Patent ID: 8981582
Filing Date: 2015-03-17
Classification: F03B,H02K,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A submerged power generator, comprising: a hull configured to enclose an air space, the hull configured to be submerged in a body of water, the hull having an entry area and an exit area and an air tank configured to selectively deliver pressurized air, the entry area being disposed above the exit area such that the entry area is at a first depth and the exit area is at a second depth; at least one weighted container; the entry area configured so as to selectively allow the weighted container to enter the air space, the entry area comprising an outer door and a hull entry door; the exit area configured to selectively eject the weighted container into the surrounding body of water, at least the exit area of the hull being configured to be pressurized with air from the air tank to a pressure that approximates or exceeds the hydrostatic pressure of the surrounding body of water at the second depth; an electric power generation system disposed within the hull air space, the electric power generation system configured to engage the weighted container within the air space and convert energy lost by the weighted container as it is drawn downward by gravity into electricity; and a pneumatic power generation system disposed within the hull air space, the pneumatic power generation system comprising multiple compressors arranged in stages so that one or more of the compressors may compress air to a higher pressure than others of the compressors, the pneumatic power generation system configured to engage the weighted container within the air space and to pressurize air by converting energy lost by the weighted container as it is drawn downward by gravity, the pressurized air being stored in the air tank; wherein the weighted container enters the hull air space at the entry area; wherein the weighted container is configured to fall through at least some of the hull air space, the weighted container also being configured to engage the electric power generation system and the pneumatic power generation system as it falls within the hull air space; wherein the weighted container enters the exit area and is ejected out of the exit area into the surrounding body of water, the ejection being facilitated by gravity acting on the weighted container and by pressurized air pushing on the weighted container; wherein, after ejection of the weighted container, at least some of the pressurized air is transferred back to the air tank; wherein, after ejection, the weighted container being buoyant in the surrounding water and thereby configured to float upwardly; wherein, with the outer door open, the weighted container is received in the entry area; and wherein, with the outer door closed and the hull entry door open, the weighted container can again enter the hull air space by force of gravity.