GB191304994A - Improvements relating to Apparatus for Utilising the Energy of the Tides. - Google Patents

Abstract

4994. Rexroth, H. Feb. 27. Working-fluid supply.-Apparatus for utilizing tidal energy comprises a water space 1, Figs. 1 and 2, enclosed by walls 2 and the shore 3, within which is situated a float 4 carrying a turbine 6 and dynamo 7. Water passes from the external water space 1<1> to the turbine 6 by way of a siphon 10, one arm of which is made telescopic to allow the float 4 to rise and fall. In the external water space 1<1>, a similar float 4' carrying a turbine 6<1> is situated, and is provided with a similar siphon 10<1> communicating with the water space 1. The method of operation is as follows. Assuming the tide to be well up and the water in the space 1, low water is allowed to flow through the siphon 10 to the turbine 6. The water discharge from the turbine gradually fills the space 1, and the float 4 accordingly rises. When there is insufficient head to work the turbine 6, sluices are opened to fill the space 1 completely. On the tide falling, the water in the space 1 flows in a similar manner through the pipe 10' to the turbine 6<1>. The turbines 6, 6<1> are thus driven alternately. To avoid subjecting the float 4<1> to wave oscillations, an outer wall 2<1>, Fig. 1, encloses the water space 1'. The wall 2' contains openings provided with outer and inner check valves 13, 13<1>. The former can be positively closed by a hand-wheel 17 when the tide is rising so that additional head can be obtained in the space 1<1> from the wave action. In a modification the pipes 10, 10' are inverted, and in a further modification they are non-telescopic.