Patent ID: 7969029

Claim:
A hydroelectric generator for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, the hydroelectric generator uses pressurized air as the driving force, the hydroelectric generator is displaced within a body of water having a surface and a seabed, the hydroelectric generator comprises: a pipe like housing structure, the pipe like housing structure has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the pipelike housing structure's second end is below the surface of the body of water in which it is displaced; at least one anchor, each anchor attaches to the first end of the pipe like housing structure and further attaches to the seabed; at least one impeller connected to at least one shaft, each shaft removably attaches to the second end of the pipe like housing structure; at least one electric generator operatively connected to each shaft, each electric generator having a transfer mechanism for transferring electricity to at least one conductor; an air injection system, the air injection system attaches to the first end of the pipe like housing structure, the air injection system has a plurality of openings that release pressurized air within the pipe like housing structure; and at least one air compressor operatively connected to at least one air tank, each air tank is operatively connected to the air injection system, the air compressor, the air tanks, and the air injection system are all operatively connected by air lines.