Buoyancy control of turbomachinery

Abstract

Hydrokinetic turbine systems are described. Such systems may include: (a) a submersible rotor assembly comprising a housing, the housing defining a chamber and at least one opening configured to allow water to flow into and out of the chamber, a buoyancy mechanism disposed in the chamber, and one or more vanes extending from the housing; (b) a generator; and (c) a shaft, operatively coupled to the rotor assembly and the generator to transmit rotational force from the rotor assembly to the generator. Rotor assemblies for use in these systems and methods of utilizing the systems are also described.