Patent ID: 8766466

Claim:
A submersible apparatus comprising: (a) a platform comprising: (i) a transverse wing structure having a negative angle of attack to a horizontal plane; (ii) at least two buoyant power pods being affixed to the transverse wing structure, each of the power pods comprising a marine current-driven rotor assembly having fixed-pitch rotor blades, each of the rotor assemblies coupled to an electric power generating system housed in a fluid-tight pressure vessel, wherein the electric power generating system within each of the pressure vessels utilizes a hydraulic direct drivetrain comprising a drive shaft from the rotor assembly driving at least one hydraulic pump, the hydraulic pump operatively connected to at least one hydraulic motor, the hydraulic motor being operatively connected to at least one electric generator driven at constant speed, the electric generator operatively connected to a hydraulic brake, each of the power pods further comprising an external fluidic bearing on which the rotor assembly mounts and rotates, thereby decoupling non-torque loads from the rotor assembly to the drive shaft of the drivetrain, thereby allowing only torque to be transmitted to the drivetrain; (iii) at least one forward mooring line having a first end and a second end, the first end of the forward mooring line being attached to a central attachment point on the platform, and the second end of the forward mooring line being connected to an anchor on an ocean floor; (iv) a vertical mooring line having a first end and a second end, the first end of the vertical mooring line being attached to an anchor on the ocean floor positioned under the platform and the second end of the vertical mooring line being attached to an attachment point on a lower side of the platform, said vertical mooring line having a length that prevents the platform from rising above a prescribed depth below an ocean surface; (v) means for transmitting electricity generated by the power pods to an electrical grid; and (vi) a heat exchanger in direct contact with ocean water in order to cool hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic drivetrain; the platform reaching a steady state equilibrium position to minimize forces upon the platform, using passive depth adjustment.