Abstract:
A generator can convert the energy from subsurface currents or undertow into electricity. The generator has a submergible electrical coil adapted to allow water propelled by subsurface currents to enter and flow axially through the coil. The electrical coil is supported above a sea floor in substantial alignment with the subsurface currents. A magnetic shuttle is mounted to longitudinally reciprocate in the coil, driven by water flowing through the coil. Additionally, a plurality of electrical coils can be submerged above a sea floor. Magnetic shuttles are placed separately into a corresponding one of the coils to longitudinally reciprocate, driven by water flowing through the coils.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to converting subsurface currents into electricity and, in particular, to conversion using a coil and magnetic element. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     It is the experience of many who have gone to the seashore and stood in the water perhaps 10-50 yards from the water&#39;s edge that there is an extremely powerful alternating inflow and outflow of water 1-5 feet beneath the surface. This ebb and flow of water occurs about 4 times per minute and has tremendous kinetic energy. 
     In the past 50 years a number of different devices have been designed to try to harness the kinetic energy of moving ocean water in usable ways. 
     Tidal 
     Some energy conversion devices have relied on positioning at flood plains, such as those at the Bay of Fundy on the eastern coast of Canada or St. Malo on the Brittany Coast in France (across the La Rance Estuary). In these locations, there is a powerful inflow of water for a period of perhaps a few hours followed by a similar outflow of water for a similar period of time (“the tide comes in” and “the tide goes out”) each twice daily. Machinery at these locations requires huge capital investments, dam constructions, and other unsightly changes to the natural beauty of the sea. 
     Current 
     Some energy conversion devices have relied on positioning at the mouth of rivers or in the path of well-known ocean currents (really “current” generators erroneously called “tidal” generators) to supply a steady one-way directional source of moving water to turn turbines and other devices that then generate electricity. 
     These first two types of devices generally employ underwater propeller-like turbine wheels of various kinds to either generate electricity directly, or to mechanically transfer the turbine motion to a surface generator, or to run a pump to elevate water and thereby allow it to be used at some future time in a way similar to the generation of electricity at a hydroelectric dam. 
     Wave 
     Recently, instead of turbines, snake-like devices have been designed that feature multiple hinges (See New York Times Aug. 3, 2006, Pages C1 and C4) to allow the water to “whip” the device as it floats on the ocean&#39;s surface. These devices are not located to take advantage of subsurface back and forth motion of water, but rather are positioned as floating machinery miles off shore. They are surface wave devices. The motion at the joints of the device is harnessed to power small electric motors. Current designs of this device ride on the surface of the ocean where they are visible; not below the surface. These snake-like devices must be anchored to the ocean floor to work efficiently and to prevent them from drifting into land and being damaged. They are very confined mechanical devices that will eventually undergo fatigue and break. 
     Other wave energy conversion devices depend on buoys that contain magnets and float on the ocean surface within vertical cylindrical canisters that are in turn wrapped with copper wire. A linear electric generator is effectively created generating electricity by the action of fluctuating magnetic fields within the coil of copper wire. These are also wave machines that are positioned out to sea and do not take advantage of the subsurface back and forth motion of water. This method relies upon the “choppiness” of the surface water to operate efficiently; if the ocean is “calm”, only small amounts of electricity are generated. 
     Geothermal 
     Geothermal devices are used to harness the energy of underwater volcanoes and pipes driven deep into the ocean floor. These devices convert thermal energy and not mechanical energy into electricity. 
     Energy conversion patents include U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,439,984; 3,696,251; 4,291,234; 4,843,249; 4,864,152; 5,105,094; 5,440,176; 6,020,653; 6,729,744; 6,955,049; 7,012,340; and 7,042,112. See also www.aw-energy.com (unknown publication date) and “Permanent magnet fixation concepts for linear generator” by Oskar Danielsonn, et. al. Uppsala University, UPPSALA (unknown publication date). 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the illustrative embodiments demonstrating features and advantages of the present invention, there is provided a generator for converting into electricity the energy from subsurface currents having horizontally moving components. The generator has a submergible electrical coil adapted to allow subsurface currents to enter and flow axially through the coil. Also included is a support adapted to engage a sea floor and to support and orient the electrical coil to allow horizontal components of subsurface currents to produce an axial flow through the coil. The generator also includes a magnetic shuttle mounted to longitudinally reciprocate in the coil, driven by water flowing through the coil. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method is provided that employs a magnetic shuttle and an electrical coil for converting into electricity the energy from subsurface currents having horizontally moving components. The method includes the step of submerging the electrical coil above a sea floor to allow horizontal components of subsurface currents to produce an axial flow through the coil. The method includes the step of placing the magnetic shuttle in the coil to longitudinally reciprocate, driven by water flowing through the coil. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a method is provided that employs a plurality of magnetic shuttles and a parallel plurality of electrical coils. The method can convert into electricity the energy from subsurface currents having horizontally moving components. The method includes the step of submerging the electrical coils above a sea floor to allow horizontal components of subsurface currents to produce an axial flow through the coils. Another step is allowing subsurface currents to enter and flow axially through the coils. The method includes the step of placing the magnetic shuttles separately into a corresponding one of the coils to longitudinally reciprocate, driven by water flowing through the coils. 
     By employing apparatus and methods of the foregoing type, an improved generator and method of generating electricity is achieved. In a disclosed embodiment the interior of a hollow plastic shuttle is fitted with a number of longitudinally oriented magnets. A plurality of parallel guide rods surround the shuttle and fit into longitudinal grooves on its outside. These guide rods are supported by a plurality of longitudinally spaced collars mounted in a frame. 
     Encircling the guide rods between the collars are a number of aligned iron or stainless steel sleeves. Electrical coils are wound around the outside of each of the sleeves and connected in series to form a linear generator. Specifically, subsurface water currents drive the shuttle and its magnets through the electrical coils to induce a voltage. The polarity of the voltage alternates and can be rectified by a full wave bridge located onshore. 
     In one embodiment this series of electrical coils forms an electrical generator located in one column of a rectangular support frame that also supports a number of identical parallel generators located in adjacent columns. This frame with its multiple generators is rotatably mounted on a vertical beam together with, for example, two more identical frames each having multiple generators. 
     This beam is mounted on a sea floor at a distance from the shoreline where subsurface currents are fairly strong. The multiple frames mounted on the vertical beam can be azimuthally adjusted so the shuttles of the linear generators are strongly driven by the subsurface currents. 
     Current from the generators may be sent by cable to an onshore rectifying station. There the alternating current can be rectified into a DC current that is either stored or immediately dispatched to a load or to a local electrical grid. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above brief description as well as other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments in accordance with the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a portion of a generator that may be used to generate electricity in accordance with principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an end view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , partly in section; 
         FIG. 3  is a longitudinal sectional view of the shuttle of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  fitted with a coil and replicated to form a plurality of generators mounted in a frame; 
         FIG. 5  is a detailed side view of a fragment of the apparatus of  FIG. 4 , partly in longitudinal section; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram showing the interconnection of coils of  FIG. 4  to an onshore rectifier; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a number of frames in accordance with  FIG. 4  rotatably mounted on an upright beam; and 
         FIG. 8  is an elevational view of the apparatus of  FIG. 7  mounted on a sea floor and connected by a cable to an onshore rectifier. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , shuffle  10  has a generally cylindrical midsection  16 A between tapered frustoconical ends  16 B (collectively referred to as case  16 ). Cylindrical midsection  16 A has a central chamber  18 A with six cylindrical cavities  18 B circumferentially and equiangularly spaced about the longitudinal axis of shuttle  10 . 
     Cylindrical cavities  18 B each hold a cylindrical magnetic element  12 . Elements  12  are rods made of rare earth magnets (or other magnetic material) oriented with all their north-south poles oriented in the same way. Magnetic elements  12  are in the illustrated embodiment approximately 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter and 3.5 feet (1 m) in length. In some embodiments, magnetic elements  12  may have a different size and shape, such as triangular or rectangular prisms with a different overall size. Consequently, cavities  18 B may have alternative complementary shapes and sizes to accommodate different magnetic elements. 
     The outer surface of midsection  16 A has six equiangularly spaced longitudinal grooves  22  that extend partially into frustoconcial ends  16 B. The depth of each groove  22  is substantially consistent along the length of midsection  16 A. Grooves  22  become increasingly shallow as they extend along the tapered surfaces of ends  16 B before terminating approximately half way. 
     Each frustoconical end  16 B has an interior cavity that communicates with central cavity  18 A. Case  16  is integrally molded of transparent hard plastic but may be made of other materials as well. In this embodiment, case  16  is approximately 4 feet (1.22 m) in length and 15 inches (38 cm) in diameter, but in other embodiments may be sized differently. The case  16  of shuttle  10  may be assembled from two or more parts to facilitate disassembly and maintenance of shuttle  10 , including the retrieval of magnetic elements  12  from a worn or damaged case. 
     A valve  20  is located in one of frustoconcial ends  16 B. Valve  20  may be used to evacuate the inside of shuttle  10  or introduce a gas, such as helium or nitrogen to render shuttle  10  substantially buoyant-neutral when submerged. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , collar  26  is an annulus with six pairs of opposing fingers  31  circumferentially spaced about the inner diameter of the collar. The fingers  31  of each pair protrude inward and curve together thereby forming a circular receptacle for holding guide rods  24  (which will be described in further detail hereinafter). 
     Two substantially rectangular mounting flanges  29  protrude in opposite directions horizontally. Two additional mounting flanges  28  protrude in opposite vertical directions. When viewed edgewise, lower flange  28  appears J-shaped and upper flange  28  appears inverted J-shaped. Located in each of the four mounting flanges  28  and  29  are a pair of fastener holes  30  for mounting collar  26  in a manner to be described presently. Collar  26  may be made of a flexible composite material but may be made of other materials such as plastic or aluminum. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , frame  37  is constructed with an upper rectangular grid made of eight parallel, evenly spaced, longitudinal members  41 A- 41 H intersecting six parallel, evenly spaced, transverse members  33 A- 33 F. Frame  37  also has a lower rectangular grid with eight, parallel, evenly spaced, longitudinal members  34 A- 34 H intersecting six, parallel, evenly spaced, transverse members  32 A- 32 F. The upper and lower grids are similar, each having matching intersections interconnected by upright members  38 , with (a) the uprights on one side distinguished as upright members  38 A and (b) the uprights on the opposite side distinguished as upright members  38 B. These intersections and upright members  38  (and  38 A and  38 B) may be connected by welding, bolting, fastening brackets, or other means. 
     Longitudinal members  41 A- 41 H and  34 A- 34 H are made of square or round non-magnetic stock approximately 15 feet (4.6 m) in length. Transverse members  32 A- 32 F and  33 A- 33 F are also made of similar stock approximately 12 feet (3.7 m) in length. These lengths are merely exemplary. 
     Arranged in this fashion, frame  37  has seven transversely spaced, longitudinal columns  100 ,  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110 , and  112  each divided into 5 longitudinally spaced segments forming five rows delineated by transverse members  33 A- 33 F (and members  32 A- 32 F). 
     Previously mentioned collar  26  is installed on the two vertical members  38 A, the bottom member  32 A, and the top member  33 A in column  100  in the following manner: The two J-shaped flanges  28  are flexible enough to spread open and snap over members  32 A and  33 . Flanges  28  and as well as flanges  29  are then fastened to frame  37  using screws inserted through openings  30  of the flanges, although other fastening means are contemplated such as bolts, rivets, adhesive, etc. (Note, fastening of one of the flanges  29  may be deferred until installation of its neighboring collar, at which time a common fastener can be used for both.) 
     In a similar manner five more collars  26  may be installed in column  100  on transverse members  33 B- 33 F,  32 B- 32 F, and vertical members  38 , and  38 B. Coil segments  36 A- 36 E will be installed in column  100  between collars  26  in a manner to be described presently. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , coil segment  36 A of  FIG. 4  is represented schematically (coil segments  36 B- 36 F of  FIG. 4  being identical). Coils segment  36 A is approximately 3 feet (0.9 m) long and is formed of multiple turns of Formvar coated copper wire  50  wound about cylindrical iron sleeve  53 , which has an inside diameter of approximately 16.5 inches (42 cm). In various embodiments, different insulations may be used and the wire gauge can be adjusted as needed (smaller gauge numbers tending to be more efficient). 
     Optional low reluctance cylindrical rods  23  that serve as flux return paths are circumferentially spaced about coil  50 . (In  FIG. 4  these rods  23  are shown in phantom.) Rods  23  are radially spaced from and parallel to magnetic elements  12  of shuttle  10 . Rods  23  are approximately 2 inches (5.1 cm) in diameter and 15 feet (5.7 m) in length but may be other sizes as well. Rods  23  are made of stainless steel but may be made of other low reluctance materials possibly having a protective coating to withstand prolonged submersion in ocean water. 
     Lines of flux  54  project from magnetic rods  12  and magnetize iron sleeve  53  to have the same north-south orientation. These lines of flux curve outward crossing numerous turns of wire  50  before traveling through low reluctance rods  23  (or through ambient if no return rods are used). Lines of flux  54  extend longitudinally through rods  23  before curving inward and re-entering the magnetic rods  12 . In embodiments where rods  23  are not used, lines of flux  54  may curve outward a greater distance from rod  12  as they flow between the north and south poles of rod  12 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , coil segment  36 A is placed in column  100  between the two longitudinally spaced collars  26  mounted on transverse members  32 A and  32 B. Each of six guide rods  24  are then inserted between each pair of fingers  31  of the collar  26  attached to transverse member  32 A. These six rods  24  are then pushed through coil  36 A to slide into the space between each pair of fingers  31  of the collar  26  mounted on transverse member  32 B. Coil segment  36 B is then placed between the collars  26  mounted on transverse members  32 B and  32 C. Each of rods  24  are then pushed through coil segment  36 B and between each pair of fingers  31  of collar  26  on member  32 C. The process is repeated for coil segments  36 C- 36 E. 
     Rods  24  can be further secured with mounting brackets (not shown) or by being welded or glued in place. Guide rods  24  are in this embodiment 2 inches (5.1 cm) in diameter and 15 feet (4.6 m) long. Rods  24  are sized to engage grooves  22  of shuttle  10  and are made of composite material but may be made of other non-ferromagnetic materials as well. 
     Shuttle  10  is then inserted into coil segment  36 A through the collar  26  mounted on member  32 A. Grooves  22  of shuttle  10  ride on guide rods  24 . (Note that in some embodiments, more than one shuttle  10  may be inserted.) 
     Previously mentioned low reluctance rods  23  (shown also in  FIG. 5 ) may be optionally installed in column  100  by inserting them through openings  23  in collars  26 . Some embodiments will have a number of rods different from six or the rods may be replaced with a cylindrical sleeve 
     Annular end plate  49  is designed to overlay collar  26  on member  32 A. End plate  49  has four substantially rectangular mounting flanges  51  protruding radially outward therefrom at the 3, 6, 9 and 12 o&#39;clock positions. One of four tabs  42  protrude inwardly to cover the ends of four of the six guide rods  24 . A cross bar  43  covers the other two guide rods  24  and keeps shuttle  10  from leaving frame  37 . End plate  49  is made of a composite material but may be made of other materials such as plastic or steel. An additional a similar endplate (not shown) is placed over the collar  26  on member  32 F. 
     The foregoing process of inserting rods  24 , placing coil segments  36 A- 36 E, inserting optional return rods  23 , inserting shuttle  10 , and attaching end plates  40  is repeated for columns  102 ,  104 ,  108 ,  108 ,  110  and  112 , resulting in two sets of three linear generators  45 A- 45 F (column  106  is left open for reasons to be described presently). 
     While five are shown, the number of coil segments forming each of the linear generators  45 A- 45 F may be a different number, typically in the range of two to ten segments. Also, while six are shown, the number of linear generators may be different, typically in the range of two to ten generators. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the previously mentioned coil segments  36 A- 36 E of linear generator  45 A are schematically shown connected in series to form an electrical coil. The coil segments of the other linear generators  45 B- 45 D are similarly connected but only generator  44 F is specifically illustrated. Linear generators  45 A- 45 E are connected in parallel across cables  64  and  66 . In some embodiments, the linear generators  44 A- 44 F may be connected in series. 
     Cables  64  and  66  travel typically from 50 to 300 (15 to 91 m). feet to onshore rectifier bridge  68 . Cable  66  is connected to the cathode of diode  68 D and the anode of diode  68 A. Terminal +V is connected to the cathodes of diodes  68 A and  68 B. Conductor  64  is connected to the anode of diode  68 B and the cathode of diode  68 C. Terminal GND is connected to the anodes of diodes  68 C and  68 D. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 4 , a detent mechanism  46  is located in column  106  between transverse members  33 C and  33 D (as well as members  32 C and  32 D). Mechanism  46  has an outer race  46 A attached through four diagonal supports  47  to the intersections of longitudinal members  41 D and  41 E and transverse members  33 C and  33 D. Mechanism  46  is also connected through four additional supports (not shown but similar to supports  47 ) to the intersections of longitudinal members  34 D and  34 E and transverse members  32 C and  32 D. 
     Mechanism  46  has an inner race  46 B with an I-shaped opening extending through it vertically. The outer race  46 A of mechanism  46  may rotate relative to the inner race  46 B before being locked in a desired position. Detent mechanism  46  may alternatively be a lockable, ratcheting mechanism or other lockable device that allows rotation about at least one axis when unlocked and prevents rotation when locked. 
     Frame  37  is covered on all sides with a wire screen  48  (partially shown) except for gaps for detent mechanism  46 . The mesh of screen  48  is sized to allow ocean water to flow freely in and out of frame  37  while avoiding the entry of small ocean life. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , I-beam  70  protrudes from a concrete footing in sea floor  72 . I-beam  70  is made of steel but may alternatively be made of other non-paramagnetic material such as aluminum or composites. Previously mentioned frame  37  is stacked together with two other identical frames  237  and  337  on beam  70 , so the beam extends through the I-shaped openings located in the inner race  46 B of frame  37  as well as the inner races (not shown) for frames  237  and  337 . The inner race of frame  337  rests on a flange (not shown) welded on a lower portion of beam  70 . 
     Each of frames  37 ,  237  and  337  is adjusted azimuthally so that the longitudinal axes of the linear generators (generators  45 A- 45 F of  FIG. 4 ) are aligned with the subsurface currents at their location and depth. The longitudinal axes of the generators may be horizontal or somewhat off horizontal to accommodate subsurface currents. In general the subsurface currents will be primarily horizontal or if diverted from horizontal (either long term or transiently) will have a large horizontal component. This large horizontal component ensures that subsurface current will flow into the coils of the linear generators (even if the generators are not exactly horizontal) to drive the shuttle therein. 
     The three frames  37 ,  237  and  337  on beam  70  are collectively referred to as a generator array  76 . Although array  76  is described having three frames  37 ,  237  and  337 , a different number of frames may be installed on beam  70  limited only by the height and strength of I-beam  70 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , generator array  76  is shown secured on sea floor  72  approximately 50 to 300 feet (15 to 91 m) from the high water mark on the shore line. The output of each frame of array  76  is electrically connected through cables  64 / 66  to onshore rectifier bridge  68  (see rectifier bridge  68  of  FIG. 6 ) located in building  75 . In some cases the outputs of the frames may be connected in series, but parallel connections are contemplated as well. The DC output of the rectifier bridge  68  is transmitted on cable pair  78 . 
     To facilitate an understanding of the principles associated with the foregoing apparatus, its operation will be briefly described in connection with  FIGS. 4-8 . I-beam  70  ( FIG. 7 ) is mounted in sea floor  72  at a predetermined location from a shoreline where the waves produce a back and forth subsurface current of ocean water. The depth and distance where beam  70  is located should be such that its top is submerged most of time, only occasionally breaking the surface to become visible. The distance of beam  70  from the mean high water mark of the shoreline is typically in the range of 50 to 300 feet (15 to 91 m). 
     The frames  37 ,  237 ,  337  are mounted on beam  70  at an elevation where the back and forth subsurface currents are strong. This usable region typically begins one to two feet above sea floor  72  and extends to the surface and even slightly beyond. 
     Each of frames  37 ,  237 ,  337  is adjusted azimuthally so that the longitudinal axes of their linear generators  45 A- 45 F are aligned with the back and forth subsurface current of ocean water. Each frame  37 ,  237 , and  337  ( FIG. 8 ) in the array  76  can be directed at different rotational angles from their neighbor. The entire apparatus is open enough to allow the free flow of ocean water in all directions. The subsurface current causes each of the six shuttles  10  located in each of frames  37 ,  237 ,  337  to reciprocate within their linear generators (e.g. generators  45 A- 45 F of  FIG. 4 ). 
     Incoming waves cause the subsurface ocean currents to impinge on shuffle  10  located in coil segment  36 A ( FIG. 4 ) of linear generator  45 A (it will be appreciated that similar remarks apply to generators  45 B- 45 F). The impinging ocean current builds hydraulic pressure which urges shuttle  10  toward adjacent coil segment  36 B. The neutral buoyancy of shuttle  10  allows it to travel with its grooves  22  sliding along guide rods  24  from coil segment  36 A toward coil segment  36 B with a minimal amount of friction. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , movement of shuttle  10  causes lines of flux  54  to move relative to coil segment  36 A thereby causing a current to flow therein. The induced current flows from terminal GND through diode  68 C, conductor  64 , and coil segment  36 A. The current continues, flowing through coil segments  36 B- 36 E to conductor  66 , through diode  68 A to terminal +V. Similar current flow occurs as shuttle  10  travels through coils  36 B- 36 E in succession before shuffle  10  is stopped by end plate  49  ( FIG. 4 ) or reversed by a reversing current. 
     The reverse water current now impinges on the opposite end of shuttle  10  now located in coil segment  36 E (or an earlier coil segment), urging it to move toward segment  36 A. The movement of shuttle  10  causes lines of flux  54  to move relative to coil segment  36 E thereby causing a current to flow therein. The induced current flows from terminal GND through diode  68 D, conductor  66 , and coil segment  36 E. The current continues, flowing through coil segments  36 A- 36 D to conductor  64 , through diode  68 B to terminal +V. Similar current flow occurs as shuttle  10  travels through coils  36 A- 36 D before shuttle  10  is stopped by end plate  49  ( FIG. 4 ) or reversed by a reversing current. 
     Terminals +V and GND may be connected to a variety of electrical devices to store or condition the voltage generated by array  76 . Electrical “gas stations” near the coast can then use this energy directly to charge the plug-in electric cars of the future. Alternatively, since the electrical flow never stops, large storage batteries can be charged during periods when consumer demand is low, such as during the middle of the night. In addition, this varying flow can be directed into an electrical grid to decrease its need to burn coal, oil, natural gas, or nuclear fuel. The varying flow could also be used to power units that generate hydrogen for future cars and even power the new machines that clean the atmosphere of thousands of tons of carbon dioxide per day. 
     This submerged location of array  76  is out of the view of all observers, including those concerned about the despoiling of natural beauty and scenic views of the seashore. The apparatus generates no carbon dioxide byproducts, nor any other form of hydrocarbon pollution. It generates no harmful radiation. It has no moving mechanical parts beyond the primary electrical generating mechanism of the shuttles  10  floating back and forth, thereby optimizing mechanical efficiency. The machine generates electricity 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 or 366 days per year. 
     To generate electricity, array  76  only requires waves to produce a subsurface back and forth current of ocean water. It is known that winds blowing somewhere over the ocean within 150-200 miles of array  76  cause waves that can travel to the location of array  76  without substantial loss. Since wind is almost always blowing somewhere over the ocean within 150-200 miles of array  76  it can generate electricity regardless of: 
     1. whether the ocean surface is substantially tranquil or is buffeted by hurricane conditions; 
     2. whether the tide is coming in, going out, or somewhere in between; 
     3. whether the sun is brightly shining or obscured by clouds; and 
     4. and whether the local wind is blowing or not. 
     “Farms” consisting of thousands of generator arrays  76  each can be politically positioned anywhere along the coasts, especially around off-shore islands, that are not utilized by the tourist industry for seashore recreation. The more violent the reciprocating flows of water around craggy rocky coasts, the more electricity is generated. 
     Hooking large numbers of these arrays  76  together, conceivably even thousands of them in an area of several miles of seacoast, would also effectively eliminate the fluctuations produced by any one array. 
     Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.