Fin-Ring Propeller 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 water current power generation system, said system comprising:
 a flotation chamber;   an induction type power generation unit disposed within a housing associated with said flotation chamber; and   a propeller disposed in communication with said induction type generator unit, wherein said propeller further comprises one or more concentrically disposed rings, each of 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 and outer ring members.   
     
     
         2 . The water current power generation system of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of flotation chambers joined by a body structure. 
     
     
         3 . The water current power generation system of  claim 1 , further comprising a ballast chamber. 
     
     
         4 . The water current power generation system of  claim 3 , further comprising a plurality of ballast chambers. 
     
     
         5 . The water current power generation system of  claim 4 , wherein said plurality of ballast chambers are joined by a body structure. 
     
     
         6 . The water current power generation system of  claim 2 , wherein said body structure houses one or more induction type generator units. 
     
     
         7 . The water current power generation system of  claim 6 , further comprising a plurality of propellers disposed in mechanical communication with said one or more induction type generator units. 
     
     
         8 . The water current power generation system of  claim 3 , wherein said ballast chamber further comprises one or more labyrinth type isolation chambers. 
     
     
         9 . The water current power generation system of  claim 8 , wherein at least one of said one or more labyrinth type isolation chambers further comprises an upper portion that houses a gas. 
     
     
         10 . The water current power generator system of  claim 8 , wherein at least one of said one or more labyrinth type isolation chambers further comprises a lower portion that houses a liquid. 
     
     
         11 . The water current power generation system of  claim 8 , wherein at least one of said one or more labyrinth type isolation chambers further comprises an upper portion and a lower portion separated by an intermediate cylinder disposed in fluid communication with a barrier fluid. 
     
     
         12 . The water current power generation system of  claim 8 , wherein at least one of said one or more labyrinth isolation chambers further comprises a gas source control valve. 
     
     
         13 . The water current power generation system of  claim 8 , wherein at least one of said one or more labyrinth isolation chambers further comprises a gas exit valve. 
     
     
         14 . The water current power generation system of  claim 8 , wherein at least one of said one or more labyrinth isolation chambers further comprises a pressure safety valve. 
     
     
         15 . The water current power generation system of  claim 8 , wherein at least one of said one or more labyrinth isolation chambers further comprises a fluid intake/outtake valve equipped with a screen to prevent entry into said chambers by marine life. 
     
     
         16 . The water current power generation system of  claim 8 , wherein at least one of said one or more labyrinth isolation chambers further comprises a check valve, which when over-pressurized initiates evacuation of water from said one or more isolation chambers. 
     
     
         17 . The water current power generation system of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one tethering member. 
     
     
         18 . The water current power generation system of  claim 17 , wherein said at least one tethering member is disposed in communication with a tether terminating member. 
     
     
         19 . The water current power generation system of  claim 18 , wherein said tether terminating member is disposed in communication with an anchoring member. 
     
     
         20 . A water current power generation system, said system comprising:
 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 said flotation chambers, ballast chambers and body structure; and   a plurality of propellers disposed in communication with said induction type generator units, wherein said plurality of propellers further comprise 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 and outer ring members.   
     
     
         21 - 30 . (canceled)