Chain paddle electricity generator

Abstract

A vessel for generating electrical energy from water flow in tidal or river currents, having paddles mounted to endless looped chains that run from the front to rear of one or more pontoons or vessels

Description

DESCRIPTION          | i A single pontoon or two or more pontoons rigidly held together are moored facing tidal or river currents and on their outer sides and between their inner sides, a pair of chains over sprocket run in oval fashion along the top and bottom sides carrying paddles on cross members attached to the chains. The paddles lie horizontal when proceeding along the top of the oval,but flip over into vertical and enter the water for the bottom traverse. To keep them in an upright position against the current they have fixed struts with forked ends which enter secondary rollers at a regular distance all along the chains. The paddles on chains between pontoons are broader and run on axles right across from one pontoon to the other and the same axles continue at front and rear of the vessel and also serve the side paddle chains. The main top axle also drives the generating equipment through a governor and gearbox. All the other side sprocket wheels are free running and over a frame attached to the side of the pontoon. A rudder helps maintain the pontoons in position. DIAGRAM OF CHAIN PADDLES IN OPERATION Paddles on top lying flat with struts in the air Paddle just about to flip over at turn of chain on cog Chain on sprocket Inner Holding Frame Disc                                                               [ Paddle has turned and entering water Through shafts at bow and stem Main paddle has entered water Paddle has flipped over and descending Paddle lying flat DIAGRAM A PADDLE ARRANGEMENT VERSION TWO KEY TO DIAGRAM 1 Sprocket Chain 2 Round top main roller paddle holder attached to chain at sides 3 Second round roller attached to chain at sides is at a fixed distance along the chain from the main roller and takes the forked ends of the long frame outside struts and holds the paddle in position against the current 4 Discs help keep chain in place when running 5 Top of paddle board recessed away from chain 6 Showing the position of the holding frame which is permanently immovable and attached to the paddle 7 Frame struts holding frame out from paddle 8 The paddle itself 9 Long frame side struts with forked ends 10 Comer supports for struts                                      1 11 Bottom cross strut of frame 12 Forked ends of outside struts of frame go round the outside of the second roller and hold paddle in place when operating DIAGRAM B DIAGRAM A Retaining Disc B Chain C Governor - gearbox and dynamo D The chain circulates round an inner holding frame work attached to the side of the pontoon. Only the bow has a through axle to the generative equipment and also the stem for additional strength E The paddles in the water and flat on the top traverse F Framework supports bearings for chain DIAGRAM C

Claims

CHAIN PADDLE ELECTRICITY GENERATORCLAIM 1A method of producing electricity whereby paddles on continuous oval chains are usedCLAIM 2Reference Claim 1 whereby the continuous oval chains run from stem to stem along the top sides and water level sides of moored pontoons or vessels making use of the currents in estuaries or rivers CLAIM 3Reference Claim 2, the vessels may operate singly, in pairs or connected or separate in many multiple numbersCLAIM 4Reference Claim 2 whereby there are two parallel sets of these chains running over sprockets and have paddles on crosss members set between them at fixed intervals CLAIM 5Reference Claim 4 above whereby the paddles hang down when being pushed by the current along the bottom of the chain oval and are held rigid by an attached frame CLAIM 6Reference Claim 5 above whereby the frame has two fork-ended projections which lock into a second cross member at a fixed distance from the first (see diagram)CLAIM 7Reference Claim 5 whereby the paddles are hinged on the cross members and to avoid wind interference, flip over to a flat position along the upward traverse (see diagram) and fall back into position again at the end CLAIMSReference Claim 4, only one set of top level sprockets are fixed on a through shaft and this shaft connects to a flywheel, governor, gearbox and generator on board CLAIM 9Reference Claim 4 above, the sprockets have larger outer discs on either outer edge to keep the chains well in position (see diagram) CLAIM 10Reference Claim 9 above, the four main sets of sprockets are on strong through axles, other chain support sprockets are on strong through axles, other chain support sprockets run over a frame along the bearings which is attached to the side of the vessel, or are individually fixed to the side of the vesselCLAIM 11Whereby the pontoon or vessels are unsinkable being manufactured with a series ojfi interior watertight compartments and the machinery is in a watertight compartment

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