AU2005202507A1 - Generating assembly, support system and method - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant: ROSS CLIFFORD CARUSO Invention Title: GENERATING ASSEMBLY, SUPPORT SYSTEM AND METHOD The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 2 o GENERATING ASSEMBLY, SUPPORT SYSTEM AND METHOD ci FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a generating assembly, support system and method and especially, but not exclusively, to a generating assembly, support system and method for generating electricity using the motion of owater.

ci 10 RELATED ART Boats may have need of electricity generating Sapparatus independent from the main engine, for example to ci provide a source of electrical power in the event of electrical failure, including drained batteries.

Electricity generating apparatus could provide an auxiliary power supply, helping to maintain functioning of electrical instruments and apparatus.

On-board solar or wind powered generators have been proposed but are dependent upon adequate sunlight or wind, which are often unavailable. Submersible electrical generators for generating electricity from a flow of fluid are known per se, but are typically difficult to access, maintain and deploy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a generating assembly comprising: a drag device, adapted to impart drag by providing at least one tubular portion through which fluid may flow; and a generator which, in use, is supported relative to the drag device and which is driven by fluid which flows through the tubular portion in order to generate electricity.

Preferably, the drag device is a sea anchor.

Preferably, the tubular portion of the drag H:\IsabelH\Speci\57204 .doc 9/106/05 3 o device is tapered.

ci Preferably the generator is located at least partially in the tubular portion of the drag device.

Preferably, the tubular portion is defined substantially by one or more flexible sheet material portions.

o Preferably, the tubular portion has a larger ci inlet for ingress of fluid and a smaller outlet for egress 10 of fluid.

ci V Preferably, the generator comprises a driven o element which is adapted to be rotated by a flow of fluid.

Preferably, the driven element, in use, is driven by fluid passing through the tubular portion of the sea anchor.

The driven element may comprise one or more vanes, blades, fins, paddles or the like.

The driven element may be in the form of a propeller.

The driven element may comprise a substantially continuous outer edge which extends between the vanes, blades, fins or paddles thereof.

Preferably the generator is located so that the driven element is located at a relatively narrow part of the tubular portion.

Preferably the generator is located so that that the driven element is located at or close to the fluid outlet.

In a preferred embodiment the tapered shape of the tubular portion causes the fluid passing therethrough to accelerate, and the driven element is located at a relatively narrow part, so that it is located in a relatively fast-moving fluid flow. This allows the driven element to be driven quickly and facilitates generation of electricity.

Although in preferred embodiments the narrowing of the tubular portion is substantially uniform along at H7\IsabelH1SpocL\57204.doc 9/06/05 4 o least part of the length of the tubular portion it will be ci appreciated that the word tapered is intended to include other types of variation in the cross-sectional area of a tubular portion, so that, for example a venturi shaped narrowing, or narrowing by one or more steps (which may be perpendicular to an axis of the tubular portion) may fall within the scope of the word "tapered".

o Preferably the assembly is adapted to be tethered ci to a floating boat by a flexible rode, so that the assembly is substantially immersed in the body of water Supon which the boat floats.

o Preferably the assembly further comprises at least one buoyant portion. The buoyant portion may enhance the buoyancy of the generator so that the generator, including any casing thereof is closer to being neutrally buoyant than it would be in the absence of the buoyant portion.

Preferably, the assembly further comprises at least one support for supporting the generator relative to the drag device.

Preferably the at least one support comprises a support system in accordance with the third aspect of the present invention.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a generation method comprising: providing a generator at least partially within a tubular structure formed at least partially from a flexible sheet material; locating the tubular structure and the generator in a fluid; and generating electricity from operation of the generator caused by flow of fluid through the tubular structure.

Preferably, the tubular structure has a wider portion and a narrower portion Preferably, the tubular structure is tapered.

Preferably the generator is located so that a H;\1sabelH\SpeCi\57204.doc 9/06/05 5 o driven element of the generator is located at a relatively c- narrow part of the tubular structure.

Preferably the method comprises tethering the tubular structure to a larger body by a flexible elongate member.

Preferably the method comprises tethering the tubular element to a boat body by a flexible elongate o member.

c- The flexible elongate member may comprise a rope, cable, chain or the like.

SPreferably the method comprises providing the Sgenerator at least partially within a drag device for a boat.

Preferably the drag device is a sea anchor.

Preferably, the method includes use of one or more supports for supporting the generator relative to the drag device.

Preferably, the one or more supports act to locate at least part of the generator within a tubular portion of a drag device.

Preferably the one or more supports comprise a support system in accordance with the third aspect of the present invention.

Preferably, the method includes use of at least one buoyant portion to allow the overall buoyancy of the flexible elongate member, generator and other elements connected thereto and provided in the fluid to be within desired parameters.

Preferably, the generator has a housing and at least part of the housing is made from a buoyant material.

Typically, the apparatus will be intended to be used in seawater, which has a typical density of around 1025 kg per cubic metre (near the surface).

Preferably, the buoyant part or parts of the housing have a density less than 1000 kg per cubic metre.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is located a support system for locating a H1\IsabelH\Speci\57204.doc 9/06/05 generating apparatus relative to a drag device, the Ssupport system comprising: at least one engagement portion for engaging a drag device; at least one coupling portion for coupling to a generator; at least one support portion for supporting the oat least one coupling portion relative to the at least one C( engagement portion.

At least one coupling portion may comprise a waterproof casing for a generator.

CAt least one coupling portion may comprise a coupling means which is attached to, or formed integrally as part of, a part of a support portion which is adapted to engage a generator or generator casing.

Preferably, the drag device is a sea anchor, drogue, para-anchor or para-drogue.

Preferably, the drag device is generally tubular in form having an inlet at a first end thereof and an outlet at a second end thereof.

Preferably, the drag device is tapered.

Preferably, the drag device is substantially frusto-conical, in use.

Preferably, the at least one engagement portion is adapted to engage an interior surface of a drag device.

Preferably, the engagement portion or engagement portions are configured so that, in use, the support system can fit within a relatively narrow portion of a tapered drag device.

Preferably, the engagement portion or engagement portions provide a tapered configuration for fitting within a tapered portion of a drag device.

Preferably, the engagement portion or engagement portions provide a shaped outer structure for the support system, adapted to fit within a similarly or correspondingly shaped interior portion of a drag device.

Preferably, at least one support portion is H:\IsabelI\Speci\57204.dOC 9/06/05 7 O adapted to extend inwardly from at least one engagement 0portion to support a generator, via at least one coupling portion, relative to the said at least one engagement portion.

Preferably, at least one support portion is adapted to extend inwardly from the shaped outer structure to support a generator, via at least one coupling portion, orelative to the said shaped outer structure.

In one embodiment the system comprises a plurality of engagement portions, each in the form of a I frame adapted to fit within a corresponding generally opolygonal-shaped section of a drag device.

c Preferably, the system comprises first and second generally polygonal-shaped frames and the first generally polygonal-shaped frame is, in use, different in radial size to the second generally polygonal shaped frame.

Preferably, the first and second generally polygonal-shaped frames are spaced apart in use, so that the support system has a tapered configuration generally corresponding to the shape of at least a portion of the drag device.

Preferably, the drag device has an inlet larger than its outlet.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a casing for a generator, said casing comprising two or more casing portions adapted to be fitted about a generator and secured in order to provide a substantially waterproof casing about said generator.

Preferably, at least one of said casing portions includes one or more float portions which have a mean density of less than that of water.

Preferably, the casing comprises at least one sealed outlet means for allowing a power cable, for transmission of electrical power from the generator, to pass through the casing, whilst maintaining the waterproof integrity of the casing.

H:\IsabelHSpci\57204.doc 8 o Preferably, the casing comprises sealed bearing C( means for allowing a drive member, for driving the generator, to pass through the casing whilst maintaining the waterproof integrity of the casing.

Preferably the casing comprises coupling means for coupling with or forming part of, a support system in accordance with the third aspect of the present invention.

o The casing may include coupling elements for ci coupling to support members which serve to locate the C 10 generator with respect to, and space the generator apart V from, an internal surface of a generally tubular drag Sdevice.

According to a fifth aspect there is provided a generating assembly comprising a generator and a casing in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present invention.

It will be appreciated that in at least preferred embodiments the invention is intended to provide use of a generator within a sea anchor or similar device, of the general type of which is known in the art for assisting in control of a boat, and that such devices per se are commercially available. However, the use of the term "drag device" is not intended to exclude similar devices which allow flow of fluid therethrough, which are not specifically designed for assisting in control of a boat by imparting drag.

It will also be appreciated that the word "tubular" is intended to indicate the property of allowing a fluid to flow therethrough and is not intended to be limited to any particular shape or relative dimensions of length to breadth. For example, in this context a parachute-like drogue which has a fluid "inlet" and a fluid "outlet" is considered "tubular".

It will also be appreciated that in the above context "buoyant" means having a lesser density than the fluid in which the apparatus is intended to be used.

HAIsabel\Specli\57204.doc 9/06/05 9 o BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE-DRAWINGS Embodiments of generating assemblies in Saccordance with the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure la is a schematic view, from below, of a boat using a known drag device; oFigure lb is a schematic side view of a known Cr drag device of the type illustrated in use in Figure la; C 10 Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a-generating assembly in accordance with the present invention; Figure 3a is a schematic side view of a generator suitable for use in an assembly in accordance with the present invention; Figure 3b is a schematic end view of the generator of Figure 3a; Figure 4 is a schematic side view of a generator casing suitable for use in an assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a schematic end view of an embodiment of a generator assembly in accordance with the present invention; Figure 6 is a schematic isometric side view of the assembly of Figure 5 showing internal structure; Figure 7 is a side view of the support system included in Figures 5 and 6; Figure 8 is a side view of a variation of the support system of Figure 7; Figures 9, 10 and 11 show an alternative embodiment but otherwise correspond generally to Figures 6, 7 and 8 respectively; Figures 12 and 13 show a further alternative embodiment but otherwise correspond generally to Figures 6 and 7; Figures 14 and 15 show a further alternative embodiment but otherwise correspond generally to Figures 6 H:\IsabelK\Speci\51204. doc 9/06/05 10 o and 7; c Figures 16 and 17 show a further alternative Sembodiment but otherwise correspond generally to Figures 6 and 7; Figure 18a is a schematic side view of an alternative embodiment of support system; Figure 18b is a schematic side view of a ovariation of the support system of Figure 18a; C Figure 19 is a schematic side view of a further o 10 alternative embodiment of a support system; ci SFigure 20 is a schematic side view of a further alternative embodiment of a support system; Figure 21 is a schematic side view of a further alternative embodiment of a support system; Figure 22a is a schematic representation of an alternative type of drag device to that shown in Figure Ib; Figure 22b is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a support system suitable for use with the drag device of Figure 22a; Figure 22c is a schematic representation of the drag device of Figure 22a and the support system of Figure 22b in use together; Figure 23 is a schematic representation of a drag device suitable for use with the support systems illustrated in Figures 18a and 19; and Figures 24a and 24b are respectively schematic side and front views of an embodiment of a generator casing including a propeller cage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a generating assembly is suitable for submersion in the sea (or other body of water) by deployment from a boat, to which the assembly is connected by an elongate member such as a cable, chain, rope, combination thereof or other suitable tether.

H:\IabelH\SpeCi\57204 .doc 9/06/05 11 o A drag device or similar structure is preferably 0 provided to form part of the generating assembly. Drag devices (including sea anchors, para-anchors and drogues) are known per se and some such devices are well known to sailors.

A drag device in the form of a sea anchor 1 is illustrated in use in a typical deployed situation, in o Figure la, and the sea anchor 1 of Figure la is shown I schematically in more detail in Figure lb.

10 As shown in Figure la the sea anchor 1 is ci In tethered to a boat 2 by a rope 3 which is typically a o nylon rope. In Figure la the boat 3 is anchored via a line 4. The direction of water flow (current) is shown by the large arrows. A sea anchor may be used to help.keep the bow of the boat into the seas, helping to avoid the boat turning side on to the seas (waves) and providing stability, especially when the boat is without motive power when the engine is not functioning or when the sails are down).

As is better shown in Figure lb the illustrated sea anchor 1 is generally in the form of a tapered tube made of flexible material such as a nylon textile. As illustrated, the tube 5 is made from first and second suitably shaped sheets of nylon textile Sa, 5b joined along first and second reinforced seams 6, 7. The tapered tube 5 has a wider fluid inlet 8 at one end and a narrower fluid outlet 9 at the other end and is structured to act when there is a current moving relative to the sea anchor so as to provide drag.

The illustrated sea anchor 1 is provided with first to fourth strap like harness elements 11, 12, 13, 14 for connection of the inlet end of the tapered tube to a shackle 10 which allows connection to the rope 3.

Although the illustrated sea anchor 1 is generally frustoconical in shape, is made from a flexible material, and is designed to operate without a rigid frame, there are many alternative structures and forms of R:\IsabelH\Speci\57204.doc 9/06/05 12 C drag devices for boats.

Cl With reference to Figure 2, a preferred embodiment of a generating assembly includes use of a sea anchor 1 in the form of a tapered tube with a larger inlet 8 and a smaller outlet 9 so that the sea anchor is generally frustoconical. However, it will be appreciated that other drag devices (or sea anchors with different ocharacteristics, structures or shapes) could be used or c included.

0 10 As illustrated in Figure 2 a generator, which in V' one embodiment in an alternator 15, is supported inside Cthe tubular sea anchor 1 by one or more supports, of which in Figure 2 four 16, 17, 18, 19 are illustrated.

The supports 16, 17, 18, 19 space apart the alternator 15 from the internal frustoconical wall of the sea anchor 1, thereby supporting the alternator 15 in the interior of the sea anchor 1 and also preventing contact between moving parts of the alternator, in particular a turbine or propeller 20, and the sea anchor 1. A power cable 22 is provided to transmit electrical power generated by the alternator 15 to, for example, a power system of a boat to which the sea anchor 1 is tethered.

In use, the sea anchor may be operated substantially normally and the flow of water through the sea anchor drives the propeller 20 of the alternator so that electricity is generated.

The alternator 15 may include a buoyant casing or other buoyancy aid, so that it does not unduly affect the buoyancy of the sea anchor or exert a force on the sea anchor which could cause a wall of the sea anchor, which is typically made of a flexible material, to collapse.

It will be appreciated that many vessels have drag devices as existing equipment and that the available equipment and experience of operators makes deployment of drag devices fairly straightforward. Associating a generator with a drag device therefore allows straightforward deployment of a generator from a boat.

H:\IsabelH\Speci\57204.doc 9/06/05 13 o The rope 3, or the like, which is used to tether the drag (device is thus also used to tether the generator, and may also be used to carry the power cable. For clarity rope 3, harness elements 11,12,13,14 and shackle 10 are not shown in Figure 2, but in a preferred embodiment the power cable 22 may be attached to a harness element and to the rope 3. The illustrated embodiment provides an economical o and convenient way of deploying a generator from a boat e into a body of water.

In preferred embodiments, the generator is Ssupported within a sea anchor or similar drag device. It o will be appreciated that many structural variations are possible in efficiency supporting a generator within, for example, a sea anchor, and some embodiments are illustrated, by way of non-limiting example, in accompanying drawings and the description.

With reference to Figures 3a and 3b an example of alternator 15 suitable for use in a preferred embodiment of a generating apparatus in accordance with the present invention is schematically illustrated. The alternator comprises a main body 21, an input shaft 23 and a turbine in the form of the propellor 20, which is secured to the input shaft 23, for example, by a screw or pin 24 to prevent inadvertant separation of the propellor 20 from the input shaft 23. The first and second output wires 26 together provide the output cable 22 for transmitting power from the alternator 15 to a power destination such as apparatus or one or more batteries of a boat.

Generating apparatus of this general type, including apparatus for use when immersed in water, is commercially available. However a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a waterproof casing for a generator, such as an alternator, and an embodiment is illustrated in Figure 4.

A preferred embodiment of a generating assembly includes an alternator having a waterproof casing, as illustrated in Figure 4, generally designated 30. In one H:\IsabelH\Speci\57204 .doc 9/06/05 14 o embodiment the waterproof casing 30 comprises first and ci second casing sections 32, 34 which my be fixed together to provide the waterproof casing 30. The connection between the casing sections 32, 34 includes a watertight seal 36 which may, for example, be an o-ring or gasket provided on one of the casing sections and adapted to seal against a sealing surface 38 on the other casing section.

o The casing sections may be retained in sealed connection ci by any suitable means, however, in the illustrated embodiment a plurality of screws or bolts 39 which pass Sthrough apertures 40 in the first casing section 32 and Swhich are fastened into complimentary threaded bores 42 in the second casing section 34, are used. The first and second casing sections 32,34 may include small flanges 44, 46 to accommodate the apertures and threaded bores, if desired.

It will be appreciated that a considerable clamping force may be provided by tightening the screws or bolts 39 in order to seal together the first and second casing sections 32, 34. The waterproof casing 30 further includes a watertight bearing 47 to accommodate passage of the input shaft 23 of the alternator 15. The waterproof casing 30 may further improve a waterproof gland 48 for allowing passage of a power cable (such as power cable 22) through the waterproof casing 30. The waterproof casing may be formed from plastic or metal depending on the characteristics required. One of the factors to be taken into consideration is the amount of heat generated by the alternator 15 in relation to the thermal conductivity of the waterproof casing 30. A metal casing could effectively conduct heat away from the alternator and the water flowing over the external surface of the casing would facilitate heat loss. The casing could be provided with cooling fins or other structure to enhance heat transfer, if desired.

A further important feature of the casing in preferred embodiments is that it may include one or more H:\IsabelH\Speci\57204 doc 9/06/05 15 portions with a density considerably less than that of C water less than approximately 1000 kilograms per cubic metre). This provides a degree of buoyancy for the generator and helps prevent the weight of the generator adversely affecting the buoyancy of the sea anchor 1.

Buoyant portions may be provided by including one or more watertight hollow chambers in the body of the casing, by providing portions made of a low density material, such as ci a foam material, or in any other suitable way.

A further important function of the casing in preferred embodiments is to provide connection portions in o order to allow the generator (such as alternator 15) to be effectively connected to a support system (for example supports 16, 17, 18, 19 illustrated in Figure Many means of connecting supporting elements to a body, such s casing 30, will be evident to those skilled in the art and any suitable structure could be used.

The structure illustrated in Figure 4 is to provide first to fourth loops 51, 52, 53, 54 on the outer surface of the casing 30. The loops 51, 52, 53, 54 are suitable for attachment to supports (of which one 55 is shown in Figure 4) in order to support and locate the casing 30 relative to a sea anchor. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4 each support (for example support 55) is in the form of a cable with a degree of flexibility, for example, stainless steel cable. In such an embodiment, each support could be attached to a loop 51, 52, 53, 54 on the casing and also a suitable retaining arrangement, such as a loop or ring provided on the sea anchor. It will be noted that in the embodiment of Figure 4 the loops 51, 52, 53, 54 are all located substantially in a single plane and this enables connection to flexible support members which can in turn be attached to support rings, all of which may be connected to one or other of the diametrically opposed seams (see for example seams 6, 7 in Figure lb), which facilitates fixing of the rings to the sea anchor. Such an embodiment will be discussed in H!\Isabe1H\Speci\57204.doc 9/D6/05 16 more detail later, with reference to Figure 23. Of course C many other forms of connecting supports to a casing could be provided and, in particular, an embodiment in which substantially rigid supports are attached to the casing may be preferred. By way of example, forms of attachment may include a friction fitting of the supports into suitable apertures provided in the casing, a bayonet or oscrew fitting, use of supplementary fastening elements Cl such as screws or bolts, or even permanent attachment of Cl 10 the supports to the casing (in which case it would be desirable that the supports should be detachable at their Sends which are distal from the casing in order to allow detachment of the casing from other elements at the assembly).

Referring now to Figures 5 to 7, an embodiment of an assembly will now be described in greater detail.

Figures 5 and 6 show schematically an end view (from the inlet end of the sea anchor) and a side view (with some interior detail shown) of an embodiment of a generating assembly including a frame 60 for supporting a generator 62 (which may be enclosed in a suitable casing) within, and supported relative to, a sea anchor 61. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the frame The sea anchor 61 is tapered and is illustrated as having a generally circular larger fluid inlet end 68 and a generally circular smaller fluid outlet end 69. The frame 60 is for fitting inside the sea anchor 61, towards the outlet end. The frame 60 comprises a generally circular larger frame member 70 and a generally circular smaller frame member 71, spaced apart by respective inclined spacing members 72, 73, 74, 75 so that the frame is tapered at an angle similar to the angle at which the sea anchor 61 is tapered. The frame members 70, 71 and spacing members 72, 73, 74, 75 may all engage the inner wall of the sea anchor, and the frame 60 is generally coaxial with the sea anchor in use. Projecting inwardly from the spacing members 72, 73, 74, 75 there are provided H:\IsabelH\Speci\57204.doc 9/06/05 17 C respective first to fourth supports 76, 77, 78, 79 which C( in use extend between the spacing members 72, 73, 74, and the generator 62, which is thus supported relative to the sea anchor 61. The frame members 70, 71, spacing members 72, 73, 74, 75 and supports 76, 77, 78, 79 are preferable formed from stainless steel, and any suitable fabrication method may be used.

oIt will be appreciated that the frame 60, may be Ieasily inserted into the sea anchor 61, and that the flow 0 10 of water through the sea anchor 61, will in use assist in retaining the frame 60 (and hence the generator 62) inside Cthe sea anchor 61. However, it may be desirable to provide retaining means to help retain the frame 60 in position. One preferred retaining means comprises one or more straps (not shown), provided on the internal wall of the sea anchor which can be operated to retain at least some part of the frame, and preferably one or both of the frame members 68, 69, in the desired position. In a preferred embodiment the straps are operable using a hook and loop type fastening arrangement (such as is sold under the trade mark VELCRO), but other suitable fasteners, such as buckles or clips could be suitable alternatives.

Figure 8 shows a frame 80 which is a variation of the frame 60 illustrated in Figures 5 to 7, and similar elements will not be described in detail. The frame includes first to fourth retaining elements 81, 82, 83, 84, each attached to a respective spacing member 85, 86, 87, 88. Each retaining element comprises a projecting portion for extending into or through an aperture, provided for the purpose, in the wall of a sea anchor.

The retaining elements 81, 82, 83, 84 are thus part of a retaining means for retaining the frame 80 in position relative to a sea anchor. The apertures provided in the sea anchor wall are preferably reinforced, for example by metal eyes. If desired, the retaining elements may be adapted to connect to corresponding retaining elements positioned on the outside of the sea anchor. For example H;\IsabelH\Speci\57204 .dOC 9/06/05 18 C the projecting portions may be male threaded and the Sretaining elements positioned on the outside of the sea anchor may be female threaded, to provide a nut-and-bolt type of arrangement. Of course many variations are possible, and in one embodiment the apertures in the sea anchor do not extend through the sea anchor wall but are provided by axially short collar elements, attached to the o sea anchor, into which the projecting portions may be c- friction fitted.

Figures 9, 10 and 11 illustrate a further alternative embodiment of a support system but otherwise o generally correspond to Figures 5, 6 and 7, respectively.

The support system comprises a frame 90, which has an alternative arrangement of supports to that of the frame 60 of Figures 5, 6 and 7, although the other elements are common to the frames 60 and 90, and the same reference numerals will be used to designate corresponding common elements. The frame 90 comprises first to eighth supports, 91 to 98 respectively. The first to fourth supports 91, 92, 93, 94 are connected at their respective first ends to a first larger, frame member 70, extend inwardly and somewhat towards the axial centre of the frame 90, and are connected at their respective second ends to the generator 62. The fifth to eighth supports 96, 97, 98 are connected at their respective first ends to a second smaller, frame member 71, extend inwardly and somewhat towards the axial centre of the frame 90, and are connected at their respective second ends to the generator 62. This may provide a more rigid frame than the frame or may allow less rigid supports to be used.

Figures 12 and 13 illustrate a further alternative embodiment of a support system, in which a frame 100 comprises a single generally frusto-conical member 101 (having the form of a somewhat tubular generally frusto-conical shell), the external surface of which engages the internal wall of a sea anchor, and a single support 102 which extends between the single H.\IsabelH\Speci\57204.doc 9/06/05 19 o generally frusto-conical member 101 and a generator 62, to Ssupport the generator substantially at the axis of the sea Sanchor. The single generally frusto-conical member 101 -may, as illustrated have an axial segment missing in order to aid manufacture and/or to allow it some flexibility.

Of course, additional supports could be provided if desired. The generally frusto-conical member 101 could be o made from a thin sheet plastic material.

C Figures 14 and 15 illustrate a further Ci 10 alternative embodiment of a support system, in which a V' frame 104 comprises first and second part-frusto-conical Smembers 105, 106, the external surfaces of which engage the internal wall of a sea anchor. The frame 104 further comprises radially extending first to fourth supports 107, 108, 109, 110. The first and second supports 107, 108 extend between the first part-frusto-conical member 105 and the generator 62, and the third and fourth supports 109, 110 extend between the second part-frusto-conical member 106 and the generator 62.

Figures 16 and 17 illustrate a further alternative embodiment of a support system, in which a frame 112 comprises first to fourth part-frusto-conical members 114, 115, 116, 117 the external surfaces of which engage the internal wall of a sea anchor, and first to fourth supports 118, 119, 120, 121 which extend between the respective first to fourth part-frusto-conical members 114, 115, 116, 117 and the generator 62, in order to support the generator relative to the sea anchor. It will be appreciated that although described as part-frustoconical in relation to certain of the described embodiments, in variations of, or alternatives to, these embodiments the elements which are for engaging the internal walls of the sea anchor could be of different shapes. It will also be appreciated that in the illustrated embodiments, in use, the part-frusto-conical elements of the frames 104, 112 contact the internal wall of the sea anchor even though this might not be evident H:\IsabelH\Speci\57204.doc 9/06/OS 20 o from Figures 14 to 17 because the entire inner surface of the sea anchor is not shown in these drawings.

Figures 18a and 18b show variations of an ;Zn alternative form of frame with a different arrangement of supports. The frame 123 of Figure 18a is provided with eight retaining elements 124 (similar to the retaining elements 81 to 84 of the frame 80 of Figure 8) to assist retention of the frame in position in the sea anchor. The C( frame 125 of Figure 18b is similar, but without such e 10 retaining elements, and could be retained in the sea oanchor by its complimentary shape, by retaining means on othe interior of the sea anchor and/or by any other ci suitable retaining means.

Figures 19 to 21 illustrate schematically further alternative support structures. The desired degree of rigidity of the frames may, in various embodiments be provided by parts of the frames themselves (such as the frame members, eg 70, 71 of frame 60) or by the connection of the supports to the generator (including, perhaps the casing). In other embodiments the support structure may rely upon the shape of the sea anchor which, in use, may be adequately maintained in its frusto-conical shape by the flow of fluid therethrough, so that with suitable attachment of the supports to the sea anchor little or no intrinsic frame rigidity is required.

Figures 22a, 22b and 22c schematically illustrate, respectively, a drag device in the form of a parachute or para-drogue, a support system and generator for use with such a drag device, and the generator supported relative to the para-drogue by the support system. With reference to Figure 22a a drag device in the form of a para-drogue 130 comprises a generally hemispherical element 132 in the form of a generally hemispherical shell formed from flexible material, and having a larger fluid inlet 134 defined by the free edge of the generally hemispherical element 132, and a smaller fluid outlet 136 defined by a circular aperture centred on H.\isabe1H\Speci\5"204.doc 9/06/05 21 o the axis of the hemispherical element 132. The 0 hemispherical element 132 is attached to a rode 137 by a number of cables 138 (of which three are shown in the ;Z drawings) which are equally angularly spaced about the free edge of the generally hemispherical element 132.

With reference to Figure 22b a support system for use with the para-drogue 130 comprises a frame 140 for o supporting a generator 62 (which may be enclosed in a In suitable casing) within, and supported relative to, the para-drogue 130. The frame 140 comprises a generally tfl circular frame member 142 with a diameter approximately o the same as that of the free edge of the generally ci hemispherical element 132. Projecting inwardly from the frame member 142 there are provided respective first to fourth supports 143, 144, 145, 146 which in use extend between the frame member 142 and the generator 62, which is thus supported relative to the para-drogue. The frame 140 may further comprise one or more generally semicircular support members 148 to help retain the generally hemispherical element 132 in shape, in use, and thereby minimise the possibility that any part of the para-drogue might come into contact with the propeller or turbine of the generator 62, in use. As illustrated, the frame 140 further comprises a plurality of retaining elements, 150, which in this embodiment are clips adapted to attach to the generally hemispherical element 132 using at least some of the points where the cables 138 attach.

As an alternative the para-drogue could be provided with straps to retain the support system.

Figure 22c shows schematically the frame 140 fitted to the para-drogue 130, so as to support the generator 62 relative thereto. It will be appreciated that in a preferred embodiment the diameter of the generally circular frame member 142 can be substantially smaller than that of the free edge of the generally hemispherical element 132, so that the support system can be located substantially within the generally H;NIMabe1l\Speci\572O4.doc 9/06/05 22 o hemispherical element 132. Alternatively, or 0g additionally, the supports 143,144,145,146 need not be perpendicular to the axis of the para-drogue. It will also be appreciated that the para-drogue may be regarded as being tapered and tubular.

Figure 23 shows schematically a sea anchor 150 provided with first to fourth rings 151, 152, 153, 154 oattached to the seams 155, 156. The rings may be used to support stainless steel cables (or, in an alternative arrangement, other supports such as steel rods) which I support a generator and/or generator casing within the sea o anchor, as described with reference to Figure 4. In one embodiment first to fourth secondary rings 157, 158, 159, 160 are provided by way of additional attachments, allowing the option of using additional supports.

It will be appreciated that it is an important feature of preferred embodiments that the generator is located within a somewhat tubular drag device formed at least partly from a flexible material. It will further be appreciated that it is important that the drag device does not become entangled in the propeller of the generator.

It is envisaged that a combination of the shape of the drag device being maintained in use, in particular by a flow of fluid therethrough, and the use of supports to space apart the drag device and the generator, will normally be adequate to prevent contact or entanglement with the propeller. However the likelihood of contact or entanglement may be further reduced. One way to reduce the likelihood of contact or entanglement is by suitable design and positioning of the frame members (eg frame member 70 of Figures 5 to frusto-conical or partfrusto-conical members (eg 101, 105 106, 114 to 117), or other parts of the support structure in the vicinity of the propeller. Another way to reduce the likelihood of contact or entanglement is by providing a cage 162, which extends around the propeller, as illustrated schematically in side and end views in Figures 24a and 24b respectively.

H.\IsabelH\Speci\57204.doe 9/06/05 23 o Another way to reduce the likelihood of entanglement is by C( providing a propeller, or other form of driven element which is shaped so as to be unlikely to entangle objects which come into contact with it, for example by provision of an outer ring which connects and runs between the tips of the propeller blades.

In some embodiments the generator housing or casing includes means to prevent "rolling" of the C( generator, that is, to prevent or reduce rotation of the generator as a whole about its axis. One way to reduce osuch rolling is to provide radially projecting fins Sextending from the casing. Such fins may be designed to offer little resistance in the fluid flow direction and to stabilize the generator against rolling. Such fins may offer a large surface area, and hence resistance, in the circumferential direction of the generator or casing. One such fin, which may be regarded as a keel, adapted to project downwardly, in use, from the casing/generator, may be provided with a weight at a part thereof distal from the casing/generator, to help maintain the keel in a downward projecting orientation and thus further assist in preventing or reducing rolling of the casing/generator.

It will be appreciated that preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a generator assembly which is easy to deploy, which can generate electrical power from even modest fluid flows, and which is convenient to use and compact to stow.

It is to be clearly understood that if prior art publication(s) are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

In the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, ie. to specify the presence of the H:\IsabelH\Speci\S7204.doc 9/06/05 24 stated features but not to preclude the presence or C addition of further features in various embodiments of the Sinvention.

Variations and modifications can be made in respect of the invention described above and defined in the following claims.

0 0 H:\IsabelH\Speci\57204.doc 9/06/05

Claims (25)

1. 2. A generating assembly as claimed in claim 1 owherein the drag device is a sea anchor. ci
2. 3. A generating assembly as claimed in either preceding claim wherein at least part of the tubular portion of the drag device is tapered.
3. 4. A generating assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the generator is located at least partially in the tubular portion of the drag device. A generating assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the tubular portion is defined substantially by one or more flexible sheet material portions.
4. 6. A generating assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the generator comprises a driven element which is adapted to be rotated by a flow of fluid, and the driven element comprises one or more vanes, blades, fins, paddles or the like.
5. 7. A generating assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein the generator is located so that the driven element is located at a relatively narrow part of the tubular portion. H: \TsabelH\Speci\S7204.doc 9/06/05 26 o 8. A generating assembly as claimed in any 0 preceding claim wherein the generator is located so that that the driven element is located at or close to a fluid outlet.
6. 9. A generating assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the assembly is adapted to be otethered to a floating boat by a flexible rode, so that the assembly is substantially immersed in the body of water upon which the boat floats. o 10. A generating assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the assembly further comprises at least one buoyant portion adapted to enhance the buoyancy of the generator so that the generator, including any casing thereof is closer to being neutrally buoyant than it would be in the absence of the buoyant portion.
7. 11. A generation method comprising: providing a generator at least partially within a tubular structure formed at least partially from a flexible sheet material; locating the tubular structure and the generator in a fluid; and generating electricity from operation of the generator caused by flow of fluid through the tubular structure.
8. 12. A generation method as claimed in claim 11 wherein the tubular structure has a wider portion and a narrower portion.
9. 13. A generation method as claimed in claim 12 wherein the tubular structure is tapered.
10. 14. A generation method as claimed in either of claims 12 or 13 wherein the generator is located so that a H1\IsabelH\Speci\57204.doc 9/06/05 27 driven element of the generator is located at a relatively Snarrow part of the tubular structure. A generation method as claimed in any of claims 11 to 14 wherein the method comprises tethering the tubular structure to a larger body by a flexible elongate member. Cl 16. A generation method as claimed in claim ci 10 wherein the method comprises tethering the tubular element Vto a boat by a flexible elongate member.
11. 17. A generation method as claimed in any of claims 11 to 16 wherein the method comprises providing the generator at least partially within a drag device for a boat.
12. 18. A generation method as claimed in claim 17 wherein the drag device is a sea anchor.
13. 19. A generation method as claimed in any of claims 11 to 18 wherein the method includes use of at least one buoyant portion to allow the overall buoyancy of the flexible elongate member, generator and other elements connected thereto and provided in the fluid to be within desired parameters. A method as claimed in any of claims 11 to 19 wherein the method comprises use of an assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to
14. 21. A support system for locating a generating apparatus relative to a drag device, the support system comprising: at least one engagement portion for engaging a drag device; at least one coupling portion for coupling Hl\IsabelH\Speci\57204.doc 9/06/05 28 o to a generator; c- at least one support portion for supporting the at least one coupling portion relative to the at least one engagement portion.
15. 22. A support system as claimed in claim 21 wherein at least one coupling portion comprises a o waterproof casing for a generator. ci S10 23. A support system as claimed in claim 21 ci f wherein at least one coupling portion comprises a coupling o means which is attached to, or formed integrally as part of, a part of a support portion, and which is adapted to engage a generator or generator casing.
16. 24. A support system as claimed in any of claims 21 to 23 wherein the at least one engagement portion is adapted to engage an interior surface of a drag device, and is configured so that, in use, the support system can fit within a relatively narrow portion of a tapered drag device. A support system as claimed in any of claims 21 to 24 wherein the engagement portion or engagement portions provide a tapered configuration for fitting within a tapered portion of a drag device.
17. 26. A support system as claimed in any of claims 21 to 25 wherein the engagement portion or engagement portions provide a shaped outer structure for the support system, adapted to fit within a similarly, or correspondingly, shaped interior portion of a drag device.
18. 27. A support system as claimed in any of claims 21 to 25 wherein the system comprises a plurality of engagement portions, each in the form of a frame adapted to fit within a corresponding generally polygonal- H!\Isabe1H\Speci\57204.doc 9/06/05 29 o shaped section of a drag device.
19. 28. A support system as claimed in claim 27 wherein a first generally polygonal-shaped frame is, in use, different in radial size to a second generally polygonal-shaped frame, and the first and second generally polygonal-shaped frames are spaced apart in use, so that othe support system has a tapered configuration generally Scorresponding to the shape of at least a portion of the o 10 drag device.
20. 029. A generating assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10 comprising a support system as claimed in any of claims 21 to 28. A generation method as claimed in any of claims 11 to 20 wherein the method includes the use of a support system as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 28.
21. 31. A casing for a generator, said casing comprising two or more casing portions adapted to be fitted about a generator and secured in order to provide a substantially waterproof casing about said generator.
22. 32. A casing as claimed in claim 31 wherein at least one of said casing portions includes one or more float portions which have a mean density less than that of water.
23. 33. A generating assembly comprising a generator and a casing in accordance with either of claims 31 or 32.
24. 34. A support system for supporting a generator relative to a drag device, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 2, to 21, 22b and 22c. H:\IsabellI\Speci\57204.dOc 9/06/05 30 0 C 35. A support system for supporting a generator Srelative to a drag device, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figure 2, Figures 5 to 8, Figures 9 to 11, Figures 12 to 17, Figure 18a, Figure 18b, Figure 19, Figures 20 to 21 or Figures 22b to 22c. C' 36. A generation assembly substantially as S 10 hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, Sthe accompanying drawings.
25. 37. A generation method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated by, the accompanying drawings. Dated this 9th day of June 2005 ROSS CLIFFORD CARUSO By his Patent Attorneys GRIFFITH HACK Fellows Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia H:\IsabelH\Speci\57204.doc 9/06/05