Stream Energy Extraction Device

Abstract

A stream energy extraction device including endless ropes running around sheaves, there being connected, along at least one rope, submerged sail- or vane-like elements. Flowing water causes the sail- or vane-like elements to be moved through the water, whereby at least a portion of the stream energy of the water is transmitted to the rope. A channel encloses at least a portion of the rope that is traveling in an upstream direction.

1 . A stream energy extraction device for use in water having a downstream flow; the stream energy extraction device comprising:
 a plurality of sheaves:   at least one endless rope that runs in an endless path about the plurality of sheaves, the endless path including a downstream path and an upstream path;   a plurality of vanes that are connected to the at least one endless rope; and   a channel having an inflow and an outflow, so as to create a flow in the channel that has a channel flow strength that is diminished relative to a downstream flow strength in the downstream path;   wherein the channel is disposed so as to enclose a portion of the at least one endless rope and the vanes that are traveling through the upstream path and to exclude a portion of the endless rope and the vanes that are traveling through the downstream path;   wherein the downstream flow impinges on the vanes and forces the at least one endless rope to run about the sheaves; and   wherein the channel flow strength in the channel reduces energy losses resulting from travel of the at least one endless rope and the vanes through the upstream path.   
     
     
         2 . The stream energy extraction device of  claim 1 , further comprising a pump;
 wherein flow rate and direction of flow of water in the channel are controlled by the pump.   
     
     
         3 . The stream energy extraction device of  claim 2 , wherein the pump is drivable by means of water flow at the channel. 
     
     
         4 . The stream energy extraction device of  claim 1 , wherein the inflow of the channel is an inflow conductor pipe. 
     
     
         5 . The stream energy extraction device of  claim 1 , wherein the outflow of the channel is an outflow conductor pipe. 
     
     
         6 . The stream energy extraction device of  claim 1 , further comprising power generation apparatus that is coupled to one of said plurality of sheaves, so as to generate power from flow energy captured by the vanes from said downstream flow. 
     
     
         7 . The stream energy extraction device of  claim 2 , wherein the pump pumps water in an upstream direction through the channel, so as to create an upstream flow in the channel.