Patent ID: 8733093

Claim:
A system for converting hydrokinetic energy in waves, water currents and in tidal flows comprising: a. a bridge including at least one bridge support column disposed in a body of water; b. a plurality of support structures attached to the bridge column extending radially from the bridge column; c. each radial structure emanating from the bridge supporting a vertical post at a distance from the bridge column; d. a floating turbine-generator rotatably and slidably mounted on each vertical post, each turbine-generator comprising: i. a float; ii. a plurality of blades circumferentially spaced around the float and extending below the surface of the water, the blades being hinged and foldable in order to minimize water resistance when rotating in an upstream direction; iii. a set of gear teeth circumstantially spaced around the float above the blades; and iv. at least one electric generator with pinion driven by the gear teeth.