Fin-Ring Propreller For a Water Current Power Generation System

Abstract

A water current power generation system is provided, including a plurality of flotation tubes joined by a body structure; a plurality of ballast chambers joined by a body structure; a plurality of induction type power generation units disposed within housings associated with one or more of the flotation chambers, ballast chambers and body structure; and a plurality of propellers disposed in mechanical communication with each of the induction type generator units. In one presently preferred embodiment, a plurality of propellers disposed in communication with a plurality of induction type generator units, wherein the propellers each include one or more concentrically disposed rings, with each of the concentrically disposed rings having an inner ring member, an outer ring member, and a plurality of curved fin members separated by gap spaces disposed between the inner and outer ring members. Methods and means of deploying, positioning, maintaining, controlling and operating the system are also provided, as are detailed descriptions of novel inductor type generators used to obtain power from fast moving water currents, flotation tanks for tensioning the system against a submerged anchoring system disposed on an associated seafloor, and fluid-filled ballast chambers equipped with multiple sub-chambers that lend precision control and continuous adjustability to the system.

1 . A propeller system for submerged or waterborne structures, said propeller system comprising:
 a hub member for disposing a propeller in communication with a drive system; and   a propeller member having one or more concentrically disposed rings, said concentrically disposed rings having an inner ring member, an outer ring member, and a plurality of curved fin members separated by gap spaces disposed between said inner ring member and said outer ring member.   
     
     
         2 . The propeller system of  claim 1 , wherein said hub member for disposing said propeller in communication with a drive system further comprises a shaft. 
     
     
         3 . The propeller system of  claim 1 , wherein said hub member for disposing said propeller in communication with a drive system further comprises a gearing assembly. 
     
     
         4 . The propeller system of  claim 1 , wherein said hub member for disposing said propeller in communication with a drive system further comprises a breaking assembly. 
     
     
         5 . The propeller system of  claim 1 , wherein said hub member for disposing said propeller in communication with a drive system further comprises a clutch assembly. 
     
     
         6 . The propeller system of  claim 1 , wherein said hub member for disposing said propeller in communication with a drive system further comprises a fixed flotation member. 
     
     
         7 . The propeller system of  claim 1 , wherein said propeller system is drag mounted to a central hub assembly. 
     
     
         8 . The propeller system of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of concentric rings, each of which is equipped with a plurality of fins separated by gap spaces, is enclosed at the structure's outermost periphery by an outermost enclosing ring. 
     
     
         9 . The propeller system of  claim 1 , wherein fins disposed within larger concentric rings near the structure's periphery are disposed at more eccentric angles measured relative to the assembly plane than fins disposed within smaller concentric rings near the structure's hub member. 
     
     
         10 . The propeller system of  claim 1 , wherein gap spaces formed between fins disposed within larger concentric rings near the structure's periphery are larger than gap spaces formed between fins disposed within smaller concentric rings near the structure's hub member.