Patent ID: 9745951
Date: 2017-08-29
CPC Classifications: F03B,F05B,Y02E,Y02P

Claim:
1. A robotic subsea power generation system for positioning in ocean currents to generate power, comprising: a generating unit having a turbine mounted thereto and an electric generator coupled to said turbine for generating electric power; a current amplifier mounted to said generating unit to direct a portion of the ocean currents through said turbine, said current amplifier having a rigid framework with an outer cover formed of a flexible material; and wherein in a deployed position, said current amplifier has a conically-shaped structure which decreases in cross-sectional area from an entrance section to an exit section of said current amplifier; wherein said current amplifier is selectively retractable from said deployed position to a retracted position, wherein in said retracted position, said entrance section of said current amplifier is substantially closed, and wherein said current amplifier forms a streamlined body that reduces the drag of the generating unit in moving through water.