Patent ID: 8177480

Claim:
A vertical axis paddlewheel type turbine for converting kinetic energy of river or ocean currents into electricity consisting of: a. a working wheel, comprising a hub mounted via bearings on an inner vertical axis to a protecting housing b. a first set of paddles located above said working wheel wherein each of said paddles includes a pair of floatable blades, having a partial segment profile, which are asymmetrically and non-rotatably attached by their leading edges to both ends of a pole in a mutually perpendicular orientation c. a second set of paddles located below said working wheel wherein each of said paddles includes a pair of sinkable blades, having a partial segment profile, which are asymmetrically and non-rotatably attached by their leading edges to both ends of a pole in a mutually perpendicular orientation d. paddle support members fixedly mounted to a rim of said working wheel for holding said paddles and limiting the free rotation of said paddles within the angle range of 0 to 90 degrees e. a plurality of radial spokes connecting said wheel's rim to said wheel's hub.