WO2012100128A2

WO2012100128A2 - Hydroelectric power generating system

Info

Publication number: WO2012100128A2
Application number: PCT/US2012/021977
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mars C. ANAGNOU
Original assignee: Anagnou Mars C
Priority date: 2011-01-21
Filing date: 2012-01-20
Publication date: 2012-07-26
Also published as: WO2012100128A3

Abstract

A hydroelectric power generating system includes a barge having a hull, a hollow body extending from the hull, a counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly, and an electric generator. The counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly is caused to be rotated by current flow of a moving water body thereby powering the electric generator for generating electricity. The counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly has oppositely facing first and second propellers for engaging the flow of moving water for driving at least one of the propellers irrespective of a direction of current flow of the moving water body.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

[0001] HYDROELECTRIC POWER GENERATING SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to an electrical power generating system that generates power through the use of the force of falling or flowing water. In particular, the present invention relates to a barge having an electrical power generating system that is powered by the movement of water, such as tidal water.

[0003] Numerous devices have been developed to exploit the natural movement of water to produce electricity. However, such systems are costly to manufacture compared to the benefit that they provide. Moreover, conventional systems are typically mounted to a sea bed, i.e., conventional systems are fully submersed underwater. As such, maintenance and repair of such systems is difficult and costly as such actions require that the system be removed from the sea bed or employ the use of divers for repair, maintenance and installation. Moreover, because of the very nature of moving water bodies, e.g., tidal water movement, divers are exposed to hazardous conditions when required for repair, maintenance and installation.

[0004] Accordingly, a need still exists for an electrical power generating system that can effectively utilize the natural movement of water bodies to generate electricity that is cost effective and which does not need to be mounted to a sea bed. The foregoing is accomplished by the present invention.

[0005] In accordance with the present invention, the problem of cost prohibitive and/or sea bed mounted hydropower generating systems is solved by engendering a hydropower generating system that is mounted to a barge and which can receive the flow of, e.g., tidal water, regardless of a current direction of the tidal water. In this way, the power generating system can be easily installed, maintained, and transported while more efficiently harnessing the potential energy stored in moving water bodies.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a tidal power generating system that includes a barge, a hollow body, a counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly, and an electric generator. The barge has a hull for supporting the barge above the surface of a body of tidal water. The hollow body extends from the hull so as to be submerged in the body of tidal water. The hollow body includes a first open end, a second open end disposed opposite and in fluid

communication with the first open end such that tidal water passes between the first and second open ends regardless of a direction of current of the tidal water, and a throat region positioned between the first and second open ends. The counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly extends from the hull of the barge and is positioned within the throat region. The counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly includes a first propeller substantially facing the first open end, and a second propeller substantially facing the second open end. Tidal water that passes between the first and second open ends drives rotation of at least one of the first and second propellers regardless of the direction of current of the tidal water. The electric generator is operatively connected to the counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly for generating electricity.

[0007] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a hydroelectric power generating system that includes a barge, a hollow body, a counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly, and an electric generator. The barge has a hull for supporting the barge above the surface of a body of moving water. The hollow body extends from the hull so as to be submerged in the body of moving water. The hollow body includes a first open end, a second open end disposed opposite and in fluid communication with the first open end such that moving water passes between the first and second open ends regardless of a direction of current of the moving water body, and a throat region positioned proximate one of the first and second open ends. The counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly extends from the hull of the barge and is positioned within the throat region. The counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly includes a first propeller substantially facing the first open end, and a second propeller substantially facing the second open end. Moving water that passes between the first and second open ends drives rotation of at least one of the first and second propellers regardless of the direction of current of the moving water. The electric generator is operatively connected to the counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly for generating electricity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0009] In the drawings:

[0010] Fig. 1 is a partial cross-sectional, side elevational view of a hydroelectric power generating system in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly of the hydroelectric power generating system of Fig. 1 ;

[0012] Fig. 3 is a partial cross-sectional, bottom plan view of the hydroelectric power generating system of Fig. 1 ;

[0013] Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional, side elevational view of a hydroelectric power generating system in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Fig. 5 is a partial cross-sectional, side elevational view of a hydroelectric power generating system in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Fig. 6 is a partial cross-sectional, side elevational view of a hydroelectric power generating system in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0016] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a hydroelectric power generating system in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or like reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like features. It should be noted that the drawings are in simplified form and are not drawn to precise scale. In reference to the disclosure herein, for purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms such as top, bottom, above, below and diagonal, are used with respect to the accompanying drawings. Such directional terms used in conjunction with the following description of the drawings should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner not explicitly set forth. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms "a", "an" and "the" are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning "at least one." The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

[0018] The term "hydroelectric" as used herein is given its ordinary and plain meaning, e.g., electricity generated by hydropower; the production of electrical power through the use of the force of falling or flowing water. Hydropower can refer to power that is derived from any moving water body, such as, but not limited to tidal water, non-tidal water, rivers and streams.

[0019] Referring to Fig. 1 and in accordance with a first preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a hydroelectric power generating system 10 that includes a barge 12, a hollow body 18, a counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly 26, and an electric generator 42. The barge 12 includes a deck 14 and a hull 16 for supporting the deck 14 above the surface of a body of moving water. Additionally, the term "barge" as used herein refers to any type of floating vessel.

[0020] The hull 16 can be of any conventional barge hull design, such as a V-bottom, flat- bottom or multi-chined hull, with the deck 14 situated on top of the hull 16. Preferably, the hull 16 is of a flat bottom soft chined hull design. Such barge hull designs are well known in the art and a detailed description of the barge hull 16 is not necessary for a complete understanding of the present invention.

[0021] The hollow body 18 is an elongated hollow body that extends from a bottom surface of the hull 16. That is, the hollow body 18 extends from the bottom surface of the hull 16 so as to be submerged in a body of moving water when in use and below the level of the hull 16. The hollow body 18 includes a first open end 20 and a second open end 22. The second open end 22 is positioned opposite from and in fluid communication with the first open end 20. Thus, when in use, moving water can pass between the first and second open ends 20, 22 regardless of a direction of flow or current of the moving water. In other words, regardless of whether the water current is flowing out or in from one of the first and second open ends 20, 22, moving water passes through the hollow body 18 between the first and second open ends 20, 22. This is advantageous, as the hydroelectric power generating system 10 can then generate power more efficiently by harnessing the energy of moving water irrespectively of the direction of flow of the water current, as further described below. For example, in tidal water, water can flow in opposite directions over the course of a day. Thus, the present invention can advantageously harness the hydropower of tidal water regardless of the direction of flow of the tidal water.

[0022] The hollow body 18 further includes a throat region 24 positioned preferably about a central region of the hollow body 18 between the first and second open ends 20, 22. The throat region 24 has a cross-sectional area perpendicular to a longitudal axis A (Fig. 3) of the hollow body 18 that is smaller than a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the hollow body 18 at either of the first and second open ends 20, 22. Preferably, the throat region 24 is configured as a cylindrical or tubular throat region 24. [0023] The hollow body 18 is also configured to taper inwardly from each of the first and second open ends 20, 22 toward the throat region 24. As such, the hollow body 18 has funnel- shaped ends that funnel moving water from either the first or second ends 20, 22 toward the throat region 24. Preferably, the hollow body tapered sections are frustroconical, frustopyramidal or trumpet shaped.

[0024] As the throat region 24 is a narrowed region compared to each of the first and second open ends 20, 22, it functions as a venturi. As a result, the velocity of fluid (i.e., moving water) passing through the throat region 24 increases relative to the velocity of fluid entering or exiting either of the first or second open ends 20, 22. This advantageous effect results because the velocity of a fluid increases as the cross sectional areas of flow decreases according to the laws of fluid dynamics. Consequently, as a result of the increase in velocity of fluid passing through the throat region 24, greater electrical output capability is possible since the increase in fluid velocity also results in an increase in rotation of the hydroelectric power generating system's counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly 26 positioned within the throat region 24, as further described below.

[0025] Alternatively, referring to Fig. 4 and in accordance with a second preferred embodiment, the throat region 24' can be positioned about an end of the hollow body 18' and the hollow body 18' configured to have a single funnel-shaped end. Such a configuration is applicable for use when the moving water body only flows in a single direction, such as in a non-tidal river. In this situation, the hydroelectric power generating system 10' is placed within the river such that water flows into the hollow body 18' from the first open end 20' and out the hollow body 18' from the second open end 22'.

[0026] Referring to Figs. 1 -3, the counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly 26 of the hydroelectric power generating system 10 extends from the barge 12 and is positioned within the throat region 24 (or 24' as shown in Fig. 4) generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow body 18. The counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly 26 includes first and second propellers 28, 30 that are configured to counter rotate relative to each other. That is, as the first propeller 28 faces in an opposite direction of the second propeller 30, the first and second propellers 28, 30 rotate in opposite directions, i.e., counter rotate, relatively. Specifically, e.g., when viewed so as to face the first propeller 28, the first propeller 28 rotates in a clockwise direction, whereas when facially viewing the second propeller 30, the second propeller 30 rotates in a counterclockwise direction. Yet, while the first and second propellers 28, 30 are counter rotating, relatively, they both function to rotate an axle (not shown) extending between the first and second propellers 28, 30 in the same rotational direction. [0027] Preferably, the first and second propellers 28, 30 are arranged in series such that a central axis B (Fig. 2) perpendicular to a facial direction of each of the first and second propellers 28, 30 are coaxial. The first and second propellers 28, 30 are connected together via a manifold 32. The general construction and operation of the counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly 26 is known in the art and a detailed explanation of its structure and function is not necessary for complete understanding of the present invention. For example, conventional counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assemblies applicable to the present invention for connection to a gear shaft 34 can include, e.g., a vortex dual prop thruster from Wesmar of Woodinville, Washington.

[0028] The first and second propellers 28, 30 are configured to both rotate the axle (not shown) extending therebetween in the same direction. Moreover, water flowing in a single direction is configured to power or drivingly rotate each of the first and second propellers 28, 30 such that both of the first and second propellers 28, 30 are driven. Specifically, for example, when water flows inwardly from the first open end 20 and out through the second open end 22, the first propeller 28 harnesses the energy from the moving water to drive rotation of the gear shaft 34. Additionally, due to the configuration (e.g., pitch and contours) of the second propeller 30, the second propeller 30 is also driven to rotate by the moving water entering the first open end 20 and further helps to propel the moving water out through the second open end 22. In other words, the first and second propellers 28, 30 are configured to be driven by moving water that passes between the first and second open ends 20, 22. This same configuration and operation applies to moving water that enters the second open end 22 and exits through the first open end 20.

[0029] While a counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly 26 having first and second propellers 28, 30 that are coaxial are preferred, the counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly 26 can alternatively be configured with first and second propellers that are non-coaxial, or shifted from each other. In other words, referring to Fig. 2, the central axis B of a hub 27 of a first propeller 28 can be shifted or spaced apart from the central axis B of a hub 29 of a second propeller 30.

[0030] Referring back to Fig. 1, the counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly 26 is operatively connected to a gear shaft 34 which is configured to extend upwards through the hull 16 of the barge 12 and beyond the surface of the deck 14. The gear shaft 34 is operatively connected to the first and second propellers 28, 30 such that the gear shaft 34 rotates upon rotation of either of the first and second propellers 28, 30. For example, the first and second propellers 28, 30 can be connected by an axis in the form of a worm (not shown) which operatively engages a worm wheel (not shown) (collectively referred to as a worm gear) for rotating the gear shaft 34. Alternatively, the counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly 26 can be operatively connected to the gear shaft 34 by any other conventional means, such as a planetary gear assembly. In general, the type of gear assembly connecting the counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly 26 to the gear shaft 34 is determined based upon several parameters, including but not limited to, the size of the counter- rotating dual propeller rotor assembly 26, the size and location of the generator, the number of generators, and the expected flow velocity of the water.

[0031] Preferably, the gear shaft 34 extends through the hull 16 of the barge 12 and first and second bearings 36, 38. The first bearing 36 is positioned adjacent the deck 14 and the second bearing 38 is positioned adjacent a bottom of the hull 16. Each of the first and second bearings 36, 38 includes at least one seal 40a, 40b, respectively. Preferably, the seals 40a, 40b are lip ring seals. The seals 40a, 40b sealingly engage the gear shaft 34 and the bearings 36, 38, respectively, so as to prevent the flow of water from entering the hull 16.

[0032] Additionally, the counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly 10 can optionally include a bearing connection 33 for connecting the manifold 32 to the gear shaft 34. The bearing connection 33 allows for the counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly 10 to pivot relative to the gear shaft 34 so as to allow for optimal positioning of the first and second propellers 28, 20 relative to the flow of moving water.

[0033] In sum, the counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly 26 is positioned within the throat region 24 such that the first propeller 28 is in facing engagement with the first open end 20 and the second propeller 30 is in facing engagement with the second open end 22. The first and second propellers 28 and 30 are also positioned such that the central axis A perpendicular to the facial direction of each of the first and second propellers 28, 30 is substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the hollow body 18. As such, when moving water enters either the first or second open ends 20, 22 and flows toward the throat region 24, the water current drives rotation of at least one of the first and second propellers 28, 30, but preferably both the first and second propellers 28, 30.

[0034] The hydroelectric power generating system 10 also includes an electric generator 42 positioned above the water level and on the deck 14 of the barge 12. Alternatively, the hydroelectric power generating system 10 can include more than one electric generator 42. The electric generator 42 can be any conventional electric generator known in the art, as such, a detailed description of the structure and operation of the electric generator 42 is not necessary for a complete understanding of the present invention. Electric generators applicable to the present invention can include generators as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,030,903, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, or as manufactured, e.g., by Caterpillar Inc. of Peoria, IL. The electric generator 42 is operatively connected to the counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly 26 via the gear shaft 34 and a coupler 44.

[0035] In operation, as the gear shaft 34 rotates, it functions to power the electric generator 42 thereby generating electricity. The power generated by the electric generator 42 is then delivered to a power grid via one or more wires 46 extending from the electric generator 42. Preferably the electric generator 42 is positioned on the deck 14 of the barge 12 so as to be adjacent the gear shaft 34.

[0036] Referring to Fig. 5, a hydroelectric power generating system 100 in accordance with a third preferred embodiment is shown. The hydroelectric power generating system 100 is the same as that of the hydroelectric power generating system 10, except for the inclusion of a reduction gear box 102. The reduction gear box 102 allows for a secondary gear shaft 104 to be positioned orthogonal to a gear shaft 134 operatively connected to a counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly 126. The secondary gear shaft 104 is operatively connected to an electric generator 142 at one end and at the opposite end operatively connected to the gear shaft 134. The gear shaft 134 and secondary gear shaft 104 can be operatively connected via a miter gear assembly 106 which includes bevel gears.

[0037] Referring to Fig. 6, a hydroelectric power generating system 200 in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment is shown. The hydroelectric power generating system 200 is that same as the hydroelectric power generating system 10, except for the inclusion of a pulley system 250 for operatively engaging a counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly 226 to an electric generator 242. The pulley system 250 includes a driver wheel 252 connected to an end of a gear shaft 234, which is operatively connected to a counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly 226, and a driven wheel 254. The driven wheel 254 is connected to one end of a secondary shaft 256 while the opposite end of the secondary shaft 256 is operatively connected to the electric generator 242. An endless belt 258 extends between the driver wheel 252 and driven wheel 254. Thus, rotation of the gear shaft 234 rotates the driver wheel 252, which then rotates the driven wheel 254 via the endless belt 258, thereby powering the electric generator 242.

[0038] Referring back to Fig. 1, in operation, the barge 12 is positioned within, e.g., a body of tidal water such that a longitudinal axis or a longitudinal direction of the barge 12 preferably extends substantially parallel to a direction of current flow of the tidal water. Thus, for example, as tidal water moves out, e.g., in a direction out to the open sea, tidal water flows into the first open end 20 and gets funneled through the hollow body 18 into the throat region 24. Then, as tidal water flows through the throat region 24, the first propeller 28 of the counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly 26 that faces the first open end 20 and the second propeller 30 that faces the second open end 22 are rotated as a result of tidal water flowing past the first and second propellers 28, 30. Rotation of the either of the first and second propellers 28, 30 causes rotation of the gear shaft 34, which thereby powers the electric generator 42 for generating electricity. Furthermore, as tidal water flows in, e.g., in a direction towards land, tidal water flows in through the second open end 22 and gets funneled to the throat region 24, thereby causing rotation of the second and first propellers 30, 28, which also causes rotation of the gear shaft 34, thereby powering the electric generator 42 for generating electricity.

[0039] Referring to Fig. 7, the hydroelectric power generating system 10 can optionally include a plurality of solar panels 300 mounted to the deck 14 of the barge 12 for providing an additional means of generating electrical power. Additionally, the hydroelectric power generating system 10 can also optionally include at least one or a plurality of wind turbines 400 that extend upwardly from the barge 12 for providing an additional means of generating electrical power.

[0040] The solar panels 300 and wind turbine 400 can be any conventional solar panel 300 or wind turbine 400 readily known in the art. Solar panels applicable to the present invention can include solar panels as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,053,662, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, or as manufactured, e.g., by BP Solar of Frederick, MD. Wind turbines applicable to the present invention can include wind turbines as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,695,242, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, or as manufactured, e.g., by General Electric of Fairfield, CT. The solar panels 300 and wind turbine 400 can be independently connected to the power grid via wires (not shown).

[0041] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1 claim:

1. A tidal power generating system comprising:

a barge having a hull for supporting the barge in a body of tidal water;

a hollow body extending from the hull so as to be submerged in the body of tidal water that includes:

a first open end,

a second open end disposed opposite and in fluid communication with the first open end such that tidal water passes between the first and second open ends regardless of a direction of current of the tidal water, and

a throat region positioned between the first and second open ends;

a counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly which extends from the hull of the barge and is positioned within the throat region, the counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly having:

a first propeller substantially facing the first open end, and

a second propeller substantially facing the second open end, wherein the tidal water that passes between the first and second open ends drives rotation of at least one of the first and second propellers regardless of the direction of current of the tidal water; and an electric generator operatively connected to the counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly.

2. The tidal power generating system of claim 1, wherein the first and second propellers are

configured to be driven by tidal water that passes between the first and second open ends.

3. The tidal power generating system of claim 1, wherein the hollow body tapers inwardly from at least one of the first and second open ends toward the throat region.

4. The tidal power generating system of claim 3, wherein the hollow body has tapered sections that are one of a frustoconical, frustopyramidal and trumpet shaped.

5. The tidal power generating system of claim 1, wherein the hollow body tapers inwardly from the first and second open ends toward the throat region.

6. The tidal power generating system of claim 5, wherein the hollow body has tapered sections that are one of a frustoconical, frustopyramidal and trumpet shaped.

7. The tidal power generating system of claim 1 , wherein the electric generator is positioned on a deck of the barge.

8. The tidal power generating system of claim 7, wherein the counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly includes a gear shaft extending through the hull of the barge for operatively engaging the electric generator.

9. The tidal power generating system of claim 8, further comprising a reduction gear box

operatively connecting the gear shaft to the electric generator.

10. The tidal power generating system of claim 9, further comprising a pulley assembly operatively connecting the gear shaft to the electric generator.

11. The tidal power generating system of claim 1 , further comprising one or more solar panels

mounted to a deck of the barge.

12. The tidal power generating system of claim 1 1 , further comprising a wind turbine extending from the barge.

13. The tidal power generating system of claim 1, further comprising a wind turbine extending from the barge.

14. A hydroelectric power generating system comprising:

a barge having a hull for supporting the barge in a body of moving water;

a hollow body extending from the hull so as to be submerged in the body of moving water that includes:

a first open end,

a second open end disposed opposite and in fluid communication with the first open end such that moving water passes between the first and second open ends regardless of a direction of current of the moving water, and

a throat region positioned proximate one of the first and second open ends;

a counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly which extends from the hull of the barge and is positioned within the throat region, the counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly having: a first propeller substantially facing the first open end, and

a second propeller substantially facing the second open end, wherein the moving water that passes between the first and second open ends drives rotation of at least one of the first and second propellers regardless of the direction of current of the moving water; and an electric generator operatively connected to the counter-rotating dual propeller rotor assembly.

15. The hydroelectric power generating system of claim 14, wherein the first and second propellers are configured to be driven by moving water that passes between the first and second open ends.

16. The hydroelectric power generating system of claim 14, wherein the hollow body tapers

inwardly from at least one of the first and second open ends toward the throat region.

17. The hydroelectric power generating system of claim 16, wherein the hollow body has tapered sections that are one of a frustoconical, frustopyramidal and trumpet shaped.

18. The hydroelectric power generating system of claim 14, wherein the hollow body tapers

inwardly from both the first and second open ends toward the throat region.

19. The hydroelectric power generating system of claim 18, wherein the hollow body has tapered sections that are one of a frustoconical, frustopyramidal and trumpet shaped.

20. The hydroelectric power generating system of claim 14, wherein the electric generator is

positioned on a deck of the barge.

21. The hydroelectric power generating system of claim 20, wherein the counter-rotating dual

propeller rotor assembly includes a gear shaft extending through the hull of the barge for operatively engaging the electric generator.

22. The hydroelectric power generating system of claim 21, further comprising a reduction gear box operatively connecting the gear shaft to the electric generator.

23. The hydroelectric power generating system of claim 22, further comprising a pulley assembly operatively connecting the gear shaft to the electric generator.

24. The hydroelectric power generating system of claim 14, further comprising one or more solar panels mounted to a deck of the barge.

25. The hydroelectric power generating system of claim 24, further comprising a wind turbine extending from the barge.

26. The hydroelectric power generating system of claim 14, further comprising a wind turbine extending from the barge.