WO2018146440A1 - Apparatus for generating electricity using water movement - Google Patents

Apparatus for generating electricity using water movement Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018146440A1
WO2018146440A1 PCT/GB2018/000010 GB2018000010W WO2018146440A1 WO 2018146440 A1 WO2018146440 A1 WO 2018146440A1 GB 2018000010 W GB2018000010 W GB 2018000010W WO 2018146440 A1 WO2018146440 A1 WO 2018146440A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
shock
open lattice
lattice framework
connector means
absorbing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2018/000010
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Patrick James Mulvey
William Edward BAXLEY
Original Assignee
Ocean Current Energy Llc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ocean Current Energy Llc filed Critical Ocean Current Energy Llc
Publication of WO2018146440A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018146440A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F03B13/10—Submerged units incorporating electric generators or motors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
    • F03B13/26—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
    • F03B13/264—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy using the horizontal flow of water resulting from tide movement
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B17/00—Other machines or engines
    • F03B17/06—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head"
    • F03B17/061—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head" with rotation axis substantially in flow direction
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2240/00—Components
    • F05B2240/40—Use of a multiplicity of similar components
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2240/00—Components
    • F05B2240/90—Mounting on supporting structures or systems
    • F05B2240/91—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a stationary structure
    • F05B2240/912—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a stationary structure on a tower
    • F05B2240/9121—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a stationary structure on a tower on a lattice tower
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2240/00—Components
    • F05B2240/90—Mounting on supporting structures or systems
    • F05B2240/97—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a submerged structure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2250/00—Geometry
    • F05B2250/10—Geometry two-dimensional
    • F05B2250/13—Geometry two-dimensional trapezial
    • F05B2250/132—Geometry two-dimensional trapezial hexagonal
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2250/00—Geometry
    • F05B2250/20—Geometry three-dimensional
    • F05B2250/23—Geometry three-dimensional prismatic
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2250/00—Geometry
    • F05B2250/20—Geometry three-dimensional
    • F05B2250/28—Geometry three-dimensional patterned
    • F05B2250/283—Honeycomb
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/20—Hydro energy

Definitions

  • This invention relates to apparatus for generating electricity using water movement.
  • apparatus for generating electricity using water movement which apparatus comprises:
  • a plurality of electrical generators which are for generating electricity and which each comprises a housing, a rotor and a stator;
  • the support structure comprises an open lattice framework which forms a cradle for the electrical generators;
  • the support structure comprises a plurality of shock-absorbing members;
  • the shock-absorbing members are positioned at the base of the open lattice framework such that in use with the apparatus mounted to a waterbed, the shock-absorbing members are able to at least partially absorb a seismic shock.
  • the apparatus of the present invention is advantageous in that the shock-absorbing members enable the apparatus to be mounted to the waterbed and such that the shock-absorbing members are at least partially able to absorb a seismic shock.
  • the apparatus is thus able to resist seismic shocks and not be damaged in circumstances where the apparatus would normally be damaged if it did not have the shock absorbing members.
  • the apparatus is advantageous in that it employs the support structure in the form of the open lattice framework.
  • Such an open lattice framework is advantageous in allowing debris to pass through it. This helps to avoid the build up of debris against the support structure. This in turn means that the debris does not require constant removal in case it causes too much water pressure to be applied to the support structure and/or forms a dam which is disadvantageous to marine life.
  • the support structure is also advantageous in that the open lattice framework is able to be constructed as a cradle for receiving the electrical generators.
  • the apparatus may be one in which the shock-absorbing members are such that they each comprise a movable part which is adapted to move into a fixed part consequent upon the apparatus receiving the seismic shock.
  • the apparatus may be one in which the fixed part comprises a casing and a shock-absorbing material in the casing, and the shock-absorbing material being such that it receives the movable part when the movable part moves into the fixed part and thereby acts to at least partially absorb the seismic shock.
  • the shock-absorbing material may be a plastics material. Other shock-absorbing materials may be employed. Where a plastics material is employed, then the plastics material may be polyurethane. Other plastics materials may be employed.
  • the apparatus may be one in which the fixed part includes first connector means for connecting the shock-absorbing member in position.
  • the first connector means may be a flange which contains a plurality of mounting apertures. Other types of first connector means may be employed.
  • the movable part may include second connector means for connecting the movable part to the open lattice framework.
  • the second connector means may be a female connecting formation which is able to receive a male connecting formation on the open lattice framework.
  • the second connector means may include securing means for securing the male connecting formation in the female connecting formation.
  • the securing means may be at least one securing pin. More than one securing pin may be employed. Other types of securing means may be employed.
  • the second connector means may alternatively be a flange having a plurality of mounting apertures. Other types of second connector means may be employed.
  • the open lattice framework is a tubular open lattice framework formed from tubular members.
  • the open lattice framework may be formed from other members if desired.
  • the apparatus may include a base by which the apparatus is secured to the waterbed.
  • the base may be a concrete base. Other materials may be employed for the base.
  • the apparatus may include support pillars by which the apparatus is secured to the waterbed.
  • the support pillars may be made of reinforced concrete. Other materials may be employed.
  • the apparatus may be one in which the housing of each electrical generator is hexagonal at its ends. This enables the electrical generators easily to be fitted together, for example side by side and/or on top of each other as required. Any suitable electrical generators having appropriate rotors and stators may be employed.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view showing first apparatus for generating electricity using water movement
  • Figure 2 is a side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is an end view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 4 is an enlarged detail of part of the apparatus as shown in Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 5 shows part of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 being additionally provided with a first base by which the apparatus is secured to a waterbed;
  • Figure 6 is an end view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 5;
  • Figure 7 is an enlarged view of part of the apparatus as shown in Figure 5;
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view of part of the apparatus as shown in Figure 1 but provided with a second type of base by which the apparatus is secured to a waterbed;
  • Figure 9 is a side view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 8.
  • Figure 10 is an end view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 8.
  • Figure 11 is an enlarged view of part of the apparatus as shown in Figure 8.
  • Figure 12 is a perspective view of a shock-absorbing member forming part of the apparatus of the invention.
  • Figure 13 is an end view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 12;
  • Figure 14 is a section through the apparatus as shown in Figure 12;
  • FIG 15 is a view like Figure 13 but shows a modified form of the apparatus of Figure 12, and in use and receiving a part of an open lattice framework which forms part of a support structure of the apparatus of the invention.
  • first apparatus 2 for generating electricity using water movement comprises a plurality of electrical generators 4 which are for generating electricity.
  • Each electrical generator 4 comprises a housing 6, a rotor 8 and a stator 10.
  • the apparatus 2 also comprises a support structure 12 for the electrical generators 4.
  • the apparatus 2 is such that the support structure 12 comprises an open lattice framework 14 which forms a cradle for the electrical generators 4.
  • the support structure 12 also comprises a plurality of shock-absorbing members 16.
  • the shock-absorbing members 16 are positioned at the base of the open lattice framework 14 such that in use with the apparatus 2 mounted to a waterbed 18, the shock-absorbing members 16 are able to at least partially absorb a seismic shock.
  • One of the shock-absorbing members 16 is shown in enlarged form in Figure 4.
  • the open lattice framework 14 is formed from tubular members.
  • Figures 5 - 7 show how the apparatus shown in Figure 2 may be modified to form second apparatus 20 which includes a base 22 by which the apparatus 20 is secured to the waterbed 18.
  • the base 22 is a rectangular concrete base as shown.
  • FIGs 8 - 11 show how the first apparatus 2 is able to be provided with support pillars 24 and thus form third apparatus 26.
  • the support pillars 24 are shown extending into the waterbed 18.
  • the support pillars 24 may be made of reinforced concrete.
  • a shock-absorbing member 28 which may be used as one of the shock-absorbing members in any one of the different types of apparatus 2, 20, 26.
  • the shock-absorbing member 28 is such that it comprises a movable part 30 which is adapted to move into a fixed part 32 consequent upon the apparatus 2, 20, 26 receiving seismic shocks.
  • the fixed part 32 comprises a casing 34 and a shock-absorbing material 36 in the casing 34.
  • the shock-absorbing material 36 is such that it receives the movable part 30 when the movable part moves into the fixed part 32 and thereby acts to at least partially absorb the seismic shock.
  • the shock- absorbing material 36 is a plastics material in the form of polyurethane.
  • the fixed part 32 includes first connector means 38 for connecting the shock-absorbing member 28 in position.
  • the first connector means 38 is a flange 40 which contains a plurality of mounting apertures 42 and buttresses 43.
  • the mounting apertures 42 may receive bolts (not shown).
  • the movable part 30 includes second connector means 44 for connecting the movable part 30 to the open lattice framework 14.
  • the second connector means 44 shown in Figures 12 - 14 is a flange.
  • the flange may have a plurality of mounting apertures (not shown).
  • FIG. 15 shows alternative second connector means 46.
  • This second connector means 46 comprises a female connecting formation 48 which is able to receive a male connecting formation 50 on the open lattice framework 14.
  • the male connecting formation 50 is able to be easily located in the female connecting formation 48. This may be advantageous during assembly of the apparatus of the invention.
  • the female connecting formation 48 is funnel-shaped as shown and this helps to guide the male connecting formation 50 in position.
  • the securing means may be one or more securing pins or other securing devices.
  • the housing 6 for each electrical generator 4 is hexagonal in cross section. This enables the various electrical generators 4 easily to be mounted on each other and connected together both vertically and horizontally.
  • the electrical generators 4 are thus able to be mounted in a formation which is securely held by the open lattice framework 14 which forms a cradle for the electrical generators 14.
  • the electrical generators 14 can be connected together, for example by bolts or other connecting members, at a connecting formation 52 as shown in Figures 1 and 2.
  • the apparatus 2, 20, 26 is easily able to be constructed, and it is easily able to be located on a waterbed 8.
  • the shock-absorbing members 16 enable the apparatus 2, 20, 26 to resist seismic shocks that may occur when the apparatus 2, 20, 26 is installed in position.
  • the shock-absorbing members 16 thus enable the apparatus 2, 20, 26 to resist seismic shocks that might otherwise destroy the apparatus 2, 20, 26.
  • the flow of water through the housing 6 causes the rotors 8 to rotate with respect to their stators 10. This generates electricity which is able to be taken off via plug-in electrical connector means 54.
  • the electrical connector means 54 enables the lowermost electrical generators 4 in the apparatus of the invention to be connected to a bus bar or other main cable for providing the electricity to electricity-collecting apparatus 56 mounted on the support structure 12.
  • the electricity-collecting apparatus 56 is able to adjust the electricity as it arrives and then send it to the surface, via a cable (not shown).
  • the electrical generators 4, the support structure 12, the base 22 and the support pillars 24 may be of different constructions than shown.
  • Other types of shock-absorbing member 28 may also be employed so that, for example, the shock-absorbing member 28 may be of other types of piston and cylinder constructions utilising materials other than polyurethane.
  • the apparatus may be made from various materials including corrosion resistant aluminium alloys, composites, nickel and titanium. Individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Oceanography (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Connection Of Motors, Electrical Generators, Mechanical Devices, And The Like (AREA)
  • Motor Or Generator Frames (AREA)

Abstract

Apparatus (2) for generating electricity using water movement, which apparatus (2) comprises: (i) a plurality of electrical generators (4) which are for generating electricity and which each comprises a housing (6), a rotor (8) and a stator (10); and (ii) a support structure (12) for the electrical generators (4), and the apparatus (2) being such that (iii) the support structure (12) comprises an open lattice framework (14) which forms a cradle for the electrical generators (4); (iv) the support structure (12) comprises a plurality of shock-absorbing members (16); and (v) the shock-absorbing members (16) are positioned at the base of the open lattice framework (14) such that in use with the apparatus (2) mounted to a waterbed (18), the shock-absorbing members (16) are able to at least partially absorb a seismic shock.

Description

APPARATUS FOR GENERATING ELECTRICITY
USING WATER MOVEMENT
This invention relates to apparatus for generating electricity using water movement.
There are many different types of known apparatus for generating electricity using water movement. Where the apparatus is mounted to a water bed, the apparatus is vulnerable to seismic shocks.
It is an aim of the present invention to obviate or reduce the above mentioned problem.
Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided apparatus for generating electricity using water movement, which apparatus comprises:
(i) a plurality of electrical generators which are for generating electricity and which each comprises a housing, a rotor and a stator; and
(ii) a support structure for the electrical generators, and the apparatus being such that:
(iii) the support structure comprises an open lattice framework which forms a cradle for the electrical generators; (iv) the support structure comprises a plurality of shock-absorbing members; and
(v) the shock-absorbing members are positioned at the base of the open lattice framework such that in use with the apparatus mounted to a waterbed, the shock-absorbing members are able to at least partially absorb a seismic shock.
The apparatus of the present invention is advantageous in that the shock-absorbing members enable the apparatus to be mounted to the waterbed and such that the shock-absorbing members are at least partially able to absorb a seismic shock. The apparatus is thus able to resist seismic shocks and not be damaged in circumstances where the apparatus would normally be damaged if it did not have the shock absorbing members. In addition, the apparatus is advantageous in that it employs the support structure in the form of the open lattice framework. Such an open lattice framework is advantageous in allowing debris to pass through it. This helps to avoid the build up of debris against the support structure. This in turn means that the debris does not require constant removal in case it causes too much water pressure to be applied to the support structure and/or forms a dam which is disadvantageous to marine life. The support structure is also advantageous in that the open lattice framework is able to be constructed as a cradle for receiving the electrical generators. The apparatus may be one in which the shock-absorbing members are such that they each comprise a movable part which is adapted to move into a fixed part consequent upon the apparatus receiving the seismic shock.
The apparatus may be one in which the fixed part comprises a casing and a shock-absorbing material in the casing, and the shock-absorbing material being such that it receives the movable part when the movable part moves into the fixed part and thereby acts to at least partially absorb the seismic shock. The shock-absorbing material may be a plastics material. Other shock-absorbing materials may be employed. Where a plastics material is employed, then the plastics material may be polyurethane. Other plastics materials may be employed.
The apparatus may be one in which the fixed part includes first connector means for connecting the shock-absorbing member in position. The first connector means may be a flange which contains a plurality of mounting apertures. Other types of first connector means may be employed.
The movable part may include second connector means for connecting the movable part to the open lattice framework. The second connector means may be a female connecting formation which is able to receive a male connecting formation on the open lattice framework.
The second connector means may include securing means for securing the male connecting formation in the female connecting formation. The securing means may be at least one securing pin. More than one securing pin may be employed. Other types of securing means may be employed. The second connector means may alternatively be a flange having a plurality of mounting apertures. Other types of second connector means may be employed.
Preferably, the open lattice framework is a tubular open lattice framework formed from tubular members. The open lattice framework may be formed from other members if desired.
The apparatus may include a base by which the apparatus is secured to the waterbed. The base may be a concrete base. Other materials may be employed for the base.
Alternatively, the apparatus may include support pillars by which the apparatus is secured to the waterbed. The support pillars may be made of reinforced concrete. Other materials may be employed.
The apparatus may be one in which the housing of each electrical generator is hexagonal at its ends. This enables the electrical generators easily to be fitted together, for example side by side and/or on top of each other as required. Any suitable electrical generators having appropriate rotors and stators may be employed.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view showing first apparatus for generating electricity using water movement;
Figure 2 is a side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 ;
Figure 3 is an end view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 4 is an enlarged detail of part of the apparatus as shown in Figure 1 ;
Figure 5 shows part of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 being additionally provided with a first base by which the apparatus is secured to a waterbed;
Figure 6 is an end view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 5;
Figure 7 is an enlarged view of part of the apparatus as shown in Figure 5;
Figure 8 is a perspective view of part of the apparatus as shown in Figure 1 but provided with a second type of base by which the apparatus is secured to a waterbed;
Figure 9 is a side view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 8;
Figure 10 is an end view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 8;
Figure 11 is an enlarged view of part of the apparatus as shown in Figure 8;
Figure 12 is a perspective view of a shock-absorbing member forming part of the apparatus of the invention;
Figure 13 is an end view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 12;
Figure 14 is a section through the apparatus as shown in Figure 12; and
Figure 15 is a view like Figure 13 but shows a modified form of the apparatus of Figure 12, and in use and receiving a part of an open lattice framework which forms part of a support structure of the apparatus of the invention. Referring to Figures 1 - 4, there is shown first apparatus 2 for generating electricity using water movement. The apparatus 2 comprises a plurality of electrical generators 4 which are for generating electricity. Each electrical generator 4 comprises a housing 6, a rotor 8 and a stator 10. The apparatus 2 also comprises a support structure 12 for the electrical generators 4.
The apparatus 2 is such that the support structure 12 comprises an open lattice framework 14 which forms a cradle for the electrical generators 4. The support structure 12 also comprises a plurality of shock-absorbing members 16. The shock-absorbing members 16 are positioned at the base of the open lattice framework 14 such that in use with the apparatus 2 mounted to a waterbed 18, the shock-absorbing members 16 are able to at least partially absorb a seismic shock. One of the shock-absorbing members 16 is shown in enlarged form in Figure 4. The open lattice framework 14 is formed from tubular members.
Figures 5 - 7 show how the apparatus shown in Figure 2 may be modified to form second apparatus 20 which includes a base 22 by which the apparatus 20 is secured to the waterbed 18. The base 22 is a rectangular concrete base as shown.
Figures 8 - 11 show how the first apparatus 2 is able to be provided with support pillars 24 and thus form third apparatus 26. The support pillars 24 are shown extending into the waterbed 18. The support pillars 24 may be made of reinforced concrete. Referring now to Figures 12 - 14, there is shown a shock-absorbing member 28 which may be used as one of the shock-absorbing members in any one of the different types of apparatus 2, 20, 26. The shock-absorbing member 28 is such that it comprises a movable part 30 which is adapted to move into a fixed part 32 consequent upon the apparatus 2, 20, 26 receiving seismic shocks.
The fixed part 32 comprises a casing 34 and a shock-absorbing material 36 in the casing 34. The shock-absorbing material 36 is such that it receives the movable part 30 when the movable part moves into the fixed part 32 and thereby acts to at least partially absorb the seismic shock. The shock- absorbing material 36 is a plastics material in the form of polyurethane.
The fixed part 32 includes first connector means 38 for connecting the shock-absorbing member 28 in position. The first connector means 38 is a flange 40 which contains a plurality of mounting apertures 42 and buttresses 43. The mounting apertures 42 may receive bolts (not shown).
The movable part 30 includes second connector means 44 for connecting the movable part 30 to the open lattice framework 14. The second connector means 44 shown in Figures 12 - 14 is a flange. The flange may have a plurality of mounting apertures (not shown).
Figure 15 shows alternative second connector means 46. This second connector means 46 comprises a female connecting formation 48 which is able to receive a male connecting formation 50 on the open lattice framework 14. The male connecting formation 50 is able to be easily located in the female connecting formation 48. This may be advantageous during assembly of the apparatus of the invention. The female connecting formation 48 is funnel-shaped as shown and this helps to guide the male connecting formation 50 in position. When the male connecting formation 50 is located in the female connecting formation 48, then the two formations 48, 50 may be secured together by securing means (not shown). The securing means may be one or more securing pins or other securing devices.
As shown in the drawings, the housing 6 for each electrical generator 4 is hexagonal in cross section. This enables the various electrical generators 4 easily to be mounted on each other and connected together both vertically and horizontally. The electrical generators 4 are thus able to be mounted in a formation which is securely held by the open lattice framework 14 which forms a cradle for the electrical generators 14. The electrical generators 14 can be connected together, for example by bolts or other connecting members, at a connecting formation 52 as shown in Figures 1 and 2.
The apparatus 2, 20, 26 is easily able to be constructed, and it is easily able to be located on a waterbed 8. The shock-absorbing members 16 enable the apparatus 2, 20, 26 to resist seismic shocks that may occur when the apparatus 2, 20, 26 is installed in position. The shock-absorbing members 16 thus enable the apparatus 2, 20, 26 to resist seismic shocks that might otherwise destroy the apparatus 2, 20, 26. When the apparatus 2, 20, 26 is operating, then the flow of water through the housing 6 causes the rotors 8 to rotate with respect to their stators 10. This generates electricity which is able to be taken off via plug-in electrical connector means 54. The electrical connector means 54 enables the lowermost electrical generators 4 in the apparatus of the invention to be connected to a bus bar or other main cable for providing the electricity to electricity-collecting apparatus 56 mounted on the support structure 12. The electricity-collecting apparatus 56 is able to adjust the electricity as it arrives and then send it to the surface, via a cable (not shown).
It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the electrical generators 4, the support structure 12, the base 22 and the support pillars 24 may be of different constructions than shown. Other types of shock-absorbing member 28 may also be employed so that, for example, the shock-absorbing member 28 may be of other types of piston and cylinder constructions utilising materials other than polyurethane. The apparatus may be made from various materials including corrosion resistant aluminium alloys, composites, nickel and titanium. Individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention.

Claims

1. Apparatus for generating electricity using water movement, which apparatus comprises:
(i) a plurality of electrical generators which are for generating electricity and which each comprises a housing, a rotor and a stator; and
(ii) a support structure for the electrical generators, and the apparatus being such that:
(iii) the support structure comprises an open lattice framework which forms a cradle for the electrical generators;
(iv) the support structure comprises a plurality of shock-absorbing members; and
(v) the shock-absorbing members are positioned at the base of the open lattice framework such that in use with the apparatus mounted to a waterbed, the shock-absorbing members are able to at least partially absorb a seismic shock.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the shock-absorbing members are such that they each comprise a movable part which is adapted to move into a fixed part consequent upon the apparatus receiving the seismic shock.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2 in which the fixed part comprises a casing and a shock-absorbing material in the casing, and the shock- absorbing material being such that it receives the movable part when the movable part moves into the fixed part and thereby acts to at least partially absorb the seismic shock.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3 in which the shock-absorbing material is a plastics material.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which the plastics material is polyurethane.
6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 - 5 in which the fixed part includes first connector means for connecting the shock-absorbing member in position.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6 in which the first connector means is a flange which contains a plurality of mounting apertures.
8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 - 7 in which the movable part includes second connector means for connecting the movable part to the open lattice framework.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8 in which the second connector means is a female connecting formation which is able to receive a male connecting formation on the open lattice framework.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9 in which the second connector means includes securing means for securing the male connecting formation in the female connecting formation.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10 in which the securing means is at least one securing pin.
12. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 8 in which the second connector means is a flange having a plurality of mounting apertures.
13. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the open lattice framework is a tubular open lattice framework formed from tubular members.
14. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including a base by which the apparatus is secured to the waterbed.
15. Apparatus according to claim 14 in which the base is a concrete base.
16. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 13 and including support pillars by which the apparatus is secured to the waterbed.
17. Apparatus according to claim 16 in which the support pillars are made of reinforced concrete.
18. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the housing of each electrical generator is hexagonal at its ends.
PCT/GB2018/000010 2017-02-08 2018-01-17 Apparatus for generating electricity using water movement WO2018146440A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1702062.9 2017-02-08
GBGB1702062.9A GB201702062D0 (en) 2017-02-08 2017-02-08 Apparatus for generating electricity using water movement

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH09317622A (en) * 1996-05-31 1997-12-09 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd Deep sea electric power storage system
US20140360108A1 (en) * 2012-01-10 2014-12-11 Oiles Corporation Seismic isolation mechanism
CN204152718U (en) * 2014-10-14 2015-02-11 徐毓智 A kind of automatic lifting impeller tidal current energy generating system
WO2015173535A1 (en) * 2014-05-16 2015-11-19 Ocean Current Energy Llc Apparatus for generating electricity from water flowing over a waterbed

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH09317622A (en) * 1996-05-31 1997-12-09 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd Deep sea electric power storage system
US20140360108A1 (en) * 2012-01-10 2014-12-11 Oiles Corporation Seismic isolation mechanism
WO2015173535A1 (en) * 2014-05-16 2015-11-19 Ocean Current Energy Llc Apparatus for generating electricity from water flowing over a waterbed
CN204152718U (en) * 2014-10-14 2015-02-11 徐毓智 A kind of automatic lifting impeller tidal current energy generating system

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