A hydroelectric power harvesting apparatus

Abstract

Described herein is a hydroelectric power harvesting apparatus (100) for the generation of renewable electricity by utilising the movement of a moving body of water (104). The apparatus includes a support (102); a first rotating member (110) coupled to a first region (102a) of the support (102); a second rotating member (112) coupled to a second region (102b) of the support (102); a conveyor (114) seated about the first and second rotating members (110, 112); and at least one paddle (116) coupled to the conveyor (114) and configured to be propelled by a moving body of water (104). The paddle (116) is configured to drive the conveyor (114) about the first and the second rotating members (110, 112) when propelled by the moving body of water (104). The support (102) is extendable to adjust a position of the first rotating member (110) and second rotating member (112).

Description

[0001] A HYDROELECTRIC POWER HARVESTING APPARATUS

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a hydroelectric power harvesting apparatus and an associated method of using the apparatus. The apparatus harvests power generated by movements of moving bodies of water, such as a river or stream, to provide a useful work input.

[0003] Background

[0004] Renewable technologies and infrastructure have seen significant growth and investment in recent years. This rapid expansion is the result of increased urgency to decarbonise our civilization in view of the challenges that will face humanity if anthropogenic climate change is allowed to continue on its current trajectory. Global electricity demand is currently growing faster than current renewable sources can provide, this shortfall increases the likelihood that non-renewables such as fossil fuels will be used, thereby increasing carbon emissions further.

[0005] Historically, rivers have been harnessed for transport, industry, and recreation. However, rivers remain a relatively underutilised asset in modern electricity generation. A key issue with traditional hydroelectric power generation systems, such as dams, is the need to flood large areas of land. Not only can this flooding displace people, but it has the potential to significantly disrupt and destroy ecosystems. Aside from being expensive and timely, dam construction requires favourable geographical conditions e.g., naturally occurring valleys or canyons.

[0006] Some examples of river water flow-driven electricity generation systems exist that produce electricity by converting the power generated by moving bodies of water. For example, CA26637372A1 describes an underwater power generation system, and DE4325122A1 describes an electrical generator with a river water-driven impeller.

[0007] A key drawback of existing systems, such as water wheels, is the lack of flexibility in terms of adjustability in response to changing water levels. Furthermore, existing systems typically remain fixed in one place and cannot be moved to a different location if required. It is the object of the invention of this disclosure to overcome at least some of the limitations described above. According to one example, a hydroelectric power harvesting apparatus comprises a support; a first rotating member coupled to a first region of the support; a second rotating member coupled to a second region of the support; a conveyor seated about the first and second rotating members; and at least one paddle coupled to the conveyor and configured to be propelled by a moving body of water in a direction similar to a direction of flow of the moving body of water. The at least one paddle is configured to drive movement of the conveyor about the first and second rotating members to rotate the first and second rotating members when propelled by the moving body of water. The support is extendable to adjust the position of the first rotating member and the second rotating member.

[0008] This arrangement harnesses the kinetic energy of moving bodies of water and converts it to a usable work input. The arrangement may be adjusted to compensate for rising and falling water levels of a moving body of water.

[0009] The apparatus may comprise at least one electricity generator. The rotation of the first and second rotating members may provide a work input to the at least one electricity generator.

[0010] The arrangement may allow the work input to be utilised to generate electricity. The generated electricity may be used locally or transferred to the national grid.

[0011] The apparatus may comprise a controller configured to adjust an extension of the support in response to a change in the level of the moving body of water.

[0012] This arrangement may provide for automatic adjustment of the extension of the support. The controller may be configured to receive updates relating to precipitation and other local conditions that may affect the level of a moving body of water to automatically adjust the position of the first and second rotating members.

[0013] The apparatus may comprise at least one water level sensor configured to detect the level of the moving body of water.

[0014] This arrangement provides real time data regarding the conditions of the moving body of water, including water level and flow velocity. The controller may be further configured to adjust the position of the first rotating member and the second rotating member in response to water level sensor data.

[0015] This arrangement may ensure optimal operation and work output from the apparatus.

[0016] The at least one paddle may comprise a pair of paddle halves arranged in a chevron configuration. This arrangement may improve water capture and the efficiency of the at last one paddle. The pair of paddle halves may be separated by a gap configured to provide a passageway for moving water.

[0017] This arrangement may allow a portion of the captured water to pass through the at least one paddle, thereby improving the efficiency of the at least one paddle. This arrangement may further provide a passageway for aquatic life to pass, thereby preventing such lifeforms from becoming trapped.

[0018] The apparatus may comprise a debris guard, configured to prevent ingress of debris into the apparatus.

[0019] This arrangement may prevent debris from entering the apparatus and causing damage or reducing the efficiency of the apparatus.

[0020] The apparatus may comprise at least one deflector, configured to increase the flow of water towards the at least one paddle. The at least one deflector may be an adjustable deflector. The position and orientation of the at least one adjustable deflector may be altered to change the flow of water directed towards the at least one paddle. This arrangement may improve the efficiency of the apparatus by channelling a larger volume of water towards the apparatus.

[0021] The apparatus may comprise at least one attachable float, configured to increase the buoyancy of the apparatus. Attachment of the at least one attachable float may be further configured to provide the apparatus with sufficient buoyancy to lift the apparatus off the riverbed, thereby allowing the position and / or orientation of the apparatus to be adjusted.

[0022] This arrangement may allow the apparatus to be lifted from a current position and moved and / or reorientated within the moving body of water.

[0023] According to another example, a method of harvesting energy from a moving body of water using the apparatus comprises transferring energy from a moving body of water to at least one paddle coupled to a conveyor; utilising the transferred energy to drive a rotation of the conveyor about the first rotating member and the second rotating members to rotate the first and second rotating members; utilising the rotational movement of at least one of the first and second rotating members to provide a useful work input; and adjusting the position of the first rotating member and second rotating member via an extension of the support.

[0024] This method may provide a simple way of extracting energy from a moving body of water and converting it into a useful work input.

[0025] Any of the above features may be combined together in various combinations. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals correspond to similar, though perhaps not identical, components. For the sake of brevity, reference numerals or features having a previously described function may or may not be described in connection with other drawings in which they appear.

[0027] Figure 1 shows a side view of a hydroelectric power harvesting apparatus positioned in a river with a first water level;

[0028] Figure 2 a side view of a hydroelectric power harvesting apparatus positioned in a river with a second water level;

[0029] Figure 3 shows a side view of an embodiment of the hydroelectric power harvesting apparatus positioned in a river with a second water level;

[0030] Figure 4 shows a front view of an embodiment of the hydroelectric power harvesting apparatus wherein the at least one paddle comprises a chevron arrangement;

[0031] Figure 5 shows a front view of an embodiment of the hydroelectric power harvesting apparatus wherein the at least one paddle comprise as split chevron arrangement;

[0032] Figure 6 shows a side view of an embodiment of the hydroelectric power harvesting apparatus comprising a filter;

[0033] Figure 7 shows a front view of an embodiment of a hydroelectric power harvesting apparatus comprising at least one float unit;

[0034] Figure 8 shows a side view of an embodiment of a hydroelectric power harvesting apparatus comprising a plurality of float units; and

[0035] Figure 9 shows a top-view of an embodiment of a hydroelectric power harvesting apparatus, comprising at least one deflector.

[0036] Figure 10 shows a flow diagram containing the steps for a method of harvesting energy from a moving body of water using the apparatus described herein.

[0037] Detailed

[0038] Hereinafter, various examples will be described with reference to the accompanying figures. The examples described below may be modified and implemented in various different forms. In order to more clearly describe features of the examples, detailed descriptions of matters well known to those skilled in the art to which the following examples belong will be omitted. In the present disclosure, when an element is described as "connected" or “coupled” with another element, this includes not only “directly connected” or “directly coupled”, but also “connected with another element therebetween” or “coupled with another element therebetween”. In addition, when one element is described to "include" another element, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, the one element may further include other elements rather than excluding other elements.

[0039] Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a hydroelectric power harvesting apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 comprises a support 102. The support 102 may be used as an attachment point for various other components of the apparatus 100 as will be described herein. The apparatus 100 may be positioned in a moving body of water 104, such as a river, having a direction of flow 106. The support 102 may be attachable to a riverbed 108 to provide stability and prevent unwanted movement of apparatus 100. The support 102 may be removably attached to the riverbed to allow movement of the apparatus 100 as required. The support 102 may be configured to be permanently attached to the riverbed, such as via a foundation set within the riverbed.

[0040] The apparatus 100 comprises a first rotating member 110 coupled to a first region 102a of the support. The apparatus 100 further comprises a second rotating member 112 coupled to a second region 102b of the support. In some examples, the first region 102a is a first end of the support 102 and the second region 102b is a second end of the support 102. The apparatus 100 may comprise additional rotating members positioned between the first and second rotating members 110, 112. The distance between the first rotating member 110 and second rotating member 112 may not be a fixed length. For example, the length of the apparatus 100 may be varied according to the area available in the body of water 104 that the apparatus 100 is to be used in.

[0041] The apparatus 100 further comprises a conveyor 114. The conveyor 114 may be a flexible conveyor belt. Alternatively, the conveyor 114 may be a segmented conveyor comprising a plurality of flights (not shown). The conveyor 114 is seated about the first and second rotating members 112, 114 and may form a continuous loop. In other words, the conveyor 114 is configured to continuously move around in a loop determined by the position of at least the first and second rotating members 112, 114. The conveyor 114 is configured to move about the first and second rotating members 110, 112 whilst maintaining contact with the first and second rotating members 110, 112. Movement of the conveyor 114 around the first and second rotating members 110, 112 is configured to cause rotation of the first and second rotating members 110, 112 in the same orientation. That is to say that in the example shown in Figure 1 , the body of water is flowing from right to left as indicated by direction of flow 106. As such, the conveyor 114 would move in a clockwise direction so the first rotating member 110 would move in a clockwise direction and the second rotating member 112 would move in a clockwise direction. The first and second rotating members 110, 112 may be gears comprising a plurality of teeth configured to engage with a chain. The chain may be one suitable for power transfer between components, such as a roller chain. The edges of the conveyor 114 may comprise a chain, for example, a roller chain. The chain may be configured to engage with the gear teeth of the first and second rotating members 110. The skilled person will appreciate that other power transfer means may be used to achieve a substantially similar result. The apparatus 100 may comprise additional rotating members or rollers encompassed by the conveyor 114 to provide support to the conveyor 114.

[0042] The apparatus 100 further comprises at least one paddle 116. The at least one paddle 116 is coupled to the conveyor 114. The paddle 116 may comprise a substantially rectangular cross-section and be coupled to the conveyor 114 in a direction wherein the long axis of the paddle 116 is orientated substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the conveyor 114. The paddle 116 may be a rigid paddle. The paddle may be formed from suitable load-bearing material capable of enduring long-term and repeated exposure to stresses, as may be provided by the moving body of water. The paddle 116 may further comprise a substantially flat or planar form. In some embodiments, at least one paddle 116 may be angled such that it is not substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the conveyor 114. The at least one paddle 116 may be rotatable to alter its orientation relative to the conveyor 114. The at least one paddle 116 is configured to be submerged within the body of water 104 and propelled along a path substantially parallel to the direction of flow 106 of the moving body of water 104. The least one paddle 116 may be effectively propelled even when the direction of flow of the body of water 104 is not substantially parallel to the conveyor 114. The at least one paddle 116 may be shaped such that the propulsion provided by the moving body of water 104 is optimised. The paddle 116 may be attached to the conveyor 114 via an actuator mechanism (not shown), such as a rotational actuator. The rotational actuator may enable the relative angle between the paddle 116 and the incoming water flow to be adjusted. For example, paddles 116 may be angled to increase or decrease the angle of attack of the water flow impacting the paddles 116. The paddle 116 may be angled about a pivot point (not shown) disposed between the conveyor and paddle 116. The pivot point may be arranged approximately half-way along the length of each paddle 116. This adjustability may enable the paddles to capture more or less energy from the moving body of water 104, as appropriate. Movement of the at least one paddle 116 is configured to drive movement of the conveyor 116. The at least one paddle 116 is configured to transfer the force provided by the moving body of water 104 to cause a rotation of the conveyor 114 about the first and second rotating members 110, 112. The rotation of the conveyor 114 about the first and second rotating members 110, 112 causes the first and second rotating members 110, 112 to rotate. Of course, any additional rotating members would be rotated by the movement of the conveyor 114 in a similar way. The rotational movement of the conveyor 114, first rotating member 110, and second rotating member 112, may continue until the propelling force provided by the movement of the body of water 104 stops, or the at least one paddle is no longer propelled by the moving body of water 104. The latter may occur when the at least one paddle 116 lifts out of the water or the direction of flow 106 of the moving body of water 104 changes such that the propelling force acting upon the at least one paddle 116 is insufficient to propel the at least one paddle 116 or overcome internal frictional forces within the apparatus 100. The at least one paddle 116 may comprise a plurality of paddles 116 positioned around the conveyor 114. In one example, the paddles 116 are located at regular intervals around the conveyer. This arrangement may provide a more consistent rotation of the conveyor 114 resulting from a series of paddles 116 being propelled by the moving body of water 104.

[0043] In other words, the at least one paddle 116 may include a plurality of paddles arranged on the conveyor such that at any time at least one paddle is submerged (or partially submerged) in the body of water. In other words, the plurality of paddles 116 may be distributed around the conveyer so at least one paddle is submerged (or partially submerged) in the body of water at a given time. The support 102 is an extendable support. The support 102 may comprise at least one extendable section 118 configured to extend or retract. The extension or retraction may raise or lower the height of the apparatus 100, thereby altering the position of at least the first rotating member 110, the second rotating member 112, the conveyor 114, and the at least one paddle 116, relative to the water level of the moving body of water 104. The extendable section 118 may extend and retract via a screw-type mechanism, a telescopic mechanism, or a concertina mechanism. Of course, the skilled person will appreciate that various other mechanisms may be used to achieve the same or a substantially similar result.

[0044] The body of water 104 may have a low water level 120 (e.g. a first water level) and a high water level 122 (e.g. a second water level). The body of water 104 may have a water level that varies between the low water level 120 and high water level 122. The apparatus 100 may be raised or lowered in response to the changing water level of the body of water 104. The apparatus 100 may also be raised or lowered in response to changing water velocity of the moving body of water 104 to increase the amount of energy transferred from the moving body of water 104 or to prevent damage of components of the apparatus 100. The at least one extendable section 118 may be telescopic, screw-driven, or the like. The skilled person will appreciate that various methods exist to allow mechanical extension and retraction, thereby achieving a substantially similar result. The amount of extension or retraction provided by the extendable section 118 may be configured to cover the range defined by the high and low water levels 120, 122 of the moving body of water 104. Each of the at least one extendable section 118 may be independently actuated, thereby providing greater control over the extension or retraction of the apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 may be arranged such that between 30% and 50%, such as 40% of the total number of paddles 116 are submerged within the body of water 104 at any time.

[0045] The apparatus 100 may further comprise a controller (not shown). The controller may be configured to adjust the extension or retraction of the least one extendable section 118. Hence, the controller may be configured to adjust the position of the first and second rotating members 110, 112. The controller may be configured to adjust the extension or retraction of the extendable support via the extendable section 118 in response to changes in the level of the moving body of water. The controller may be further configured to adjust the angle of the paddles 116 relative to the incoming water flow. For example, the controller may be configured to control the actuators to control the angle of the paddles 116.

[0046] The apparatus 100 may further comprise at least one water level sensor (not shown). The at least one water level sensor may be configured to detect the water level of the moving body of water 104. The at least one water level sensor may be further configured to detect other information about the moving body of water 104, such as water speed, temperature, direction, and the like. The skilled person will appreciate that this is not an exhaustive list and that various other types of sensors may be used to monitor various other aspects of the moving body of water 104.

[0047] The controller may be further configured to receive information relating to the water level of the moving body of water 104. The controller may receive information relating to the moving body of water 104 from the at least one sensor. The controller may be further configured to receive information relating to the water level of the moving body of water 104 and / or local weather from other sources. Figure 1 shows the apparatus 100 in a configuration whereby the at least one extendable section 118 of the support 102 is in a partially or fully retracted configuration. In this configuration, the at least one paddle 116 may be positioned to be propelled by the moving body of water 104 when the body of water is at a low level 120.

[0048] Figure 2 shows the hydroelectric power harvesting apparatus 100 as described above in an alternative configuration whereby the at least one extendable section 118 of the support 102 is in a partially or fully extended configuration. In this configuration, the at least one paddle 116 may be positioned to be propelled by the moving body of water 104 when the body of water 104 is at a high level 122.

[0049] Of course, the extension and retraction of the extendable portion 118 of the support 102 may operate within this range, thereby allowing the apparatus 100 to be adaptively height-adjusted based on the water level of the moving body of water 104. The low level 120 is also shown for reference in Figure 2.

[0050] Figure 3 shows a further example of a hydroelectric power harvesting apparatus 100. In this configuration, the support 102 comprises a frame including at least one support leg. Each of the at least one support legs may comprise an extendable portion 118. An extendable portion 118 of each of the at least one support legs may be independently adjustable. Each of the support legs may be coupled to the riverbed 108 as described above. Individual adjustment of each support leg may provide a stable base on an uneven riverbed 108.

[0051] The first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 112 may be coupled to the support 102 frame via one or more support plates 103.

[0052] In one example, the at least one paddle 116 comprises a plurality of paddles 116. The plurality of paddles 116 may be regularly spaced or arranged along the length of the conveyor 114, thereby allowing the conveyor 114 to be consistently propelled by the moving body of water 104.

[0053] The apparatus 100 may further comprise at least one electric generator 124. The at least one electric generator 124 may be coupled at least one of the first rotating member 110 and / or second rotating member 112. The rotation of at least one of the first rotating member 110 and / or second rotating member 112 may provide a work input that can be utilised by the electricity generator to produce electricity. Of course, the apparatus 100 may comprise a plurality of electric generators, each coupled to at least one rotational member, thereby allowing a greater amount of electricity to be generated from the energy provided by the moving body of water 104. As described above, the apparatus 100 comprises a first rotating member 110 and a second rotating member 112. These may be positioned on opposite sides of the conveyor 114. The at least one electricity generator 124 may be contained within a water-tight container to prevent water ingress and possible damage to the electrical components contained therein.

[0054] The at least one electric generator 124 may be coupled to at least one of the first rotating member 110 and / or second rotating member 112 via a drive chain 126. The electric generator 124 may further comprise a gearbox and associated gear system (not shown) to provide adjustment to or moderate the speed at which the electric generator 124 is turned. The gear system may be configured to provide mechanical advantage to a work input provided by the rotation of the rotating members 110, 112, thereby providing an increased work input into the electric generator 124. The at least one electric generator 124 may be coupled to at least one of the first rotating member 110 and / or the second rotating member 112 via a drive chain 126. The drive chain may be configured to transfer the rotational movement from the at least one of the first rotating member 110 and / or the second rotating member 112 to the electric generator 124.

[0055] The apparatus 100 may further comprise a transmission means (not shown). The transmission means may be configured to transmit the generated electrical power from the apparatus 100 to another location. The other location may be an electrical substation, electrical storage facility, or the like.

[0056] Figure 4 shows a front view of an example of a hydroelectric power harvesting apparatus 100. As Figure 4 shows, the at least one paddle 116 may be arranged in a chevron formation. The chevron shape is configured to effectively capture water from the moving body of water 104. Other paddle shapes may also be used to further improve the efficiency of water capture and energy transfer. In some examples, the first rotating member 110 may comprise a pair of rotating members positioned on opposite sides of the conveyor 114. Similarly, the second rotating member 112 may comprise a pair of rotating members positioned on opposite sides of the conveyor 114. In this case, the apparatus 100 may comprise at least four separate rotating members arranged in two pairs. The first pair may be coupled to the first section of the support 102a. The second pair may be coupled to the second section of the support 102b. Each pair of rotating members may be coupled together by an axle. . Figure 4 shows an arrangement comprising support legs arranged on either side of the apparatus 100. Each of the support legs may comprise its own extendable section 118. The extendable sections 118 may be independently adjustable. Each of the support legs may be coupled to the riverbed 108. Individual adjustment of each support leg may provide a stable base on an uneven riverbed 108.

[0057] Figure 5 shows a front view of a further example of a hydroelectric power harvesting apparatus 100. In this embodiment, the at least one paddle 116 may comprise two paddle halves 116a, 116b. The two paddle halves 116a, 116b may be arranged in a chevron formation. The two paddle halves 116a, 116b may be separated by a gap 117. The gap 117 may be configured to allow a portion of the water captured by the paddle halves 116a, 116b to pass through. Separating the at least one paddle 116 into two paddle halves 116a, 116b in this way may prevent water stagnation points from forming. This arrangement may further reduce drag and / or other conditions that may reduce the efficiency of the apparatus 100. Furthermore, this arrangement provides a space for aquatic life to pass or escape, thereby preventing such lifeforms from become stuck or pinned against the at least one paddle 100. Other arrangements may include additional gaps, spaces, slits, and the like.

[0058] Each of the paddle halves 116a, 116b may be attached to the conveyor 114 via separate actuator mechanisms (not shown), such as a rotational actuator. The rotational actuator may enable the relative angle between the paddle half 116a, 116b and the incoming water flow to be adjusted. For example, the paddle halves 116a, 116 may be independently adjusted. This adjustment may be controlled by a controller. For example, paddles halves 116a, 116b may be angled to increase or decrease the angle of attack of the water flow impacting the paddle halves 116a, 116b. The paddle halves 116a, 116b may be angled about a pivot point (not shown) disposed between the conveyor and paddle 116. The pivot point may be arranged approximately half-way along the length of each paddle half 116a, 116b. This adjustability may enable the paddle halves 116a, 116b to capture more or less energy from the moving body of water 104. The controller may therefore be configured to independently control the actuators associated with each of the paddle halves 116a, 116b.

[0059] Figure 6 shows a side view of a further example of a hydroelectric power harvesting apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 may further comprise a debris guard 130. The debris guard 130 may comprise a mesh configured to prevent ingress of debris towards or into the apparatus 100. This may advantageously prolong the lifespan of various components of the apparatus 100. The mesh may comprise a mesh size between 1 and 10 inches (2.5 cm to 25.4 cm), preferably between 3 and 4 inches (7.62 cm to 10.17 cm). The debris guard 130 may be attachable to at least one part of the support 102 or extendable section 118. The debris guard 130 may be raised and lowered with the apparatus 100 to ensure that the incoming water is filtered irrespective of the amount of extension of the extendable section 118. In one example, the debris guard is positioned entirely upstream of the conveyor 114 and the at least one paddle Figure 7 shows a front view of an example of a hydroelectric power harvesting apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 may further comprise at least one float unit 132. The at least one float unit 132 may be configured to detachably couple to the support 102. The at least one float unit 132 may be coupled to a location anywhere on the perimeter of the apparatus 100. The at least one float unit 132 may be coupled to the support 132 to increase the buoyancy of the apparatus 100 relative to the surrounding body of water 104. For the avoidance of doubt, the float unit 132 may be used with the examples shown in any of the other figures.

[0060] Figure 8 shows a side view of a similar arrangement, wherein the apparatus 100 may comprise a plurality of float units 132. As shown, the buoyancy provided by the plurality of float units 132 may overcome the weight of the apparatus 100. In this case, the apparatus 100 may lift away from the riverbed 108. Once positively buoyant, the apparatus 100 may be relocated, repositioned, or reorientated within the moving body of water 104. The buoyant apparatus 100 may be moved by an external vessel or mechanism e.g., a boat. Once the apparatus 100 has been moved, the number of float units 132 attached to the apparatus 100 may be gradually reduced to decrease the buoyancy of the apparatus 100. Once all the float units 132 have been removed, the apparatus 100 may once again rest upon the riverbed 108.

[0061] Figure 9 shows a top view of a further example of a hydroelectric power harvesting apparatus 100, comprising at least one water guide 134. The at least one water guide 134 may be configured to redirect the direction of flow 106 of the moving body of water 104 towards the at least one paddle 116. In doing so, the volumetric flow rate of the water passing towards the at least one paddle 116 may be increased, thereby increasing the propelling force that the moving body of water 104 provides. The at least one water guide 134 may be adjustable in that it may be repositioned in response to changing conditions of the moving body of water 104. In some examples, the at least one water guide 134 is located upstream of the at least one paddle 116. For the avoidance of doubt, the at least one water guide 134 may be used with any of the examples described above. The water guide 134 may take the form of a panel or have a substantially flat and / or planar shape. The water guide 134 may be rigid so as to resist the force provided by the incoming flow of the body of water 104.

[0062] A method 200 of harvesting energy from a moving body of water using the hydroelectric power harvesting apparatus is shown in Figure 10. Step 202 of the method 200 may comprise transferring energy from a moving body of water 104 to at least one paddle 116 coupled to a conveyor 114. Step 204 of the method may comprise utilising the transferred energy to drive a rotation of the conveyor 114 about a first rotating member 110 and a second rotating member 112 to rotate the first and second rotating members 110, 112. Step 206 may comprise utilising the rotational movement of at least one of the first and second rotating members 110, 112 to provide a useful work input. Step 208 may comprise adjusting the position of the first rotating member and second rotating member 110, 112 via an extension of the support 102. The method 200 may further comprise the step of generating electrical power from the rotation of at least one of the first rotating member 110 and / or the second rotating member 112.

[0063] Reference in the specification to “an example”, “an embodiment”, “an aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one example, but not necessarily in other examples. The various instances of the phrase “in one example” or similar phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same example. In describing and claiming examples disclosed herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0064] While several examples have been described in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosed examples may be modified. Therefore, the foregoing description is to be considered non-limiting. It should be understood that the examples described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each example should typically be considered as available for other similar features or aspects in other examples. While one or more examples have been described with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made.

[0065] Although preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims and as described above.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A hydroelectric power harvesting apparatus, comprising: a support; a first rotating member coupled to a first region of the support; a second rotating member coupled to a second region of the support; a conveyor seated about the first and second rotating members; at least one paddle coupled to the conveyor and configured to be propelled by a moving body of water; at least one electricity generator; and a controller; wherein the at least one paddle is configured to drive movement of the conveyor about the first and the second rotating members to rotate the first and second rotating members when propelled by the moving body of water wherein the rotation of at least one of the first and second rotating members provides a work input to the at least one electricity generator, wherein the support is extendable to adjust a position of the first rotating member and second rotating member, wherein the controller is configured to adjust an extension of the support in response to a change in the level of the moving body of water.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising at least one water level sensor configured to detect the level of the moving body of water, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the position of the first rotating member and the second rotating member in response to water level sensor data.

3. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one paddle comprises a pair of paddle halves arranged in a chevron configuration.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the pair of paddle halves are separated by a gap, configured to provide a passageway for moving water.

5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a debris guard configured to prevent ingress of debris into the apparatus.

6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one water guide, configured to increase a flow of water towards the at least one paddle.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one water guide is an adjustable water guide, wherein the position and orientation of the at least one adjustable water guide can be changed to adjust the flow of water directed towards the at least one paddle.

8. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one attachable float configured increase the buoyancy of the apparatus.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein attachment of the at least one attachable float is configured to provide the apparatus with sufficient buoyancy to lift the apparatus off a riverbed, thereby allowing the position and / or orientation of the apparatus to be adjusted.

10. A method of using the apparatus of any of claims 1-9 to harvest energy from a moving body of water, comprising: transferring energy from a moving body of water to at least one paddle coupled to a conveyor; utilising the transferred energy to drive a rotation of the conveyor about a first rotating member and a second rotating members to rotate the first and second rotating members; utilising the rotational movement of at least one of the first and second rotating members to provide a useful work input; andadjusting the position of the first rotating member and second rotating member via an extension of the support.

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