Patent ID: 8823195

Claim:
A hydro electric energy generation structure adapted for installation in a hydraulic reservoir, the structure comprising: a gravity wall forming an outer perimeter of said structure, wherein said gravity wall comprises a first section inclined towards the center of said structure and adapted to bear on a floor of said hydraulic reservoir and extend above an upper water level of said hydraulic reservoir, and a second section adapted for installation extending below the floor of said hydraulic reservoir; at least one water inlet situated in said first section of said gravity wall hydraulically connected to a first penstock for delivering water from said reservoir to a first turbine generator situated below said water inlet and thereafter to a first tailrace; at least one lower water storage reservoir situated below said first tailrace and within said perimeter of said gravity wall, for receiving water from said first turbine generator; at least one pump hydraulically connected to said lower water storage reservoir for receiving water from said lower water storage reservoir; at least one pump delivery conduit hydraulically connected to said pump; at least one upper water storage reservoir situated and supported above said gravity wall and hydraulically connected to said pump delivery conduit for receiving water from said pump; at least one second penstock hydraulically connected to said upper water storage reservoir for delivering water from said upper water storage reservoir to a second turbine generator situated below said upper water storage reservoir and above said water inlet.