Patent Publication Number: US-2007120371-A1

Title: Current power generator

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to alternative energy generation sources, and in particular to a current power generator.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      As the demand for energy increases in both the developed and developing world, mankind turns to new and alternative sources of generating power. For example, geothermal, wind, solar, and hydroelectric sources are widely explored to help assuage the ever increasing demand for energy. To address this need, a variety of energy generating devices have been introduced.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 6,531,788 discloses a submersible generating plant for producing electricity from ocean currents. The apparatus consists of two counter-rotating, rear-facing turbines with a plurality of rotor blades extending radially outward from two separate horizontal axis that convey the kinetic energy from the two side-by-side turbine rotors through separate gearboxes to separate generators that are housed in two watertight nacelles that are located sufficiently far apart to provide clearance for the turbine rotors. The two generators and their gearboxes serve as ballast and are located below a streamlined buoyancy tank that extends fore and aft above and between them. A leverage system having no moving parts adjusts lifting forces to balance changing downward vector forces that result from changes in drag acting on the downward angled anchor line.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 4,717,831 discloses an ocean and river water power generator having a plurality of water wheel power generators. Said water wheel power generator includes a common concrete base, a water wheel having a main shaft thereof and a plurality of water wheel impellers fixedly and radially attached to said main shaft for transforming potential energy of water in the ocean or a river to rotational energy thereof, a speed-up gear means having an input shaft thereof connected with one end of said main shaft for increasing the number of RPM of the main shaft for increasing said rotational energy.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 4,551,066 discloses a water wheel for operating fully submerged in an ocean current has a rotating frame member supported on the ocean floor for rotation about a vertical axis. The frame member supports a plurality of vertically extending vanes, each vane being rotatably supported on the frame for limited rotation about a vertical axis. It has a hydrofoil shape in cross-section with the axis of rotation parallel to the leading and trailing edges. Rotation of the vanes is limited relative to the frame by a hydraulic piston control system and shock absorbers.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 4,520,273 discloses a rotor generator including an elongated generally cylindrically shaped mework. An elongated rotor is longitudinally aligned within the framework and is rotatably mounted therein. The rotor has a plurality of curved blades which are capable of causing rotation of the rotor when there is fluid flow, such as water or air current. The rotor has a magnetic characteristic which may be provided by attaching magnets to the rotor blades or magnetizing the blades themselves. A plurality of wires are mounted on the framework about the rotor so that when the rotor is rotated electrical current is induced in the wires. Apparatus is provided for collecting the induced electrical current so that the electrical current can be provided for power purposes, such as charging a battery. With this arrangement the rotor generator can be placed on the bottom of the ocean where there is current flow, and utilized for charging a battery which may in turn power oceanographic equipment.  
      U.S. Patent Application No. 20040061338 is directed towards a reciprocating generator rigidly attached to the underside of an ocean buoy and creates electric power from the surface ocean swells. The generator coil maintains a stable position beneath the ocean surface while the magnetic field housing reciprocates with the vertical motion of the buoy in response to interaction with swell and waves on the surface of the ocean. Damping plates attached to the generator coil inhibit the motion of the generator coil, thus keeping it in a stable position relative to the motion of the magnetic housing. The magnetic housing focuses the magnetic field through the generator coil and the relative motion between the magnetic housing and generator coil creates an electromotive force in the coil. The design of the generator provides a uniform field of single magnetic orientation throughout the entire stroke of the generator. Permanent magnets and electromagnet windings create and enhance the magnetic field of the reciprocating generator.  
      Canada Patent No. 2,160,756 is directed towards an Ocean Current Power Generator. The abstract for this document was not provided by the issuing authority at the time it was entered into the ICO patent database. Also the image (PDF) file was not available for this document.  
      U.S. Patent Application No. 20040103658 is directed towards a system for conversion of wave energy in a body of a fluid using electromagnetic coupling (by moving a magnetic device inside a coil, or a coil inside magnetic field) driven by the linear motion due to either a buoy on a liquid or a linear movement induced by any mechanical means driven by a fluid, including: (a) a stationary support element mounted to the floor or to the floor of the body of the fluid in the form of a magnet or a coil; (b) a moving or buoyancy apparatus, for liquid fluids, including a buoy portion having formed therewith wave energy collection apparatus in the form of a floating device containing a magnet, or a coil; (c) coupling apparatus for connecting the moving or buoyancy apparatus to the stationary support element so as to be pivotal in a generally vertical plane with respect to the stationary support element; (d) at least a set a cables to allow for the flow of the electric current to a control/regulator/storage device, correspondingly, the piston apparatus being guided by a stationary support, in association with a predetermined element operative to move in response to movement of the moving or buoyancy apparatus, or running fluid such as air or running water.  
      There is a need, however, for an ocean current power generator that can align itself with the ocean current by having the ability to rotate 360 degrees and to pivot in a plurality of directions. None of the above identified devices disclose such a device. It would therefore be beneficial if a current power generator existed that could be utilized to convert the energy of ocean waves into electrical energy for consumption.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a current power generator that can generate energy from ocean currents.  
      It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a current power generator to generate energy from ocean currents that is mounted to a support frame on the seabed.  
      It is yet a further aspect of the present invention to provide a current power generator that has additional alternative sources of energy generation.  
      In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a novel current power generator is provided. The novel current power generator includes a support frame; a generator mounted to the support frame; a rotatable shaft, operatively connected to the generator such that when the shaft rotates, the generator generates electricity; a plurality of blades mounted to the shaft, capable of rotation in response to water current; and a power cable, in electrical communication with the generator.  
      In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a novel current power generator is provided. The novel current power generator includes a floating support frame; a generator mounted to the floating support frame; a rotatable shaft, operatively connected to the generator such that when the shaft rotates, the generator generates electricity; a plurality of blades mounted to the shaft, capable of rotation in response to water current; a mooring anchor, mounted to the seabed; a mooring line, having a first and second end, wherein the first end of the mooring line is attached to the floating support frame and the second end of the mooring line is attached to the mooring anchor; and a power cable, in electrical communication with the generator.  
      In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a novel current power generator including alternative energy generating sources is provided. The novel current power generator includes a support frame, comprising vertical frame members having a first end mounted in the seabed, and proceeding upward therefrom to a second end, and horizontal frame members mounted generally centrally along the vertical frame members; a plurality of generators mounted to the horizontal support members; a rotatable shaft, operatively connected to each generator such that when the shaft rotates, the generator generates electricity; a plurality of blades mounted to the shaft, capable of rotation in response to water current; a plurality of wave generators mounted to the top of the horizontal frame members; a surface platform mounted at the second end of the vertical support members; an alternative energy generator mounted upon the surface platform; and a power cable, in electrical communication with the generators, the alternative energy generator, and the wave generators.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be better understood when read with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a current wave generator in accordance with the present invention.  
       FIG. 2   a  is a right side elevation of a current wave generator in accordance with the present invention.  
       FIGS. 2   b - 2   f  are top plan views of a current wave generator shown in various configurations responding to current flow.  
       FIG. 3  is a front elevation view of a current wave generator in accordance with the present invention.  
       FIG. 4   a  is a front elevation view of a current wave generator having two rows.  
       FIG. 4   b  is an expanded detail view of a current generator as depicted in  FIG. 4   a    
       FIG. 5  is a partial side elevation of the current generator of  FIG. 4   a  along the lines  5 - 5 .  
       FIG. 6  is an alternative embodiment of a floating current generator in accordance with the present invention.  
       FIG. 7   a  is a perspective view of a weathervaning current generator in accordance with the present invention.  
       FIG. 7   b  is a side elevation view of the weathervaning current generator of  FIG. 7   a  along the lines  7   b - 7   b.    
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a current generator with wave generators.  
       FIG. 9   a  is a front elevation view of an alternative embodiment of current generator having a surface portion and submerged portion, in accordance with the present invention.  
       FIG. 9   b  is a right side elevation view of the current generator of  FIG. 9   a  along the lines  9   b - 9   b.    
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
      Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the same components across the several views and in particular to  FIG. 1 , a current power generator  10  is shown. The current power generator  10  includes a support frame  11  and a plurality of current generators  20 .  
      The support frame  11  includes horizontal support members  12  and vertical support members  13 . The vertical support members  13  are mounted at a first end to the seabed S and extend generally upward from the seabed S to a second end. Mounted proximate to the second end of the vertical support members  13  are the horizontal support members  12 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the horizontal support members  12  are mounted generally perpendicularly to the vertical support members  13 , however, the horizontal support members  12  may be attached in any way known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the support frame  10  is beneath the surface line W.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 2   a - 2   f , the current generator  20  will now be described. The current generator  20  includes a plurality of blades  21  mounted to a shaft  22 . A generator  23  is disposed upon the shaft for generating electricity when the shaft  22  rotates. An extension shaft  28  is mounted to the generator  23  and proceeds generally perpendicularly outward therethrough The extension shaft  28  is attached to the horizontal support frame  12 . Disposed on the extension shaft  28  proximate the horizontal support frame  12  are electrical contactors  25 . The electrical contactors  25  are electrically connected to the power cables  60  to transfer the electricity generated by the generators  23  to a power grid (not shown). The generator  23  is pivotally mounted to the extension shaft  28  so as to allow the generator  23  to pivot about its axis in the direction of the arc A, or in the opposite direction to arc A. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of blades  21  respond to current flow F in order to align with the current flow F, similar to a weathervane. As the plurality of blades  21  weathervane to align with the current flow F, the shaft  22  causes the generator  23  to pivot about its axis. Furthermore, the current flow F causes the plurality of blades  21  to rotate the shaft  22 , which in turn operates the generator  23  to generate electricity.  
      As shown in  FIG. 3 , the support frame  11  can include only one vertical support member  13  and two horizontal support members  12 . Referring now to  FIGS. 4   a ,  4   b , and  5 , the current power generator  10  can be seen in more detail. The plurality of blades  21  comprise a wide portion  38  and a narrow portion  39 . The narrow portion  39  is mounted to the shaft  22  and proceeds perpendicularly outward therefrom. The wide portion  38  is mounted at the distal end of the narrow portion  39  and responds to the ocean currents.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an alternative embodiment of a current power generator  100  is depicted. The current power generator  100  includes a floating support frame  111  and a plurality of current generators  120  mounted to the floating support frame  111 . The current generators  120  are substantially structurally similar to, and operate substantially similarly to the current generators  20 . The floating support frame  111  includes vertical support members  113  and horizontal support members  112 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the horizontal support members  112  are mounted generally perpendicularly to the vertical support members  113 , however, the horizontal support members  112  may be attached in any way known to one of ordinary skill in the art. A mooring line  130  is attached to the bottom of the vertical support member  113  at one end and to a mooring anchor  140  at the other end of the mooring line  130 . In this fashion, the floating support frame  111  is anchored to the seabed S via the mooring line  130 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a mooring line  130  is attached to the bottom of each vertical support member  113  as depicted in  FIG. 6 , however, any number of mooring lines  130  known to one of ordinary skill in the art may be used. Power cables (not shown) may be attached to the current power generator  100  using any means known to one of ordinary skill in the art.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b , an alternative embodiment of a current power generator  200  is depicted. The current power generator  200  includes a support frame  211 , which is comprised of a vertical support member  213 , horizontal support members  212 , and collars  214 . The collar  214  is rotatably attached to the vertical support member  213 , and the horizontal support members  212  are fixedly attached to the collars  214 , such that the horizontal support members  212  can pivot about the axis of the vertical support member  213  at the collars  214  in response to water current flow. Current generators  220  are mounted to the horizontal support members  212  for generating electricity. The current generators  220  are substantially structurally similar to, and operate substantially similarly to the current generators  20 . Power cables (not shown) can be electrically connected to the current generators  220  to transfer the electrical energy from the current generators  220  for consumption, for example, via a power grid (not shown).  
      Referring now to  FIG. 8 , an alternative embodiment of a current power generator  300  is shown. The current power generator  300  includes a support frame  311 , which is comprised of vertical support members  313  mounted to the seabed S, and horizontal support members  312 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the horizontal support members  312  are mounted generally perpendicularly to the vertical support members  313 , however, the horizontal support members  312  may be attached in any way known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Current generators  320  are mounted to the horizontal support members  312  to generate electricity from water current. The current generators  320  are substantially structurally similar to, and operate substantially similarly to the current generators  20 . Wave generators  330  can be mounted on the top of the topmost horizontal support members  312 . The wave generators  330  include a floating buoy which generates electricity as an ocean wave rises and falls. Power cables (not shown) can be electrically connected to the current generators  320 , and to the wave generators  330  to transfer the electrical energy from the current generators  320  and the wave generators  330  for consumption, for example, via a power grid (not shown). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wave generators  330  generate electricity independent of the current generators  320 , however, the wave generators  330  can be operatively connected to the current generators  320 .  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b , another alternative embodiment of a current power generator  400  is depicted. The current power generator  400  includes a support frame  411  having vertical support members  413  mounted to the seabed S and proceeding upward therefrom through the surface of the water, and horizontal support members  412  mounted to the vertical support members  413 . Current generators  420  are mounted to the horizontal support members  412  to generate electricity in response to water current flow. The current generators  420  operate in substantially the same fashion as the current generators  20 . Wave generators  430  are mounted to the topmost horizontal support members  412  and are substantially structurally similar to, and operate substantially similarly to the wave generators  330 .  
      Mounted above the surface of the water on the vertical support members  413  is a surface platform  460 . An alternative energy generator  440  is mounted on the surface platform  440  to alternatively generate electricity. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the alternative energy generator  440  is a wind powered generator and includes a windmill  441  connected to a shaft  442 , which turns a generator (not shown) when the windmill  441  turns in response to air current flow. A control house  450  is located on the surface platform and can house a control room, switchgear, transformers, accommodations, and heliport. A support brace  415  can provide additional stability to the surface platform  460 . The support brace  415  is mounted to the seabed S at one end and proceeds angularly upward to an attachment point on the surface platform  460 . Power cables (not shown) can be electrically connected to any combination of the current generators  420 , the wave generators  430 , or the alternative energy generator  440 . For example, the current generators  420 , wave generators  430 , and the alternative energy generator  440  can generate power independently of one another or in any combination with one another to be transferred via the power cables for consumption.  
      In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a typical wave generator includes a buoy, an anchor cable, a generator, and a pulley  
      The buoy floats on the surface of the ocean and rises and falls as the waves rise and fall. The anchor cable is connected to the underside of the buoy at a first end. A second end is connected to the pulley, which is mounted on the generator.  
      The generator includes an outer case and an inner chamber. The inner chamber of the generator houses a rotor which turns to generate electricity. The rotor is connected to a shaft. Disposed at one end of the shaft is the pulley. The second end of the anchor cable is wrapped around the pulley. As the buoy rises and falls, the anchor cable rotates the pulley, and the shaft, which in turn rotates the rotor within a stator, thereby generating electricity.  
      The operation of the pulley is more fully described as follows. The pulley is mounted on the shaft such that when the pulley rotates in a first direction, the pulley rotates the shaft, and thereby rotates the rotor. When the pulley rotates in a second, and opposite direction of rotation from the first direction, the pulley rotates freely about the shaft, without turning the shaft in the second direction. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pulley rotates in the first direction during the rising of the buoy during an ocean wave crest, which pulls the anchor cable in an upward direction. As the buoy falls during an ocean wave trough, a coil spring winds the second end of the anchor cable back around the pulley preparing it for the next pull.  
      A flywheel can be mounted inside the case and to the shaft continues to rotate the rotor during the ocean wave troughs. In this manner, the rotor is able to rotate during both ocean wave crests and troughs, and thereby generate a more constant power output. The case in a preferred embodiment is sealed to avoid corrosion and degradation of the components within the chamber, and is filled with an inert gas such as nitrogen.  
      In view of the foregoing disclosure, some advantages of the present invention can be seen. For example, a novel current power generator is provided. The novel current power generator can generate electricity by responding to water current flow. It can be connected to the power grid to alleviate the ever increasing need for power while generating it cleanly.  
      While the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described and illustrated, modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the current generators are capable of responding to water current flow in differing directions by weathervaning, however, any method known to one of ordinary skill in the art may be used to align the current generators with the water current flow. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the generators can be attached to the power grid for consumption. Any means known to one of ordinary skill in the art may be used to synch the generators with the power grid. Any material known to one of ordinary skill in the art may be utilized to form the support frames and the current and wave generators, such as rust resistant metal and the like.