Tidal Flow Generation Structures

Abstract

A tidal energy generation structure for sea bed mounting includes sea bed penetrating support foot structures pre-assembled with the structure and deployed with the structure when setting on the sea-bed. The sea bed penetrating support foot structures are assembled in fixed position relative to one another and on a rigid frame and including a respective a penetrating tip which is arranged to penetrate into the sea bed surface under the weight of the tidal energy generation structure, when deployed on the sea bed.

1 . A tidal energy generation structure for sea bed mounting, comprising:
 a plurality of sea bed penetrating support foot structures assembled in fixed position relative to one another on a rigid frame and including a respective a penetrating tip which is arranged to penetrate into the sea bed surface under the weight of the tidal energy generation structure, when deployed on the sea bed.   
     
     
         2 . A tidal energy generation structure according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a plurality of energy generating nacelles connected to the rigid frame.   
     
     
         3 . A tidal energy generation structure according to  claim 2 , wherein:
 a respective support foot structure is disposed beneath a corresponding nacelle.   
     
     
         4 . A tidal energy generation structure according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the penetrating tip of the respective support foot structure has opposed inclined surfaces terminating at an apex.   
     
     
         5 . A tidal energy generation structure according to  claim 4 , wherein:
 the angle of the apex is 70 degrees or less.   
     
     
         6 . A tidal energy generation structure according to  claim 4 , wherein:
 the angle of the apex is 60 degrees or less.   
     
     
         7 . A tidal energy generation structure according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the penetrating tip of the respective support foot structure comprises a generally triangular plate having an apex.   
     
     
         8 . A tidal energy generation structure according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the respective support foot structure includes penetration depth limitation means to prevent the penetrating tip penetrating beyond a predetermined distance into the sea bed.   
     
     
         9 . A tidal energy generation structure according to  claim 8 , wherein:
 the penetration depth limitation means comprises a stop, flange disc or plate positioned above the penetrating tip.   
     
     
         10 . A tidal energy generation structure according to  claim 8 , wherein:
 the penetration depth limitation means comprises a stop, flange disc or plate positioned above the penetrating tip and extending outwardly from the penetrating tip at a position spaced upwardly from the penetrating tip.   
     
     
         11 . A tidal energy generation structure according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a spacer section provided above the penetrating tip of the respective support foot structure.   
     
     
         12 . A tidal energy generation structure according to  claim 11 , wherein:
 the respective support foot structure includes penetration depth limitation means to prevent the penetrating tip penetrating beyond a predetermined distance into the sea bed, and the spacer section is provided above the penetration depth limitation means.   
     
     
         13 . A tidal energy generation structure according to  claim 11 , wherein:
 the spacer section tapers from a relatively wide upper portion to a relatively narrower portion adjacent the penetrating tip of the respective support foot structure.   
     
     
         14 . A module for a sea bed mounted tidal energy generation structure, the module comprising:
 a tidal turbine nacelle structure; and,   pre-assembled with the nacelle structure and deployed with the nacelle structure for setting on the sea-bed in fixed position, a support foot structure including a penetrating tip which is arranged to penetrate into the sea bed surface under the weight of the tidal energy generation structure, when deployed on the sea bed.   
     
     
         15 . A module according to  claim 14 , wherein:
 the support foot structure is positioned directly below the tidal turbine nacelle mounting structure.   
     
     
         16 . A tidal energy generation structure according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the rigid frame comprises a generally triangular frame, and the structure is provided with three penetrating support foot structures, preferably spaced at the apexes of the triangular frame.   
     
     
         17 . A method of securing a sea bed mounted tidal energy generation structure in position on the sea bed, the method comprising:
 lowering a pre-assembled structure comprising frame connected nacelles and a plurality of sea bed penetrating support foot structures, the support foot structures being fixed in position relative to the structure before lowering to the sea bed and including a penetrating tip which is arranged to penetrate into the sea bed under the weight of the tidal energy generation structure.   
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 17 , wherein:
 the pre-assembled structure includes a respective support foot structure disposed beneath a corresponding frame connected nacelle.