U.S. patent application number 11/132489 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-31 for current power generator.
Invention is credited to Donald Hollis Gehring.
Application Number | 20070120371 11/132489 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38000998 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070120371 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gehring; Donald Hollis |
May 31, 2007 |
CURRENT POWER GENERATOR
Abstract
A current power generator includes a vertical support member
mounted to the seabed and horizontal support members mounted to the
vertical support member. Generators are mounted between the
horizontal support members. A rotatable shaft is operatively
connected to each of the generators such that when the shaft
rotates, the generator generates electricity. Blades mounted to the
shaft are capable of rotation in response to water current. The
generators are pivotal relative to the horizontal support members
in response to changing current flow direction.
Inventors: |
Gehring; Donald Hollis;
(Conroe, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
James E. Bradley;Bracewell & Giuliani LLP
P.O. Box 61389
Houston
TX
77208-1389
US
|
Family ID: |
38000998 |
Appl. No.: |
11/132489 |
Filed: |
May 19, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
290/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F05B 2240/95 20130101;
F05B 2210/18 20130101; F05B 2210/16 20130101; F03B 17/061 20130101;
F05B 2240/97 20130101; F05B 2240/90 20130101; Y02E 10/30 20130101;
Y02E 10/20 20130101; F05B 2240/40 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
290/054 |
International
Class: |
F03B 13/00 20060101
F03B013/00; H02P 9/04 20060101 H02P009/04 |
Claims
1. A water current power generator, comprising: a support frame
having at least one vertical support member supported on and
extending upward from a floor of a body of water, and a pair of
submerged parallel horizontal support members mounted to and
extending perpendicular to the vertical support member; a plurality
of generators mounted side-by-side between the horizontal support
members, each generator including a rotatable horizontal shaft,
operatively connected to the generator such that when the shaft
rotates, the generator generates electricity; and a plurality of
blades mounted to each rotatable shaft, capable of rotation in
response to water current, each generator being pivotal relative to
the horizontal support members in response to changing directions
of current flow.
2. The current power generator of claim 1, further comprising: an
upper mounting member extending upward from each generator into a
pivotal engagement with one of the horizontal support members; and
a lower mounting member extending downward from each generator into
a pivotal engagement with the other of the horizontal support
members, the upper and lower mounting members being coaxial and
perpendicular to the horizontal support members.
3. The current power generator of claim 1, further comprising
electrical contact means for transferring electricity generated by
each of the generators to a power cable.
4-6. (canceled)
7. The current power generator of claim 1, wherein the at least one
vertical support member comprises at least two of the vertical
support members.
8. A water current power generator, comprising: a buoyant support
frame having a vertical support member and a pair of submerged
horizontal support members mounted to and extending perpendicular
to the vertical support member; a plurality of submerged
generators, each mounted to the floating support frame between the
horizontal support members in a side-by-side relationship, each
generator including a rotatable shaft, operatively connected to the
generator such that when the shaft rotates, the generator generates
electricity; a plurality of blades mounted to each rotatable shaft,
capable of rotation in response to water current; a pair of
spaced-apart mooring anchors, each mounted to a seabed; and a pair
of mooring lines, each having a first and second end, wherein the
first end of each of the mooring lines is attached to the support
frame at spaced-apart locations and the second end of each of the
mooring lines is attached to one of the mooring anchors so as to
hold the support frame submerged.
9. The current power generator of claim 8, further comprising
mounting means for mounting each of the generators so that each
generator is pivotal relative to the horizontal support members in
response to changing directions of water current flow.
10. The current power generator of claim 9, further comprising
electrical contact means for transferring electricity from each of
the generators to a power cable.
11. A water current power generator, comprising: a vertical support
member mounted to a bed of a body of water; parallel upper and
lower horizontal support members mounted to the vertical support
member and submerged in the body of water; a plurality of
generators mounted between the upper and lower horizontal support
members, each generator having an upper mounting member extending
upward from each generator into engagement with the upper
horizontal support member, each generator having a lower mounting
member extending downward from each generator into engagement with
the lower horizontal support member, each generator including a
rotatable shaft operatively connected to the generator such that
when the shaft rotates, the generator generates electricity; a
plurality of blades mounted to each shaft, capable of rotation in
response to water current, the upper and lower mounting members
allowing each generator to pivot relative to the upper and lower
horizontal support members in response to changing directions of
current flow; and an electrical contact assembly in electrical
communication with each generator for transferring power from each
of the generators to an electrical power cable,
12. A water power generator, comprising: a support frame,
comprising vertical frame members having a first end mounted in bed
of a body of water, and proceeding upward therefrom to a second
end, and horizontal support members mounted proximate the second
end of the vertical frame members; a plurality of submerged water
current generators, each having an upper mounting member mounted to
one of the horizontal support members and a lower mounting member
mounted to another of the horizontal support members to allow each
of the generators to independently pivot relative to the support
frame in response to changes in current flow direction, each
generator including a rotatable shaft, operatively connected to
each generator such that when the shaft rotates, the generator
generates electricity; a plurality of blades mounted to each shaft,
capable of rotation in response to water current; and a plurality
of wave generators mounted to an uppermost one of the horizontal
support members for immersion in waves, each of the wave current
generators being pivotally mounted to the uppermost one of the
horizontal frame members for pivoting relative to the support frame
in response to changes in wave direction.
13. The current power generator of claim 12, wherein the wave
generators generate electricity independent of the water current
generators.
14. A current power generator, comprising: a support frame,
comprising vertical frame members having a first end mounted in a
bed of a body of water, and proceeding upward therefrom to a second
end, and horizontal frame members mounted generally centrally along
the vertical frame members; a plurality of water current generators
mounted in side-by-side relation between and to the horizontal
support members, each generator including a rotatable shaft,
operatively connected to each generator such that when the shaft
rotates, the generator generates electricity, each generator being
pivotally mounted to the horizontal support members so that an axis
of its rotatable shaft can pivot relative to the horizontal support
members in response to changing directions of current flow; a
plurality of blades mounted to each rotatable shaft, capable of
rotation in response to water current; a plurality of wave
generators mounted to an uppermost one of the horizontal frame
members; a surface platform mounted at the second end of the
vertical support members; and an alternative energy generator
mounted upon the surface platform.
15. The current generator of claim 14, further comprising a control
house, disposed upon the surface platform.
16. The current generator of claim 15, wherein the control house
includes a control room, switchgear, transformers, accommodations,
and heliport.
17. The current generator of claim 14, wherein the alternative
energy generator is a wind powered generator.
18. The current generator of claim 14, further comprising a support
brace, having a first end mounted to the seabed and proceeding
angularly upward to a second end mounted to the underside of the
surface platform.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to alternative energy
generation sources, and in particular to a current power
generator.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] As the demand for energy increases in both the developed and
developing world, mankind turns to new and alternative sources of
generating power. For example, geothermal, wind, solar, and
hydroelectric sources are widely explored to help assuage the ever
increasing demand for energy. To address this need, a variety of
energy generating devices have been introduced.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 6,531,788 discloses a submersible generating
plant for producing electricity from ocean currents. The apparatus
consists of two counter-rotating, rear-facing turbines with a
plurality of rotor blades extending radially outward from two
separate horizontal axis that convey the kinetic energy from the
two side-by-side turbine rotors through separate gearboxes to
separate generators that are housed in two watertight nacelles that
are located sufficiently far apart to provide clearance for the
turbine rotors. The two generators and their gearboxes serve as
ballast and are located below a streamlined buoyancy tank that
extends fore and aft above and between them. A leverage system
having no moving parts adjusts lifting forces to balance changing
downward vector forces that result from changes in drag acting on
the downward angled anchor line.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,717,831 discloses an ocean and river water
power generator having a plurality of water wheel power generators.
Said water wheel power generator includes a common concrete base, a
water wheel having a main shaft thereof and a plurality of water
wheel impellers fixedly and radially attached to said main shaft
for transforming potential energy of water in the ocean or a river
to rotational energy thereof, a speed-up gear means having an input
shaft thereof connected with one end of said main shaft for
increasing the number of RPM of the main shaft for increasing said
rotational energy.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,551,066 discloses a water wheel for
operating fully submerged in an ocean current has a rotating frame
member supported on the ocean floor for rotation about a vertical
axis. The frame member supports a plurality of vertically extending
vanes, each vane being rotatably supported on the frame for limited
rotation about a vertical axis. It has a hydrofoil shape in
cross-section with the axis of rotation parallel to the leading and
trailing edges. Rotation of the vanes is limited relative to the
frame by a hydraulic piston control system and shock absorbers.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,520,273 discloses a rotor generator
including an elongated generally cylindrically shaped mework. An
elongated rotor is longitudinally aligned within the framework and
is rotatably mounted therein. The rotor has a plurality of curved
blades which are capable of causing rotation of the rotor when
there is fluid flow, such as water or air current. The rotor has a
magnetic characteristic which may be provided by attaching magnets
to the rotor blades or magnetizing the blades themselves. A
plurality of wires are mounted on the framework about the rotor so
that when the rotor is rotated electrical current is induced in the
wires. Apparatus is provided for collecting the induced electrical
current so that the electrical current can be provided for power
purposes, such as charging a battery. With this arrangement the
rotor generator can be placed on the bottom of the ocean where
there is current flow, and utilized for charging a battery which
may in turn power oceanographic equipment.
[0007] U.S. Patent Application No. 20040061338 is directed towards
a reciprocating generator rigidly attached to the underside of an
ocean buoy and creates electric power from the surface ocean
swells. The generator coil maintains a stable position beneath the
ocean surface while the magnetic field housing reciprocates with
the vertical motion of the buoy in response to interaction with
swell and waves on the surface of the ocean. Damping plates
attached to the generator coil inhibit the motion of the generator
coil, thus keeping it in a stable position relative to the motion
of the magnetic housing. The magnetic housing focuses the magnetic
field through the generator coil and the relative motion between
the magnetic housing and generator coil creates an electromotive
force in the coil. The design of the generator provides a uniform
field of single magnetic orientation throughout the entire stroke
of the generator. Permanent magnets and electromagnet windings
create and enhance the magnetic field of the reciprocating
generator.
[0008] Canada Patent No. 2,160,756 is directed towards an Ocean
Current Power Generator. The abstract for this document was not
provided by the issuing authority at the time it was entered into
the ICO patent database. Also the image (PDF) file was not
available for this document.
[0009] U.S. Patent Application No. 20040103658 is directed towards
a system for conversion of wave energy in a body of a fluid using
electromagnetic coupling (by moving a magnetic device inside a
coil, or a coil inside magnetic field) driven by the linear motion
due to either a buoy on a liquid or a linear movement induced by
any mechanical means driven by a fluid, including: (a) a stationary
support element mounted to the floor or to the floor of the body of
the fluid in the form of a magnet or a coil; (b) a moving or
buoyancy apparatus, for liquid fluids, including a buoy portion
having formed therewith wave energy collection apparatus in the
form of a floating device containing a magnet, or a coil; (c)
coupling apparatus for connecting the moving or buoyancy apparatus
to the stationary support element so as to be pivotal in a
generally vertical plane with respect to the stationary support
element; (d) at least a set a cables to allow for the flow of the
electric current to a control/regulator/storage device,
correspondingly, the piston apparatus being guided by a stationary
support, in association with a predetermined element operative to
move in response to movement of the moving or buoyancy apparatus,
or running fluid such as air or running water.
[0010] There is a need, however, for an ocean current power
generator that can align itself with the ocean current by having
the ability to rotate 360 degrees and to pivot in a plurality of
directions. None of the above identified devices disclose such a
device. It would therefore be beneficial if a current power
generator existed that could be utilized to convert the energy of
ocean waves into electrical energy for consumption.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a
current power generator that can generate energy from ocean
currents.
[0012] It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a
current power generator to generate energy from ocean currents that
is mounted to a support frame on the seabed.
[0013] It is yet a further aspect of the present invention to
provide a current power generator that has additional alternative
sources of energy generation.
[0014] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention,
a novel current power generator is provided. The novel current
power generator includes a support frame; a generator mounted to
the support frame; a rotatable shaft, operatively connected to the
generator such that when the shaft rotates, the generator generates
electricity; a plurality of blades mounted to the shaft, capable of
rotation in response to water current; and a power cable, in
electrical communication with the generator.
[0015] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a novel current power generator is provided. The novel current
power generator includes a floating support frame; a generator
mounted to the floating support frame; a rotatable shaft,
operatively connected to the generator such that when the shaft
rotates, the generator generates electricity; a plurality of blades
mounted to the shaft, capable of rotation in response to water
current; a mooring anchor, mounted to the seabed; a mooring line,
having a first and second end, wherein the first end of the mooring
line is attached to the floating support frame and the second end
of the mooring line is attached to the mooring anchor; and a power
cable, in electrical communication with the generator.
[0016] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, a novel current power generator including alternative
energy generating sources is provided. The novel current power
generator includes a support frame, comprising vertical frame
members having a first end mounted in the seabed, and proceeding
upward therefrom to a second end, and horizontal frame members
mounted generally centrally along the vertical frame members; a
plurality of generators mounted to the horizontal support members;
a rotatable shaft, operatively connected to each generator such
that when the shaft rotates, the generator generates electricity; a
plurality of blades mounted to the shaft, capable of rotation in
response to water current; a plurality of wave generators mounted
to the top of the horizontal frame members; a surface platform
mounted at the second end of the vertical support members; an
alternative energy generator mounted upon the surface platform; and
a power cable, in electrical communication with the generators, the
alternative energy generator, and the wave generators.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention will
be better understood when read with reference to the appended
drawings, wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a current wave generator in
accordance with the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2a is a right side elevation of a current wave
generator in accordance with the present invention.
[0020] FIGS. 2b-2f are top plan views of a current wave generator
shown in various configurations responding to current flow.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a current wave generator
in accordance with the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 4a is a front elevation view of a current wave
generator having two rows.
[0023] FIG. 4b is an expanded detail view of a current generator as
depicted in FIG. 4a
[0024] FIG. 5 is a partial side elevation of the current generator
of FIG. 4a along the lines 5-5.
[0025] FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of a floating current
generator in accordance with the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a weathervaning current
generator in accordance with the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 7b is a side elevation view of the weathervaning
current generator of FIG. 7a along the lines 7b-7b.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
a current generator with wave generators.
[0029] FIG. 9a is a front elevation view of an alternative
embodiment of current generator having a surface portion and
submerged portion, in accordance with the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 9b is a right side elevation view of the current
generator of FIG. 9a along the lines 9b-9b.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0031] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals refer to the same components across the several views and
in particular to FIG. 1, a current power generator 10 is shown. The
current power generator 10 includes a support frame 11 and a
plurality of current generators 20.
[0032] The support frame 11 includes horizontal support members 12
and vertical support members 13. The vertical support members 13
are mounted at a first end to the seabed S and extend generally
upward from the seabed S to a second end. Mounted proximate to the
second end of the vertical support members 13 are the horizontal
support members 12. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the horizontal support members 12 are mounted generally
perpendicularly to the vertical support members 13, however, the
horizontal support members 12 may be attached in any way known to
one of ordinary skill in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the
support frame 10 is beneath the surface line W.
[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 2a-2f, the current generator 20 will
now be described. The current generator 20 includes a plurality of
blades 21 mounted to a shaft 22. A generator 23 is disposed upon
the shaft for generating electricity when the shaft 22 rotates. An
extension shaft 28 is mounted to the generator 23 and proceeds
generally perpendicularly outward therethrough The extension shaft
28 is attached to the horizontal support frame 12. Disposed on the
extension shaft 28 proximate the horizontal support frame 12 are
electrical contactors 25. The electrical contactors 25 are
electrically connected to the power cables 60 to transfer the
electricity generated by the generators 23 to a power grid (not
shown). The generator 23 is pivotally mounted to the extension
shaft 28 so as to allow the generator 23 to pivot about its axis in
the direction of the arc A, or in the opposite direction to arc A.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality
of blades 21 respond to current flow F in order to align with the
current flow F, similar to a weathervane. As the plurality of
blades 21 weathervane to align with the current flow F, the shaft
22 causes the generator 23 to pivot about its axis. Furthermore,
the current flow F causes the plurality of blades 21 to rotate the
shaft 22, which in turn operates the generator 23 to generate
electricity.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the support frame 11 can include only
one vertical support member 13 and two horizontal support members
12. Referring now to FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 5, the current power
generator 10 can be seen in more detail. The plurality of blades 21
comprise a wide portion 38 and a narrow portion 39. The narrow
portion 39 is mounted to the shaft 22 and proceeds perpendicularly
outward therefrom. The wide portion 38 is mounted at the distal end
of the narrow portion 39 and responds to the ocean currents.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 6, an alternative embodiment of a
current power generator 100 is depicted. The current power
generator 100 includes a floating support frame 111 and a plurality
of current generators 120 mounted to the floating support frame
111. The current generators 120 are substantially structurally
similar to, and operate substantially similarly to the current
generators 20. The floating support frame 111 includes vertical
support members 113 and horizontal support members 112. In a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, the horizontal
support members 112 are mounted generally perpendicularly to the
vertical support members 113, however, the horizontal support
members 112 may be attached in any way known to one of ordinary
skill in the art. A mooring line 130 is attached to the bottom of
the vertical support member 113 at one end and to a mooring anchor
140 at the other end of the mooring line 130. In this fashion, the
floating support frame 111 is anchored to the seabed S via the
mooring line 130. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a mooring line 130 is attached to the bottom of each
vertical support member 113 as depicted in FIG. 6, however, any
number of mooring lines 130 known to one of ordinary skill in the
art may be used. Power cables (not shown) may be attached to the
current power generator 100 using any means known to one of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 7a and 7b, an alternative embodiment
of a current power generator 200 is depicted. The current power
generator 200 includes a support frame 211, which is comprised of a
vertical support member 213, horizontal support members 212, and
collars 214. The collar 214 is rotatably attached to the vertical
support member 213, and the horizontal support members 212 are
fixedly attached to the collars 214, such that the horizontal
support members 212 can pivot about the axis of the vertical
support member 213 at the collars 214 in response to water current
flow. Current generators 220 are mounted to the horizontal support
members 212 for generating electricity. The current generators 220
are substantially structurally similar to, and operate
substantially similarly to the current generators 20. Power cables
(not shown) can be electrically connected to the current generators
220 to transfer the electrical energy from the current generators
220 for consumption, for example, via a power grid (not shown).
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 8, an alternative embodiment of a
current power generator 300 is shown. The current power generator
300 includes a support frame 311, which is comprised of vertical
support members 313 mounted to the seabed S, and horizontal support
members 312. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the horizontal support members 312 are mounted generally
perpendicularly to the vertical support members 313, however, the
horizontal support members 312 may be attached in any way known to
one of ordinary skill in the art. Current generators 320 are
mounted to the horizontal support members 312 to generate
electricity from water current. The current generators 320 are
substantially structurally similar to, and operate substantially
similarly to the current generators 20. Wave generators 330 can be
mounted on the top of the topmost horizontal support members 312.
The wave generators 330 include a floating buoy which generates
electricity as an ocean wave rises and falls. Power cables (not
shown) can be electrically connected to the current generators 320,
and to the wave generators 330 to transfer the electrical energy
from the current generators 320 and the wave generators 330 for
consumption, for example, via a power grid (not shown). In a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wave generators
330 generate electricity independent of the current generators 320,
however, the wave generators 330 can be operatively connected to
the current generators 320.
[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 9a and 9b, another alternative
embodiment of a current power generator 400 is depicted. The
current power generator 400 includes a support frame 411 having
vertical support members 413 mounted to the seabed S and proceeding
upward therefrom through the surface of the water, and horizontal
support members 412 mounted to the vertical support members 413.
Current generators 420 are mounted to the horizontal support
members 412 to generate electricity in response to water current
flow. The current generators 420 operate in substantially the same
fashion as the current generators 20. Wave generators 430 are
mounted to the topmost horizontal support members 412 and are
substantially structurally similar to, and operate substantially
similarly to the wave generators 330.
[0039] Mounted above the surface of the water on the vertical
support members 413 is a surface platform 460. An alternative
energy generator 440 is mounted on the surface platform 440 to
alternatively generate electricity. In a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the alternative energy generator 440 is a
wind powered generator and includes a windmill 441 connected to a
shaft 442, which turns a generator (not shown) when the windmill
441 turns in response to air current flow. A control house 450 is
located on the surface platform and can house a control room,
switchgear, transformers, accommodations, and heliport. A support
brace 415 can provide additional stability to the surface platform
460. The support brace 415 is mounted to the seabed S at one end
and proceeds angularly upward to an attachment point on the surface
platform 460. Power cables (not shown) can be electrically
connected to any combination of the current generators 420, the
wave generators 430, or the alternative energy generator 440. For
example, the current generators 420, wave generators 430, and the
alternative energy generator 440 can generate power independently
of one another or in any combination with one another to be
transferred via the power cables for consumption.
[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a
typical wave generator includes a buoy, an anchor cable, a
generator, and a pulley
[0041] The buoy floats on the surface of the ocean and rises and
falls as the waves rise and fall. The anchor cable is connected to
the underside of the buoy at a first end. A second end is connected
to the pulley, which is mounted on the generator.
[0042] The generator includes an outer case and an inner chamber.
The inner chamber of the generator houses a rotor which turns to
generate electricity. The rotor is connected to a shaft. Disposed
at one end of the shaft is the pulley. The second end of the anchor
cable is wrapped around the pulley. As the buoy rises and falls,
the anchor cable rotates the pulley, and the shaft, which in turn
rotates the rotor within a stator, thereby generating
electricity.
[0043] The operation of the pulley is more fully described as
follows. The pulley is mounted on the shaft such that when the
pulley rotates in a first direction, the pulley rotates the shaft,
and thereby rotates the rotor. When the pulley rotates in a second,
and opposite direction of rotation from the first direction, the
pulley rotates freely about the shaft, without turning the shaft in
the second direction. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the pulley rotates in the first direction during the
rising of the buoy during an ocean wave crest, which pulls the
anchor cable in an upward direction. As the buoy falls during an
ocean wave trough, a coil spring winds the second end of the anchor
cable back around the pulley preparing it for the next pull.
[0044] A flywheel can be mounted inside the case and to the shaft
continues to rotate the rotor during the ocean wave troughs. In
this manner, the rotor is able to rotate during both ocean wave
crests and troughs, and thereby generate a more constant power
output. The case in a preferred embodiment is sealed to avoid
corrosion and degradation of the components within the chamber, and
is filled with an inert gas such as nitrogen.
[0045] In view of the foregoing disclosure, some advantages of the
present invention can be seen. For example, a novel current power
generator is provided. The novel current power generator can
generate electricity by responding to water current flow. It can be
connected to the power grid to alleviate the ever increasing need
for power while generating it cleanly.
[0046] While the preferred embodiment of the present invention has
been described and illustrated, modifications may be made by one of
ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For
example, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
current generators are capable of responding to water current flow
in differing directions by weathervaning, however, any method known
to one of ordinary skill in the art may be used to align the
current generators with the water current flow. Additionally, in a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, the generators can
be attached to the power grid for consumption. Any means known to
one of ordinary skill in the art may be used to synch the
generators with the power grid. Any material known to one of
ordinary skill in the art may be utilized to form the support
frames and the current and wave generators, such as rust resistant
metal and the like.
* * * * *