Patent ID: 8350396

Claim:
An apparatus for generating energy from water current, comprising: a paddlewheel having plural individual paddles, an axis of rotation, a front side that is forward of the axis of rotation, and a rear side that is behind the axis of rotation; and a covering structure having a front portion that (a) covers a first part of the front side of the paddlewheel, leaving a second part of the front side of the paddlewheel uncovered by said front portion and (b) extends a distance forward of the front side of the paddlewheel, wherein the front portion of the covering structure is tapered, becoming thinner as it extends further forward of the paddlewheel, wherein when in use, the entire paddlewheel is exposed to, and turns in, the water, wherein the covering structure includes at least one ballast tank for controlling overall buoyancy of said apparatus, and wherein, when in use, said apparatus is held in place by being attached to an anchor.