Hydrodynamic array

There are a large number of sites in the world's oceans and rivers that can provide a significant, viable, and cost effective source of renewable energy. Many are strategically located close to populated areas where these sites can be used to harness energy using ecologically benign hydrodynamic technology. A hydrodynamic array comprises multiple hydrodynamic elements for producing electricity by the motion of ocean tides or river currents and forces acting on the hydrodynamic array, which is immersed in ocean tides or river currents and which is in motion relative to the ocean tides or river currents.

BACKGROUND

The earth is a watery world with 71 percent of its surface covered by oceans and even its landmasses cut by rivers. The periodic rise and fall of all ocean waters is called tide, which results from gravitational attraction among the moon, sun, and earth. Although such gravitational attraction causes the vertical rise and fall of water, of particular interest to the renewable energy industry are the various horizontal or lateral movements commonly known as tidal currents or tidal streams from which great amounts of electricity can be produced. The advent of renewable energy, such as tidal energy, could be of vital importance to the future of civilization because reliance on fossil fuels cannot be sustained for another century. A transition toward renewable energy technologies would usher in a new age to supplant the age of fossil fuels, and address the problems of diminished oil reserves, destructive environmental impacts, and intractable religious conflicts.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present subject matter includes a system for producing electricity hydrodynamically. The system comprises a viaduct through which vehicles traverse. The system further comprises a hydrodynamic array configured to support the viaduct and further configured to generate electricity from the motion of ocean tides or river currents and forces acting on the hydrodynamic array, which is immersed in the ocean tides or river currents and which is in motion relative to the ocean tides or river currents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the present subject matter are directed to a hydrodynamic array configured to produce electricity not only from ocean tides but also river currents. Suitably situated on top of the hydrodynamic array is a viaduct configured both for automobile transportation and also the construction, assembly, disassembly, installation, removal, and maintenance of pieces of the hydrodynamic array including its structural, mechanical, electrical, and electronic support equipment. Each element of the hydrodynamic array can be interconnected with another element and so on to form a porous hydrodynamic array going across a strait, passage, estuary, canal, flume, or river.

FIG. 1illustrates a viaduct100, which comprises long elevated roadways138a,138bseparated by a median strip140. The viaduct100consists of a series of short roadway spans interconnected with median spans, and supported by columns of a hydrodynamic array200. More specifically, the viaduct100is an array of viaduct elements. Each viaduct element is a set of members including two corresponding roadway spans (such as spans101a,101b). Each corresponding roadway span101a,101bis interconnected with a median span (such as a median span140a). Each viaduct element is interconnected with other viaduct elements via latches to form a viaduct100(which is discussed hereinbelow). For clarity purposes the following discussion focuses on the set of roadway spans101a,101b. Because the viaduct100is formed from multiple sets of roadway spans, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the discussion is pertinent to other sets of roadway spans forming the viaduct100.

The hydrodynamic array200is an array of hydrodynamic elements. Each hydrodynamic element is a set of members and includes four columns (such as columns122a,122b,122c, and122c) supporting a viaduct element. The four columns122a,122b,122c, and122crest on four grooves126, which are bored into the top of a base plate block132. The base plate block132has numerous feet134to rest on the seafloor. Besides the four columns122a,122b,122c, and122c, and the base plate block132, the hydrodynamic element also includes a nested machinery chamber118; rotor assemblies204a,204b; fins308a,308b,312a,312b; and platform/bearing assembly310,314,2600. In one embodiment, the hydrodynamic element includes mechanical, electrical, and electronic members to form a vertical axis hydraulic turbine for producing energy from ocean tides or river currents. Each hydrodynamic element is interconnected with other hydrodynamic element via latches to form the hydrodynamic array200(which is discussed hereinbelow).

Roadway spans101a,101binclude guardrails110a,110b,110c, and110dfor warding automobiles and people away from danger as they traverse the viaduct100. In one embodiment, each guardrail110a,110b,110c, and110dis a barrier made of suitable material, such as steel cables, placed along the edges of the roadway spans101a,101b, and the edges of the median span140a. Each roadway span101a,101bincludes a side drain136a, b, to allow precipitation on the roadway spans101a,101b, to withdraw. Each roadway span101a,101bincludes a manhole cover102allowing access through a manhole106for reaching a triangular cavity108for housing pipes and other conduits, such as cables, through the viaduct100.

Each roadway span101a,101bhouses a platform on which guardrails110b,110care mounted next to crane rails112a,112b, which are manufactured of raw steel forming a track for a wheeled vehicle that carries a crane for raising, shifting, or lowering members of the hydrodynamic element by means of a hoisting apparatus supported by the crane rails112a,112b. Adjacent to the crane rails112a,112bare equipment rails114a,114bfor forming tracks for wheeled vehicles to carry various machinery. The median span140ahouses a machinery chamber hatch116, which, upon removal, allows members of the hydrodynamic element to be raised, shifted, and lowered. Near the machinery chamber hatch116is a manhole cover104allowing access to ladders that lead to various spaces of the nested machinery chamber118. The median span140ais the top of the nested machinery chamber118.

Each column, such as columns122a,122b,122c, and122d, includes an upper shelf, such as upper shelves120a,120b,120c, and120d(to hold upper fins308a,308b), and a lower shelf, such as lower shelves124a,124b,124c, and124d(to hold lower fins312a,312b). The foot of each column is fitted into a groove126, which is housed by a base plate block132. Each base plate block rests on a sea floor via multiple feet134. Each base plate block is interconnected with another base plate block via latch termini128a,128b, to link hydrodynamic elements together to eventually form the hydrodynamic array200.

In one embodiment, an arrangement of a quartet of columns122a,122b,122c, and122d, each thickly made from reinforced marine concrete having an elliptical or other suitable cross-sectional shape, are supported by numerous feet134below a base plate block mounted on the seafloor. Such an arrangement forms a foundation for stabilizing the other members of the hydrodynamic element. In one embodiment, the quartet of columns122a,122b,122c, and122dguides the water flow through a vertical axis hydrofoil turbine so that additional power is obtained from the varying directions of the water flow across the turbine hydrofoils, and from one turbine duct to another. To facilitate this effect, the relationship of the turbine blades, one to the other, is synchronized. Each turbine turns in the opposite rotation direction to its neighboring turbine the latter of which is supported by another quartet of columns. This arrangement of columns eliminates or reduces interference effects between the turbine blades and the duct walls, which can cause torque fluctuations and possible fatigue of either the duct walls or the turbine blades, with eventual consequent loss of power or structural failure.

FIG. 2illustrates the viaduct100that extends across a waterway202to connect land bounds206a,206b, facilitating automobiles carrying passengers and vehicles carrying members of hydrodynamic elements to navigate across the waterway208. Fill dirt202provides support for the viaduct100to reach land bounds206a,206b. As discussed previously, the viaduct100comprises multiple roadway spans (such as roadway spans101a,101b) that are interconnected with multiple median spans (such as median span104a). Beneath the viaduct100is the hydrodynamic array200, of which the hydrodynamic elements are arranged among quartets of columns (such as columns122a,122b,122c, and122d) supporting a pair of roadway spans and a single median span. Each hydrodynamic element of the hydrodynamic array200comprises one or more rotor assemblies supported by the quartet of columns that sits upon a base plate block132configured to receive the motion of ocean tides or river currents acting against each hydrodynamic element to generate electricity. The quartet of columns serves as structural support for the top, center, and bottom platforms310,314, and2600that also house bearing assemblies, and in some embodiments, enhance the hydrofoil aspect ratio. As discussed before, the quartet of columns supports the nested machinery chamber118, which houses the journal and thrust bearings configured to mechanically couple to the rotor assemblies.

In one embodiment, the viaduct100crosses the waterway208with the hydrodynamic array200built from hydrodynamic elements that include single or double (stacked) rotor assemblies. In this embodiment, no onshore equipment or supporting infrastructure is needed. The porous structure of the hydrodynamic array200allows ocean tides or river currents to ebb after flowing. Silting is eliminated or reduced, and marine life can pass through unharmed. In this embodiment, pollution is inhibited as the submerged bearings are water lubricated. The heavy, high voltage power cables are suitably shielded against electromagnetic radiation to protect electronic equipment, vehicles, and maintenance personnel. The generators (housed by the generator chamber544) are air cooled. In the same embodiment, the nested machinery chamber118is air conditioned to prevent equipment overheating. The nested machinery chamber118may also be insulated and soundproofed to avoid disturbing local inhabitants and wildlife, which includes marine life.

FIG. 3illustrates the viaduct100being supported by columns, such as columns122a,122b,122c, and122d, that are members of a hydrodynamic element, one of many hydrodynamic elements comprising the hydrodynamic array200. As discussed previously, the viaduct100comprises roadway spans, such as roadway spans101a,101b. Each roadway span101a,101bis in parallel to each other and comprises safety walls316a,316bon which guardrails110a,110dare mounted and beneath which side drains136a,136bare bored to allow withdrawal of precipitation on the roadway spans101a,101b.

Each roadway span101a,101bhouses platforms on which the guardrails110b,110care mounted, the crane rails112a,112bare installed, and the equipment rails114a,114bare situated to form a track for wheeled vehicles to carry equipment to various locations along the median strip140. The machinery chamber hatch116allows access to the machinery in the nested machinery chamber118for maintenance and so on. The manhole cover104allows engineers and other personnel to access machinery in the nested machinery chamber118. Each roadway span101a,101bincludes a manhole cover102providing access to a manhole106to reach triangular cavity108where cables, among other things, are placed.

Each roadway span101a,101bincludes one or more feet318a,318bconfigured to rest transversely on top of the columns122a,122b, and one or more tenons. Tenons304b,304dproject from the bottom of the roadway spans110a,110bfor insertion into mortises304a,304cof the columns122a,122b. Projecting basipetally from the nested machinery chamber118is a torque drive shaft306that is coupled to an upper rotor assembly204aand a lower rotor assembly204b. The torque drive shaft306is also coaxially aligned with an upper platform/bearing assembly310and a center platform/bearing assembly314. Holding the upper platform/bearing assembly310rigidly into place among the quartet of columns are upper fins308a,308b. Similarly, lower fins312a,312brigidly maintain the center platform/bearing assembly314in place among the quartet of columns, which are placed on top of the base plate block132, which itself rests on multiple feet134on the sea floor130.

In one embodiment, the width of each member of the quartet of columns122a,122b,122c, and122d, as well as the height from the feet134to the nested machinery chamber118, help to eliminate or reduce water flow blockage. The height of the quartet of columns122a,122b,122c, and122dalso keeps the nested machinery chamber118above unusual wave heights, driven by violent weather patterns. Such an arrangement isolates the nested machinery chamber118, and inhibits or reduces capsizing forces due to unusual wave heights. Also in this embodiment, the floor of the nested machinery chamber118provides in essence an upper end plate effect for the rotor assemblies a few meters below low tide level to prevent cavitation of the hydrofoils. In one embodiment, the base plate block132, whose grooves form an egg-crate like structure, with feet134forming a web structure, are configured to further stabilize the hydrodynamic element. The web structure also prevents or reduces seawater from flowing under the base plate block.

To facilitate raising, shifting, and lowering members of the hydrodynamic element, each of the bearing support structures (such as the upper platform/bearing assembly310, the center platform/bearing assembly314, and the lower platform/bearing assembly2600) is engineered to have a configuration that incorporates a portion of the bearings through which the torque drive shaft is positioned. The orifices defined by these bearing support structures are larger than the torque drive shaft diameter. In addition, a bearing support structure that is lower than a bearing support structure above is suitably smaller than the one above it to allow raising, shifting, and lowering into place.

The nested machinery chamber118, as a member of the hydrodynamic element, is suitably manufactured from reinforced concrete elements. The nested machinery chamber118may be raised, shifted, or lowered through the machinery chamber hatch116using a suitable crane moved into position using the crane rails112a,112b. Suitably, the generator chamber housed by an upper machinery chamber514is removed first in a process of disassembling members of the hydrodynamic element. Next, the crane removes an upper machinery chamber514, followed by pieces of equipment housed by the lower machinery chamber516, the lower machinery chamber516itself, and the assemblies connected with the torque drive shaft306, such as the upper platform/bearing assembly310, the upper rotor assembly204a, the center platform/bearing assembly314, the lower rotor assembly204b, and the lower platform/bearing assembly2600. Each assembly is disassembled in turn as each is withdrawn and is subsequently moved by the crane to an equipment vehicle positioned on the equipment rails114a,114bfor transportation. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the process of assembling members of the hydrodynamic element occurs in a time reversal fashion to the sequence of events discussed above.

FIG. 4illustrates an interconnection between a roadway span (such as the roadway span101a) and a column (such as the column122a) in greater detail. As previously discussed, the roadway span101aincludes guardrails110a,110bto prevent an automobile from trespassing beyond the safety wall316aor veering into the median span140. On the roadway138ais a manhole cover102allowing access to the manhole106to reach the triangular cavity108, which is configured to carry power and communication cables, fresh water mains, and other non-flammable and non-explosive substances. The side drain136allows precipitation on the roadway138to withdraw. The median span140also includes crane rails112aas well as equipment rail114a.

A latitudinal latch terminus402allows the roadway span101ato mate and engage the median span140aso as to fasten to the median span140a. More specifically, the latitudinal latch terminus402of the roadway span101amates with the latitudinal match terminus508aof the nested machinery chamber118(the top of which is the median span140a). The foot318aprotruding from the roadway span101asits transversely on top of the column122a. Further, projected from the bottom of the roadway span101ais the tenon304bthat mates with the U-shaped mortise304aon top of the column122a. A ledge406is joined to the top of the column122avia a rectangular mortise404, which mates with the bottom of the nested machinery chamber118to securely support it.

FIG. 5illustrates the nested machinery chamber118. At its apex, the nested machinery chambers118are covered by a machinery chamber hatch116, which upon opening, allows access to the equipment inside. The sides of the nested machinery chamber118conclude with latitudinal latch termini508a,508b, which mate with corresponding latitudinal latch termini, such as the latitudinal latch terminus402of the roadway span101a, to structurally fasten the nested machinery chamber118into an opening defined by a quartet of columns, such as columns122a,122b,122c, and122d, underneath a pair of roadway spans101a,101b. A set of manhole covers104a,104b,104cprovide access to upper ladder506a, middle ladder506b, and lower ladder506c, each in turn allowing personnel to access the nested machinery chamber118. Near the lower manhole cover104cis a hatchway512giving access to one or more interconnected, nested machinery chambers118. A set of fireproof steel doors510,510b,510cmore specifically allow personnel to access and maintain pieces of equipment connected with a hydrodynamic element.

The nested machinery chambers118include an upper machinery chamber514and a lower machinery chamber516. The lower machinery chamber516has contoured reinforced ledges which mate with ledges on the upper machinery chamber514to secure the two chambers together. The upper machinery chamber514is accessible via the manhole cover104aand the ladder506a. The upper machinery chamber514houses a generator chamber544. With the opening of the machinery chamber hatch116, the generator chamber544can be placed inside the upper machinery chamber514via eye bolts538a,538b, which are used to hoist the generator chamber544slowly into the inside of the upper machinery chamber514. The top of the generator chamber544is lidded by a safety cover546. Mounted on top of the safety cover546is an exciter548, which is either a generator or a battery that supplies electric current used to produce a magnetic field in a synchronous generator502. The generator502converts mechanical energy received from a thrust bearing504to electrical energy.

The thrust bearing504is mechanically coupled to a gear box540via high-speed gear coupling542. The gear box540is used here for illustrative purposes in one embodiment. However, any suitable gearing or transmission may be used, such as a direct drive permanent magnet variable speed generator. Eye bolts538c,538dallow the gear box540to be hoisted to its position within the lower machinery chamber516. Lugs518a,518ballow a portion of the lower machinery chamber516to be hoisted into place inside the nested machinery chambers518. Coupled to the gear box540, which allows variable speed, is an epicyclic train536which comprises a series of moving mechanical parts that transmit and modify mechanical energy communicated by the gear box540to the thrust bearing504. Eye bolts538e,538fallow the epicyclic train536to be lowered into the lower machinery chamber516. The epicyclic train536is mechanically coupled to a torque shaft head524via a low-speed gear coupling534. A disk brake532regulates the velocity of the torque shaft head524by providing friction from a caliper pressing against the sides of the torque shaft head524. A neck528coaxially locates the torque shaft head via spherical roller thrust bearing530a,530b. Oil is provided to lubricate the spherical roller thrust bearing530a,530b. Oil seals522a,522bprevent leakage of the oil into a torque shaft cover526, hence protecting the torque shaft306. The neck528is fastened to the lower machinery chamber516via bolts520a,520b. The remaining portion of the lower machinery chamber516is hoisted into place via lugs518c,518d.

In one embodiment, the nested machinery chamber118is fabricated using a suitable material. One suitable material includes reinforced marine concrete. Another suitable material includes a corrosion-resistant metal. The generator chamber544is fabricated using a suitable material. One suitable material includes heavily reinforced concrete. The generator chamber544with upper and lower support ledges is nested securely in the upper machinery chamber514. The generator chamber544suitably is formed as a cylindrical structure, which functions as a containment vessel in the event that the generator502should fail, such as from a structural failure or from being sped errantly to cause disintegration. The top of the generator chamber544protects the generator502from debris or tools and so on.

For oil-lubricated spherical roller thrust bearings530a,530b, the oil is supplied from an adjacent pressurized lubrication tank (not shown), which has provisions for cooling, circulating, and pumping out the oil prior to removing the torque shaft spline drive. The lubrication system also provides oil to the torque shaft at the junction of the upper rotor assembly and the lower rotor assembly. The lubrication system is integrated with other systems for pumping, cooling, conditioning, and detecting contaminants, as well as salt water removal, overheating and level alarms.

FIG. 6is a cross-sectional view of the hydrodynamic array200taken below the upper platform/bearing assembly310. Two members of the quartet of columns are in parallel to the other two remaining members of the quartet of columns. For example, columns122a,122bare in parallel position with respect to columns122c,122d. Cross sections of the four columns,122a,122b,122c, and122d, are illustrated. A set of lower fins312a,312brests on the shelves of the columns122a,122b,122c, and122d. More specifically, the lower fin312ais secured between columns122a,122c. The lower fin312bis secured between columns122b,122d. Also illustrated is a rotor assembly204a. Suitably, other rotor assemblies adjacent to the rotor assembly204aturn in an opposing direction from the direction of the rotor assembly204a.

FIG. 7is a cross-sectional view of the hydrodynamic array200taken below the center platform/bearing assembly314. Two members of the quartet of columns are in parallel to the other two remaining members of the quartet of columns. For example, columns122a,122bare in parallel position with respect to columns122c,122d. Cross sections of the four columns,122a,122b,122c, and122d, are illustrated. Grooves126a,126b,126c, and126dhouse the feet of the columns122a,122b,122c, and122d. Also illustrated are T-shaped latch members702. The lower rotor assembly204bis shown 45 degrees out of phase with the adjacent rotor assemblies on top of the T-shaped latch members702to illustrate the opposing direction that the lower rotor assembly204bturns with respect to its adjacent neighboring lower rotor assemblies.

FIG. 8illustrates a cross-sectional, side view of the upper platform/bearing assembly310. A torque shaft306is coaxially aligned with the upper platform/bearing assembly310. A torque shaft cover802includes lifting lugs that allow the upper platform/bearing assembly310to be raised, shifted, or lowered into position against the ledges of the upper fins308a,308b. Surrounding the torque shaft306is a bearing cylinder806, which is axially aligned with stave bearing elements804. The bearing cylinder806is mechanically coupled to a shaft segment808via a C-shaped clamp810.

In one embodiment, the bearing assembly portion of the upper platform/bearing assembly310is formed from a thick-walled cylinder with disc and ribs that are embedded in the upper platform/bearing assembly310. The interiors of the cylinders are machined to support stave bearing elements804, suitably made from heavy-duty composite water-lubricated structures. Suitably, the stave bearing elements are kept from overheating although they can function under extreme abuse, such as with high fluctuating loads, grit and other contaminants, misalignment and water flow blockage. It is suitable to circulate seawater through the stave bearing elements804to reduce overheating. Water circulation is facilitated by the upper and lower rotor assemblies204a,204bas they draw seawater up between the stave bearing elements804and expel the seawater through the exhaust holes (not shown) in the torque shaft cover802. Since warm seawater tends to rise from heating of the stave bearing elements804, this assists in the circulation of the seawater through the spaces among the stave bearing elements804.

FIGS. 9,10, and11illustrate an exemplary upper fin, whose implementation includes the pair of upper fins308a,308b, which are secured to the shelves120a,120b,120c, and120dof quartet of columns122a,122b,122c, and122d. The upper fin308aincludes a distal end1008and a proximal end1010. At the proximal end1010, a knob1004protrudes and forms a ledge1006at the terminus of the upper fin308a. A number of holes1002accommodate bolts that secure the upper fin onto the shelves120a,120b,120c, and120dof the columns122a,122b,122c, and122d.

In one embodiment, the upper fins are used in pairs. The pair of upper fins helps to eliminate or reduce cavitation and wave diversion. Suitably, each upper fin is formed from reinforced concrete. Each upper fin is attached to each side of two members of the quartet of columns by bolts, suitably at a corrosion-resistant angle. The pair of upper fins (such as the pair of upper fins308a,308b) maintains separation of the quartet of columns and stabilizes its alignment as well as supports the upper platform/bearing assembly310. The pair of upper fins has upward curving distal ends1008to guide the flow of ocean tides or river current under the upper fins to a depth that eliminates or reduces cavitation while providing ventilation of the upper/lower rotor assemblies. The height of the distal end1008is such that normal ocean tides and river currents are directed through the upper/lower rotor assemblies, while waves driven by violent weather patterns pass above the upper fins (in combination with the upper platform/bearing assembly310) and the bottom of the nested machinery chamber118.

FIGS. 12 and 13illustrate a plan view of a stage of a rotor assembly, such as the upper rotor assembly204aor the lower rotor assembly204b. A stage of the rotor assembly comprises four blades,1420a,1420b,1420c, and1420d, that are coupled to a ring clamp1202via blade support arms1408a,1408b,1408c, and1408d. Each rotor assembly comprises multiple stages interconnected with each other through one or more shaft segments. Suitably a rotor assembly has four stages, but any number of stages are possible. The rotor assembly (upper/lower rotor assemblies204a,204b) is an active element in the hydrodynamic element, capturing ocean tidal energy or river current energy by the blades1420a,1420b,1420c, and1420d. The blades (or foils)1420a,1420b,1420c, and1420dproduce significant lift. The mechanical energy in the lift is communicated to the drive shaft as torque through the blade support arms. And this mechanical energy is further communicated and relayed by various members of the hydrodynamic element to drive the generator502through the gearbox540.

FIG. 14illustrates a portion of the rotor assembly, such as the upper rotor assembly204a, in greater detail. Shaft segments1402,1404are coupled together via a C-shaped terminus1406of a blade support arm1408. The C-shaped terminus1406is fastened via one or more bolts1416piercing through the pre-bored holes in the ring clamp1202. One or more alignment bolts1412situate the shaft segment1402with the shaft segment1404. One or more seals1410provide a tight closure to inhibit fluids from entering the shaft segments1402,1404. At the distal end of the blade support arm1408, one or more blades1420is coupled via one or more bolts1418.

FIG. 15illustrates a cross-sectional view of the center platform/bearing assembly314in greater detail. The torque shaft306coaxially locates with respect to the center platform/bearing assembly314. A rotor lift cover1502includes lugs for allowing the center platform/bearing assembly314to be raised, shifted, or lowered, and mates with the ledge termini of a pair of lower fins312a,312b. A bearing cylinder1506is coupled to a shaft segment1510via a C-shaped clamp1508. The bearing cylinder1506engages with stave bearing elements1504. The center platform/bearing assembly314is suitably formed from a circular shape, which is configured to allow the center platform/bearing assembly314to pass through the opening provided by the pair of upper fins308a,308b. The center platform/bearing assembly314has tapered ledge termini to mate with the lower fins312a,312b, so as to allow the lower fins312a,312bto carry the weight of the center platform/bearing assembly314and the lower rotor assembly204b.

In one embodiment, the bearing assembly portion of the center platform/bearing assembly314is formed from a thick-walled cylinder with disc and ribs that are embedded in the center platform/bearing assembly314. The interiors of the cylinders are machined to support stave bearing elements1504, suitably made from heavy-duty composite water-lubricated structures. Suitably, the stave bearing elements are kept from overheating although they can function under extreme abuse, such as with high fluctuating loads, grit and other contaminants, misalignment, and water flow blockage. It is suitable to circulate seawater through the stave bearing elements1504to reduce overheating. Water circulation is facilitated by the upper and lower rotor assemblies204a,204bas they draw seawater up between the stave bearing elements1504and expel the seawater through the exhaust holes (not shown) in the torque shaft cover1502. Since warm seawater tends to rise from heating of the stave bearing elements1504, this assists in the circulation of the seawater through the spaces among the stave bearing elements1504.

FIGS. 16-18illustrate the lower fins, such as the lower fins312a,312b, in greater detail. The lower fin includes a distal end1704and a proximal end1702that terminate in an arc and bifurcated to form a ledge terminus1706. A number of holes1708accommodate bolts to fasten the lower fin to the lower shelves124a,124b,124c, and124d, of the columns122a,122b,122c, and122d.

In one embodiment, the lower fins are used in pairs. The pair of lower fins helps to eliminate or reduce cavitation and wave diversion. Suitably, each lower fin is formed from reinforced concrete. Each lower fin is attached to each side of two members of the quartet of columns by bolts, suitably at a corrosion-resistant angle. The pair of lower fins (such as the pair of lower fins312a,312b) maintains separation of the quartet of columns and stabilizes its alignment as well as supports the lower platform/bearing assembly314. The pair of lower fins have a horizontal orientation to function as end plates for the rotor assemblies and guide the flow of ocean tides or river current toward the rotor assemblies.

FIG. 19illustrates a side view of a column, such as the column122a. The top of the column122aincludes a U-shaped mortise304bthat mates with a tenon304aprotruding from a roadway span, such as the roadway span101a. The column122aincludes a ledge406, which is interposed by a rectangular mortise404. The ledge406together with the rectangular mortise404of the column122a, as well as three remaining members of the quartet of columns mounted on a base plate block, support a nested machinery chamber118. A shelf120aallows an upper fin to be secured to support the upper platform/bearing assembly310. Another shelf124aprovides support for the lower fins312a,312b. The column122aincludes a foot1902that fits in a groove on the base plate block.

Suitably the foot1902is grouped and bolted into a groove on the base plate block. As previously illustrated, the cross section of the columns reveals a streamlined shape depicted illustratively as an ellipse, but any suitable cross-sectional shapes can be used. One suitable cross-sectional shape includes a symmetric airfoil with trailing edge toward the center. Another suitable cross-sectional shape includes a rectangle with rounded ends. The upper portion of the column122ais configured to support and latch in place the nested machinery chamber118and a roadway span. The cross section of the column122aas illustrated previously reveals, in one embodiment, heavy wall construction of reinforced concrete and integral spars creating three spaces which can be filled with aggregate or sand.

FIG. 20illustrates a cross-sectional, side view of a portion of the viaduct100and the columns. More specifically, the portion of the viaduct100illustrated here includes the roadway span101a, on top of which is a guardrail110a. The roadway span101ais interconnected with other roadway spans by mating mechanical members, such as a longitudinal male latch terminus2002aor a void that defines a longitudinal female latch terminus2002b, all configured to engage to fasten to each other. The roadway span101ais further configured to include feet2204a,2204bwhich rest on top of the columns122a,122c.

FIGS. 21,22illustrate base plate blocks132and their interrelationship in greater detail. Each base plate block132includes a number of feet134that rest on the seafloor. An I-shaped beam130provides further support to the base plate blocks132with the seafloor. The top of each base plate block132includes four grooves126, each groove126housing a foot of a column, such as columns122a,122b,122c, and122d. At the center of the base plate block132is a bore2104that accommodates a bottom platform/bearing assembly2600. On either side of the base plate block132are latch termini128configured to abut with the latch termini of adjacent base plate blocks132. A T-shaped latch member702engages the latch termini128of adjacent base plate blocks132to mate and bring adjacent blocks132into mutual fastening. On top, at the center of the T-shaped latch member, is a bore2102that preferably shares similar dimensions of the bore2104to accommodate the bottom platform/bearing assembly2600.

The columns and the base plate blocks of various embodiments of the present subject matter provide permutations to support a stable installation of seabed support structures depending on the type of bottom composition, depth of the water, size of the largest waves of the locality, type of supported local construction, seismic activity, rotor drag for the hydrodynamic array, and topside loading if road or rail traffic is involved. In one embodiment, a base plate block supports a quartet of columns whose center houses the upper platform/bearing assembly, the center platform/bearing assembly, and the bottom platform/bearing assembly.

FIG. 23illustrates a partially exploded, isometric view of the interrelationship between the columns and the base plate blocks132. Each base plate block132is mutually fastened to an adjacent base plate block132via one or more T-shaped latch members702. Each base plate block132includes four grooves126, each groove housing a foot of a column.FIG. 24illustrates an assembled, isometric view of the interrelationship between the columns122and the base plate blocks132.

FIG. 25illustrates a side view of the viaduct and its interrelationship with the hydrodynamic array. The viaduct100is shown to include multiple roadway spans101that are interconnected with one another while resting on top of columns122. Between each column122, from a side view, are the nested machinery chambers118. Protruding below each nested machinery chamber118is the torque drive shaft306that is partially hidden by the upper fins308. Below the upper fins308are one or more upper rotor assemblies204a. Interposed between the upper rotor assemblies204aand the lower rotor assemblies204bare one or more lower fins312. The lower rotor assemblies204band the columns122rest upon one or more base plate blocks132.

FIG. 26illustrates a cross-sectional, side view of the bottom platform/bearing assemblies2600. A shaft segment2602is coupled to a bearing cylinder2606via a C-shaped clamp2604. The bearing cylinder2606is retained to the bottom platform/bearing assemblies2600by a cover plate2610that holds down the bearing cylinder2606. The bearing cylinder2606engages the bottom platform/bearing assemblies by stave bearings2608.

In one embodiment, the bearing assembly portion of the lower platform/bearing assembly2600is formed from a thick-walled cylinder with disc and ribs that are embedded in the lower platform/bearing assembly2600. The interiors of the cylinders are machined to support stave bearing elements2608, suitably made from heavy-duty composite water-lubricated structures. Suitably, the stave bearing elements are kept from overheating although they can function under extreme abuse, such as from high fluctuating loads, grit and other contaminants, misalignment, and water flow blockage. It is suitable to circulate seawater through the stave bearing elements2608to reduce overheating.