Patent ID: 7859128

Claim:
Power generating equipment comprising: a buoyant power generating apparatus; and a support structure for the power generating apparatus, which support structure, in use, is disposed on the bed of a body of water, and which support structure defines alignment and latching means for the power generating apparatus, wherein the power generating apparatus comprises: a generating unit having a centre of buoyancy positioned to maintain a stable pitch and roll attitude; alignment and latching means adapted to align and latch the power generating apparatus with corresponding alignment and latching means on the support structure, the alignment and latching means defining a mating axis; and a motor-driven winching device having a flexible tether which is connectable at its free end to the support structure whereby, in use, retraction of the tether causes the power generating apparatus to be drawn downwardly through the body of water into engagement with the support structure, such that a net buoyancy force acting on the generating unit is brought substantially into line with the mating axis and wherein, during such retraction of the tether, the power generating apparatus is connected to the support structure by only the flexible tether.