Hydroelectric power harvesting device

Abstract

Described herein is a hydroelectric power harvesting device (100) comprising a support (102), a slide frame (114) movably coupled to the support (102), a float unit (104) for floating in a body of water (106) having a varying water level, an energy generating mechanism (108), and a float rocker arm (110) coupled to the float unit (104) and the energy generating mechanism (108). The float rocker arm (110) pivots about a pivot point (112) on the slide frame (114). The float unit (104) moves with the water level of the body of water (106) to drive the float rocker arm (110) and provide work input to the energy generating mechanism (108). The slide frame (114) adjusts the level of the pivot point (112), the float rocker arm (110), and the float unit (104).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to hydroelectric power harvesting devices and methods of using such devices that harvest power generated by the movement of a body of water (such as a sea or ocean), as provided by tides and weather conditions. [Background technology]

[0002] Renewable technologies and infrastructure have experienced significant growth and investment in recent years. This rapid expansion is the result of an increased urgency to decarbonize our civilization, given the challenges humanity will face if anthropogenic climate change continues on its current trajectory. Currently, global demand for electricity is increasing faster than current renewable energy sources can provide, and this shortage increases the likelihood of using non-renewable sources such as fossil fuels, thereby further increasing carbon emissions.

[0003] Wind, solar, and hydroelectric energy sources are already widely used around the world. In the second quarter of 2022, up to 38.6% of the UK's electricity demand was met using renewable energy sources. Despite the expanding renewable infrastructure, the use of seas and oceans for electricity generation has seen relatively little implementation, even though the UK has well over 31,000 km of coastline.

[0004] There are several examples of float-driven power generation systems that generate electricity by converting energy generated by the movement of a body of water, such as that provided by tidal and weather conditions and the undulations of the surrounding environment created therein. However, these systems lack flexibility, for example, in terms of the ability to adjust the float unit based on the state of the body of water or the tides. Furthermore, the systems are not adaptable to operate in different conditions of the body of water in which they are used. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a hydroelectric power harvesting device. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a hydroelectric power harvesting device with the slide frame, float rocker arm, and float unit in positions appropriate for low tide water levels. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a hydroelectric power harvesting device with the slide frame, float rocker arm, and float unit in positions appropriate for high tide water levels. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a hydroelectric power harvesting device with the float unit positioned in a resting state. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a float unit, float rocker, and energy generating mechanism configuration of a hydroelectric power harvesting device with the float rocker arm in a retracted position. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a float unit, float rocker, and energy generating mechanism configuration of a hydroelectric power harvesting device with the float rocker arm in an extended or partially extended position. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a float unit, float rocker, and energy generating mechanism configuration of a hydroelectric power harvesting device, with the rotor rocker arm, the energy generating mechanism arm, and the energy generating mechanism support in an extended or partially extended state. [Figure 8] 1 is a flow diagram including steps of a method for generating hydroelectric power using the apparatus described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to one example, a hydroelectric power harvesting device is provided, the device comprising: a support; a slide frame movably coupled to the support; a float unit configured to float in a body of water having varying water levels; an energy generating mechanism; and a float rocker arm coupled to the float unit and the energy drive mechanism. The float rocker arm is configured to pivot about a pivot point on the slide frame. The float unit is configured to move as the water level in the body of water changes to drive the float rocker arm and provide work input to the energy generating mechanism. The slide frame is configured to adjust the level of the pivot point, float rocker arm, and float unit. This configuration provides a simple configuration capable of extracting energy from a body of water, harvesting the natural motion of the body of water.

[0007] Vertical movement of the float rocker arm and float unit is provided by a slide frame coupled to the support, the slide frame configured to adjust the vertical position of the float rocker arm and associated float unit along the length of the support. Advantageously, the vertical position of the float unit and rocker arm may be adjusted in response to the mean water level of a body of water based on tidal movement.

[0008] The device may include a storm support and a storm cover. The float unit may be movable on the slide frame in a resting state to a standby position outside the body of water. While in this position, the float unit may be supported by the storm support and protected by the storm cover. The storm support and storm cover provide support and protection for the float unit, which may be useful in severe weather conditions such as storms.

[0009] The float rocker arm may be extendable. The extendable float rocker arm may be configured to be extended or retracted by the pivot to adjust the lever arm of the float unit. Advantageously, the position of the float unit may be adjusted horizontally to adjust the amount of energy transferred from the body of water to the energy generating mechanism. This may allow for a levered energy transfer depending on the strength of the undulations provided by the body of water. The amount of extension may be adjusted to maintain a steady or constant energy input to the energy generating mechanism.

[0010] The float unit may be a volume adjustable float unit, where increasing or decreasing the volume of the float changes the buoyancy of the float unit. By changing the buoyancy of the float unit, the force transferred by the float unit through the float rocker arm to the energy generating mechanism can be adjusted in response to water body conditions.

[0011] The device may further include a controller configured to adjust the level of the float unit and the extension of the lever arm in response to tidal conditions in the body of water. This configuration can provide automatic adjustment of the vertical and horizontal positions of the float rocker arm and float unit in response to water level and body of water conditions. The controller may be configured to receive updates regarding tidal and local conditions and make automatic adjustments.

[0012] The energy generating mechanism may be configured to transport water from the body of water to a higher level, where the flow of water from the higher level to a lower level creates a fluid flow. Moving water from the body of water to a higher level increases the gravitational potential energy of the volume or mass of water moved. This excess potential energy and the subsequent fluid flow can be utilized to provide useful work input. For example, the fluid flow can be used to drive a turbine to generate electricity. The fluid flow can be used to drive other useful mechanisms.

[0013] The apparatus may further comprise a hydroelectric generator configured to extract energy from the fluid flow to generate electricity. Water removed from the body of water to a higher level may flow through the hydroelectric generator to provide useful work input for generating electricity. The electricity generated may be used locally or transferred to a national power grid.

[0014] The higher level may be a reservoir configured to store the water delivered by the energy generation mechanism. By storing water in a reservoir at a higher level, the water can be stored and later released to provide on-demand power generation. This on-demand approach to power generation can contribute to increasing baseload power generation and increasing generating capacity during peak usage times, thereby helping to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

[0015] The reservoir may include one or more water level sensors for measuring the amount of water stored in the reservoir. By monitoring the amount of water stored in the reservoir, potential power generation can be calculated based on the amount of water stored. Monitoring the water level in the reservoir may also enable leak detection.

[0016] The reservoir may include a valve configured to provide control of the fluid flow. The valve may be used to provide control of the flow of water out of the reservoir, which may in turn provide control over the amount of power produced.

[0017] The energy generating mechanism may be one or more of a bellows-type pump, a single-acting cylinder pump, a double-acting cylinder pump, a single-sided peristaltic pump, a double-sided peristaltic pump, a direct drive pump, and a direct mechanical drive pump. The direct mechanical drive pump may utilize one or more of a belt and pulley, a sprocket and chain, a rack and pinion, or a piston drive configuration. The particular type of pump may be selected depending on the condition of the body of water and the amount of water to be pumped per stroke. In some examples, multiple pump types and sizes may be used to suit a range of conditions. A combination of double-acting and single-acting pumps may be used to suit a range of conditions and requirements. In one example, a bellows-type pump may be used because it is designed to withstand repeated use.

[0018] The apparatus may include a shock absorber, and the float unit may be coupled to the float rocker arm by the shock absorber, which provides a damping effect to forces acting on the float unit to reduce stresses on various joints and hinges within the structure, thereby reducing the likelihood of component damage.

[0019] In one example, a method of using an apparatus to harvest energy from a body of water is provided, comprising the steps of: transferring energy from the body of water to the energy-generating mechanism; using the energy generated by the energy-generating mechanism to move water from the body of water to a higher level; using the movement of water from the higher level to a lower level to generate a fluid flow; and using the fluid flow to drive a hydro-electric generator to generate electricity. This method provides a simple way to extract energy from a body of water and convert that energy into useful work.

[0020] One example is a hydroelectric power harvesting system that is configured to transfer the motion of a body of water to drive an energy generating mechanism through the use of a float and a float rocker arm.

[0021] In one example, a height-adjustable floatation device is provided. The floatation device includes a support and a slide frame movably coupled to the support. The floatation device includes one or more float units configured to float in a body of water and connected to the support at a pivot by a rocker arm. The height of the pivot may be adjusted based on the average height of the body of water.

[0022] Any of the above features may be combined together in various combinations. Features of examples of the present disclosure will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description and drawings, in which like reference numbers correspond to similar (while possibly not identical) components. For brevity, reference numbers or features having previously described functionality may or may not be described with respect to other drawings in which they appear. Reference numbers incremented by 100 refer to the same components, and for clarity, these may be used interchangeably to refer to the same components.

[0023] Various embodiments will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below may be modified and implemented in various different forms. In order to more clearly describe the features of the embodiments, detailed descriptions of matters well known to those skilled in the art to which the following embodiments pertain may be omitted.

[0024] In this specification, when an element is described as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, this includes not only being "directly connected" or "directly coupled," but also being "connected with another element therebetween" or "coupled with another element therebetween." In addition, when an element is described as "comprising" another element, this means that it may further include other elements, rather than excluding other elements, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a hydroelectric power harvesting device 100. FIGS. 2-4 include additional components that may be included in the device. Device 100 includes a support 102. Support 102 may include multiple support elements. Support 102 may be in the form of one or more support legs. Support 102 may serve as a structure to which other components of device 100 as described herein may be attached, coupled, or connected.

[0026] The support 102 may be anchored in a substantially submerged surface, such as the ocean floor 116, a lake bed, etc. As shown in Figure 2, the support 102 may be anchored in a foundation 218, which is disposed on or embedded within a substantially submerged surface (such as the ocean floor 116).

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1 , the apparatus 100 further includes a slide frame 114. The slide frame 114 is movably coupled to the support 102. This may be accomplished by the slide frame 114 being configured to move up and down the support 102 in a generally vertical path. The movement of the slide frame 114 along the support 102 may be driven by a motor unit 244, as shown in FIG. 2 . The motor unit 244 may operate a winch system 246 to adjust the vertical position of the slide frame 214 along the support 102. The winch system 246 may be a chain and sprocket type winch system, or the like. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternative mechanisms for the winch system 246 (e.g., a cable winch system, a ratchet winch system, etc.) may be used to achieve substantially the same effect. The movement of the slide frame 114 may be continuous; for example, the movement of the slide frame 114 may be in accordance with an annual tidal calendar. In one example, the slide frame 114 is moved to a position based on the average or mean level of the body of water 106 at a given time. For example, the body of water 106 may have an average water level of 10 m, while waves may cause the water level to fluctuate between 9.5 m and 10.5 m (note that these numbers are included merely to illustrate examples and are not limiting). In this case, the position of the slide frame 214 is based on the average water level. Figures 2 and 3 show the slide frame and associated components at low tide 220 and high tide 222 positions, respectively.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1 , the device 100 further comprises a float unit 104 configured to float on a body of water 106 having a varying water level. In this case, the varying water level of the body of water 106 may result from wave action. In other words, the float unit 104 moves due to its buoyancy relative to the water. The extent of wave action may depend on weather conditions, such as wind speed, temperature, and storm activity. The wave action is configured to change the water level from the average water level of the body of water.

[0029] In another example, the float unit 104 may be a volume-adjustable float unit. In this example, the volume and / or surface area of ​​the float unit 104 may be increased or decreased to subsequently increase or decrease the buoyancy force acting on the float unit 104 by the body of water 106. The float unit 104 may include two or more movable sections configured to increase or decrease the volume of the float unit 104. The two or more sections of the float unit 104 may be actuated using a hydraulic mechanism. In one example, the two or more movable sections may accordion-type or telescopic relative to one another so that one movable section may be received within the other. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternative mechanisms may be used to provide substantially similar results. This configuration may provide flexibility regarding the amount of energy that can be harnessed from wave action in the body of water 106. FIG. 2 illustrates that mean water level movement may occur during a tidal range that exists between high tide level 222 and low tide level 220. The low tide 220 level may be when the average level of the body of water 206 is at its lowest. The high tide 222 level may be when the average level of the body of water 206 is at its highest. The water level may rise and fall as a result of wave or tidal action. It may be understood that the tidal range depends on the geographic location of the device 100, the lunar cycle, etc.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1 , the apparatus 100 further includes an energy generating mechanism 108. The energy generating mechanism 108 may be coupled to the support 102. The energy generating mechanism 108 may be coupled to the support 102 via a slide frame 114. The energy generating mechanism 108 may be movable generally vertically together with the float rocker arm 110 while maintaining a connection therewith. The energy generating mechanism 108 may be coupled to the slide frame 114 via the float rocker arm 110 (described in more detail below). The energy generating mechanism 108 may be further coupled to the slide frame 114 by one or more support arms 262.

[0031] The energy generating mechanism 108 may be a pump. The energy generating mechanism 108 may be configured to pump water obtained from the body of water 106. The energy generating mechanism 108 may be one or more of a bellows pump, a single-acting piston / cylinder pump, a double-acting piston / cylinder pump, a single-acting peristaltic pump, a double-acting peristaltic pump, a direct drive pump, a direct mechanical drive pump, etc. The direct mechanical drive pump may utilize one or more of a belt and pulley, a sprocket and chain, a rack and pinion, or a piston drive configuration, etc. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other mechanisms that can achieve a similar effect may also be used. The apparatus 100 may further include multiple energy generating mechanisms 108 to increase the amount of water pumped with each stroke.

[0032] As described above, the device 100 further includes a float rocker arm 110 coupled to the float unit 104 and the energy generating mechanism 108, as shown in Figure 1. In other words, the float rocker arm 110 has a first end and a second end and is configured to be coupled to the float unit 104 at the first end and to the energy generating mechanism 108 at the second end.

[0033] The float rocker arm 110 is configured to pivot about a pivot point 112 located on the slide frame 114, as shown in FIG. 1 . That is, the float rocker arm 110 may be coupled to the pivot point 112 at a location between the first and second ends of the float rocker arm 110. This configuration allows the level of the float rocker arm 110 and float unit 104 to be raised or lowered by moving the slide frame 114 above or below the support 102. Such adjustments may be applied in response to changing tidal conditions in the body of water 106. These adjustments may also be required in response to adverse weather conditions (such as heavy weather or high winds) that may significantly change the water level in the body of water as a result of wave action.

[0034] The apparatus 100 may include one or more sub-float rocker arms 110 coupled to a corresponding number of energy generating mechanisms 108 to increase the amount of water pumped per stroke. Alternatively, a single float rocker arm 110 may be configured to provide multiple work inputs to one or more energy generating mechanisms 108.

[0035] The apparatus 100 may include a gear mechanism (not shown) disposed between the float rocker arm 110 and the energy generating mechanism 108. The gear mechanism may be configured to provide a mechanical advantage to the work input provided by the float rocker arm 110, thereby providing an increased work input to the energy generating mechanism 108.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus 200 may further include a shock absorber 228. The shock absorber 228 may couple the float unit 204 to the float rocker arm 210. The shock absorber 228 may be configured to reduce stress acting on the float unit 204 and the float rocker arm 210 by damping the impact of wave activity. As further shown in FIG. 2, the float unit may also be coupled to the float rocker arm 210 by a float unit pivot 224. The float unit pivot 224 may be configured to allow the float unit 204 to oscillate when the float unit 204 interacts with the body of water 206. The float unit pivot 224 may further enhance the damping effect provided by the shock absorber 228. The shock absorber 228 may use hydraulic, spring, or equivalent damping mechanisms.

[0037] As described above, the float unit 104 is configured to move as the water level in the body of water 106 changes. The movement of the float unit 104 and the float rocker arm 110 may be driven primarily by wave action in the body of water 106. This movement drives the float rocker arm 110 to provide work input to the energy generating mechanism 108. The water level in the body of water 106 may also change due to tidal changes, which may affect the degree of movement of the float unit 104 and the rocker arm 110.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 6, the float rocker arm 210 may be an extendable float rocker arm configured to be extended or retracted to adjust the lever arm 260 of the float unit 204 from the pivot point 212. The float rocker arm 210 may include a first extension portion 258 configured to extend from a first end of the float rocker arm 210. For example, the float rocker arm 210 may be telescopic to allow it to be extendable from a fully retracted position (FIG. 5) to a partially or fully extended position (FIG. 6). The first extension portion 258 of the float rocker arm 204 may be configured to be extended or retracted at the first end to adjust the lever arm 260 extending from the pivot point 212 to the float unit 204. The extension or retraction of the first extension portion 258 of the float rocker arm 210 may increase or decrease the mechanical leverage provided by the lever arm 260. The extension or retraction of the first extension portion 258 of the float rocker arm 210 may be applied in response to different wave conditions in the body of water 206. In one example, when the wave size is small, the first extension portion 258 of the float rocker arm 210 may be extended to increase the mechanical leverage provided, thereby increasing the respective work input provided to the energy generation mechanism 208. In another example, when the wave size is large, the first extension portion 258 may be retracted to decrease the mechanical leverage provided, thereby decreasing the respective work input provided to the energy generation mechanism 208. Adjusting the length of the lever arm 260 by extending or retracting the first extension portion 258 may be used to provide a more consistent work input to the energy generation mechanism 208 regardless of the conditions of the body of water 206.

[0039] The energy generating mechanism 108 is configured to receive a work input from the float rocker arm 110 during use. The energy generating mechanism 108 may be configured to convey water from the body of water 106 to a higher level. The water may be allowed to flow from the higher level to a lower level, thereby creating a fluid flow. The fluid flow may be utilized to provide a useful work input.

[0040] 2, the apparatus 200 may further include a hydro-generator 230. The hydro-generator 230 may be configured to extract kinetic energy from the fluid flow to generate electricity. The hydro-generator 230 may be a turbine. The apparatus 200 may include multiple hydro-generators 230 to increase its power generating capacity.

[0041] 2, the device 200 may further include a reservoir 232 configured to store water. The reservoir 232 may be located at a higher level. In other words, the reservoir may be at a higher level to which the water is delivered. The energy generating mechanism 108 may deliver the water to the reservoir 232 located at the higher level.

[0042] 2, reservoir 232 may include one or more water level sensors 234 configured to measure the water in the reservoir. One or more of water level sensors 234 may be high water level sensors. One or more of water level sensors 234 may be low water level sensors. The water level data may be used to calculate the volume of water stored in reservoir 232. The water level data may be used to determine and calculate the amount of electricity that can be generated using the volume of water stored in reservoir 232.

[0043] As further shown in FIG. 2 , reservoir 232 may include one or more valves 236. One or more valves 236 may be configured to provide control of the flow of water from reservoir 232 at a higher level to a lower level, which may be body of water 106. One or more valves 236 may be solenoid-operated valves. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other valves may be used to achieve substantially similar results. Water may be conveyed from reservoir 232 to hydro-generator 230 via one or more reservoir delivery pipes 237. Water may pass through reservoir filter 238, which is configured to filter water passing from the higher level or reservoir 232 toward hydro-generator 230. One or more valves 236 may be actuated to release water to provide on-demand power generation.

[0044] Reservoir 232 may be located at a higher level than hydro-generator 230. Water flowing from the higher level or reservoir 232 to a lower level (such as body of water 106) may be routed through hydro-generator 230 to provide work input for power generation. Water passing through hydro-generator 230 may be conveyed by hydro-generator delivery pipe 240 to the lower level or body of water 106.

[0045] 2, the reservoir 232 may further include an overflow tube 242 configured to return excess water from the reservoir 232 to the body of water 106 when the amount of water within the reservoir 232 reaches a level above the top of the overflow tube 242. The overflow tube 242 may be height adjustable within the reservoir to change the threshold water level required before water can flow through the overflow tube 242.

[0046] 2 , the device 100 may further include a delivery tube 248 and a delivery tube 250 configured to provide fluid communication between the energy generating mechanism 108 and the higher level or reservoir 232. The delivery tube 248 may be a flexible delivery tube 248. The device may further include a guide wheel 252 and a tensioner weight 254 configured to cushion movement of the flexible delivery tube 248 by enabling automatic adjustment of the flexible delivery tube 248 in response to movement of the energy generating mechanism 108 in the slide frame 114.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 2-4 , the device 200 may further include a storm cover 256 and a storm support 264. The float rocker arm 210 may further include a float rocker arm hinge 266 configured to allow the float rocker arm to be folded to allow the float unit 204 to be positioned behind the storm cover 256. The storm support 264 may be coupled to the float rocker arm 210 and configured to support the float unit 204 when the float rocker arm 210 is in the folded configuration. The storm cover 256 may be configured to protect the float unit 204 from adverse weather conditions, such as storms and / or high winds, when the float unit 204 is at rest. When the float unit is at rest, the float rocker arm 210 may be fully retracted, the slide frame 214 may be raised to its highest position on the support 202 in a parked position, the float rocker arm 210 may be folded using the float rocker arm hinge 266, and the float unit 204 may be supported by the storm support 264. This configuration is shown in Figure 4, where the storm cover 256 is configured to provide protection to the float unit 204 from multiple directions, including from above and one or more sides. The storm cover 256 may also be configured to provide protection to the sides and behind the float unit 204.

[0048] As described above, the float rocker arm 210 may include a first extension portion 258 at a first end. The float rocker arm 210 may further include a second extension portion 268 at a second end.

[0049] 7, the second extension arm 268 may be telescopic to allow it to be extendable from or retractable within the float rocker arm 210, while other examples are envisioned. The energy generating mechanism 208 may be coupled to the slide frame 214 via the second extension arm 268 of the float rocker arm 210. The energy generating mechanism 208 may be further coupled to the slide frame 214 by a support arm 262. The support arm 262 may further include an extendable support arm section 270. The extendable support arm section 270 may be telescopic to allow it to be extendable from or retractable within the support arm 262.

[0050] 5 shows the float rocker arm 210 in a retracted state, where the first extension 258 is telescopically retracted within the float rocker arm 210 and the lever arm 260 is at its shortest length. In this configuration, the support arm 262 may also be in a retracted state.

[0051] 6 shows the float rocker arm 210 in an extended state, where the first extension portion 258 is partially or fully extended from within the float rocker arm 210. The extension of the first extension portion 258 can increase the length of the lever arm 260. Increasing the length of the lever arm 260 can increase the mechanical leverage provided by the float rocker arm 210, thereby increasing the force applied to the energy generating mechanism 208.

[0052] 7 shows the float rocker arm 210 in an extended state, where the first extension portion 258 extends partially or fully from within the float rocker arm 210. In this configuration, the second extension portion 268 also extends partially or fully from within the float rocker arm 210. In this configuration, the support extension portion 270 also extends partially or fully from within the support arm 262. The second extension portion 268 and the support extension portion 270 may be extended to adjust the horizontal position of the energy generating mechanism 208 to provide a counterbalance for the weight of the float unit 204 when the first extension portion 258 is extended.

[0053] The apparatus 100 may further include a controller (not shown). The controller may be configured to control the slide frame 114 to adjust the level of the float unit 104. Movement of the slide frame 114 may adjust the pivot point 112, which may in turn cause movement of the other associated components (i.e., the float unit 104, the float rocker arm 110, and the energy generating mechanism 108). The controller may be configured to continuously adjust the level of the slide frame 104 and associated components by changing the vertical position of the slide frame 114. The controller may be configured to make said adjustments in response to tidal conditions in the body of water 106, according to local weather information (e.g., stormy weather or high winds).

[0054] The controller may be further configured to adjust the extension or retraction of the first extension portion 258, thereby changing the length of the lever arm 260. The controller may be further configured to adjust the extension or retraction of the second extension portion 268 and the support extension portion 270. The controller may be configured to make said adjustments in response to tidal conditions in the body of water 206 according to an annual tidal schedule. The controller may be configured to make said adjustments in response to tidal conditions in the body of water 206 according to local weather information (e.g., stormy weather or high winds). The controller may be configured to obtain additional environmental or water level information about the body of water 206 from other sources, such as sensors external to the device 200.

[0055] The controller may be further configured to adjust the volume of the adjustable volume float unit 104. The controller may be configured to make the adjustment in response to tidal conditions in the body of water 106 according to an annual tidal schedule. The controller may be configured to make the adjustment in response to local weather conditions (such as a storm or high winds). The controller may be configured to receive up-to-date local weather and tidal data.

[0056] The controller may be configured to receive water level data from one or more water level sensors 234. The controller may be configured to use the water level data to calculate the volume of water stored in the reservoir 232. The controller may further be configured to use the water level data to determine and calculate the amount of electricity that can be generated using the volume of water stored in the reservoir 232.

[0057] The controller may further be configured to control at least one valve 236 to allow a predetermined volume of water to exit the reservoir 232 . 2, the apparatus 100 may further include a filter 226 coupled to the energy generating mechanism 208. The filter 226 may be configured to filter water from the body of water 206 as the body of water 206 is drawn into the energy generating mechanism 208.

[0058] 8 illustrates a method 300 of using the hydroelectric power harvesting device 100. Step 302 of the method 300 may include transferring energy from the body of water 106 to the energy generation mechanism 108. Step 304 of the method 300 may further include utilizing the energy generated by the energy generation mechanism 108 to move water from the body of water 106 to a higher level. Step 304 of the method 300 may further include utilizing the movement of water from the higher level to a lower level to generate a fluid flow. Finally, step 306 of the method 300 may include utilizing the fluid flow to drive a hydro-electric generator 230 to generate electricity.

[0059] The device 100 described herein may be one of a plurality of hydroelectric power harvesting devices arranged to form a hydroelectric power plant. The plurality of devices may be organized in a sea port configuration. The sea port may include a connection to a shoreline. Alternatively, the plurality of devices may be organized in a sea wall configuration. The plurality of devices may include a connection to a national power grid and be configured to supply electricity to the national power grid. The plurality of devices may be coupled to a cliff and configured to pump water up a waterway. The power plant may be used by boats, ships, or other nautical vessels to charge their batteries.

[0060] The apparatus 100 described herein may be mountable to support structures of oil platforms, wind turbines, and other fixed marine / offshore structures. The apparatus 100 may further include a docking portion (not shown) to allow a boat, ship, or other water-based vehicle to be mounted or docked to the apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 may be used to charge or replenish batteries on a docked boat, ship, or other water-based vehicle.

[0061] The apparatus 100 described herein may be directly attachable to the seabed 116 or other surface below the body of water 106 via supports 102. For example, the supports 102 may extend into the seabed 116. Alternatively, the apparatus 100 may be attachable to the seabed 116 via supports 102 via a flexible linkage (not shown). The flexible linkage may be a rope, chain, or equivalent device having a fixed length. The flexible linkage may provide the apparatus 100 with some movement above the surface of the body of water 106.

[0062] References herein to "an example," "an embodiment," "an aspect," or similar language mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an example may be included in one or more examples, but not necessarily in other examples. Various instances of the phrase "in one example" or similar phrases in various places herein do not necessarily all refer to the same example. When describing and referring to examples disclosed herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0063] While several examples have been described in detail, it will be understood that the disclosed examples may be modified. Accordingly, the foregoing description is to be considered non-limiting. It is to be understood that the examples described herein are to be considered in an illustrative sense only, and not for purposes of limitation. The description of features or aspects within each example typically contemplates the availability of 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 skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made.

Claims

1. 1. A hydroelectric power harvesting device, comprising: A support; a slide frame movably coupled to the support; 1. A float unit configured to float in a body of water having varying water levels, comprising: The float unit is a volume-adjustable float unit, and the buoyancy of the float unit is changed by increasing or decreasing the volume of the float unit; and an energy generating mechanism; a float rocker arm coupled to the float unit and the energy generating mechanism, the float rocker arm configured to pivot about a pivot point on the slide frame; the float unit is configured to move as the water level of the body of water changes to drive the float rocker arm and provide work input to the energy generating mechanism; The slide frame is configured to adjust the level of the pivot point, the float rocker arm, and the float unit.

2. 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a storm support and a storm cover, wherein the float unit, in a resting state, is movable on the slide frame to a standby position outside the body of water, the float unit being supported by the storm support and protected by the storm cover.

3. 3. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the float rocker arm is extendable and configured to be extended or retracted by the pivoting to adjust the lever arm of the float unit.

4. 4. The apparatus of claims 1 and 3, further comprising a controller configured to adjust the level of the float unit and the extension of the lever arm in response to tidal conditions of the body of water.

5. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the energy generating mechanism is configured to convey water from the body of water to a higher level, the flow of water from the higher level to a lower level generating a fluid flow.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 , further comprising a hydro-electric generator configured to extract energy from the fluid flow to generate electricity.

7. 7. The device of claim 5 or 6, wherein the higher level is a reservoir configured to store the water delivered by the energy generating mechanism.

8. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the reservoir comprises one or more water level sensors for measuring the amount of water stored in the reservoir.

9. 9. The device of claim 7 or 8, wherein the reservoir comprises a valve configured to provide control of the fluid flow.

10. the energy generating mechanism is one or more of a bellows type pump, a single acting cylinder pump, a double acting cylinder pump, a single acting peristaltic pump, a double acting peristaltic pump, a direct drive pump, and a direct mechanical drive pump; 10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein when the pump is a direct mechanical drive pump, the pump utilizes one or more of a belt and pulley, a sprocket and chain, a rack and pinion, or a piston drive arrangement.

11. 11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a shock absorber, wherein the float unit is coupled to the float rocker arm by the shock absorber.

12. A method of harvesting energy from a body of water using an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising: transferring energy from the body of water to the energy generating mechanism; utilizing the energy generated by the energy generating mechanism to move water from the body of water to a higher level; utilizing the movement of water from the higher level to the lower level to create a fluid flow; and utilizing the fluid flow to drive the hydro-electric generator to generate electricity.

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