WO2010080043A2

WO2010080043A2 - Energy system

Info

Publication number: WO2010080043A2
Application number: PCT/NO2010/000012
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thorbjøm SIRSETH
Original assignee: Sirseth Thorbjoem
Priority date: 2009-01-12
Filing date: 2010-01-12
Publication date: 2010-07-15
Also published as: WO2010080043A3

Abstract

An energy system (10, 50) includes a spatially-collocated synergistic combination of different types of energy sources for obtaining more economical electricity generation in an off-shore or on-land environment. Optionally, the system (10, 50) includes a wind turbine (510, 740) includes at least one rotor. The at least one rotor is rotatably mounted onto at least one ring member (520) via one or more sets of bearings (540; 540A, 40B). An energy pickoff arrangement (560, 570) is distributed between the at least one rotor and the at least one ring member (520), the pickoff arrangement (560, 570) including permanent magnets and pickup coils (570; 570A, 570B) and operable to generate electrical power when the at least one rotor rotates in operation relative to the at least one ring member (520). A support member (590) for supporting the at least one ring member (520) upon a foundation (600).

Description

ENERGY SYSTEM

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to energy systems, for example to energy systems including a synergistic combination of several different renewable energy sources; such renewable energy sources beneficially include for example wind turbines, wave energy devices, ocean current devices and tidal current devices for power generation. Moreover, the invention concerns methods of generating power by employing such energy systems.

Background of the invention

Various aspects of a synergistic energy system are described in three international PCT patent applications WO2009/131461A2 (PCT/NO2008/000460), WO2009/131459A2 (PCT/NO2008/000456) and WO2009/131460A2 (PCT/NO2008/000459) which are co- pending with the present application and by the same inventor. A philosophy lying behind the invention described in these PCT applications is that a spatial collocation of several different types of renewal energy production devices provides material and maintenance savings, thereby potentially reducing a cost of electricity generated from such a facility when deployed. This issue should be considered in relation to present contemporary wind turbines which require various subsidies to justify their construction. In view of an emerging lack of consensus regarding anthropogenic global warming, for example lack of explanation for the Medieval Warm Period and ability of the Earth to function in the Cambrian era with atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide in an order of 7000 p.p.m. juxtaposed to contemporary atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations of around 390 p.p.m., the justification for such subsidies for conventional wind turbines may in future come under severe scrutiny, especially when the effect of peak-oil renders material resources increasingly relatively expensive as expected from Olduvai Theory. Thus, the inventor's concept of a synergistic energy system is intended to compete economically directly with other established sources of energy, for example fossil fuels, nuclear power systems, hydroelectric schemes and geothermal energy schemes. In view of the World presently consuming in an order of 80 million barrels of oil per day, a barrel having a capacity of approximately 160 litres, the World energy consumption can only be matched by renewable energy sources by either vast numbers of spatially-distributed small renewable energy systems, or by massive spatially co-located renewable energy systems. To be viable to address present energy consumption rates in Europe and the USA, systems capable of generating several hundred GigaWatts of power are required. When this challenge of vast amounts of power is taken into consideration, quite different conclusions are drawn in comparison to contemporary wind-turbine parks based upon nacelle-type wind turbines. Such nacelle wind-turbines were originally developed for land use and then moved off-shore where many practical problems have been encountered with both installation and reliability in operation. For example, it has been known for off-shore wind turbine blades to fragment and for brake systems to fail in adverse weather conditions.

For any renewable energy system, there are in general three important cost parameters: cost of installation k_lt cost of maintenance k_m and energy yield E. These three parameters are a function of time t, for example facilities require more maintenance as they age. From these three parameters, it is feasible to obtain an approximate idea of cost effectiveness of any given energy system. This cost will alter as a deployed system ages and its initial construction cost is progressively amortized.

In view of relatively general descriptions in the aforementioned three PCT applications, the present invention is concerned with a problem of most cost-effective and convenient manner in which the synergistic energy system described in the three PCT applications can most practically and economically be realized.

Wind turbines employing nacelle-mounted rotors are well known. Most recent variants thereof are described in published patent applications such as US2009/00047128 (Yoshida: Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine). In a conventional wind turbine employing a nacelle-mounted rotor, the rotor is coupled via a gearbox to an electrical generator. In operation, the rotor is orientated so that a vertical plane swept out by aerofoil blades of the rotor is normal to a direction of wind acting upon the rotor for achieving most efficient conversion of wind energy received by the rotor to electrical energy generated by the generator.

Various practical problems arise when nacelle-type wind turbines are constructed with very large rotor diameters approaching 100 to 200 metres. In view of the speed of sound in air being circa 330 metres/second and the rotor rotating up to approximately 1 revolution/second in operation, distal tips of aerofoil blades of the rotor attain a velocity close to that of sound in operation which represents a fundamental limit. Increasing conventional rotor blade area increases rotor mass and nacelle stress. Moreover, in storm conditions, such long aerofoil blades are subject to enormous stresses which are concentrated at a central axis of the rotor. In certain regions of the World which suffer hurricane conditions, for example in Asia, it is often not practicable to implement off-shore wind farms comprising a configuration of several wind turbines on account of potential storm damage which can occur due to their nacelle-type construction. This is a fundamental problem with conventional wind turbine designs. Alternative types of wind turbine such as Darrieus turbines are also nacelle- mounted about a central axis and include more mass at a peripheral area in comparison to conventional wind turbines, this peripheral mass giving rise to considerable centrifugal forces which must be supported from the central axis.

In order to be sufficiently robust, gear boxes and generators of conventional wind turbines are heavy bulky items which need to be hoisted high above ground or sea level during installation; this creates severe logistics problems. Moreover, the gear boxes are often portions of wind turbines which are subject to mechanical failure and unreliability in use. In order to address a need to hoist gear boxes and generators onto a top of a column, a conventional alternative approach is to employ Darrieus-type vertically-mounted rotors coupled to drive gear boxes and generators mounted at ground or sea level. However, such Darrieus-type rotors are less efficient at converting wind energy into electrical energy in comparison to conventional nacelle-type wind turbines.

Summary of the invention

The present invention seeks to provide an alternative configuration of energy system comprising several different energy sources spatially collocated which are optimized for greatest power generating performance relative to material investment and deployment costs.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an energy system as claimed in appended claim 1 : there is provided an energy system for generating electricity, characterized in that the system includes a combination of at least two different types of energy sources selected from: (a) one or more wind turbines;

(b) one or more wave energy devices disposed in a plurality of channels;

(c) one or more ocean thermal energy sources;

(d) one or more tidal and/or ocean current turbines;

(e) one or more aquaculture facilities; (f) one or more compressed air energy storage facilities; (g) one or more roadway and/or railway transport facilities; (h) one or more cable and/or pipeline routing facilities and (i) one or more solar cell sources.

The invention is of advantage in that one or more of the energy sources are capable of being synergistically combined to provide a more optimized power generation performance for the system. Optionally, the system is implemented to include a plurality of modules for defining channels for forming ocean waves entering the channels, and wherein the one or more wave energy devices are disposed along the channels. More optionally, the system is implemented such that the one or more wave energy devices are operable to undergo a pivoting motion about corresponding support axes when absorbing ocean wave energy along the channels. More optionally the system is implemented such that the one or more wave energy devices are disposed along the channels to provide a gradual absorption of ocean wave energy for avoiding a tendency for cavitation to occur in operation. Optionally, there system is implemented such that the one or more wave energy devices are operable to progressively absorb energy for ocean waves with longest wavelengths being absorbed near mouths of the channels whereat ocean waves are received, and the one or more wave energy devices are adapted to absorb progressively shorter ocean wave wavelengths progressively along the channels. Optionally, for enhanced reliability and ease of construction and maintenance, the system is implemented so that the one or more wave energy devices are operable to employ direct-induction energy pickoff for converting movement of baffles, floats and/or submerged members directly to electrical power.

Beneficially, the energy system includes a plurality of modules for defining channels for forming ocean waves entering the channels, the modules being buoyant hollow structures with outwardly-projecting downwardly-projecting projections for providing the system with enhanced floatation stability. Optionally, the projections include one or more submerged structures for diffracting incoming ocean waves into the channels of the system, whereat one or more ocean wave energy devices are disposed.

Optionally, the system is implemented so that each module is symmetrically furnished with the projections. Alternatively, the system is implemented so that each module is asymmetrically furnished with one or more of the projections.

Optionally, the energy system includes a plurality of modules for defining channels for forming ocean waves entering the channels, the modules being buoyant hollow structures fabricated at least in part from marine-grade concrete.

Optionally, the energy system is implemented such one or more wind turbines include at least one rotor, wherein the at least one rotor is rotatably mounted onto at least one ring member via one or more sets of bearings; an energy pickoff arrangement is distributed between the at least one rotor and the at least one ring member, the pickoff arrangement including permanent magnets and pickup coils and operable to generate electrical power when the at least one rotor rotates in operation relative to the at least one ring member, and

a support member for supporting the at least one ring member upon a foundation.

Optionally, the energy system is implemented such that the one or more wind turbines include blades mounted onto corresponding carriers, the carriers being operable to be propelled around a closed track by way of wind acting on the blades, and wherein an energy pickoff arrangement is disposed around at least a portion of the closed track for extracting energy from movement of the carriers being propelled in operation around the closed track. More optionally, the energy system is implemented, such that the energy pickoff arrangement includes magnets mounted upon the carriers and induction pickup coils disposed in a vicinity of the track. More optionally, the energy system is implemented, such that the system includes a plurality of such tracks disposed in a concentric configuration. Optionally, the energy system is implemented, such that the blades are mounted symmetrically upon their respective carriers.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a wind turbine including at least one rotor, characterized in that

the at least one rotor is rotatably mounted onto at least one ring member via one or more sets of bearings;

an energy pickoff arrangement is distributed between the at least one rotor and the at least one ring member, the pickoff arrangement including permanent magnets and pickup coils and operable to generate electrical power when the at least one rotor rotates in operation relative to the at least one ring member; and

a support member for supporting the at least one ring member upon a foundation.

Optionally, the wind turbine is arranged such that the rotor is implemented by way of carriers which are movably mounted upon one or more closed tracks, the carriers having one or more wing blades attached thereto, and the energy pickoff arrangement being implemented by way of magnets mounted onto the carriers and pickup coils disposed along at least a portion of the one or more tracks operable to interact in operation with the magnets. More optionally, the wind turbine is implemented such that the tracks are substantially circular in form such that the carriages undergo a circular motion in operation around a complete path of the tracks. More optionally, the wind turbine is arranged so that the tracks are disposed in a mutually concentric manner. More optionally, the wind turbine is implemented such that energy pickup from the at least one rotor occurs directly in situ.

Optionally, the wind turbine is implemented such that the at least one rotor includes an outer rotor ring whose one or more blades are mounted radially from the outer rotor ring with free distal ends to the one or more blades. Optionally, the wind turbine is implemented such that the one or more blades extend inwardly past the at least one ring member, and outwardly past the at least one ring member. Optionally, the wind turbine is implemented, such that the at least one rotor includes an outer rotor ring whose one or more blades are mounted radially from the outer rotor ring, and wherein the outer rotor ring includes an actuator mechanism for each blade for adjusting its pitch angle.

Optionally, the wind turbine is arranged, such that a braking mechanism for applying a braking force to the at least one rotor relative to the at least one ring member, the braking mechanism being implemented in a region of the at least one ring member.

Optionally, the wind turbine is implemented, such that the energy pickoff arrangement is implemented such that failure of a portion of the permanent magnets and pickup coils does not prevent electrical power to be generated by remaining operative permanent magnets and pickup coils when the at least one rotor rotates in operation relative to the at least one ring member.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of generating power using a wind turbine pursuant to the second aspect of the invention, the method the method including:

having rotatably mounted at least one rotor onto at least one ring member via one or more sets of bearings; and

generating electrical power from an energy pickoff arrangement distributed between the at least one rotor and the at least one ring member, the pickoff arrangement including permanent magnets and pickup coils and operable to generate electrical power when the at least one rotor rotates in operation relative to the at least one ring member. According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a wind turbine pursuant to the second aspect of the invention, the wind turbine being adapted for use in an energy system pursuant to the first aspect of the invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided an energy system pursuant to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the one or more aquaculture facilities are adapted to be submerged within channels of the system for protecting the one or more aquaculture facilities in storm or hurricane operating conditions.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided an energy system implemented pursuant to the first aspect of the invention, the system being disposed in a form of at least one of:

(i) a bridge linking at least two land masses together;

(ii) a peninsula projecting from a land mass; (iii) a floating or seabed-supported island.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided an energy system including a synergistic combination of at least one or more wind turbines pursuant to the second aspect of the invention.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of generating electricity using an energy system pursuant to the first or seventh aspect of the invention.

According to a ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided a floating transport bridge implemented using an energy system pursuant to the first or seventh aspect of the invention.

According to tenth aspect of the invention, there is provided an energy system including a synergistic combination of two or more mutually different energy sources disposed on a platform which is common thereto.

Optionally, the energy system is implemented such that two or more mutually different energy sources include at least one of:

(i) wind turbines employing non-nacelle edge supported rotors;

(ii) ocean wave energy sources including channels for forming waves and energy pickoff devices disposed along the channels;

(iii) wind turbines employing wing blades mounted upon corresponding carriers movably supported upon tracks, with energy pickoff devices disposed along the tracks. Optionally, the energy system I arranged such that the tracks are circular and/or disposed in a concentric configuration.

According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a wind turbine including at least one rotor, characterized in that

an energy pickoff arrangement is distributed between the at least one rotor and the at least one ring member, the pickoff arrangement including permanent magnets and pickup coils and operable to generate electrical power when the at least one rotor rotates in operation relative to the at least one ring member, and

a support member for supporting the at least one ring member upon a foundation.

Mounting the at least one rotor on the ring member and also implementing the pickoff arrangement at the ring member enables the turbine to be more robust and also avoids a need for a gearbox and central generator as employed in conventional wind turbines.

Optionally, in the wind turbine, energy pickup from the at least one rotor occurs directly in situ for generating electrical power.

Optionally in the wind turbine, the at least one rotor includes an outer rotor ring whose one or more blades are mounted radially from the outer rotor ring with free distal ends to the one or more blades.

Optionally, in the wind turbine, the one or more blades extend inwardly past the at least one ring member, and outwardly past the at least one ring member. FIG. 5 illustrates an example of such an arrangement.

Optionally, in the wind turbine, the at least one rotor includes an outer rotor ring whose one or more blades are mounted radially from the outer rotor ring, and wherein the outer rotor ring includes an actuator mechanism for each blade for adjusting its pitch angle. Optionally, the wind turbine includes a braking mechanism for applying a braking force to the at least one rotor relative to the at least one ring member, the braking mechanism being implemented in a region of the at least one ring member.

Optionally, in the wind turbine, the energy pickoff arrangement is implemented such that failure of a portion of the permanent magnets and pickup coils does not prevent electrical power to be generated by remaining operative permanent magnets and pickup coils when the at least one rotor rotates in operation relative to the at least one ring member.

According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of generating electrical power using a wind turbine pursuant to the eleventh aspect of the invention: there is provided a method of generating power using a wind turbine according to the eleventh aspect of the invention, the method including:

having rotatably mounted at least one rotor onto at least one ring member via one or more sets of bearings; and generating electrical power from an energy pickoff arrangement distributed between the at least one rotor and the at least one ring member, the pickoff arrangement including permanent magnets and pickup coils and operable to generate electrical power when the at least one rotor rotates in operation relative to the at least one ring member.

It will be appreciated that features of the invention are susceptible to being combined in any combination without departing from the scope of the invention.

Description of the diagrams

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:

FIG. 1 is a first schematic illustration of an energy system pursuant to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a second schematic illustration of an energy system pursuant to the present invention; FIG. 3 is an illustration of an embodiment of an edge-supported wind turbine pursuant to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of functional components of the wind turbine of FIG. 3 FIG. 5 is an illustration of an alternative configuration for rotor blades of the wind turbine of FIG. 3; FIG. 6 is an illustration of a wind turbine pursuant to the present invention including concentrically-disposed outer and inner rotors; FIG. 7 to FIG. 9 are illustrations of symmetrical aerofoil blades for use with wind turbines of energy systems pursuant to the present invention, for example as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are illustrations of a wind turbine pursuant to the present invention, wherein the edge-supported rotors are implemented by several carriages or bogies operable to run around circular or elliptical tracks, the carriages bearing wings, for example in manner as illustrated in FIG. 7 to FIG. 9, and the tracks being equipped with pick-up coils and the carriages with permanent magnets for magnetically interacting with the coils to generate electricity as wind drives the wings and their carriages around the tracks in operation; FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are cross-sectional views of modules of systems of the present invention, the modules including hollow compartments for reducing material costs, increasing buoyancy, increasing strength and for housing ancillary equipment associated with isothermal compressed air energy storage (i.e. heat extracted during compression, and sea-water used to reheat the compressed air when expanding); and

FIG. 14 is an overall perspective view of the system illustrated in FIG. 2 In the accompanying diagrams, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non- underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

Description of embodiments of the invention

Conventional nacelle-type wind turbines have considerable size and corresponding wind limitations. Rotor diameters in an order of 100 to 150 metres are becoming commonplace for wind turbines with installed generating capacity in an order of a few MegaWatts. In an event that wind speeds exceed 25 metres/second, the blades of such turbines are turned parallel to an incoming wind direction and brakes are applied to prevent rotation of the rotor. In contradistinction, wind turbines pursuant to the present invention are described in the following, for example for use in synergistic energy systems, which can in principle have much larger diameters, and be potentially capable of operating in storm and even in hurricane conditions to generate electrical power. Such advantage is gained by having shorter turbine wings than conventional wind turbines, the shorter wings being substantially supported on a non-nacelle bearing surface or onto mutually-coupled carriages or bogies running around a peripheral track. Such a manner of construction is of benefit in that power pickoff can occur in a distributed manner remote from the nacelle which avoids a need for a conventional central nacelle gearbox, and also enables the generator to be spatially spread when implemented pursuant to the present invention. Further advantages accrue from such an implementation pursuant to the present invention in that weight is more uniformly distributed and that cooling of electrical systems is easier to achieve in a spatially spread manner, thereby avoiding problems of overheated gearboxes and generators encountered with conventional wind turbines. Moreover, spatially spreading the generator provides a benefit that the wind turbine can continue to generate power even if a portion of the spatially distributed generator is out of action for any reason, for example some pickup coils being disconnected for maintenance. Thus, such an approach pursuant to the present invention is capable of providing enhanced operating reliability. Moreover, it is easier to implement a distributed braking system when the blades are supported away from a central nacelle; better braking action can thereby be achieved. Whereas companies such as Vestas AS and Gamesa SA manufacture very excellent quality products, there is reason to believe that alternative wind turbine configurations are beneficial when progressing to extremely large turbines whose output can begin to match the power output magnitude of coal power plants and nuclear power plants, for example in several hundred MegaWatts to GigaWatt class. The present invention enables several rotors to be mounted concentrically within one another, thereby enabling a central rotor to rotate more rapidly than a peripheral edge- supported rotor. This improves operating efficiency and is also able to address a contemporary problem that peripheral blade-tips of large conventional 150-metre diameter rotors can, when in operation, achieve a velocity approaching the speed of sound in air. There have been reported accounts that failure of large nacelle-mounted rotors of wind turbines can eject turbine blade fragments as high as a kilometre up into the air. In view of this, many conventional wind turbine parks include warnings to the public to keep a safe distance from operating wind turbines. A yet further benefit of the approach proposed pursuant to the present invention is that blades for implementing wind turbines can be smaller, thereby enabling them to be manufactured in smaller workshop facilities, thus creating a considerable amount of human productive employment which the World so desperately presently needs.

The present invention also considers configurations of several smaller wind turbines arranged as a cluster in a plane facing towards an incoming wind direction. Optionally, high wind turbines in the cluster can be preferentially retracted in strong wind conditions. Wind power production facilities constructed to include several turbines configured up against one another experience considerable forces during windy conditions. A problem of mechanical stresses on turbines, rotors and supports increases with at least a quadratic function of wind speed. During low wind speed conditions at ground level, wind velocities higher up around 200 metres above ground level can be much greater. It is highly desirable to utilize a wind turbine which can benefit from these higher wind speeds at greater heights, despite the structural challenges presented when manufacturing tall structures. It is thus desirable to employ a large-diameter wind turbine with a sweep extending from a height whereat higher velocity wind is encountered, for achieving a higher energy yield, to a height near ground level which renders maintenance, mounting and de-mounting of blades much easier.

Apparatus pursuant to the present invention concerns a system which is deployable offshore, for example as one of more of: a floating peninsula, a floating island, a floating bridge linking two land masses. The apparatus is implemented using floating modular structures which are deployed down to a depth of about 50% of the longest ocean wave wavelength from which energy is desired to be extracted. Moreover, the modular structures are orientated with their elongate axes orthogonal in use to incoming ocean wave fronts. Furthermore, the modules form several elongate channels along which the waves are guided for energy extraction purposes; the channels represent substantially one-dimensional etalons for filtering an otherwise chaotic nature of ocean waves, thereby rendering energy pickoff from waves more efficient and thus increasing an energy yield therefrom. Energy extraction occurs gradually along the channels to avoid reflection of wave energy out of the channels, namely to provide a well matched impedance to the waves, and also to avoid energy loss due to cavitation effects when significant amounts of wave energy are being extracted from ocean waves. The modules are hollow planar structures as illustrated in FIG. 1 and more preferably in FIG. 2, wherein the modules include downwardly-projecting end features for enhancing floating stability of the structure, for supporting entrance transversely-disposed submerged wave diffraction structures for guiding ocean waves into the channels by diffraction and for assisting the apparatus to maintain stability in adverse weather conditions on account of water deeper down below an energy field of surface waves being more tranquil, even in storm conditions. Each module can be a unitary component or, alternatively, constructed from several components which are compliantly joined together via flexible joints. The modules are hollow to reduce their material costs, to provide them with buoyancy, and to enable them to house one or more chambers for storing compressed air as aforementioned, wherein compressed air storage is employed for storing excess energy generated by the apparatus for reserve when weather conditions are tranquil and yet considerable energy demand is placed upon the apparatus. Beneficially, the air compression used for energy storage is at least partially isothermal during compression and associated energy retention, and sea water is employed for warming the expanding air when energy is being extracted later from the compressed air. Iso-thermal compression is beneficially achieved by extracting heat energy from the air in the modules when being compressed for use in pumping yet more air into the modules. Beneficially, the modules are constructed from reinforced marine-grade concrete for reducing manufacturing cost of the apparatus. Casting of the modules can be implemented on-shore and the modules then towed in position in the ocean, or else the modules can be cast in situ in an off-shore environment with cement transported to a site where the apparatus is being constructed.

Energy extraction components operable to extract energy from waves guided along the channels are beneficially at least one of: floating structures (see FIG. 1 ), submerged structures (see FIG. 2), or a combination of floating and submerged structures. The energy extraction components are beneficially pivoting and/or rotating components mounted in respect of side walls of the modules; this has an advantage in storm conditions, for example in freak wave conditions, that the linear momentum of the energy extraction components is low and hence the risk of linear-momentum crash damage is reduced. Mechanical forces experienced by ocean waves acting upon the energy extraction components are beneficially coupled to electrical generators mounted onto an upper region of the modules and safely above ocean upper surface level and/or embedded and thereby protected in side walls of the modules. Such mounting of the electrical generators is congenial for ease of maintenance. For example, movement of submerged structures in response of energy fields of surface ocean waves propagating along the channels can be converted directly to electrical energy by using direct induction onto coils embedded in side walls of the modules or energy pickoff panels supported from the side walls. Coupling of mechanical forces from the energy extraction components to the electrical generators is beneficially achieved by mechanical couplings, for example by way of rope, belt, chain, mechanical linkage, Such mechanical linkage provides greater energy transmission efficiency than hydraulic systems which have been popular in certain renewable energy systems, for example Pelamis develop by Ocean Power Delivery Ltd, United Kingdom. However, the present invention encompasses also hydraulic and/or pneumatic energy pickoff for its embodiments of apparatus.

Like figure numbers in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 have similar meanings. In FIG. 1 , there is shown the apparatus indicated generally by 10 including a platform 15 for supporting peripherally- mounted wind turbines 20 on rotatable mounts, for example rotatable mounts supported from an upper surface of the platform 15. The platform 15 if also coupled to vertically-disposed modules from which are supported pivotally-mounted floats 25 of a design akin to those proposed by Prof. Stephen Salter, Edinburgh University, United Kingdom, namely "nodding duck" floats having an eccentric extension as illustrated for receiving incoming waves. A row of one or more such pivoting floats 25 are disposed along wave-guiding channels of the apparatus 10 for progressively absorbing wave energy and are coupled to one or more electrical generators 28 mounted onto an upper region of the apparatus 10 and/or embedded within the modules of the apparatus 10. Optionally, the floats 25 are mutually identical in size. Alternatively, the floats 25 can be progressively smaller in size from a mouth of the channels facing towards the ocean to a midpoint of the channels. Optionally, aquaculture 30 is executed in a central region of the apparatus 10 whereat relatively little wave energy is able to penetrate; optionally, fish cages of the aquaculture 30 are adapted to be submerged deeper into the water for protection in extreme weather conditions during which the one or more pivoting floats 25 are not able to adequately absorb all incoming ocean wave energy; such raising and lowering of fish cages is beneficially achieved using winches mounted to the platform 15 and/or by employing variable ballast. Optionally, the apparatus 10 includes equipment for sucking up nutrients from greater ocean depth for providing feedstock to the aquaculture 30, for example krill collection from greater open depths.

In FIG. 1 , the modules are denoted by 35 and are illustrated as being rectangular hollow planar structures. Optionally, the modules 35 can be equipped with outwardly-projecting and downwardly-projecting structures 40, for example tapered structures as illustrated in dotted outline in FIG. 1 and bold outline in FIG. 2 to provide enhanced stability to the apparatus 10 when floating. The structures 40 beneficially project down at an angle in a range of 25° to 70° relative to a horizontal plane of the ocean surface, and more preferably in a range of 35° to 60° relative to the horizontal plane. Submerged diffraction structures 45 disposed near distal ends of the projecting structures 40 are optionally included to improve floating stability of the apparatus 10 by including mass as remotely from a centre of the apparatus 10 as feasible, and also to assist to guide ocean waves to enter the channels formed between the modules

35 in an orthogonal manner for enhanced wave impedance matching by affecting an energy field of the waves extending down into the ocean.

In FIG. 2, an apparatus pursuant to the present invention is indicated generally by 50. Submerged baffles 55 are provided with upper floats 60 and lower pivots, flexible couplings or chains 65 for attaching the baffles 55 to mounting points 70 coupled to sides of the modules 35, the mounting points 70 being axles projecting orthogonally from planar sides of the modules 35. The baffles 55 can be fabricated from sheet metal, for example from aluminium sheet, from composite materials and/or from reinforced marine-grade concrete depending upon size of baffle. The flexible couplings 65 are beneficially manufactured from polyurethane and/or polypropylene; such polymeric materials are capable of withstanding millions or flexural cycles without work hardening whilst being substantially immune to corrosion from sea water. Beneficially, the baffles 55 are larger and deeper near mouths of the channels, whereat ocean waves are received, and are progressively smaller and more shallowly-disposed along the length of the channels towards a central region of the apparatus 50. This tapered disposition of the baffles 55 has an advantage that the larger and deeper baffles 55 allow short-wavelength shallow ocean waves to penetrate relatively unhindered deeper into the channels for conversion thereat to electrical energy, whereas extracting energy from large longer-wavelength ocean waves occurs near the open mouths of the channels whereat incoming ocean waves are received. The baffles 55 have their major surface planes substantially orthogonal to side wall planes of the modules 35. The baffles 55 are protected under water and are hence more robust against storm conditions. Moreover, the baffles 55 undergo a pivoting motion in operation, so that they do not develop dangerous linear momentum in adverse weather conditions. Movement of the baffles 55, in response to being affected by the exponential-falling energy field with depth of surface ocean waves propagating along the channels, is beneficially coupled mechanically to generators 28 mounted above sea level onto the modules 35 and/or by way of direct-induction energy pickoff structures embedded within sidewalls of the modules 35. As an alternative to employing the baffles 55, submerged floats operable to circumscribe a circular motion in response to the energy field of ocean waves acting thereupon can be optionally employed and provided with appropriate energy pickoff, for example by way of direct induction arrangements as described in the aforementioned PCT applications hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG.1 and FIG. 2 are symmetrical implementations of the apparatus 10, 50 respectively which can extract energy from wind and waves from both front and rear directions. Such a configuration is especially beneficial when the apparatus is employed for constructing floating bridges, for example for constructing intercontinental bridges capable of generating GigaWatts of renewable energy whilst simultaneously providing routes for cables, pipelines, motorways and railway track. When the apparatus 10 is implemented as a floating peninsula along a coast with its elongate length substantially parallel to a coast line, the apparatus 10, 50 can be implemented in an asymmetrical manner and adapted to receive ocean waves from substantially one prevailing direction. In such a configuration, the downward-projecting structures 40 can be mutually different from one side of the apparatus 10, 50 relative to the other side thereof. The apparatus in FIG. 1 is indicated generally by 10 and is operable to function as an energy system. The apparatus 10 is adapted for use in an ocean environment 75. Moreover, the apparatus 10 is beneficially implemented as an island, a floating island, a floating peninsula, a floating bridge or similar. When the apparatus 10 is implemented as a floating structure, it is beneficially suitably anchored to an ocean bed, for example using large suction cup anchors and/or onto anchoring devices affixed onto an ocean bed. In shallow waters, the downwardly-projecting structures 40 can rest directly onto an ocean bed. The apparatus 10 comprises at least one row of one or more eccentric pivotally-mounted floats 25 of a type described in US patent no. US 3, 928, 967. Beneficially, the floats 25 are mounted with their eccentric regions outwardly directed towards the ocean environment 75 as illustrated. Moreover, the apparatus 10 includes such floats 25 on both sides thereof as illustrated in FIG. 1 when ocean waves are expected from both directions. In situations where ocean waves are expected from predominantly only one direction, for example when the system 10 is deployed to run parallel to a coast line, the floats 25 need to be accommodated substantially along only one side of the apparatus 10; similar considerations pertain also to the apparatus 50 in FIG. 2 The floats 25 rotate in operation about flexible axles 80 disposed in an elongate direction along the apparatus 10 and parallel to incoming ocean waves to the apparatus 10; the axles 80 are beneficially equipped with a bearing surface to the floats 25 based upon an interface between amorphous inert glass and halogenated plastics polymer material, for example tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) such as proprietary Teflon, which is susceptible to providing a low friction bearing which can be lubricated by sea water. The floats 25 rotate up and down when incoming ocean waves from the ocean environment 75 affect the floats 25. Rotating motion of the floats 25 is coupled via couplings 72 to the one or more generators 28 for producing electrical energy. The flexible axles 80 are supported by the modules 35 of a horizontally-disposed platform 15 which has the one or more generators 28 mounted upon it for ease of maintenance and servicing. On an upper side of the platform 15 is mounted one or more wind turbines 20 for producing electrical energy from wind power. In a region under the platform 15, there is included the aforementioned aquaculture region 30 for fish production and/or algae production.

The platform 15 is beneficially flexible to cope with stresses during operation. The platform 15 is beneficially produced as a stiff component which is bound via compliant couplings for absorbing stress imposed onto the apparatus 10, 50 during operation. Optionally, the platform 15 can include one or more holes therein for reducing its weight. Optionally, the platform 15 is a hollow structure for reducing its weight. Optionally, the platform 15 is fabricated, at least in part, from marine-grade concrete. Optionally, submerged water current turbines (not shown) are mounted under the modules 35 for producing electricity from ocean currents and/or tidal currents which stream in operation past the apparatus 10, 50 as aforementioned.

Optionally, the apparatus 10 includes roads and/or railway tracks 90; this enables the apparatus 10, 50 to function as a bridge linking two land masses, as well as allowing road access to maintain and service the apparatus 10, 50. Optionally, the tracks 90 are implemented within a tunnel which is at least partially evacuated, for enable rapid supersonic-speed intercontinental rail travel. This must be compared with conventional wind turbine parks which must be serviced by ship which is difficult in adverse weather conditions. Inclusion of the aquaculture region 30 is optional: Beneficially, the region 30 is implemented using one or more net cages, for example for salmon cultivation. Optionally, the one or more net cages are adapted to be dynamically submerged into deeper water for protection during stormy conditions. The apparatus 10, 50 can be used for providing coastal protection, namely for reducing coastal erosion. Such benefit is especially attractive for coastlines around Norfolk, United Kingdom which are being rapidly eroded by winter storm waves. Electrical cables and/or pipelines can be supported along the apparatus 10, 50. The apparatus 10, 50 is beneficially adapted to be deployed in conjunction with off-shore oil and/or gas drilling and/or production facilities. The apparatus 10, 50 is susceptible to being progressively deployed, namely generating food and electrical power simultaneously whilst the apparatus 10, 50 is being extended; this is highly favourable as an investment opportunity in comparison to coal and nuclear plant which must be completed before it can be brought into operation.

The apparatus 10, 50 is optionally equipped with one or more of: (i) one or more wind turbines 20;

(ii) one or more aquatic turbines (not shown) mounted below the apparatus 10, 50, for example hanging below the apparatus 10, 50 using flexible couplings, for generating electricity from ocean currents and/or tidal currents, the flexible mounting reducing a risk of mechanical stress in storm conditions; (iii) one or more solar cell arrays mounted onto the platform 15 for generating electricity from incident solar radiation; and

(iv) ocean thermal energy conversion apparatus (OTECH) for extracting energy from differences in ocean temperature with depth, for example as described in US patent no. US 5, 582, 691 (Flynn et al.) which is hereby incorporated by reference. Beneficially, such OTECH systems are implemented to be convection driven, thereby avoiding a need to expend energy in operating circulation pumps. An advantage in collating several different energy systems into the apparatus 10, 50 is that its economic viability can be further enhanced. Optionally, other facilities such as recreational, harbour, manufacturing and coastal radar can be also beneficially collocated onto the apparatus 10, 50.

Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a wind turbine pursuant to the present invention, for example suitable for use in the aforementioned apparatus 10, 50; the wind turbine is indicated generally by 510. The wind turbine 510 includes a support ring member 520, and a rotor ring 530 rotationally supported by one or more sets of bearings 540 onto the support ring member 520. The one or more sets of bearings 540 can be disposed to restrain lateral movement of the rotor ring 530 in both a direction of the central axis A-A and also orthogonally hereto. One or more aerofoil blades 550 are mounted onto the rotor ring 530 at their proximate ends; optionally, the blades 550 are rotatably adjustable about their elongate axes for adjusting their pitch angle in operation. Actuators 555 mounted upon the rotor ring 530 are operable to adjust the pitch angles of the blades 550. Permanent Neodynium magnets 560 are mounted around the rotor ring 530. Moreover, one or more pickup coils 570 are mounted in the support ring member 520 and are closely magnetically coupled to corresponding magnets 560 when in close proximity in operation.

In operation, incident wind acts upon the one or more blades 550 to generate a turning torque causing the rotor ring 530 to rotate relative to the support ring member 520. Relative movement of the magnets 560 relative to the one or more coils 570 causes an e.m.f. potential to be induced in the coils 570 which is conditioned via power electronic units (not shown) to provided electrical output power from the turbine 510. The power electronic units beneficially include pulse width modulated (PWM) power electronic components for synchronizing electrical power generated by the turbine 510 to an electrical power network to which the turbine 510 is electrically connected.

The support ring member 520 is supported via at least one support column member 590 onto a foundation 600., for example onto the aforementioned platform 15 of the apparatus 10, 50.

Optionally, the foundation 600 is a rotatable platform operable to turn about a vertical axis to steer towards a prevailing wind direction when in operation. Optionally, the foundation 600 is a floating platform, or the foundation 600 is rotatably mounted onto a floating structure, for example onto a wave energy converter system as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Yet more optionally, the foundation 600 is disposed on a floating island, a floating peninsula, or onto an at least partially floating bridge linking land regions. In FIG. 3, the rotor ring 530 is shown to be larger in diameter than the support ring member 520. Optionally, the rotor ring 530 can be fabricated with a smaller diameter than the support ring member 520, the rotor ring 530 extending out axially further to receive the blades 550. The support ring member 520 and/or the rotor ring 530 are provided with brakes for selectively hindering rotation of the ring member 520 relative to the rotor ring 530, for example under storm and hurricane weather conditions.

The blades 550 together with their rotor ring 530 can have an outer diameter up to 300 metres or even more. Moreover, the rotor ring 530 beneficially has a mean diameter in a range of 10 metres to 80 metres, more preferable in a range of 15 metres to 50 metres. However, other diameters are possible depending upon whether the turbine 510 is constructed as a full-size scheme for producing many tens or even hundreds of MegaWatts of electrical power, a mini-scheme for producing tens to hundreds of kiloWatts of electrical power, or a micro-scheme for producing a few kiloWatts of power or less. The blades 550 are optionally fabricated from metal, for example aluminium, from carbon fibre composite or from reinforced plastics material, for example reinforced polypropylene. The one or more sets of bearings 540 can be oil-lubricated and/or self-lubricating when fabricated from nylon or similar plastics material. Optionally, the one or more sets of bearings 540 are sealed from an external environment to the turbine 510. Alternatively, the one or more sets of bearings 540 are open to the external environment, for example lubricated by rain water and/or ocean spray. Beneficially, the bearings 540 are implemented using an aforementioned PTFE-glass interface which can be directly lubricated using sea water and also cooled thereby without causing any form of oil contamination, namely highly environmentally-friendly.

By effectively forming a generator at the rotor ring 530 and the ring member 520 provides a benefit that the blades 550 are not centre nacelle-supported and are hence more robust.

Moreover, distributing the magnets 560 and the one or more coils 570 spatially at the rotor ring 530 and the ring member 520 avoids a need for a gear box and allows for more effective cooling of the coils 570 in comparison to a conventional central generator. Moreover, brakes can be implemented in a more effective manner in a spatial region of the rotor ring 530 and the ring member 520, thereby enabling the turbine 510 to better cope in severe weather conditions on account of its enhanced robustness.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a schematic cross-sectional of the rotor ring 530 and the ring member 520 to illustrate a juxtaposition of the one or more sets of bearings 540, the magnets 560 and the one or more coils 570. An inner portion of the ring member 520 around the axis A-A is optionally an open void 700. Yet alternatively, an edge supported and/or centre supported subsidiary rotor as illustrated in FIG. 6 for generating power is included within the void 700. Yet alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the blades 550 are implemented to have an extent passing the rotor ring 530 to have their first ends 710 disposed in the void 700 or adjacent thereto. The aerofoil blade 550 extends a distance E past the rotor ring 530 towards the axis A-A to its first end 710. Moreover, the aerofoil blade 550 extends a distance D past the rotor ring 530 outwards to a distal end 520 of the blade 550. A ratio of the distances D:E is beneficially in a range of 20:1 to 0.5:1 , more preferably in a range of 10:1 to 1 :1 , and most preferable in a range of 5:1 to 1.5:1. The ratio is optionally substantially 1 :1 so that forces acting upon the blades 550 are balanced, thereby providing an even more robust implementation.

Optionally, the at least one support column member 590 is implemented to include a jack-up mechanism for enabling the ring member 520, the rotor ring 530 and the blades 550 to be jacked up and down in operation, for example for servicing the magnets 60 and one or more coils 570, and/or for selectively protecting the blades 550 in severe weather conditions.

Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown an embodiment of a wind turbine pursuant to the present invention indicated generally by 740. The wind turbine 740 includes an inner edge-supported rotor indicated by 750 comprising a plurality of aerofoil blades 800. The wind turbine 740 includes its ring member 520 supported onto its at least one column support member 590. The blades 550 are coupled to an associated outer rotor ring 530B which is rotatably supported on the ring member 520 via one or more sets of bearings 540B. The blades 550 are each provided with an actuator 555 for adjusting their pitch angle; the actuator 555 is provided with power via smaller Neodynium magnets 560C mounted on the ring member 520 and one or more pickup coils 570C included in the outer rotor ring 530B; the one or more pickup coils 570C are magnetically coupled to the magnets 560C and e.m.f. potential is generated in the one or more pickup coils 570C when the outer rotor ring 530B rotates relative to the ring member 520 in operation. The outer rotor ring 530B includes major permanent Neodynium magnets 560B which are magnetically coupled to one or more pickup coils 570B included in the ring member 520 for generating considerable quantities of electrical power.

The wind turbine 740 further includes an inner rotor ring 530A rotatably mounted via one or more sets of bearings 540A onto the ring member 520. The inner rotor 750 is coupled to the inner rotor ring 530A as illustrated. The inner ring member 530A includes major permanent Neodynium magnets 560A which are magnetically coupled to one or more pickup coils 570A included in the ring member 520 for generating considerable quantities of electrical power. An advantage with the wind turbine 740 is that the inner rotor 750 is able to rotate at a different rotation rate in comparison to the outer rotor comprising the blades 550 and the outer rotor ring 530B. Moreover, the ring member 520 is capable of provided much stronger support than is possible with a conventional nacelle-type wind turbine. Moreover, a need for a gearbox and associated generator is avoided because the coils 570A, 570B, 570C and their associated magnets 560A, 560B, 560C form a spatially distributed generator. The coils 570A, 570B, 570C are beneficially implemented so that failure of any single coil does not prevent the wind turbine 740 from generating electrical power in response to wind acting thereupon.

The wind turbines 510, 740 are susceptible to being deployed on land and/or off-shore. Beneficially, distal ends of the blades 550 define a circle whose diameter is considerable greater than that of the ring member 520 and the rotor ring 530. In contradistinction to known conventional wind turbines, the wind turbine 510, 740 pursuant to the present invention is devoid of any central gearbox and generator coupled to the blades 560.

In FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, peripheral-support of a rotor with energy pickoff also arranged at the periphery is described. This manner of blade support is susceptible to being implemented in more advanced forms wherein the peripheral support is arranged as a substantially circular track around which a plurality of bogies supported by wheels and/or bearings onto the track are operable to run. Each bogie is equipped with at least one corresponding wing blade for receiving wind forces. Moreover, each bogie is equipped with permanent magnets and the circular track is equipped with pick-up coils therearound in which an e.m.f. is induced when the bogie travels therepast. The bogies are equipped with mechanical links, for example cables (e.g. fabricated from high strength polyethylene (e.g. proprietary Dyneema fibre) or high-strength carbon nanofibre cables) or chains, so that they maintain a substantially constant mutual angular spacing therebetween as they revolve around the circular track, and also are optionally joined via cable of chains via a central region of the wind turbine to cope with centrifugal forces. An advantage of employing such bogies is that the circular track does not need to be particularly accurately engineered for the bogies to maintain a relatively small coupling separation between magnets of the bogies and coils of along the circular track, thereby reducing its cost of manufacture. Moreover, the bogies can be selectively removed and inserted into the circular track during maintenance and repair routines. Furthermore, in an event that a very severe hurricane is expected, the bogies can, during a preparatory routine, be moved to a lower end of the circular track whereat robotic equipment can be used to demount the wing blades from the bogies. A reverse routine can be executed after the severe hurricane has passed. Such mounting and demounting is not possible for conventional wind turbines which must survive severe storm conditions in unaltered form. In this respect, the present invention provides enormous operational advantages in severe weather conditions.

In FIG. 7 the wind blade is denoted 550 and is of aerofoil cross-sectional profile and optionally of bowed form to impart it with extra strength. The blade 550 is mounted to a carriage or bogie 1000 operable to run around a circular track 1010. The blade 550 is mounted within two circular hoop supports 1020 for securely retaining the blade 550 when in operation, whilst also providing for convenient mounting or de-mounting as aforementioned. Moreover, the hoop supports 1020 enable a pitch angle of the blade to be altered in operation. Optionally, as illustrated, the blade 550 disposed symmetrically about the hoop supports 1020 so that wind forces acting upon the blade 550 are approximately balanced at the hoop supports 1020, thereby enhancing robustness. The track 1010 beneficially includes several rails as illustrated in FIG. 8 onto which wheels and/or bearings of the bogie 1000 abut to resist the bogie 1000 rotating with respect to the track 1010 as a result of centrifugal forces acting upon the blade 550. For example, the blade 550 is beneficially mounted via its hoop supports 1020 to the bogie 1000 at a position which is furthest from a centre defined by the circular track 1020 so that centrifugal forces do not cause the bogie 1000 to twist around in respect of an elongate peripheral axis of the track 1010. The track 1010 is beneficially implemented using structure steel braces with a zig-zag of diagonal bracing members 1070 as illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8.

When the wind turbine 20 of the apparatus 10, 50 is generating many MegaWatts of electrical power, huge mechanical stresses are experienced by the turbine 20. It is thus important that the tracks 1010 are adequately supported. In FIG. 10, a side view of the turbine 20 is shown implemented to employ two concentric circular tracks 1010A, 1010B whose bogies 1000 are able to operable to rotate around at different speeds. The bogies 1000 within any given track 1010A, 1010B revolve around at a mutually similar speed so as to maintain a constant angular separation between the bogies 1000. Optionally, the inner track 1010B is recessed slightly behind the outer track 1010A so that the outer track 1010A and its associated bogies 1000 and wing blades 550 assist to concentrate and focus air flow onto the inner track 1010B and its associated bogies 1000 and wind blades 550, thereby improving an effective Betz factor of the wind turbine 20. Support members 1050 of the wind turbine 20 are beneficially implemented in a forwardly-inclined manner to assist the wind turbine to resist wind forces acting thereupon. A front view of the wind turbine 20 as implemented in FIG. 10 is illustrated in FIG. 1 1. The wind blades 550 are shown angularly equidistantly spaced around the tracks 1010A, 1010B, so that weight of the bogies 1000 and their wing blades 550 are uniformly distributed around the tracks 1010A, 1010B. We will now further describe the modules 35 of the apparatus 10, 50 with reference to FIG. 12 and 13. The modules 35 represent a major part of the total construction investment of the apparatus 10, 50 and must synergistically satisfy several technical requirements. They must be robust against ocean storm conditions. Moreover, they must be resistant to ingress of sea water and preferably must not corrode in sea water. Furthermore, they must preferably be fabricated from non-magnetic materials when direct magnetic induction energy pickoff of float or baffle movement within the channels between the modules 35 is to be implemented, for example by way of coils imbedded with planar sides of the modules 35. Marine-grade concrete is a material which appears to best satisfy this requirement; marine-grade concrete is manufactured by including additional ingredients into concrete to seal micropores therein and thereby render it substantially inert in ocean environments. Such marine-grade concrete beneficially includes a significant portion of silica (silicon dioxide) which is a relatively chemically inert material. However, at least some portions of the modules 35 are capable of being fabricated from other materials, for example, upper portions of the modules 35 can be fabricated from aluminium and/or steel to reduce weight above ocean surface level, thereby improving floating stability of the apparatus 10, 50. Optionally, the marine-grade concrete can be reinforced by one or more of: steel reinforcements, high-strength nanofibre reinforcements, high-strength polymer reinforcements (for example coarse woven mesh manufactured from proprietary Dyneema fibre), and similar. Peripheral edges 1100 of the modules 35 are beneficially tapered as illustrated to reduce air-compression erosion of the marine-grade concrete as ocean waves in storm conditions impact upon the modules 35. For buoyancy, the modules 35 are hollow, especially near to a region of the modules 35 near open ends of the channels formed between the modules 35, for example in a manner generally depicted in FIG. 1 ; however, a degree of buoyancy is beneficially also provided from a middle portion of the modules 35 in a manner as generally depicted in FIG. 2. A majority of buoyancy provided near the open ends of the channels is beneficial to resist rolling of the apparatus 10, 50 about its elongate axis which can occur when it is subject to strong lateral wind forces, for example during high rates of energy extraction from the apparatus 10, 50. The modules 35 include internal strengthening walls 1110 defining buoyancy chambers 1120 therebetween. Certain of these chambers 1120 are used for compressed-air energy storage as elucidated in the foregoing and described in the aforementioned three PCT applications by the same inventor, these PCT applications hereby being incorporated by reference. In FIG. 13, it will be appreciated that the walls 1110 are beneficially disposed to cope optimally with mechanical stresses applied to the modules 35, for example axes of the walls 1110 are directed along the projections 40, and are triangulated towards a centre portion of the module 35 as illustrated. To conclude, FIG. 14 is a perspective schematic view of the apparatus 50 comprising several modules 35 with several wind turbines 20 mounted thereonto via rotatable mounts 2000, namely corresponding to earlier features 600, 1060. Support members 1050A, 1050B, 1050C of the apparatus 50 shown in FIG. 14 are implemented in a slightly different manner in comparison to FIG. 10 to provide enhanced support of the tracks 1010A, 1010B at a penalty of slight greater wind resistance. The support members 1050A, 1050B, 1050C are beneficially manufactured from one or more of: reinforced concrete, steel tubing, aluminium tubing, composite tubing; moreover, the support members 1050A, 1050B, 1050C are beneficially braced by strengthening cables, for example manufactured from Dyneema polymer fibre or similar, high-strength nanofibres. The support member 1050A provides vertical support, the support member 1050B provides upper and lower right-hand and left- hand support, and the support member 1050C provides transverse support. Optionally, the members 1050 are of bowed form to increase their strength and ability to resist wind forces acting upon the turbine when in operation. For example, the support member 1050A can be 300 metres tall or even greater.

Optionally, the blades 550 are implemented pursuant to FIG. 7 to FIG. 9, namely of a curved form akin to a natural profile of a bird wing that has been evolved by nature over millions of years to provide an optimal compromise between weight, strength and aerodynamic performance. The blade 550 is beneficially fabricated from one or more of: carbon fibre, fibre-glass, metal foam, plastics material foam, polymer plastic material.

The aforementioned blades 550 are aerodynamically designed to increase a possible Betz factor of the apparatus 10, 50 to approach 0.59. Conventional wind turbines typically attain a

Betz factor of 0.3 in operation. In operation, the wing blades 550 are beneficially turned, for example turned backwardly, to regulate an amount of power generated by the apparatus 10,

50 when working in storm conditions. Quick release connections are beneficially provided for coupling the wind blades 550 to their associated bogies 1000, thereby rendering it possible to release manually or automatically the wind blades 550 during days when tropical hurricanes are experienced. The support members 1050 are beneficially provided with crane facilities for assisting with maintenance and repair. Moreover, the blades 550 can be rotated in various directions in storm conditions when brakes are applied so that no net turning force is experienced in concentric rotors of the apparatus 10, 50.

The present invention utilizes unusual components which have hitherto not been considered for off-shore renewable energy systems; for example, the "A" -form for the modules 35 as presented in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 14 is especially unique. Optionally, the channels formed between the modules 35 guide ocean waves in a tapered manner to increase wave height within the channels and hence more efficient energy pickoff from the waves.

Channels between the modules 35 are beneficially equipped with various submerged transverse structures for assisting to cause wave breaking, thereby enhancing energy pickoff efficiency of the apparatus 10, 50. Various flexible expandable structures are susceptible to being deployed in the channels for reducing wave reflection and/or for increasing wave damping for optimally forming ocean waves within the channels for optimal energy extraction.

Apart from land-based solar energy schemes, we believe that the apparatus 10, 50 described in the foregoing is the only realistic manner of generating large amounts of electrical energy in a post-oil era, for example past in an era past "peak oil", if nuclear technology is excluded from consideration. Nuclear power systems of all types, whether fission or fusion or a hybrid thereof, generate dangerous nuclear waste. In contradistinction, the apparatus 10, 50 is manufacturable from materials which can be recycled and which do not cause pollution. Moreover, the present invention is capable of providing an enormous amount of employment, especially with regard to mechanical and electrical component assembly, as well as for maintenance work. The present invention is capable of being used in harsh environments encountered in Asia where large population growth is placing great demands on the provision of energy. The present invention is capable of averting an abrupt tipping point as anticipated in Olduvai theory when "peak oil" occurs in a context of continuously increasing World population. Olduvai theory is based upon a computation of available energy per human being, and shows a steep and abrupt decline in World industrial activity when peak oil" is reached, unless viable alternative energy sources are found. The inventor submits that the invention here is a viable alternative to deriving energy from the combustion of fossil fuels. The present invention is capable of generating GigaWatt power levels when deployed to a considerable extent in ocean environments, namely attempting to match a daily energy use corresponding to 80 million barrels per day presently consumed by the World.

The apparatus 10, 50 is even capable, when deployed in large numbers, of providing environmentally beneficial effects such as oxygenation of sea water for promoting marine life forms, as well as cooling ocean surface water and thereby reducing a frequency of tropical hurricanes and associated hurricane damage. Although deployment of the apparatus 10, 50 off-shore has been described in the foregoing, it is capable of being adapted for use on land. Although use of electromagnets for implementing the invention is described in the foregoing, electromagnets can optionally alternatively employed. Wind turbines implemented pursuant to the present invention are susceptible to being adapted for use in underwater environments, for example for receiving tidal and/or ocean current steams for power generation. The apparatus 10, 50 is susceptible to being used to power offshore oil and gas facilities and being locating in relatively close to such facilities, for example in providing a safe retreat in an event of fire or explosion on such oil and gas facilities.

Modifications to embodiments of the invention described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims. In an offshore environment, the apparatus 10, 50 can be used, for example, for generating power for carbon dioxide sequestration purposes, namely pumping combustion carbon dioxide into geological anticlines which have earlier contained gas and/or oil.

Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "consisting of, "have", "is" used to describe and claim the present invention are intended to be construed in a nonexclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.

Numerals included within parentheses in the accompanying claims are intended to assist understanding of the claims and should not be construed in any way to limit subject matter claimed by these claims.

Claims

1. An energy system (10, 50) for generating electricity, characterized in that said system (10, 50) includes a combination of at least two different types of energy sources including at least two of:

(a) one or more wind turbines (20);

(b) one or more wave energy devices (25; 55, 60) disposed in a plurality of channels;

(c) one or more ocean thermal energy sources; (d) one or more tidal and/or ocean current turbines;

(e) one or more aquaculture facilities (30);

(f) one or more compressed air energy storage facilities;

(g) one or more roadway and/or railway transport facilities (90); (h) one or more cable and/or pipeline routing facilities.

2. An energy system (10, 50) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said system (10, 50) includes a plurality of modules for defining channels for forming ocean waves entering the channels, and wherein said one or more wave energy devices (25, 55, 60) are disposed along said channels.

3. An energy system (10, 50) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said one or more wave energy devices (25, 55, 60) are operable to undergo a pivoting motion about corresponding support axis when absorbing ocean wave energy along the channels.

4. An energy system (10, 50) as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein said one or more wave energy devices (25, 50, 60) are disposed along said channels to provide a gradual absorption of ocean wave energy for avoiding a tendency for cavitation to occur in operation.

5. An energy system (10, 50) as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein said one or more wave energy devices are operable to absorb progressively absorb energy for ocean waves with longest wavelengths being absorbed near mouths of the channels whereat ocean waves are received, and said one or more wave energy devices are adapted to absorb progressively shorter ocean wave wavelengths progressively along said channels.

6. An energy system(10, 50) as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein said one or more wave energy devices are operable to employ direct-induction energy pickoff for converting movement of baffles, floats and/or submerged members directly to electrical power.

7. An energy system (10, 50) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said system (10, 50) includes a plurality of modules (35) for defining channels for forming ocean waves entering the channels, said modules (35) being buoyant hollow structures with outwardly-projecting downwardly-projecting projections (40) for providing the system with enhanced floatation stability.

8. An energy system (10, 50) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said projections (40) include one or more submerged structures (45) for diffracting incoming ocean waves into the channels of said system (10, 50), whereat one or more ocean wave energy devices (25, 55, 60) are disposed.

9. An energy system (10, 50) as claimed in claim 7, wherein each module (35) is symmetrically furnished with said projections (40).

10. An energy system (10, 50) as claimed in claim 7, wherein each module (35) is asymmetrically furnished with one or more of said projections (40).

11. An energy system (10, 50) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said system (10, 50) includes a plurality of modules (35) for defining channels for forming ocean waves entering the channels, said modules (35) being buoyant hollow structures fabricated at least in part from marine-grade concrete.

12. An energy system (10, 50) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said one or more wind turbines (20) include at least one rotor, wherein the at least one rotor is rotatably mounted onto at least one ring member (520) via one or more sets of bearings (540; 540A, 540B);

an energy pickoff arrangement (560, 570) is distributed between the at least one rotor and the at least one ring member (520), the pickoff arrangement (560, 570) including permanent magnets and pickup coils (570; 570A, 570B) and operable to generate electrical power when the at least one rotor rotates in operation relative to the at least one ring member (520), and

a support member (590) for supporting the at least one ring member (520) upon a foundation (600).

13. An energy system (10, 50) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said one or more wind turbines (20) include blades (550) mounted onto corresponding carriers (1000), said carriers (1000) being operable to be propelled around a closed track (1010) by way of wind acting on said blades (550), and wherein an energy pickoff arrangement is disposed around at least a portion of said closed track (1010) for extracting energy from movement of said carriers (1000) being propelled in operation around said closed track (1010).

14. An energy system (10, 50) as claimed in claim 13, wherein said energy pickoff arrangement includes magnets mounted upon said carriers (1000) and induction pickup coils disposed in a vicinity of said track (1010).

15. An energy system (10, 50) as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein said system (10, 50) includes a plurality of such tracks (1010A, 1010B) disposed in a concentric configuration.

16. An energy system (10, 50) as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein said blades (550) are mounted symmetrically upon their respective carriers (1000).

17. A wind turbine (20; 510, 740) including at least one rotor, characterized in that

the at least one rotor is rotatably mounted onto at least one ring member (520) via one or more sets of bearings (540; 540A, 540B);

18. A wind turbine (20, 550, 1000, 1010) as claimed in claim 17, wherein said rotor is implemented by way of carriers (1000) which are movably mounted upon one or more closed tracks (1010), said carriers (100) having one or more wing blades (550) attached thereto, and said energy pickoff arrangement being implemented by way of magnets mounted onto said carriers (1000) and pickup coils disposed along at least a portion of said one or more tracks (1010) operable to interact in operation with said magnets.

19. A wind turbine (20) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the tracks (1010) are substantially circular in form such that the carriages (1000) undergo a circular motion in operation around a complete path of said tracks (1010).

20. A wind turbine (20) as claimed in claim 19, wherein the tracks (1010) are disposed in a mutually concentric manner.

21. A wind turbine (510, 740) as claimed in claim 17, wherein energy pickup from the at least one rotor occurs directly in situ.

22. A wind turbine (510, 740) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the at least one rotor includes an outer rotor ring (530, 530B) whose one or more blades (550) are mounted radially from the outer rotor ring (530, 530B) with free distal ends (720) to the one or more blades (550).

23. A wind turbine (510, 740) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the one or more blades (550) extend inwardly past the at least one ring member (520), and outwardly past the at least one ring member (520).

24. A wind turbine as claimed in claim 17, wherein the at least one rotor includes an outer rotor ring (530, 530B) whose one or more blades (550) are mounted radially from the outer rotor ring (530, 530B), and wherein the outer rotor ring (530, 530B) includes an actuator mechanism (555) for each blade (550) for adjusting its pitch angle.

25. A wind turbine as claimed in claim 17, including a braking mechanism for applying a braking force to the at least one rotor relative to the at least one ring member (520), said braking mechanism being implemented in a region of the at least one ring member (520).

26. A wind turbine as claimed in claim 17, wherein the energy pickoff arrangement (560, 570) is implemented such that failure of a portion of the permanent magnets and pickup coils (570; 570A, 570B) does not prevent electrical power to be generated by remaining operative permanent magnets and pickup coils (570; 570A, 570B) when the at least one rotor rotates in operation relative to the at least one ring member (520).

27. A method of generating power using a wind turbine as claimed in claim 17, said method including: having rotatably mounted at least one rotor onto at least one ring member (520) via one or more sets of bearings (540; 540A, 540B); and

generating electrical power from an energy pickoff arrangement (560, 570) distributed between the at least one rotor and the at least one ring member (520), the pickoff arrangement (560, 570) including permanent magnets and pickup coils (570; 570A, 570B) and operable to generate electrical power when the at least one rotor rotates in operation relative to the at least one ring member (520).

28. A wind turbine (20) as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 27, wherein said turbine is adapted for use in a system as claimed in claim 1.

29. An energy system (10,50) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein said one or more aquaculture facilities (30) are adapted to be submerged within channels of the system (10, 50) for protecting the one or more aquaculture facilities (30) in storm or hurricane operating conditions.

30. An energy system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, said system (10, 50) being disposed in a form of at least one of: (i) a bridge linking at least two land masses together; (ii) a peninsula projecting from a land mass; (iii) a floating or seabed-supported island.

31. An energy system (10, 50) including a synergistic combination of at least one or more wind turbines (20) as claim in any one of claims 17 to 26.

32. A method of generating electricity using an energy system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 31.

33. A floating transport bridge implemented using an energy system (10, 50) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 31.

34. An energy system (10, 50) including a synergistic combination of two or more mutually different energy sources disposed on a platform (15, 35) which is common thereto.

35. An energy system (10, 50) as claimed in claim 34, wherein said two or more mutually different energy sources includes at least one of: (i) wind turbines employing non-nacelle edge supported rotors;

(ii) ocean wave energy sources including channels for forming waves and energy pickoff devices disposed along said channels;

(iii) wind turbines employing wing blades mounted upon corresponding carriers movably supported upon tracks, with energy pickoff devices disposed along said tracks.

36. An energy system as claim in claim 35, wherein said tracks (1010) are circular and/or disposed in a concentric configuration.

37. An energy system (10, 50) including a synergistic combination of energy solutions.

38. An energy system (10, 50) as claimed in claim 1 , adapted for use with off-shore oil and gas facilities for providing electrical power thereto.

39. An aquatic turbine adapted for aquatic use, said turbine being based upon a turbine as claimed in one or more of claims 17 to 28.

40. A module structure (35) for use in constructing an energy system (10,50) as claimed in claim 1.