Patent Description:
Generally, there is an increasing need to extract energy from alternative energy sources, such as wind energy or wave energy. Both wave energy and wind energy are unpredictable and will in general be fairly concurrent with each other.

Further, wave energy extraction devices and other sea surface oriented devices will in most cases require a dynamic cable connection to the seabed to locate them and to allow energy to be transferred to the seabed and then to the shore. It is remarked that in the oil industry dynamic connections to the seabed are used, for example to connect a floating platform to the bottom of the sea. However, the motion of these platforms is often already minimized by using semisubmersible floating structures to reduce wear and tear due to fatigue.

In contrast, the nature of most wave energy extraction devices is aimed at maximize movement to produce the most energy, which has the detrimental effect of increasing the fatigue on dynamic cable connections to the bottom of the sea. This results in shorter lifetimes and higher maintenance costs.

<CIT> discloses a wave motor comprising a screw having anchored supports for its ends, said screw being arranged to be operated upon by the movement of the waves of the ocean, and means for receiving motion therefrom. The wave motor comprises a screw shafting, a fixed support and floating supports for said shafting for holding the shafting within the waters of the sea, so that the waves will rotate the same, and means for receiving and transmitting movement therefrom.

<CIT> discloses a system for generating electrical power from sea waves employs a multiplicity of turbine units, preferably disposed in a generally V-shaped array. By properly positioning them with respect to the surface of the water and the direction of wave front progression, and in some instances by providing means for diverting the course to water flow, the turbine wheels are caused to rotate so as to drive associated generators and thereby to produce electric power.

Another alternative energy source is energy extracted from tidal flow. Tidal flow has the advantage of predictability and directionality, i.e. there are always two tides a day and in general tidal flows will flow in substantially the same direction. This in contrast to waves and wind, where the direction may continuously change.

<CIT> relates to a flow converter for energy production from a water flow, comprising a rotor (<NUM>) with a shaft (<NUM>), at least one blade (<NUM>) extending radial from the shaft and a mounting for a rotating mounting of the shaft of the rotor such that the rotor, including the at least one blade are arranged under a water surface. The at least one blade has an elastic embodiment. The blade can extend from the shaft in the form of a spiral. The water flow leads to deformations of the blades such that the rotor is made to rotate by the water flow.

<CIT> discloses an apparatus for the generation of electrical or mechanical energy from a flowing fluid, said apparatus comprising at least one blade of substantially helical configuration the blade consisting of a plurality of blade sections. In use, the action of the flowing fluid on the blade causes it to rotate around its axis, said rotational motion being used to generate said electrical or mechanical energy. Also disclosed is a helical blade wherein the pitch length and/or radii varies along the length of the helical blade profile.

<CIT> discloses a current-motor, comprising a plurality of supports carrying bearings, shafts journaled through said bearings and operatively connected, a power take-off device at one end of the series of shafts, and a conical rotor on each shaft equipped with spirally arranged blades, said rotors being of progressively increasing diameters.

A drawback of a tidal flow energy extraction device is that a dynamic cable connection is still required to anchor the device to the bottom of the sea. There is also a cable connection required to transport the energy from the device to an energy collection device, or energy distribution grid.

A further drawback of extracting energy from a tidal flow is that it is challenging to provide a tidal flow energy extraction device that is economically advantageous. Prior art energy extraction devices that extract energy from tidal flow are constructed as highly efficient devices having a relatively complex construction.

It is an object of the invention to provide a water flow energy extraction device lacking one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks of prior art energy extraction devices, or at least to provide an alternative water flow energy extraction device.

The invention provides a water flow extraction device as claimed in claim <NUM>.

The water flow energy extraction device according to the invention is configured to extract energy from a water flow, for example a tidal flow, by providing a string of rotors arranged in the water flow.

The advantage of the string of rotors arranged in the water flow is that a relatively large part of the string of rotors can be positioned close to the water surface, while at the same time the first end and the second end of the string of rotors are connected to the first anchor point and second anchor point, respectively, that are arranged at a stationary location, for example at the bottom of the sea. The stationary locations of the first and second anchor points facilitate the electric connection of the energy generator to downstream energy devices, such as an energy storage and/or energy collection unit. This arrangement does not require a dynamic connection, such as a dynamic power cable, which is subject to large movements in multiple directions.

The string of rotors may comprise one or more rotors that can be positioned at a suitable height in the water flow. Each of the rotors is constructed to rotate about its longitudinal axis when arranged in a flow, in particular a tidal flow.

The first anchor point and the second anchor point are preferably arranged on or close to the bottom of the sea during the extraction of energy. In other embodiments, the first anchor point and the second anchor point may be arranged at a stationary location spaced from the bottom of the sea. It is also possible that the height of the first anchor point and the second anchor point may be adapted during extraction of energy from a water flow. For example, the first anchor point and the second anchor point may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the water surface, or, for instance, halfway between the bottom of the sea and the water surface. Since the water surface height will change due to the tides, maintaining this position requires adaptation of the height of the first anchor point and the second anchor point during energy extraction from the water flow.

It is remarked that the water flow energy extraction device is suitable to be used in water flows, for example wide water flows such as tidal flows or river flows of larger rivers.

In an embodiment, the string of rotors comprises multiple rotors mechanically connected to each other to increase the energy that can be obtained from the water flow. This rotation of the string of rotors is transferred to the energy generator that is arranged at least at the first end of the string of rotors. It is also possible that an energy generator is provided at each of the two ends of the string of rotors.

In an embodiment, the multiple rotors are mechanically connected to each other by universal joints. A universal joint is a joint or coupling that facilitates tilting of the rotation axes of the individual rotors with respect to each other, while at the same time the rotors can transfer rotation to each other and therewith to the energy generator that converts the rotational energy of the rotation of the string of rotors into electric energy. The universal joints may have any suitable shape and size. Any other joint between the rotors that facilitates tilting of the rotors with respect to each other, while at the same time transferring rotation from one rotor to a next rotor may also be applied. In yet another embodiment, the longitudinal axes of the rotors may be mounted at fixed angles with respect to each other.

In an embodiment, a distance between the first anchor point and the second anchor point is smaller than a length of the string of rotors. The relatively long length of the string of rotors allows the string of rotors to form a loop or arch shape that can be placed at a desired location in the water flow. The shape of the string of rotors may change. This change in shape may be caused by the water flow.

In an embodiment, the string of rotors is provided with one or more buoyancy elements. These buoyancy elements can be used to control the height and/or shape of the string of rotors in a water flow. It is advantageous to position the string of rotors, in particular a middle part thereof, relatively close to the water surface, as the velocity of the water flow is relatively large at the water surface. By providing buoyancy elements at suitable locations, the string of rotors can be arranged at this desirable location.

The buoyancy elements may for example be formed by hollow shafts of the rotors. The hollow space in the rotors may be filled with air or another gas which will provide a certain buoyancy to the string of rotors.

The buoyancy elements may also be formed by float elements connected to the string of rotors. The float elements may be partly above the water surface, but may also be completely submerged in the sea. The buoyancy of the string of rotors may also be, at least partly, formed by the material of the string of rotors or other buoyancy elements.

In an embodiment, a degree of buoyancy of the one or more buoyancy elements is adaptable to adapt the buoyancy of the string of rotors. It may be desirable that the position and/or shape of the string of rotors is adapted to the actual water flow, for example the height of the water surface or the velocity of the water flow. To adapt the position and/or shape of the string of rotors to a particular water flow, the degree of buoyancy of the one or more buoyancy elements arranged at or in in the string of rotors may be adaptable.

For example, when the buoyancy elements are formed by hollow shafts of the rotors, the degree of buoyancy may be adapted by adapting a ratio between air and water present within the hollow space of the hollow shaft.

Correspondingly, the buoyancy of float elements may be adapted by changing a ratio between air and liquid in the float elements.

In an embodiment, the energy extraction device comprises a control device to control the buoyancy of the string of rotors. A control device may be provided to control the buoyancy of the one or more buoyancy elements, in particular to obtain a desired position and/or shape of the string of rotors in a water flow. This control of the degree of buoyancy may be automatically or be controlled by an operator.

In an embodiment, the buoyancy elements may be distributed over the length of the string of rotors. For example, one or more center buoyancy elements may be provided relatively close to a center location of the string of rotors, the center location being halfway between the first anchor point and the second anchor point, while side buoyancy elements may be provided relatively closer to the first anchor point and the second anchor point. By increasing the buoyancy of the center buoyancy elements with respect to the buoyancy of the side buoyancy elements, the shape of the string of rotors may be made more pointed. This pointed shape may for example be suitable to reach, with the center location of the string of rotors, to a higher height from the bottom surface. By increasing the buoyancy of the side buoyancy elements with respect to the buoyancy of the center buoyancy elements, the shape of the string of rotors may be made more rounded. This rounded shape may for example be suitable to bring a larger number of rotors close to the water surface. This rounded shape may for example be used when the water surface is relatively low to ensure that the rotors will be kept completely submerged in the water.

In an embodiment, the one or more rotors are Darius rotors. A Darius rotor is a rotor configured to create rotational motion when a flow, for example a wind flow or water flow, flows across the Darius rotor. The Darius rotor comprises a number of straight or curved aerofoil blades mounted on a rotating shaft. The Darius rotor is often used in a vertical alignment, i.e. a longitudinal axis of the rotor extends in vertical direction, but the Darius rotor can also be used in other orientations. It will be clear that in the device of the present invention, the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the respective Darius rotor will depend on the position of the string of rotors in the water flow, and the location of the Darius rotor within the string of rotors. Any other suitable type of rotor may also be used.

In an embodiment, the first anchor point and the second anchor point each comprise a linear guide fixed to the bottom of the sea and extending in substantially vertical direction, and a connection element connected to a respective end of the string of rotors, wherein the connection element is movable with respect to the linear guide between a first position where the connection element is positioned relatively close to the bottom of the sea and a second position where the connection element is positioned relatively close to the water surface.

The first anchor point and the second anchor point are provided at a stationary location. However, it may be useful to adapt the vertical position of the first anchor point and the second anchor point. For example, when maintenance to the string of rotors is needed, it is advantageous to move the first anchor point and the second anchor point, at least partly, close to the water surface, or even above it, so that the whole string of rotors is accessible from the water surface. This may also allow easy installation, maintenance and/or repair of the energy generator provided in the first anchor point.

To move the first anchor point and the second anchor point at least partly to the water surface, the first anchor point and the second anchor point may each comprise a linear guide fixed to the bottom of the sea and extending in substantially vertical direction. The end of the string of rotors may be connected to a connection element which is movable with respect to the linear guide between a first position where the connection element is positioned relatively close to the bottom of the sea and a second position where the connection element is positioned relatively close to the water surface.

Such construction also allows to adapt the height of the first end and the second end of the string of rotors in order to position the string of rotors at a desired position in the water flow.

In other embodiments, the first anchor point and the second anchor point, and in particular the connection to the string of rotors, may be arranged at a fixed location, for example on the bottom of the sea.

In an embodiment, the water flow energy extraction device comprises a third anchor point mounted on the bottom of the sea, and a second string of rotors, wherein one end of the second string of rotors is connected to the first anchor point and a second end of the second string of rotors is connected to the third anchor point, wherein the energy generator is operatively connected to the second string of rotors, such that the energy generator will generate electrical energy from rotation of the second string of rotors.

The provision of a second string of rotors arranged between a third anchor point and the first anchor point, increases the amount of energy that can be collected in a single energy generator. The third anchor point is preferably provided at a side of the first anchor point opposite to the second anchor point. This arrangement of the third anchor point and the second string of rotors results in a more balanced load on the first anchor point, as the string of rotors and the second string of rotors are arranged at opposite sides of the first anchor point.

The second string of rotors may be constructed the same or substantially the same as the first string of rotors.

It is remarked that the first string of rotors and/or the second string of rotors may be connected to intermediate anchor points arranged between the first anchor point and the second or third anchor point, respectively, such that the respective string of rotors may form multiple arches, each arch comprising one or more rotors. The arches are interconnected such that the rotational energy of the rotors can be transferred to the energy generator.

The invention further provides a water flow energy extraction system, comprising: multiple water flow energy extraction devices as claimed in any of the claims <NUM>-<NUM>, and an energy collection system electrically connected to the energy generator of each of the multiple water flow energy extraction devices.

The energy extraction devices of the invention are in particular suitable to be placed with multiple devices in a same area in the sea. The underlying philosophy is using a larger quantity of devices instead of increasing efficiency of a single device to increase energy that is collected by such system. Proportionately these systems will be cheaper to install, easier to maintain and more accessible for general use.

In an embodiment, the energy collection system comprises an energy storage to store energy generated by the energy generators.

The invention further provides a method to extract energy from a water flow, for example a tidal flow, using a water flow extraction device as claimed in any of the claims <NUM>-<NUM>, comprising:.

In an embodiment, the string of rotors is provided with one or more buoyancy elements, wherein a degree of buoyancy of the one or more buoyancy elements is adaptable to adapt the buoyancy of the string of rotors, wherein the method comprises the step of controlling the buoyancy of the string of rotors to adapt a position of the string of rotors in the water flow.

In an embodiment, the degree of buoyancy of the one or more buoyancy elements is adapted to position a highest part of the string of rotors in an upper zone of the tidal wave, preferably close to the water surface.

In an embodiment, the first anchor point and second anchor point each comprise a linear guide fixed to the bottom of the sea and extending in substantially vertical direction, and a connection element connected to a respective end of the string of rotors, wherein the connection element is movable with respect to the linear guide between a first position where the connection element is positioned relatively close to the bottom of the sea and a second position where the connection element is positioned relatively close to the water surface, wherein the connection elements are arranged in the first position or between the first position and the second position during the step of extracting energy from the water flow, and wherein the connection elements are arranged in the second position during installation, maintenance or repair of the string of rotors and/or the connection elements.

Further characteristics and advantages of the energy extraction device of the invention will now be explained by description of an embodiment of the invention, whereby reference is made to the appended drawings, in which:.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of a water flow energy extraction device according to the invention, generally denoted by reference numeral <NUM>. The water flow energy extraction device <NUM> comprises a first anchor point <NUM>, a second anchor point <NUM> and a string of rotors <NUM>. The first anchor point <NUM> and the second anchor point <NUM> are arranged at a stationary location on the bottom of the sea B. The string of rotors <NUM> comprises multiple rotors <NUM> that are mechanically connected to each other. A first end of the string of rotors <NUM> is connected to the first anchor point <NUM> and a second end of the string of rotors <NUM> is connected to the second anchor point <NUM>.

The rotors <NUM> are constructed to rotate when arranged in a tidal flow. This means that when the string of rotors is arranged in a tidal flow, this will result in rotation of the rotors <NUM>. The rotors <NUM> are for instance Darius devices such as depicted in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a detail of the rotors <NUM> of <FIG>. The rotors <NUM> are connected to each other by universal joints <NUM> that are configured to facilitate tilting of the rotors <NUM> with respect to each other, while being capable of transferring rotational movement about the respective longitudinal axes from one rotor <NUM> to an adjacent rotor <NUM>. Each of the rotors <NUM> will rotate when tidal flow flows across the string of rotors <NUM> about its longitudinal axis. As a result, the string of rotors <NUM> will rotate, whereby rotation of the rotors <NUM> will be passed to the other rotors <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, an energy generator <NUM> is arranged in the first anchor point <NUM>. The energy generator <NUM> is mechanically connected to the first end of the string of rotors <NUM> such that rotation of the string of rotors <NUM> can be used to generate electric energy in the energy generator <NUM>. The energy generator <NUM> may be electrically connected to an energy collection system arranged to collect, store and/or distribute the electrical energy extracted by the water flow energy extraction device <NUM> from the tidal flow.

It is desirable that the string of rotors <NUM> is advantageously positioned in the tidal flow to optimize the amount of energy that may be extracted from the tidal flow. It is therefore, desirable that the rotors <NUM> of the string of rotors <NUM> are arranged relatively close to the water surface, in this example sea surface S, where the velocity of the tidal flow is relatively high. Therefore, the length of the string of rotors <NUM> is larger than the distance between the first anchor point <NUM> and the second anchor point <NUM>. This allows that the shape of the string of rotors can adapt or be adapted to a desired configuration, such as a loop or arch. The position and/or shape of the string of rotors <NUM> may be influenced by a number of buoyancy elements that provide a degree of buoyancy to the string of rotors <NUM>.

In <FIG>, two float elements <NUM> that float at the sea surface S are provided. Two lines connect the string of rotors <NUM> to the float elements <NUM>. The float elements <NUM> hold the string of rotors <NUM> at a certain distance below the sea surface S. In another embodiment, the float elements <NUM> may be submerged.

In addition to the float elements <NUM> or in an alternative embodiment, the buoyancy elements that provide a degree of buoyancy to the string of rotors <NUM> are formed by hollow shafts of the rotors <NUM>. The hollow space within these hollow shafts may be filled, at least partly, with air or another gas to increase the buoyancy of the string of rotors <NUM>. The buoyancy of the string of rotors <NUM> may also be provided by other buoyancy elements that increase the degree of buoyancy of the string of rotors <NUM>, such as materials lighter than water.

The degree of buoyancy of the one or more buoyancy elements may be adaptable to adapt the buoyancy of the string of rotors <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, a control device <NUM> is provided on each of the float elements <NUM> to adapt the buoyancy of the float elements <NUM> when desired. The degree of buoyancy of the float elements <NUM> may be adapted by changing the ratio between water and air within the float element <NUM>. When the buoyancy of the float element <NUM> should be increased the control device <NUM> will replace water by air and when the buoyancy of the float element <NUM> should be decreased the control device <NUM> will replace air by water in the float element <NUM>.

The adaptation of the degree of buoyancy of the buoyancy elements, such as the float elements <NUM>, may change the position or shape of the string of rotors <NUM>. Thus by adapting the degree of buoyancy of the buoyancy elements, the position and/or shape of the string of rotors <NUM> may be optimized for a particular tidal flow, for example with respect to water depth and/or velocity of the tidal flow.

The first anchor point <NUM> comprises a first linear guide <NUM> fixed to the bottom of the sea B. The first linear guide <NUM> extends in a substantially vertical direction. A first connection element <NUM> is provided on the first linear guide <NUM>. The first connection element <NUM> supports the energy generator <NUM>. The first connection element <NUM> is movable with respect to the first linear guide <NUM> between a first position where the first connection element <NUM> is positioned relatively close to the bottom of the sea B (<FIG>) and a second position where the first connection element <NUM> is positioned relatively close to the sea surface S (<FIG>).

Correspondingly, the second anchor point <NUM> comprises a second linear guide <NUM> fixed to the bottom of the sea B. The second linear guide <NUM> also extends in substantially vertical direction. A second connection element <NUM> is provided on the second linear guide <NUM>. The second connection element <NUM> is movable with respect to the second linear guide <NUM> between a first position where the second connection element <NUM> is positioned relatively close to the bottom of the sea B (<FIG>) and a second position where the second connection element <NUM> is positioned relatively close to the sea surface S (<FIG>).

The first end of the string of rotors <NUM> is connected to the first connection element <NUM> and the second end of the string of rotors <NUM> is connected to the second connection element <NUM>. Movement of the first connection element <NUM> and the second connection element <NUM> along the first linear guide <NUM> and the second linear guide <NUM>, respectively, can be used to position the first end and the second end of the string of rotors <NUM> in a desired position.

In <FIG> the first connection element <NUM> and the second connection element <NUM> are arranged in the first position close to the bottom of the sea B. This first position may typically be used during extraction of energy from a tidal flow. The string of rotors may advantageously be positioned in the tidal flow forming an arch, whereby a top part of the arch, i.e. the middle part of the string of rotors <NUM>, is positioned relatively close to the sea surface S. It may also be advantageous to position the first connection element <NUM> and the second connection element <NUM> at a higher position, between the first position and the second position, to position the string of rotors <NUM> in a more suitable position for energy extraction, for example closer to the sea surface S.

The position of the first connection element <NUM> and the second connection element <NUM> during energy extraction may for example be dependent on the height of the sea surface and/or the speed of the tidal flow. The position of the first connection element <NUM> and the second connection element <NUM> may be adapted during the process of energy extraction, for example to maintain the string of rotors <NUM> at a predetermined distance from the sea surface S.

<FIG> shows the water flow energy extraction device <NUM> in which the first connection element <NUM> and the second connection element <NUM> are positioned in the second position close to the sea surface S. In this example the first connection element <NUM> and the second connection element <NUM> are positioned in the second position just above the sea surface S. It is remarked that the float elements <NUM> are not shown in <FIG>.

Since the buoyant string of rotors <NUM> is not pulled downwards into the sea by the first connection element <NUM> and the second connection element <NUM>, the complete string of rotors <NUM> floats on the sea surface S. This allows easy installation, maintenance and/or repair of the string of rotors <NUM>, but also of the energy generator <NUM> supported by the first connection element <NUM>. This position of the first connection element <NUM> and the second connection element <NUM> also facilitates relatively easy mounting and dismounting of the string of rotors <NUM> on and from the first connection element <NUM> and the second connection element <NUM>.

The string of rotors <NUM> may be assembled at a location remote from the first anchor point <NUM> and the second anchor point <NUM>, for example onshore. Thereafter the string of rotors <NUM> may be transported to the location of the anchor points <NUM>, <NUM>, where one end of the string of rotors <NUM> is connected to the first connection element <NUM> and the other end of the string of rotors <NUM> is connected to the second connection element <NUM>. It will be clear that it will be advantageous to position the first connection element <NUM> and the second connection element <NUM> in the second position close to the sea surface to mount the string of rotors <NUM> to the first connection element <NUM>, in particular to the energy generator <NUM>, and to the second connection element <NUM>.

In the water flow energy extraction device of <FIG> and <FIG>, one string of rotors <NUM> is provided between a first anchor point <NUM> and a second anchor point <NUM>. In another embodiment the water flow energy extraction device <NUM> may comprise a third anchor point and a second string of rotors. The third anchor point and the second string of rotors may be provided at a side of the first anchor point opposite to the second anchor point, and one end of the second string of rotors may be connected to the energy generator supported by the first connection element <NUM>, such that rotation of both the first string of rotors <NUM> and the second string of rotors is converted by the energy generator <NUM> into electrical energy. The third anchor point and the second string of rotors may be constructed the same or substantially the same as the second anchor point <NUM> and the first string of rotors <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a second embodiment of a water flow energy extraction device <NUM>. The water flow energy extraction device <NUM> comprises a first anchor point <NUM>, a second anchor point <NUM> and a string of rotors <NUM> comprising multiple mechanically interlinked rotors <NUM>. The first anchor point <NUM> and the second anchor point <NUM> are arranged at a stationary location on the bottom of the sea B. The string of rotors <NUM> is provided between the first anchor point <NUM> and the second anchor point <NUM>.

An energy generator <NUM> is arranged in the first anchor point <NUM>. The energy generator <NUM> is mechanically connected to the first end of the string of rotors <NUM> such that rotation of the string of rotors <NUM> can be used to generate electric energy in the energy generator <NUM>. The string of rotors <NUM> may function the same as the string of rotors <NUM> of the embodiment of <FIG>. A number of buoyancy elements is arranged in the string of rotors <NUM> to provide a degree of buoyancy to the string of rotors <NUM>.

The first anchor point <NUM> comprises a first connection element <NUM> supporting the energy generator <NUM>. The second end of the string of rotors <NUM> is connected to the second connection element <NUM> of the second anchor point <NUM>. The first connection element <NUM> and the second connection element <NUM> are mounted at a fixed position at the bottom of the sea B. This direct fixation of the first connection element <NUM> and the second connection element <NUM> on the bottom of the sea B allows a more simple construction of the water flow energy extraction device <NUM>. But installation, maintenance and/or repair of the energy generator <NUM>, the first connection element <NUM> and the second connection element <NUM>, and at least a part of the string of rotors <NUM> has to be carried out below sea level.

The embodiment of <FIG> may be in particular suitable at locations where the arrangement of linear guides from the bottom of the sea to the sea surface are not possible or not practical, for example at locations where the water depth is relatively large.

<FIG> shows a top view of an embodiment of a water flow energy extraction system <NUM> comprising multiple energy extraction devices <NUM>. The water flow energy extraction system <NUM> shown in <FIG> comprises three rows of three energy extraction devices <NUM>, whereby each energy extraction device <NUM> comprises two strings of rotors <NUM> arranged at opposite sides of the first anchor point <NUM>. It is remarked that the second anchor point <NUM> of an energy extraction device <NUM> may also be used as third anchor point for a second string of rotors <NUM> of an adjacent energy extraction device <NUM> to form a continuous row of energy extraction devices <NUM>. In another embodiment, the energy extraction devices <NUM> may be spaced from each other.

In other embodiments, the water flow energy extraction system may comprise any other desired number of energy extraction devices <NUM> arranged in one or more rows.

The energy generators of the energy extraction devices <NUM> are connected by electric cables <NUM> to an energy collection system <NUM>. The energy collection system <NUM> may comprise an energy storage <NUM> to store electrical energy generated by the energy generators <NUM>. A main cable <NUM> is provided to transport the energy to a further location, for example to the energy distribution grid.

<FIG> shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of a water flow energy extraction system <NUM> comprising multiple energy extraction devices <NUM>. The water flow energy extraction system <NUM> shown in <FIG> comprises three rows of energy extraction devices <NUM>, whereby each row comprises one energy extraction device <NUM>. The energy extraction device <NUM> of each row comprises two strings of rotors <NUM> arranged at opposite sides of the first anchor point <NUM>. The opposite end of the string of rotors <NUM> is connected to a second anchor point 3a or a third anchor point 3b.

Intermediate anchor points 3c are provided between the first anchor point <NUM> and the second anchor point 3a or between the first anchor point <NUM> and the third anchor point 3b, respectively. The intermediate anchor points 2c provide intermediate anchor points at stationary locations that typically subdivide the respective string of rotors <NUM> in multiple, in this example three, arches. The shape and/or location of each of the arches may be adjusted by using buoyancy elements as explained hereinabove with respect to a string of rotors forming a single arch.

At the intermediate anchor points 3c the string of rotors <NUM> is held at a stationary location, but at the same time is allowed to rotate in order to transfer the rotational energy of the rotors <NUM> to the energy generator arranged in the first anchor point <NUM>. The advantage of the intermediate anchor points 3c is that a relatively long string of rotors <NUM> may be used in combination with an energy generator, while at the same time the shape and location of the string of rotors <NUM>, and its individual arches, can be controlled efficiently within a relatively small space.

Claim 1:
Water flow energy extraction device (<NUM>), comprising:
one or more rotors (<NUM>) constructed to rotate when arranged in a water flow,
an energy generator (<NUM>) connected to the one or more rotors (<NUM>),
characterized in that the one or more rotors (<NUM>) are provided as a string of rotors (<NUM>) having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to a first anchor point (<NUM>) and the second end is connected to a second anchor point (<NUM>), wherein the first anchor point (<NUM>) and
the second anchor point (<NUM>) are mounted on the bottom of the sea (B), and wherein the energy generator (<NUM>) is arranged in the first anchor point (<NUM>), and in that the energy generator (<NUM>) is operatively connected to the string of rotors (<NUM>), such that the energy generator (<NUM>) will generate electrical energy from rotation of the string of rotors (<NUM>),
wherein a distance between the first anchor point (<NUM>) and the second anchor point (<NUM>) is smaller than a length of the string of rotors (<NUM>).