Linked paddle electricity generator

Abstract

A vessel for generating electrical energy from water flow in tidal or river currents, having paddles 1 mounted to a plurality of linked 6 platforms (5, diagram B) that form a loop that run from the fr

Description

DESCRIPTION This system uses tidal or river currents to drive paddles on moored vessels or pontoons in any combination or singly. The paddles can be of any depth and width to fit suitably sized platforms and the paddles are attached to the platforms by hinges at their base. Each platform is linked to the next in an elongated oval from bow to stem. The paddles have rigid supporting struts in a fixed position which go into slots in the platforms when the paddles hang down vertically. The paddles have buoyancy tubes and are kept semi afloat by them when under water so that no support is needed when they are immersed. Being hinged, the paddles drop flat when coming up and going along the top traverse and this obviates against the wind interfering with them. The linked platforms circulate round large broad five-faceted light girder drums, each facet accommodating a platform (see diagram). The drums are supported by a gantry from the side of the vessel holding the external end of the shafts and a cross-girder supports the upper under rollers. A shaft on one of the gilder wheels connects to a flywheel gearbox and generating equipment. LINKED PADDLE ELECTRICITY GENERATOR EXPLANATORY DIAGRAM - A 1 Paddle on top traverse lying flat 2 Paddle strut 3 Platform supporting rollers held on a cross-girder(top only) 4 Five sided girder dram 5 Platform falling on downward circulation 6 Links on each platform to the next 7 No supports on underside as buoyancy turbo fitted to paddles 8 Paddles hinged to platform at base LINKED PADDLE ELECTRICITY GENERATOR KEY TO DIAGRAM C A A large vessel with multiple platforms with paddles on both sides B The gantry over the side of the vessels supports the outer bearings of the shafts, inner bearings are on the side of the vessel C Paddles can be larger than the base, particularly if the lightweight girder drums are somewhat away from the vessel sides LINKED PADDLE ELECTRICITY GENERATOR EXPLANATORY DIAGRAM - B THE PADDLE AND FIVE SIDED LIGHT GIRDER DRUM 1 The paddle 2 The supporting struts 3 The supporting strut and the holder it goes into 4 Links joining platforms 5 The platform 6 The buoyancy tubes 7 Hinges at base of paddle 8 The five sided light girder drum with outer rim

Claims

LINKED PADDLE ELECTRICITY GENERATORCLAIM 1A means of using tidal or river currents whereby linked platforms with attached paddles, are circulated over five sided light girder drums, sited on moored vessels or pontoonsCLAIM 2As in Claim 1 above whereby platforms are square and linked one to the other by two ore morestrong steel single linksCLAIM 3As in Claim 2 above whereby a paddle hinged at the base is sited in the middle of each platformCLAIM 4As in Claim 3 above whereby each paddle has two buoyancy tubes to help keep it from sinking when immersed (see diagram)CLAIM 5As in Claim 3 above whereby the paddle has a rigid supporting strut attached to its forward faceCLAIM 6As in Claim 5 above whereby the strut goes into a fixture in the platform when the paddle is hanging vertically and holds the paddle against the currentCLAIM 7As in Claim 6 above whereby the platforms circulate round large broad five sided light girder drums at each end of the moored vesselCLAIMSAs in Claim 7 above whereby the girder drums have facets of the correct size to accommodate the platformsCLAIM 9As in Claim 8 above whereby the light girder drums have circular rims to keep platforms in placeCLAIM 10As in Claim 9 above whereby one light girder drum shaft connects to a flywheel gearbox and electricity generating equipment and the other shaft is free circulatingCLAIM 11As in Claim 10 above whereby a gantry from the vessel supports the external side of the drums and the top supporting rollers under the platformsCLAIM 12As in Claim 11 above whereby the whole assembly as already described is used simultaneously on or between several vessels connected rigidly by girder structures

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