GB2479402A - Horizontal hydro generator - Google Patents

Abstract

A horizontal hydro generator generates electricity from water currents in rivers or oceans. The generator may include a set of paddles 4 fitted to a carrying wheel which drives a generator via a gearbox. The generator may be positioned into the ground by digging away the riverbank, placing the machine into position and the reinstating the bank. Alternatively the generator may be moored in the water current by anchor points or be included in a dam. The generator may be fitted in a shell and outer casing which allows excess water to flow over the top unused and a closable maintenance trap 8 to stop the machine to allow maintenance to be carried out.

Description

SPECIFICATION

Fig 1, Fig 14, Fig 15 show views of horizontal hydro generator from above. Fig 1 shows river flow version dug into river bank and bed. Fig 14 & Fig 15 show ocean versions anchored to ocean floor and placed in a position with ocean current in one direction Fig 15 shows multiple ocean currant generators placed in a position with tidal flow (ie fiord, sea loch, river estuary) with closeable entry points depending on direction of flow.

Fig 14 Fig 15 both show anchor lines to ocean floor as well as couplings Fig 15 (Fig 7) which Fig 12 (Fig 2) Fig 11 (Fig 2) both show raised protective guard which channels unused water over the top of river generator and out the back in times of high rainfall.

Fig 12 (Fig 4) Fig 13 (Fig 6) show side view of generator (electrical) attached to ocean and river flow hydro generators Fig 12 (Fig 5) Fig 13 (Fig 5) show side view of gearbox fitted to ocean and river flow hydro generators to change speed of paddles (impeller) to a desirable speed for electrical generator.

Fig 12 (Fig 3) Fig 13 (Fig 3) both show support bearing fitted to ocean and river flow hydro generators to carry the load of paddles (impeller) and provide the input shaft to rotate freely.

Fig 12 (Fig 6) fig 13 (Fig 4) both show input shaft fitted to ocean and river flow hydro generators which are fixed to the impeller (paddles) and held by the support bearing before terminating inside gearbox.

Discription:-Horizontal hydro power generator (River and ocean) Figure 1 View of River Current machine from above 2 -Excess water protector 3 -Outer casing or shell 4 -Paddles -Electrical generators 6 -Input Shaft 7 -Support bearing housing and Gearbox 8-Debris catcher and closeable maintenance trap 9 -Land or riverbank 10-Water flow

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Figure 12 Side view of River current generator 2 -Protective guard separating flow over the top in heavy rainfall conditions 3 -Support bearing and housing 4 -Electric Generator -Gearbox 6-Input shaft 7 -Land surface (River bank) 8-River Bed 9 -Debris trap and closeable maintenance hatch 10-River flow 11 -Paddles (Impeller) S..... * .

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Figure 13 Side view of Ocean current generator anchored to the sea bed 2 -Paddles (Impeller) 3 -Support Bearing and housing 4 -Input shaft -Gearbox 6 -Electrical generator 7 -Outer casing with water entry opening 8 -Anchor lines 9 -Sealed ballast section -Ocean (sea, sea loch) surface * *

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Figure 14 View of ocean current generator from above 2 -Paddles (Impeller) 3 -Outer casing or shell 4 -Support bearing and shell -Input shaft 6 -Electrical generator 7 -Anchor lines 8 -Dotted line showing opening in casing for water flow 9 -Direction of ocean current flow S..... * S

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Figure 15 View from above of multiple Ocean current generators, Tidal version with closeable flow inlets depending on direction of tide.

2 -Land or Coast 3 -Anchor lines 4 -Three Ocean current generators -Tidal flow (outwards) 6 -Tidal flow (inwards) 7 -Joining scheme allowing some flexibility

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