal power generating unit in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a part-sectional end view of the generating unit of Figure 1; and Figure 3 is an enlarged part-sectional side view of a lower part of the generating unit of Figures 1 and 2.
Referring to the figures, a tidal power generating unit 1 comprises a support 3 fixed to the tidal water bed 5, and a duct 7 mounted on the support 3, the duct 7 housing an impeller 9.
The support 3 comprises a planar main support 11 the underside of which is provided with a boss 13 that receives the top of a pile or jacket 15 that **..
has been driven into the bed 5. The top surface of the main support 11 comprises a plurality of locating projections in the form of frustro conical spuds 17 that are received in corresponding frustro conical recesses 19 formed in the underside of a duct support 21 that also comprises part of the support 3. The engagement of the spuds 17 and recesses 19 is such as to locate the duct support 21 on the main support 11 and to prevent relative rotation therebetween.
The duct support 21 is hollow and houses a plurality of bearings 23 on which is mounted drive means comprising a driven toothed wheel 25 that is secured to a rotating platform 26 that is part of, or on which is mounted the underside of the duct 7. The drive means further comprises a plurality of toothed drive wheels 27 also mounted in the duct support 21 that engage with the teeth on the driven wheel 25. The drive wheels 27 are powered by any suitable power means which in this example comprises at least one hydraulic pump (not shown). The drive wheels 27 are thus operative to assist rotation of the duct 7 relative to the support 3. The hydraulic pump is powered by self generated electricity, that is, electricity generated by the generator unit 1.
The duct 7 comprises a radially outwardly flared inlet 29 and outlet 31 that together taper radially inwardly to a mid portion 33. The upstream and downstream parts of the duct 7 are shaped so as to induce, in use, a low pressure area downstream of the impeller so as to draw the tidal flow through the duct 7. Two rectangular directional fins 35 are provided on the exterior of the duct 7 adjacent the outlet 31 and are arranged to be subject to the tidal forces of the water in which the generating unit 1 is *::: used so as to assist rotation of the duct 7 relative to the support 3. * *
The impeller 9 is rotatably mounted on a nacelle 37 in the mid portion 33 *I** *..: of the duct 7 by three equispaced struts 39. The impeller 9 is mounted for rotation about an axis 38 substantially parallel to the surface of the bed 5. The nacelle 37 houses the impeller bearings, and a gearbox and S...
electric generator which are driven, in use, by rotation of the impeller 9.
An access tower 41 extends from the top of the duct 7 and is arranged to project above the highest astronomical tide height 43 of the tidal water in which the tidal generating unit 1 is used. The access tower 41 is fixed to the duct 7 so as to rotate with the duct 7.
The access tower 41 houses a converter unit for converting the electric current generated by the electric generator into a form suitable for onward transmission to land, and also houses any other switchgear and electrical/control equipment necessary to run the generating unit 1.
The access tower 41 is hollow and thus enables operator/maintenance access to the interior of the duct 7. The interior of the duct 7 is in communication with the interior of the struts 39 which are also hollow to enable operator/maintenance access to the interior of the nacelle 37, and from there to the interior of the support 3. The interior of the nacelle 37 is ordinarily filed with an inert gas such as nitrous oxide to keep the interior of the nacelle 37 dry and corrosion free. During maintenance, the nacelle 37 is emptied of the inert gas and oxygen is pumped in to provide a breathable atmosphere inside the nacelle 37.
The interiors of the access tower 41, duct 7 and struts 39 may be provided with, for example, a ladder and/or lifting equipment to enable *:*::* 20 operator/maintenance access. * ***
In use of the tidal power generating unit 1, water under influence of the tide passes through the inlet of the duct 7 and is accelerated as it enters **** * the radially inwardly tapering part of the duct 7 due to the low pressure area induced downstream of the impeller 9. The accelerated water flows **** over the impeller blades which rotates the impeller 9. The rotating impeller 9 drives the gearbox and the electric generator within the nacelle 37 to generate an electric current. The electric current is converted by the converter within the access tower 41 and transmitted onwards to a desired further location.
When the direction of the tidal flow changes, the duct 7 rotates on the support 3 so as to remain aligned with the direction of tidal flow.
Rotation of the duct 7 is initiated by the flow of the tidal water acting on the fins 35 so as to generate a resultant force on the fins 35 that causes the duct 7 to rotate until the plane of the fins 35 is parallel with the direction of tidal flow such that the resultant tidal force on the fins 35 is zero. At this duct 7 orientation, the axis 38 of rotation of the impeller 9 will be aligned with the direction of tidal flow.
Rotation of the duct 7 as the tidal flow direction changes is facilitated by the drive wheels 27 and driven wheel 25 in that when rotation of the duct 7 is initiated by the change of resultant tidal force on the fins 35, this activates the hydraulic motor(s) to rotate the drive wheels 27 which in turn rotate the driven wheel 25 attached to the duct 7.
The rotating duct 7 thus allows the impeller 9 to rotate and follow the direction of tidal flow so that the tidal flow enters the duct 7 at the optimum angle to extract the maximum energy from the tidal flow. This * ** enables a uni-directional impeller/duct design to be used which ensures the design is as efficient as possible and avoids the inefficiency of a bi-directional design.
The provision of the access tower 41 alleviates the need and expense of an off shore substation and also facilitates operator/maintenance access to the interior of the duct 7, the nacelle 37 and the support 3. The *. *.
: * 25 provision of the access tower 41 and the hollow Struts 39 enables the impeller 9, impeller bearings, gearbox and generator to be accessed relatively easily without divers. It also enables these components to be maintained/replaced on site without the need for a large expensive winching vessel nor waiting for low tide and good weather conditions.
Providing a support 3 on top of a pile 15, the support 3 comprising locating and engagement means, namely the spuds 17 and recesses 19 in this example, enables the entire generating unit 1 to be lifted off and replaced with newer or refurbished technology when it becomes necessary or available.
As an example only it is envisaged that the impeller 9 diameter is about 16 metres whilst the total height of the generating unit 1 from the bed 5 is about 20 metres. * S. * S * * .5 5**S * . * I..
S 50S5
S S..
I S... * S S. 55 * I S
S S
Claims (22)
- CLAIMS1. A tidal power generating unit comprising a support, and a duct mounted on the support, an impeller being rotatably mounted in the duct, the impeller being exposed in use such that tidal water flows through the duct to drive the impeller, the duct being mounted on the support such that, in use, the duct can rotate on the support to a position wherein the rotational axis of the impeller is substantially aligned with the direction of flow of the tidal water.
- 2. The tidal power generating unit of claim 1 wherein the duct is rotatably mounted on the support for 360° rotation about the support.
- 3. The tidal power generating unit of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the duct varies in diameter along its length, such that in use an area of low pressure is induced downstream of the impeller.
- 4. The tidal power generating unit of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the duct extends away from the impeller both upstream and downstream of the impeller.
- 5. The tidal power generating unit of any one of the preceding claims wherein the support is adapted to be fixed to at least one pile in the tidal * water bed.* p. * * * * *..
- 6. The tidal power generating unit of claim 5 wherein the support S..comprises a main support fixed to the pile, and a duct support mounted on the main support. 5'. p
- 7. The tidal power generating unit of claim 6 wherein the duct support is removably mounted on the main support.
- 8. The tidal power generating unit of claim 7 wherein at least one of the main support and duct support comprises projections adapted to be received in recesses formed on the other of the main support and duct support, the projections and recesses being such as to enable the duct support to be removably mounted on the main support.
- 9. The tidal power generating Unit of any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein the duct support comprises bearing means on which the duct is mounted.
- 10. The tidal power generating unit of any one of the preceding claims further comprising drive means operative to rotate the duct on the base.
- 11. The tidal power generating unit of claim 10 wherein the drive means comprises a driven wheel on which the duct is mounted.
- 12. The tidal power generating unit of claim 11 wherein the drive means further comprises at least one drive wheel mounted on the duct support.
- 13 The tidal power generating unit of claim 12 wherein the drive wheel is powered by a hydraulic pump.
- 14. The tidal power generating unit of any one of the preceding claims wherein the duct comprises at least one fin arranged such that the tidal * flow, in use, acts on the fin to generate a resultant force which assists :::::: rotation of the duct to a position in which the rotational axis of the impeller is substantially aligned with the direction of flow of the tidal SI* * water. * S..S
- 15. The tidal power generating unit of claim 14 wherein the duct **.* comprises more than one fin.
- 16. The tidal power generating unit of any one of the preceding claims wherein the impeller is rotatably mounted on a nacelle, the nacelle being mounted in the duct, the nacelle housing impeller bearings, and a gearbox and electric generator that are driven by the impeller.
- 17. The tidal power generating unit of claim 16 wherein the nacelle is mounted in the duct by at least one strut.
- 18. The tidal power generating unit of claim 17 wherein three struts are provided.
- 19. The tidal power generating unit of claim 17 or claim 18 wherein at least one strut enables internal access to the inside of the nacelle from the duct.
- 20. The tidal power generating unit of any one of claims 17 to 19 wherein one of the struts enables internal access to the duct support one of the struts enables internal access to the duct support 21. The tidal power generating unit of any one of claims 17 to 20 wherein the tidal generator unit comprises an access tower mounted on the duct, the top of which projects above the highest astronomical tide, the access tower comprising an internal cavity enabling access to the * ,* duct. * * * * ** ****22. The tidal power generating unit of claim 21 wherein the access tower is mounted for rotation with the duct. ****S S. S... * * S... S. ** * . .23. The tidal power generating unit of claim 21 or claim 22 wherein the access tower is in internal communication with at least one strut such that the access tower enables access to the strut which in turn enables access to the impeller nacelle.24. A tidal power generating unit comprising a support, and a duct mounted on the support, an impeller being rotatably mounted in the duct, the impeller being exposed in use such that tidal water flows through the duct to drive the impeller, the impeller being rotatably mounted on a nacelle, the nacelle being mounted in the duct, the nacelle housing the impeller bearings, and a gearbox and electric generator that are driven by the impeller, the nacelle being mounted in the duct by at least one strut, the strut enabling internal access to the inside of the nacelle from the duct.25. A tidal power generating unit comprising a support, and a duct mounted on the support, an impeller being rotatably mounted in the duct, the impeller being exposed in use such that tidal water flows through the duct to drive the impeller, the tidal generator unit further comprising an access tower mounted on the duct, the top of which projects above the highest astronomical tide, the access tower comprising an internal cavity enabling access to the duct.26. A tidal power generating unit substantially as described herein and as shown in the accompanying drawings.SS 5SS S... * . S... *5 *S * S S * SAmendments to the Claims have been filed as followsCLAIMS1. A tidal power generating unit comprising a support, and a duct mounted on the support, an impeller being rotatably mounted in the duct, the impeller being exposed in use such that tidal water flows through the duct to drive the impeller, the duct being mounted on the support such that, in use, the duct can rotate on the support to a position wherein the rotational axis of the impeller is substantially aligned with the direction of flow of the tidal water, wherein the support is adapted to be fixed to at least one pile in the tidal water bed, and the support comprises a main support fixed to the pile, and a duct support mounted on the main support, and the duct support is removably mounted on the main support, wherein at least one of the main support and duct support comprises *..* .. : projections adapted to be received in recesses formed on the other of the main support and duct support, the projections and recesses being such as *:::: 15 to enable the duct support to be removably mounted on the main support.2. The tidal power generating unit of claim 1 wherein the duct is :.:::. rotatably mounted on the support for 360° rotation about the support. * *3. The tidal power generating unit of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the duct varies in diameter along its length, such that in use an area of low pressure is induced downstream of the impeller.4. The tidal power generating unit of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the duct extends away from the impeller both upstream and downstream of the impeller.5. The tidal power generating unit of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the duct support comprises bearing means on which the duct is mounted.S6. The tidal power generating unit of any one of the preceding claims further comprising drive means operative to rotate the duct on the base.7. The tidal power generating unit of claim 6 wherein the drive means comprises a driven wheel on which the duct is mounted.8. The tidal power generating unit of claim 7 wherein the drive means further comprises at least one drive wheel mounted on the duct support.9. The tidal power generating unit of claim 8 wherein the drive wheel is powered by a hydraulic pump.10. The tidal power generating unit of any one of the preceding claims wherein the duct comprises at least one fin arranged such that the tidal flow, in use, acts on the fin to generate a resultant force which assists rotation of the duct to a position in which the rotational axis of the impeller is substantially aligned with the direction of flow of the tidal water. * ** * I *11. The tidal power generating unit of claim 10 wherein the duct S.....* comprises more than one fin.12. The tidal power generating unit of any one of the preceding claims wherein the impeller is rotatably mounted on a nacelle, the nacelle being mounted in the duct, the nacelle housing impeller bearings, and a gearbox and electric generator that are driven by the impeller.13. The tidal power generating unit of claim 12 wherein the nacelle is mounted in the duct by at least one strut.14. The tidal power generating unit of claim 13 wherein three struts are provided.15. The tidal power generating unit of claim 13 or claim 14 wherein at least one strut enables internal access to the inside of the nacelle from the duct.16. The tidal power generating unit of any one of claims 12 to 15 wherein one of the struts enables internal access to the duct support.17. The tidal power generating unit of any one of claims 13 to 16 wherein the tidal generator unit comprises an access tower mounted on the duct, the top of which projects above the highest astronomical tide, the access tower comprising an internal cavity enabling access to the * . uUc. : 18. The tidal power generating unit of claim 17 wherein the access tower is mounted for rotation with the duct. * S.19. The tidal power generating unit of claim 17 or claim18 wherein the * access tower is in internal communication with at least one strut such that the access tower enables access to the strut which in turn enables access to the impeller nacelle.20. A tidal power generating unit comprising a support, and a duct mounted on the support, an impeller being rotatably mounted in the duct, the impeller being exposed in use such that tidal water flows through the duct to drive the impeller, the impeller being rotatably mounted on a nacelle, the nacelle being mounted in the duct, the nacelle housing the impeller bearings, and a gearbox and electric generator that are driven by the impeller, the nacelle being mounted in the duct by at least one strut, the strut enabling internal access to the inside of the nacelle from the duct.
- 21. A tidal power generating unit comprising a support, and a duct mounted on the support, an impeller being rotatably mounted in the duct, the impeller being exposed in use such that tidal water flows through the duct to drive the impeller, the tidal generator unit further comprising an access tower mounted on the duct, the top of which projects above the highest astronomical tide, the access tower comprising an internal cavity enabling access to the duct.
- 22. A tidal power generating unit substantially as described herein and as shown in the accompanying drawings. * *4 ** * * *. ** * ;,s * * a S. S * I* a I..'.*4**S* a
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0807245A GB2459447A (en) | 2008-04-21 | 2008-04-21 | Tidal power generating unit |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0807245A GB2459447A (en) | 2008-04-21 | 2008-04-21 | Tidal power generating unit |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0807245D0 GB0807245D0 (en) | 2008-05-28 |
| GB2459447A true GB2459447A (en) | 2009-10-28 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0807245A Withdrawn GB2459447A (en) | 2008-04-21 | 2008-04-21 | Tidal power generating unit |
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| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2459447A (en) |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2497461A (en) * | 2010-12-30 | 2013-06-12 | Cameron Int Corp | Generator assembly for generating energy from a flow of water |
| GB2512963A (en) * | 2013-04-11 | 2014-10-15 | Hangzhou Lhd Inst Of New Energy Llc | Ocean energy generating device and built-in module thereof |
| CN104675616A (en) * | 2013-11-29 | 2015-06-03 | 福州耕耘专利开发有限公司 | Tidal flow vortex impeller generator |
| WO2017000555A1 (en) * | 2014-06-30 | 2017-01-05 | 杭州林东新能源科技股份有限公司 | Modular two-way power generation device using tidal energy |
| EP4047202A1 (en) * | 2021-02-15 | 2022-08-24 | Ronald Pierantozzi | Centrifugal kinetic power turbine |
| WO2022182281A1 (en) * | 2021-02-24 | 2022-09-01 | Erik Svensson | Power plant |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3924673A1 (en) * | 1989-07-26 | 1991-02-14 | Matthias Dr Kratofiel | Utilisation of energy in flowing water - by generator driven by impeller mounted on sea bed housing positioned by stabilising fins |
| US5440176A (en) * | 1994-10-18 | 1995-08-08 | Haining Michael L | Ocean current power generator |
| NL1015553C2 (en) * | 2000-06-28 | 2002-07-16 | Den Noort Innovations B V Van | Water powered turbine, has turbine wheel housed inside aerodynamic chamber in horizontal turbine tube |
| WO2003046375A1 (en) * | 2001-11-29 | 2003-06-05 | Roberto Pizzagalli | Submerged water current turbine |
| US20050029817A1 (en) * | 2003-08-04 | 2005-02-10 | Gizara Andrew Roman | Gimbal-mounted hydroelectric turbine |
| WO2006059094A1 (en) * | 2004-11-30 | 2006-06-08 | Malcolm Maclean Bowie | Apparatus for the generation of power from a flowing fluid |
-
2008
- 2008-04-21 GB GB0807245A patent/GB2459447A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3924673A1 (en) * | 1989-07-26 | 1991-02-14 | Matthias Dr Kratofiel | Utilisation of energy in flowing water - by generator driven by impeller mounted on sea bed housing positioned by stabilising fins |
| US5440176A (en) * | 1994-10-18 | 1995-08-08 | Haining Michael L | Ocean current power generator |
| NL1015553C2 (en) * | 2000-06-28 | 2002-07-16 | Den Noort Innovations B V Van | Water powered turbine, has turbine wheel housed inside aerodynamic chamber in horizontal turbine tube |
| WO2003046375A1 (en) * | 2001-11-29 | 2003-06-05 | Roberto Pizzagalli | Submerged water current turbine |
| US20050029817A1 (en) * | 2003-08-04 | 2005-02-10 | Gizara Andrew Roman | Gimbal-mounted hydroelectric turbine |
| WO2006059094A1 (en) * | 2004-11-30 | 2006-06-08 | Malcolm Maclean Bowie | Apparatus for the generation of power from a flowing fluid |
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2497461A (en) * | 2010-12-30 | 2013-06-12 | Cameron Int Corp | Generator assembly for generating energy from a flow of water |
| GB2497461B (en) * | 2010-12-30 | 2014-11-05 | Cameron Int Corp | Method and apparatus for energy generation |
| GB2512963A (en) * | 2013-04-11 | 2014-10-15 | Hangzhou Lhd Inst Of New Energy Llc | Ocean energy generating device and built-in module thereof |
| CN104675616A (en) * | 2013-11-29 | 2015-06-03 | 福州耕耘专利开发有限公司 | Tidal flow vortex impeller generator |
| WO2017000555A1 (en) * | 2014-06-30 | 2017-01-05 | 杭州林东新能源科技股份有限公司 | Modular two-way power generation device using tidal energy |
| EP4047202A1 (en) * | 2021-02-15 | 2022-08-24 | Ronald Pierantozzi | Centrifugal kinetic power turbine |
| WO2022182281A1 (en) * | 2021-02-24 | 2022-09-01 | Erik Svensson | Power plant |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0807245D0 (en) | 2008-05-28 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |