Patent ID: 8736095

Claim:
A linear hydro-kinetic power generation system for converting kinetic energy of a moving fluid into electric or mechanical power comprising: a suspension mechanism for ensuring that the linear hydro-kinetic power generation system is maintained stationary in the moving fluid at an appropriate depth; a plurality of paddle subassemblies are supported by the suspension mechanism for capturing the kinetic energy of the moving fluid; each paddle subassembly comprises a paddle blade attaches to a paddle handle; a linear electric power generation subsystem is supported by the suspension mechanism for converting the kinetic energy captured by the plurality of paddle subassemblies into electric power; a conveyance system is supported by the suspension mechanism for routing the paddle subassemblies in an elongated continuous loop when the moving fluid causes the paddle subassemblies to move along the length of the linear hydro-kinetic power generation system; and a paddle blade manipulation mechanism comprising manipulation/rotation of the paddles in one or more axes of rotation; wherein the paddle handle attaches to the conveyance system via the paddle blade manipulation mechanism; wherein the paddle blade manipulation mechanism is configured to bias the paddle blades into a retracted position when the paddle blades essentially parallel to the flow during a return trip along the conveyance system; wherein the linear electric power generation subsystem includes one or more electric coils and one or more magnets, wherein translation of the plurality of paddles subassemblies along the conveyance system causes the magnets to pass by the electric coils accommodated in a stator yoke, thereby inducing current and electricity is generated; wherein the linear electric power generation subsystem comprises from zero to multiple rotary electric generation elements in combination with one or more linear electric generator; wherein the determination of an appropriate electromotive resistance force for the linear electric power generation subsystem is based upon maintaining a paddle blade speed through the moving fluid at approximately one third to one half of an average moving fluid speed.