Patent Description:
This disclosure relates generally to a hybrid power generation system in the sea that generates power from tidal energy using a platform or multiple platforms.

Worldwide demand for clean electricity and renewable fuels continue to grow as problems associated with climate change and diminishing non-renewable resources increase. Solar power and wind, amongst various other sources, are known to have been utilized to produce energy that is sustainable.

Seawater makes up approximately <NUM>% of the Earth's surface, providing a vast resource compared to land-based energy sources. Moreover, because water is denser than air, tidal energy has the potential to be more powerful than wind energy. Tidal energy additionally is generally more predictable and consistent than wind or solar energy, making tidal energy an important renewable energy source to pursue.

Tidal energy is produced by the surge of ocean waters during the rise and fall of tides. Where the difference in water height between high tide and low tide is significant, electricity may be generated by tidal movement.

Known systems of generating power from tidal energy include at least tidal streams, barrages, and tidal lagoons. In tidal streams or fast-flowing bodies of water, turbines may be placed in the water to produce energy. Though steady and reliable, turbine machines may disrupt tide flows and may be effective in shallow water. Barrages pool water with the use of a dam and then release the water at once through turbines to generate electrical energy. The use of a dam may disrupt the environment surrounding the generator significantly, affecting land, water flow, and plant and animal life. Similar to barrages, tidal lagoons are pools of water that can be constructed by natural or manmade barriers. Though tidal lagoons typically disrupt the environment less than barrages, their energy output is generally low and fully functional generator systems may not be successful.

Known systems for tidal energy utilization face obstacles and may require conditions including the need for facilities to occupy large areas of beaches, which may negatively affect the environment and deprive cities and regions of valuable sea fronts. Moreover, these facilities may require an additional adaptation of the terrain and levels of the land adjacent to beaches to accommodate the quantity of water held by dams.

<CIT> discloses a hybrid system for generating tidal power (page <NUM>, lines <NUM>-<NUM> and figures), comprising.

The system marked as a motor, presented in <CIT> (D1), as assembly of tank, marked as a float, vertical and circular gear, shaft and dynamo, is effective to transform the tide waters into mechanical power. But there are not sufficient means ensuring more stability and reliability of the system in the strong conditions in the sea due to the ocean storms.

The drawbacks of the aforementioned system are overcome with the inventions (system and method) of the present application which new technical features, together with the known, provide the claimed system with improved and more possibilities of using the tidal energy in producing electrical energy. Furthermore, they provide the system with more means ensuring more stability and reliability of the system in the strong conditions in the sea due to the ocean storms.

Therefore, a need exists for an improved power generation system based on movement of tides that can be utilized on land or in the open sea.

The invention is directed toward a system and a method for generating power from tidal energy using a platform with a tank or multiple tanks.

According to one aspect, a system for generating tidal power is defined in claim <NUM>.

According to another aspect, a method of generating tidal power is defined in claim <NUM>. Further advantageous features of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

Referring now to the discussion that follows and the drawings, illustrative approaches to the disclosed systems and methods are described in detail. Although the drawings represent some possible approaches, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated, removed, or partially sectioned to better illustrate and explain the present disclosure. Further, the descriptions set forth herein are not intended to be exhaustive, otherwise limit, or restrict the claims to the precise forms and configurations shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description.

This disclosure relates generally to a hybrid power generation system in the sea that generates power from tidal energy using a platform or multiple platforms. An exemplary generator system may include a tank configured to move with the tide of seawater. The tank may be located on top of at least one vertical gear, which additionally may move vertically with the tide. The generator system may also include a set of circular gears connected on each side of the vertical gears, such that the circular gears are configured to rotate with the vertical movement of the vertical gears. The rotating movement of the circular gears may be transmitted via shafts to a dynamo, providing a sustainable source of power generation.

Referring to the figures, <FIG> is a schematic side view of a platform <NUM> used in connection with the hybrid power generation system. Platform <NUM> includes a tank <NUM> configured to rise and fall with the tide of the sea, the tank having a floor cavity <NUM> and a vent <NUM>. The illustrated example is of single tank <NUM> on a single platform <NUM>, but it should be appreciated that multiple tanks <NUM> may be included on a single platform <NUM>, or that multiple platforms <NUM> may be connected to create a larger system as illustrated in <FIG>.

Tank <NUM> is generally of a square shape and configured as a box with a bottom, side walls, and a top surface. The bottom of tank <NUM> includes floor cavity <NUM> capable of opening and closing such that water may enter or leave tank <NUM> based on the opening and closing of a valve <NUM> in the floor cavity <NUM>. That is, floor cavity <NUM> includes valve <NUM>, and as tank <NUM> moves in an upward and downward movement with the rise and fall of the tide, valve <NUM> remains closed to keep water inside or outside of tank <NUM>. As will be described in more detail below, as tank <NUM> reaches peak height of the tide, valve <NUM> opens to allow water through floor cavity <NUM> and into tank <NUM>. As tide recedes and tank <NUM> remains full of water, the weight of the water contained within tank <NUM> is used as gravitational or potential energy to drive dynamo <NUM> and extract electrical energy therefrom.

Platform <NUM> also operates such that, once the gravitational energy is expended and tank <NUM> reaches proximate the water level at low tide, tank <NUM> is then emptied so that, during the next cycle of the tide, tank <NUM> being empty will be generally buoyant and will float upwards, generating power, and with the rising tide such that tank <NUM> will then fill only when near high tide, at which point the cycle repeats and as the tide recedes, electrical power generation resumes during the downward motion of tank <NUM> being weighted with water. The disclosed system also includes a locking mechanism, to be discussed later, that allows sloshing, pivoting, and axial motion to occur when tank <NUM> is engaged with the rising tide, but then locks in place to prevent tipping over when the tank is full during electrical power generation.

Tank <NUM> includes at least one hinge <NUM> point, two of which are visible in <FIG>, and is illustrated as having four hinges <NUM> at each corner of tank <NUM> bottom. Hinges <NUM> couple tank <NUM> to vertical gears <NUM>. Hinges <NUM> include parallel tracks, ball joints, and locks which allow for sliding and pivoting movement of tank <NUM> when unlocked, or for prohibiting pivoting movement when locked as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Connected to hinges <NUM> are at least one of vertical gears <NUM>, and preferably one hinge <NUM> and vertical gear <NUM> are included at each corner of tank <NUM>. Vertical gears <NUM> are configured to rise and fall with tank <NUM> as the tide rises and recedes, such that vertical gears <NUM> travel with vertical movement of tank <NUM>. At least one pair of circular gears <NUM>, <NUM> is positioned on each vertical gear <NUM> such that a first circular gear <NUM> is located on one side of vertical gear <NUM>, and a second circular gear <NUM> is located on a second side, opposite first circular gear <NUM>, of vertical gear <NUM>. Vertical gear <NUM> is positioned between first circular gear <NUM> and second circular gear <NUM> such that as vertical gear <NUM> moves upward or downward with the movement of tank <NUM>, vertical movement of vertical gear <NUM> rotates first and second circular gears <NUM>. In one example, only one of circular gears <NUM>, <NUM> is included as a gear, and the other may be a simple, smooth, rotational element that can withstand pressure applied from the other side of vertical gear <NUM>.

In the illustrated example, when vertical gear <NUM> moves in an upward direction, first circular gear <NUM> is engaged with a first shaft <NUM> such that first shaft <NUM> rotates clockwise with first circular gear <NUM>. At the same time, second circular gear <NUM> rotates passively without being engaged with a second shaft <NUM>. When vertical gear <NUM> moves in a downward direction, second circular gear <NUM> is engaged with second shaft <NUM> so that second shaft <NUM> rotates counterclockwise with second circular gear <NUM>. At the same time, first circular gear <NUM> rotates passively without being engaged with first shaft <NUM>. This is such that first circular gear <NUM> and first shaft <NUM> are engaged while vertical gear <NUM> travels in an upward direction. Second circular gear <NUM> and second shaft <NUM> are engaged while vertical gear <NUM> travels in a downward direction. First shaft <NUM> and second shaft <NUM> transmit rotation of shafts <NUM>, <NUM> to the main shaft <NUM> which is in turn transmitted to dynamo <NUM>. Main shaft <NUM> may include a transmission box and a speed controller to aid in transferring rotational movement of shafts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> into electrical power.

Vertical gears <NUM> are held in place by a vertical gear holder <NUM>. Vertical gear holder <NUM> is illustrated as a set of circular gears that surround vertical gear <NUM>. However, it is noted that other vertical gear holders <NUM> could be configured to hold vertical gear <NUM> in place and allow vertical gear <NUM> to move upward and downward. It is also contemplated that vertical gear holders <NUM> may themselves be attached to their own respective shafts and dynamos, providing yet additional options and configurations for extracting electrical power. At one end of vertical gear <NUM> and opposite tank <NUM> is a vertical gear lock <NUM>. Vertical gear lock <NUM> is positioned below vertical gear holder <NUM> such that as vertical gears <NUM> move upward, vertical gear lock <NUM> will stop at vertical gear holder <NUM> preventing further upward movement. Vertical gear holders <NUM> are attached to a vertical gear base <NUM>. Vertical gear base <NUM> is illustrated as a triangular base with cross-sections for added stability. Vertical gear base <NUM> is further affixed, optionally, to a platform base <NUM> which is positioned on the sea floor.

Positioned on top surface <NUM> of tank <NUM> is a controller <NUM>. Controller <NUM> communicates with an external network to provide operational controls to platform. Controller <NUM> may upload data to the external network and communicate with the external network. Controller <NUM> monitors operation and provides manual operation of system. Controller <NUM> selectively operates vertical gear lock <NUM> to hold tank <NUM> at a high point once the tide begins to recede, deferring electrical power generation until the tide has dropped below the tank <NUM>. Controller <NUM> is configured to aid in opening and closing valve <NUM> in floor cavity <NUM>. Controller <NUM> may communicate with external networks to provide controls such as opening and closing valve <NUM> based on manual operation from an operator, by a timer programmed according to a tide schedule, and/or in conjunction with sensors <NUM> connected to controller <NUM>. For example, sensor <NUM> may be known conventional sensors utilizing laser beams to indicate when a tank <NUM> reaches peak and low tide heights. Sensors <NUM> may additionally be an electric float level transmitter or a floating ball at a tank <NUM> floor cavity <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, and correlating generally with <FIG>, a top view of a hybrid power generation system <NUM> is illustrated, which may include multiple, but at least one platform <NUM>. In the illustrated example, hybrid power generation system <NUM> includes four platforms <NUM>, each platform <NUM> containing one tank <NUM>. Each tank <NUM> includes vertical gear <NUM> attached to each corner of each tank <NUM>. Each of four vertical gears <NUM> includes a first circular gear <NUM> and a second circular gear <NUM>. First circular gear <NUM> is attached to first shaft <NUM> such that first shaft <NUM> is positioned through the center of first circular gear <NUM>. Second circular gear <NUM> is attached to second shaft <NUM> such that second shaft <NUM> is positioned through the center of second circular gear <NUM>. First shaft <NUM> and second shaft <NUM> are positioned such that shafts <NUM>, <NUM> are connected to a plurality of pairs of first and second circular gears <NUM>, <NUM>. First shaft <NUM> and second shaft <NUM> extend parallel to each other. System <NUM> may have additional first shafts <NUM> and second shafts <NUM> depending on size and number of platforms <NUM> used in system <NUM>. For example, each row of platforms <NUM> includes two pairs of first shafts <NUM> and second shafts <NUM>. A first row of platforms <NUM> includes a first pair of shafts <NUM>, <NUM> engaged with vertical gears <NUM> on a first side of platforms <NUM>. A second pair of shafts <NUM>', <NUM>' is engaged with vertical gears <NUM>' on a second side of platforms <NUM>. The plurality of first shafts <NUM> and second shafts <NUM> are positioned such that shafts <NUM>, <NUM> connect with a receiving shaft <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a close-up view of first shaft <NUM> and second shaft <NUM> connecting with receiving shaft <NUM>. First shaft <NUM> connects with receiving shaft <NUM> at a first differential <NUM>, such that rotational movement from first shaft <NUM> is transferred to receiving shaft <NUM> via first differential <NUM>. First differential <NUM> is a unit of gears, including at least two gears which rotate to transfer movement from the axis of first shaft <NUM> to the axis of receiving shaft <NUM>. Second shaft <NUM> connects with receiving shaft <NUM> at a second differential <NUM>, such that rotational movement from second shaft <NUM> is transferred to receiving shaft <NUM> via second differential <NUM>. Second differential <NUM> is a unit of gears, including at least two gears which rotate to transfer movement from the axis of second saft <NUM> to axis of receiving shaft <NUM>. Thus, rotational movement from a plurality of first shafts <NUM> and second shafts <NUM> is transferred to receiving shaft <NUM>. Receiving shaft <NUM> is the inputting axle of dynamo <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. Rotational movement from receiving shaft <NUM> is inputted into dynamo <NUM> and dynamo <NUM> converts mechanical rotation into a pulsing direct electric current that can be utilized for power generation.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of platform <NUM> that includes tank <NUM> used in connection with hybrid power generation system <NUM>. Tank <NUM> is a square chamber, but a variety of shapes and sizes may be used. Bottom of tank <NUM> includes a floor cavity <NUM> that is configured to open and close at different points of operation of system <NUM>. Tank <NUM> is carried on top of vertical gears <NUM> at each corner of tank <NUM> via hinge <NUM>. Each vertical gear <NUM> passes between first circular gear <NUM> and second circular gear <NUM>. Circular gears <NUM>, <NUM> rotate as vertical gears <NUM> move upward and downward in between circular gears <NUM>, <NUM>. Movement of circular gears <NUM>, <NUM> is transmitted to dynamo <NUM> for electricity production via set of shafts <NUM>, <NUM>. Each tank <NUM> includes two set of shafts <NUM>, <NUM>. A first pair of a first shaft <NUM> and a second shaft <NUM> are connected to circular gears <NUM>, <NUM> for two vertical gears <NUM> sharing a first side of tank <NUM>. A second pair of a first shaft <NUM>' and a second shaft <NUM>' are connected to circular gears <NUM>', <NUM>' for two vertical gears <NUM>' sharing a second side, opposite a first side of tank <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, tank <NUM> may include a top surface <NUM> through which a vent <NUM> penetrates. Vent <NUM> provides for air venting during filling and emptying of tank <NUM>, to avoid suction or gurgling of the water as it enters or exits tank <NUM> during operation of floor cavity <NUM>. Without vent <NUM>, and as water enters or escapes tank <NUM>, air would generally have to be displaced by passing out of the bottom of tank <NUM>. Thus, vent <NUM> provides an opportunity for air to enter and exit without having to displace water via the underside of tank <NUM>. Tank surface <NUM> provides free space and a free platform which may be utilized for additional mechanisms. For example, as illustrated, tank surface <NUM> may be utilized for installing solar panels <NUM> that produce additional electrical energy. Installing solar panel <NUM> allows platform <NUM> to produce energy from multiple sources at the same time, or at separate times according to demand, requirements, and weather conditions.

Referring now to <FIG>, a close-up view of hinge <NUM> is illustrated in an unlocked and a locked position, with <FIG> in an unlocked position. When unlocked, hinge <NUM> allows tank <NUM> to sway and pivot with the motion of waves, preventing damage from occurring to tank <NUM> and other components. However, swaying is allowed by parallel tracks <NUM>, <NUM>, and pivoting is allowed by a ball joint <NUM>. Thus, swaying can occur in linear directions front to back and side to side, and permissible via a first set of sliding tracks <NUM> (side to side) on hinge <NUM> and a second set of sliding tracks <NUM> that are orthogonal to first set of tracks <NUM> (forward to back motion). Thus, first set <NUM> and second set <NUM> of orthogonal sliding tracks allows tank <NUM> to move in a plane and collectively in any direction orthogonal to the vertical motion of tank <NUM>, when tank <NUM> is floating on surface of water. The allowed movement by sliding tracks <NUM>, <NUM> provides freedom of tank <NUM> to move with the waves such that waves do not crash into and over tank <NUM>, but rather tank <NUM> sways with waves. Movement from sliding tracks <NUM>, <NUM> may also be used to generate power such that tank <NUM> is a hybrid system with several forms of power generation.

Pivoting or sloshing of tank <NUM> is allowed by ball joint <NUM>. Ball joint <NUM> is positioned such that joint <NUM> extends from a lower portion <NUM> of hinge <NUM> and into a round opening in upper portion <NUM> of hinge <NUM>. Upper portion <NUM> of hinge can pivot around ball joint <NUM> in round opening. However, to prevent ball joint <NUM> from allowing tank <NUM> and upper portion <NUM> to tilt (and potentially damage tank <NUM> or lose water due to severe tilting of tank <NUM>), hinge <NUM> is provided with a lock or locking mechanism that allows for jostling or tilting to occur when tank <NUM> is in the water, and to reduce jostling when tank <NUM> is not in the water.

In an unlocked position, upper portion <NUM> is capable of pivoting freely on ball joint <NUM>. Lock <NUM>, in examples, is made of polystyrene foam or another buoyant material and can move upward and downward based on its position with respect to hinge <NUM>. In one example, upper portion <NUM> and lower portion <NUM> are conical in shape to allow lock <NUM> to float around upper portion <NUM> in a raised position and drop around a wider surface of a lower portion <NUM> in a lowered position. Thus, when water level is above hinge <NUM>, lock <NUM> floats upward and surrounds upper portion <NUM>. Gap <NUM> allows movement of upper portion <NUM> on ball joint <NUM> without upper portion <NUM> coming in contact with lower portion <NUM>. Lock <NUM> remains in the raised position as it floats due to its buoyancy in the water.

As water level drops below hinge <NUM>, lock <NUM> drops to a lowered position due to gravity. Lock <NUM> falls to a position such that it simultaneously surrounds both upper portion <NUM> and lower portion <NUM> of hinge <NUM>. The conical shape of upper portion <NUM> and lower portion <NUM> tightens lock <NUM> to the outer surface of upper portion <NUM> and lower portion <NUM> minimizing or restricting pivoting motion of upper portion <NUM> on ball joint <NUM>. Lock <NUM> thereby reduces movement of ball joint <NUM> as gap <NUM> reduces in size due to conical shape of upper portion <NUM> and lower portion <NUM>, and as upper portion <NUM> is locked in a position relative to lower portion <NUM> such that upper portion <NUM> is prohibited from pivoting on ball joint <NUM>.

Lock <NUM> is prohibited from falling below gap <NUM> and lower portion <NUM> by a lock stopper <NUM>. Stopper <NUM> is positioned just below top of lower portion <NUM> such that lock <NUM> may descend to a position such that it simultaneously covers upper portion <NUM>, gap <NUM>, and lower portion <NUM>, but will not fall further when water level is below hinge <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the locking mechanism includes engagement of cylindrical shapes and is gearless, but additional locking mechanisms could be utilized. For example, lock <NUM> may be coupled to a gear structure such that an inner gear and an outer gear mate when lock <NUM> is in a lower position, such that the inner and outer gear prevent rotational or rocking movement of hinge <NUM> when lock <NUM> is engaged.

Referring now to <FIG>, hinge <NUM> is illustrated to show operation of lock <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, hinge <NUM> is in a locked position and illustrates the inside of lock <NUM>. Lock <NUM> is in a downward position, resting atop lock stopper <NUM> due to gravity as hinge <NUM> is above the water level (not shown) and lock <NUM> is not floating but above the water surface. Lock <NUM> surrounds upper portion <NUM> and lower portion <NUM>, such upper portion <NUM> is unable to pivot on ball joint <NUM> in related to lower portion <NUM>. The conical shape of upper portion <NUM> and lower portion <NUM> allow lock <NUM> to fall to a lowered position to prevent pivoting movement.

<FIG> illustrates hinge <NUM> in an unlocked position. <FIG> additionally illustrates a view <NUM> degrees offset from that of the view in <FIG>. Lock <NUM> is in a raised position, generally in line with upper portion <NUM>. Lock <NUM> is in an upward position due to buoyancy of lock <NUM>, and the water level (not shown) raises lock <NUM>. Hinge <NUM> is below water level and thus in an unlocked position because lock <NUM> floats to its raised position. Lock <NUM> is prevented from floating above parallel sliding tracks <NUM>, keeping lock <NUM> aligned with upper portion <NUM>. Gap <NUM> is exposed, allowing upper portion <NUM> to pivot atop ball joint <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates hinge <NUM> above water (not shown) in a locked position and from an external side view. As shown, lock <NUM> is positioned atop of lock stoppers <NUM> due to gravity and being above the water level in a locked position. Lock <NUM> sits atop lock stopper <NUM> such that lock <NUM> covers lower portion <NUM>, gap <NUM>, and upper portion <NUM>. Lock <NUM> prevents upper portion <NUM> from pivoting on ball joint <NUM>, preventing upper portion <NUM> from moving relative to lower portion <NUM> and gap <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates valve <NUM> in floor cavity <NUM> of the bottom surface of tank <NUM>. In the illustrated example, valve <NUM> is a dual-ball mechanism for opening and closing valve <NUM>. Inside tank <NUM> is a heavy internal ball <NUM> with a diameter larger than floor cavity <NUM> such that ball <NUM> can block floor cavity <NUM> when valve <NUM> is closed. Internal ball <NUM> is attached to a ball lifter <NUM> via a ball arm <NUM>. Ball lifter <NUM> in one example may be a wheel which travels on the slopped tank <NUM> bottom. Internal ball <NUM> is additionally connected to an external ball <NUM> via a ball connection <NUM>. Internal ball <NUM> attaches to ball connection <NUM> via a flexible joint <NUM> to provide flexibility in the connection for ample movement. Ball connection <NUM> is a thin rod that travels from inside of tank <NUM> to outside of tank <NUM> through floor cavity <NUM>. External ball <NUM> is attached to end of ball connection <NUM>, opposite internal ball <NUM>, and via a second flexible joint <NUM>. Ball connection <NUM> allows internal ball <NUM> to move upward or downward and have external ball <NUM> follow movement of internal ball <NUM>, and vice versa. External ball <NUM> similarly has a diameter larger than floor cavity <NUM> to act as a block when pressed against floor cavity <NUM>. Rubber anchors <NUM> may be placed within floor cavity <NUM> to provide a position for external ball <NUM> and internal ball <NUM> to rest against and tighten block of floor cavity <NUM> when in a closed position.

Tank <NUM> begins as empty with valve <NUM> closed and external ball <NUM> pressed against rubber anchors <NUM> such that external ball <NUM> prevents water from entering tank <NUM>. Tank <NUM> is carried on the water surface, being lifted by the tide and swayed by waves. When tank <NUM> reaches a peak height of the tide, valve <NUM> opens to fill tank <NUM> with water. Valve <NUM> opens as external ball <NUM> lowers to an intermediate position where neither external ball <NUM> nor internal ball <NUM> are positioned against rubber anchors <NUM> and valve <NUM> in floor cavity <NUM> is open, allowing water to enter tank <NUM>. When tank <NUM> is full of water, heavy internal ball <NUM> lowers to sit firmly against rubber anchors <NUM>, closing floor cavity <NUM>. As tide recedes, floor cavity <NUM> remains closed such that water remains in tank <NUM> and allows tank <NUM> to recede under weight of the water. As tank <NUM> approaches the low height of tide, valve <NUM> begins to open such that water may exit through floor cavity <NUM>. Once water has exited tank <NUM> and tank <NUM> is empty, ball lifter <NUM> lifts internal ball <NUM>, and brings external ball <NUM> up with it. External ball <NUM> is lifted firmly against rubber anchors <NUM> such that valve <NUM> and floor cavity <NUM> are closed.

Valve <NUM> is opened and closed through the use of controller <NUM> connected to ball lifter <NUM>. Controller <NUM> receives manual inputs from an operator with instructions on when to open and close valve <NUM> to allow water into and out of tank <NUM>. Controller <NUM> may also be programmed according to tidal schedules such that manual input is not necessary. Additionally, controller <NUM> may be connected to sensors <NUM> to indicate information such that tank height and water capacity of tank such that sensors <NUM> and controller <NUM> work together to determine when operational steps described in <FIG> and <FIG> occur. For example, sensors <NUM> may include conventional height sensors such as lasers which determine when a tank <NUM> reaches near peak height or low height of a tide. Electric float level transmitters or floating ball sensors in tank <NUM> may determine the capacity of water within tank <NUM> and when tank <NUM> is empty or full. Valve <NUM> is illustrated as having external balls <NUM> and internal balls <NUM> as blockers for floor cavity <NUM>, but valve <NUM> could have at least one of the external and internal ball or another type of blocker to close floor cavity <NUM>.

<FIG> is a graph of the operational steps <NUM>, showing operation following the steps <NUM> through <NUM> in numerically increasing order, and corresponds to the chart illustrated in <FIG> which identifies occurrences at each of steps <NUM> through <NUM>. At <NUM>, tank <NUM> is at low tide. Tank <NUM> floats at the surface level of the water, and lock <NUM> is floating due to hinge <NUM> being below water lever. Thus, lock <NUM> is in an unlocked position and tank <NUM> is able to pivot with waves as a result of ball joint <NUM> being able to move in gap <NUM>. External light ball <NUM> (not shown) is pressed against rubber anchors <NUM> in valve <NUM>, closing floor cavity <NUM> such that water is not entering tank <NUM>.

At <NUM>, tide begins to rise, causing tank <NUM> to move upward with water level. Tank <NUM> moves upward with the increasing tide, causing vertical gears <NUM> to rise and power is generated via upward movement transferred from vertical gears <NUM> to circular gears <NUM> from circular gears <NUM> to shafts <NUM>, from shafts <NUM> to a receiving shaft <NUM> (also illustrated in <FIG>), and from receiving shaft <NUM> to dynamo <NUM>. Lock <NUM> remains unlocked as hinge <NUM> remains under water and lock <NUM> is floating in a raised position. Floor cavity <NUM> remains closed such that tank <NUM> remains empty.

At <NUM>, tide approaches high tide. Lock <NUM> remains unlocked to move with waves, and floor cavity <NUM> remains closed.

At <NUM>, the tide and tank <NUM> have reached near peak height and at this stage tank <NUM> is filling as high tide is reached. Hinge <NUM> remains under water such that lock <NUM> is in an upward positioned due to buoyancy of lock <NUM>. Unlocked position of lock <NUM> allows tank <NUM> to continue to pivot with waves while at surface level of water and while filling. Valve <NUM> begins to open such that external ball <NUM> moves downward to an intermediate position where neither external ball <NUM> nor internal ball <NUM> block valve <NUM>. Water is able to enter floor cavity <NUM> and fill tank <NUM>.

At <NUM>, tide begins to recede. Floor cavity <NUM> closes, such that internal ball <NUM> rests firmly against rubber anchors <NUM>, blocking valve <NUM> and containing water within tank <NUM>.

At <NUM>, the tide has receded below level of tank <NUM> but tank <NUM> is suspended from dropping via vertical gear lock <NUM>. Controller <NUM> thereby defers electrical power generation until the tide has dropped below the bottom or tank <NUM>. Vertical motion of tank <NUM> may be via a physical stop, such as with vertical gear lock <NUM>. Controller <NUM> then can selectively operate vertical gear lock <NUM> to release, giving an opportunity for tank <NUM>, when full, to drop gravitationally and generate power based on parameters that will maximize power production in dynamo <NUM>.

In this operation, hinge <NUM> is above water level such that lock <NUM> has moved in a downward position due to gravity. Lock <NUM> is now positioned against lock stopper <NUM> such that lock <NUM> prohibits movement of upper portion <NUM> on ball joint <NUM> and tank <NUM> remains in a horizontal position. Locked position of hinge <NUM> prohibits tank <NUM> from pivoting and provides stability to tank <NUM> as it descends. Floor cavity <NUM> and valve <NUM> remain closed due to the position of internal ball <NUM> against valve <NUM>.

Thus, at <NUM>, tank <NUM> begins to move downward due to the weight of the water in tank <NUM>. Vertical gears <NUM> are configured to not hold tank <NUM> at high point without assistance from buoyancy of tank <NUM>. Therefore, vertical gears <NUM> begin to move downward from the weight of water, and tank <NUM> moves downward. The downward movement of vertical gears <NUM> produces power, as downward movement from vertical gears <NUM> is transferred to circular gears <NUM>, as rotational movement from circular gears <NUM> is transferred to shafts <NUM>, as rotational movement from shafts <NUM> is transferred to receiving shaft <NUM>, and as rotational movement from receiving shaft <NUM> is inputted to dynamo <NUM>.

At <NUM>, tank <NUM> catches up with tide and reaches the tides lowest point. Hinges <NUM> are now under water, allowing lock <NUM> to float to a raised position due to its buoyancy. In upward position, lock <NUM> is in an unlocked position such that tank <NUM> may pivot on ball joint <NUM> and again sways with wave motion. Just prior to reaching lowest tide and before hitting water level, valve <NUM> opens to empty water from within tank <NUM> through floor cavity <NUM>. Internal ball <NUM> raises to an intermediate position where neither internal ball <NUM> nor external ball <NUM> are blocking valve <NUM> such that water can exit through floor cavity <NUM>. Valve <NUM> releases water prior to reaching water level such that water may exit tank <NUM> without water re-entering tank <NUM>. Once empty, valve <NUM> closes with external ball <NUM> raising to a position adjacent to and pressed up against rubber anchors <NUM> to block floor cavity <NUM>.

At <NUM>, tank <NUM> is empty, lock <NUM> is in an unlocked position, and tank <NUM> is floating at water surface level, at which point the cycle begins anew.

The hybrid power generation system may utilize at least three sustainable sources of energy, namely the utilization of rising tides energy, the utilization of receding tides energy, and the utilization of wave energy. The disclosed system illustrates power generation with tidal changes, however smaller increments of power generation may occur with the rise and fall of tank <NUM> due to ongoing waves. As tank <NUM> moves upward and downward in small increments with waves, additionally power generation may occur as a tide is rising or falling simultaneously. Additionally, platform <NUM> can serve as a source of solar energy via solar panels <NUM> placed on the top surface of tanks <NUM>. Tank <NUM> may additionally generate power from horizontal movement of tank <NUM> due to sliding motion from tracks <NUM>, <NUM>. The hybrid system may produce innovative, sustainable, clean, cheap, and environmentally friendly energy at a large scale from the movement of tides. It is known that seawater constitutes about <NUM>% of the Earth's surface, providing a vast resource compared to land-based energy sources.

According to one aspect, a system for generating tidal power comprising a tank supported by at least one vertical gear, such that the tank travels in an upward direction and a downward direction with the at least one vertical gear, the tank travel based on a vertical motion of a tide. At least one circular gear is coupled to the at least one vertical gear, such that the at least one circular gear rotates when the at least one vertical gear moves in the upward direction and the downward direction. A shaft is connected to the at least one circular gear, such that the shaft rotates when the at least one circular gear rotates. A dynamo is attached to the shaft, such that the rotation of the shaft is transmitted to the dynamo for power generation.

According to another aspect, a method of generating tidal power comprising moving a tank in an upward direction and a downward direction, the tank configured to be supported by at least one vertical gear and the at least one vertical gear configured to travel with the tank, the tank travel based on a vertical motion of a tide, rotating at least one circular gear, the at least one circular gear configured such that the at least one circular gear rotates when the at least one vertical gear rises in the upward direction, spinning at least one shaft, the at least one shaft connected to the at least one circular gear such that the at least one shaft spins when the at least one circular gear rotates, and transferring rotation of the at least one shaft to a dynamo, the dynamo configured to generate power from rotational movement of the at least one shaft.

When introducing elements of various embodiments of the disclosed materials, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. Furthermore, any numerical examples in the following discussion are intended to be non-limiting, and thus additional numerical values, ranges, and percentages are within the scope of the disclosed embodiments.

While the preceding discussion is generally provided in the context of a hybrid power generation system in the sea, it should be appreciated that the present techniques are not limited to such limited contexts. The provision of examples and explanations in such a context is to facilitate explanation by providing instances of implementations and applications. The disclosed approaches may also be utilized in other contexts or configurations.

Claim 1:
A hybrid system for generating power from tidal energy, comprising:
at least one vertical gear (<NUM>);
a tank (<NUM>) supported by the at least one vertical gear (<NUM>), such that the tank (<NUM>) travels in an upward direction and in a downward direction with the at least one vertical gear (<NUM>), the tank (<NUM>) travels based on a vertical motion of a tide of a tidal water that lifts and lowers the tank (<NUM>);
at least one circular gear (<NUM>) coupled to the at least one vertical gear (<NUM>), such that the at least one circular gear (<NUM>) rotates when the at least one vertical gear (<NUM>) moves in the upward direction and when the at least one vertical gear (<NUM>) moves in the downward direction;
a shaft (<NUM>) connected to the at least one circular gear (<NUM>), such that the shaft (<NUM>) rotates when the at least one circular gear (<NUM>) rotates;
a dynamo (<NUM>) attached to the shaft (<NUM>) such that the rotation of the shaft (<NUM>) is transmitted to the dynamo (<NUM>) for power generation;
characterized by
a hinge (<NUM>) coupled to the tank (<NUM>) and to the at least one vertical gear (<NUM>), the hinge (<NUM>) adjustable to (i) a locked position in which the hinge (<NUM>) prevents pivoting motion of the tank (<NUM>) and (ii) an unlocked position in which the hinge (<NUM>) permits pivoting motion of the tank (<NUM>).