WO2015080595A1

WO2015080595A1 - Flow through turbine

Info

Publication number: WO2015080595A1
Application number: PCT/NO2014/050222
Authority: WO
Inventors: Reidar VESTBY
Original assignee: Deep River As
Priority date: 2013-11-29
Filing date: 2014-11-27
Publication date: 2015-06-04
Also published as: EP3074627A4; EP3074627A1; NO336693B1; NO20131585A1; CN106030100A; CN106030100B; CA2931874A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method, arrangement and system 300 for producing or generating power, in particular electrical power, from mechanical movement caused by water flow, such as for example tidal, ocean or river currents. The system or power plant 300 comprises three main types of components, of which there are usually three or four: a framework or frame 70, at least one turbine device or turbine 350 arranged in the frame 70, and one or two (-2-) pieces of floatation devices 40, including an upper 40A and/or lower 40B floater.

Description

Flow Through Turbine

The present invention relates to a method, arrangement and system for producing or generating power, in particular electrical power, from mechanical movement caused by water flow, such as, e.g., tidal, ocean or river currents, having a velocity of at least about 0,5 m/s.

Utilization of the so-called "green" or renewable energy can contribute significantly to solving the global problems related to shortage of energy and to greenhouse gases from fossil fuels, coal-fired power plants and nuclear power plants.

This has lead to the development of several turbines and systems for generating electrical power by utilizing the relatively large (kinetic) energy found in water flows, such as, e.g., tidal, ocean or river currents.

However, many of the above turbines and systems are structurally extremely complex or large, rather inefficient and/or not operative at all.

In addition, a need exists for producing energy at places where no infrastructure has been constructed.

A purpose and/or object of the present invention is to provide a more compact and reliable method, turbine and system for recovering mechanical kinetic energy found in water flows having a velocity of about 0,5 m/s or more.

Another object or purpose of the present invention is to provide a more efficient method, turbine and system for recovering the above energy.

Still another object or purpose of the present invention is to eliminate the formation of vortices behind the turbine.

A further object or purpose of the present invention is to provide a concept in the form of a turbine and turbine system for providing locally generated and self- sustained energy to customers which are compact and/or mobile, as well as easy to construct, transport, handle and maintain / service or repair. The turbine assembly and system are mobile and movable by a truck, boat and/or helicopter. Weights and sizes may also be based on the requirement of ease of transportation.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide alternative methods, turbines and systems for energy recovery.

Also, the invention shall not involve any (adverse) environmental impact neither during installation, maintenance nor removal.

This is achieved by means of the independent claims of the present invention.

Additional features of the invention are indicated in the dependent claims.

The invention relates to a system for generating electrical energy from mechanical movement caused by water flow, such as, e.g., tidal, ocean or river currents. The system comprises a framework and at least one turbine device. The framework may be quadrilateral and comprise two opposite flow sides, two opposite wall sides, an upper side and a lower side. Inside the framework, the at least one turbine device is located. The at least one turbine device comprises a shaft supported at the wall sides of the framework by means of bearings. The shaft of the at least one turbine device extends from at least one wall side of the framework and is enclosed by a housing on the side which comprises power transmission means for transferring the kinetic energy to a generator located in the housing or onshore and suitable for producing electrical energy.

The system further comprises at least one ballast or floatation device. The at least one ballast or floatation device is aerodynamic or streamlined and is mounted or securely fixed above the upper side of the framework and/or below the lower side of the framework. The at least one ballast or floatation device comprises, on at least one of its sides oriented with or against the water flows, at least one movable rudder device being aerodynamic or streamlined and configured to provide for stabilization of the system. The power transmission means comprises a gear box connected to a generator located in the housing, with the generated electrical energy being transferred, by means of at least one cable, to at least one of the following: a power grid, a power line, a consumer and an onshore installation. Alternatively, the power transmission means comprises a hydraulic pump connected to the shaft and located in the housing, with the hydraulic pump being used for transferring the kinetic or motional energy to a receiving pump which is in turn connected to an onshore generator.

A current converter is connected to and located behind the generator, neither in the housing nor onshore.

The at least one turbine device comprises at least one spoiler device located within the framework on its lower / bottom side and/or its upper / top side. The at least one spoiler device is designed or configured for guiding or directing or carrying the water flows in towards the turbine blades of the turbine device. The at least one spoiler device comprises an array of nozzles configured for washing or cleaning the turbine blades by spraying with a set high pressure.

The system further comprises at least two lateral stabilizers mounted on the wall sides of the framework, with at least one of the lateral stabilizers providing the housing for system components.

The framework may be a standard ISO manufactured container framework or container.

The framework may be comprised of two framework parts, with the first framework part extending upwards the second framework part and being provided and/or suitable for simplifying the installation and/or support of the shaft with the at least one turbine device into the framework.

The system further comprises an anchoring arrangement comprising at least one anchor connected by way of at least one chain or wire to a particular attachment point of the framework. The system may further comprise at least one foundation suitable for placing the turbine structure thereon and comprising at least one leg fixedly connected to the ocean, lake or river bed.

Figs. 1 A-1 D show several variant embodiments of the system according to the invention, comprising a turbine device.

Figs. 2A-2B show further embodiments of the system according to the invention, comprising two turbine arrangements.

Figs. 3A-3B show additional embodiments of the system according to the invention, comprising two turbine arrangements.

Fig. 4 illustrates certain components of the system according to the embodiments shown in Figs. 2A-2B.

Fig. 5 illustrates certain components of the system according to the embodiments shown in Figs. 3A-3B.

Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the turbine assembly and frame of the system according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 7 shows part of a container or container frame and a cup-shaped bearing of the system according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a lateral stabilizer of the system according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figs. 9A-9E show several possible embodiments, as seen in a side or perspective view, of a foundation arrangement suited for placement of the turbine structure. Fig. 10 shows a concrete weight or block suitable for restricting or stabilizing the movement of a pipe in the system.

Figs. 1 A-1 D show several embodiments of a system or power plant / station 300 according to the invention, for producing or generating electric energy or power from mechanical movement caused by water flow (see arrows in Figs. 1 C and 1 D), such as tidal, ocean or river currents, for example. The water flow may have a velocity of from about 0,5 m/s or more. This system concept may be the most optimal and efficient for use in rivers, during tide and/or in ocean currents, as the water flow velocities can be between about 1 ,5 - 2,0 m/s and about 10-15 m/s. System or power plant 300 comprises three (-3-) types of main components (of which usually three (-3-) or four (-4-) elements / assemblies): a framework or frame 70, a turbine device or turbine 350 and one or two (-2-) pieces or instances of floating pontoons / ballast or floating devices 40, whereof one upper 40A and one lower 40B.

Said embodiments of the system or power plant 300 according to the invention comprise a framework or frame 70. The framework 70 may e.g. be a standard ISO manufactured container framework. Additionally or alternatively framework 70 may be a split framework 70, 70A, 70B, in which a first framework part 70A extends upwards a second framework part 70B. In this case, it is also possible to use or employ two (- 2-) halves 70A, 70B of standard ISO manufactured container frameworks or containers assembled together, with the one half 70A being located on top of the other half 70B. The two parts 70A, 70B may be connected by means of locking or fastening devices 75, such as, e.g., container locks, etc. Using standard ISO manufactured container frameworks or containers 70 will simplify the manufacture / production of the system 300. It may also be possible to reuse old ISO manufactured container frameworks or containers for system 300. A turbine or turbine device 350 is mounted or installed in framework 70, 70A, 70B (of the container). Having a split framework 70, 70A, 70B may simplify the mounting / installation of turbine device 350 therein and/or the carrying out of service, maintenance and/or repair(s). By using two (-2-) semi containers / semi container frame parts 70A, 70B, it will be possible to easily remove and/or insert turbine / turbine device 350 from/into the framework 70, 70A, 70B in connection with said service, maintenance and/or repair(s).

Container / framework 70, 70A, 70B and/or other system components or elements may be treated with an anti-corrosive coating. The coating to be used may be of a type commonly used for offshore, naval, oil and/or subsea installations, for example.

Turbine or turbine device 350, in particular the rotor or rotating assembly of turbine 350, may be constructed with arched profiles or blades 35 made of metal, such as steel or another suitable material. The shape of profiles 35 may be designed by means of mathematical and/or structural calculations. Such calculations may be based on a certain and/or desired optimal effect when water flows impacts and/or when water flows exits. Turbine blades or profiles 35 may also be designed and/or mounted / arranged in the turbine device 350 in such a manner that during tide (i.e. when the water flow direction shifts between two opposite directions), turbine 350 will rotate or move only in one direction, e.g. clockwise or counter-clockwise.

Turbine blades or profiles 35 of turbine device 350 may be attached or arranged between two circular or annular plates 1 10 in the circumferential or peripheral region thereof. The circular or annular plates 1 10 may be made of metal, e.g. steel, or another suitable material. When plates 1 10 and blades / profiles 35 are made of metal, such as steel, for example, said attachment therebetween can be carried out by welding. The circular plates 1 10 may have a certain / particular thickness and/or weight to be able to serve as flywheels in the structure of turbine 350. The flywheels may also be used as gears with toothed wheels. The flywheel itself may constitute a toothed wheel that will function as a component of a gear arrangement.

A through shaft 120 may be arranged or mounted through the centre of flywheels or plates 1 10. Shaft 120 may be fixedly attached, e.g. welded, to flywheels / plates 1 10 having the turbine blades 35. Shaft 120 may be supported on two opposite sides of the container frame or container 70 by way of bearings 130. The support 130 may be based on ensuring minimum friction and/or on the use of water as lubricant. Bearings 130 may be made of Teflon®, ceramic or another suitable and adequate material. Use can be made of some suitable type of bearing 130 that is used in the naval, subsea, offshore and/or oil industry. Moreover, for installation, service, etc. purposes, the construction of the supports or bearings 130 may be constituted by two (-2-) split cups functioning in the same manner as big-end bearings of a crankshaft.

On the one side, shaft 120 may extend out from container frame or container 70. On the outside, through shaft 120 may be attached to a gear 80 (of a gear box) or a gear box 80 connected to or associated with a generator 90, with the gear or gear box 80 and generator 90 and optionally other technical installations / assemblies /

components, possibly being enclosed by and/or sealed within a housing 100.

Additionally or alternatively, a hydraulic pump 85 connected to shaft 120 may be used for transferring the kinetic or motional energy from turbine 350 to a receiving pump 87, which is in turn connected to an onshore generator 90. The hydraulic pump 85 may be located in housing 100.

Shaft 120 may comprise a locking pin suitable for locking / blocking the movement of shaft 120, for use e.g. during transportation or maintenance / service, etc.

At least one spoiler device 140 may be provided inside the container frame or container 70 on the bottom and/or top side / section thereof. The one or more spoiler devices 140, 140A, 140B may be designed for guiding or directing or carrying the water flows in towards turbine blades 35, in order to achieve a proper flow direction and/or pressure for the water. The design of spoiler device 140 may be developed with a view to that the water flow may be in either direction (F/B = forward/backward) with a view of using turbine system 300 during tides. Moreover, the at least one spoiler device 140, together with the turbine blade configuration, can make sure turbine 350 rotates or moves only in one direction, e.g. clockwise or counterclockwise, during tides (i.e. when the water flow direction shifts between to opposite directions).

Each spoiler device 140, 140A, 140B may comprise an array of nozzles 145 configured for washing / cleaning turbine blades 35 by spraying with a set high pressure. The high pressure to be used must be sufficient to be able to achieve a proper washing result. Also, said high washing pressure must be lower than a certain value to prevent the turbine blades 35 to be washed from being deformed, destroyed or sheared. The set high pressure may be within a pressure range of about 100 bars to about 1000 bars, for example. Nozzles 145 should be mounted in an appropriate order that ensures that all turbine blades 35 are washed / cleaned, and particularly each side thereof. For example, nozzles 145 of the spoiler device 140B located or mounted in the bottom section of container frame or container 70 (70B), may wash / clean the back side of turbine blades 35, and nozzles 145 of spoiler device 140A located or mounted in the top section of container frame or container 70 (70A) may wash / clean the front side or face of turbine blades 35. Nozzles 145 are attached to high pressure tubes/pipes which may in turn be run to e.g. housing 100 for gear box 80 and generator 90 or up to the surface / onshore, where the tubes/pipes may be connected to a high pressure pump. For example, when washing / cleaning blades 35, only water e.g. from the surroundings or from a housing/container or tank inside housing 100 or on the surface / onshore may be used. Following the washing / cleaning, the high pressure pump can be disconnected. The washing or cleaning process may be carried out under water, and possibly with turbine 350 operating. This may be an important installation as underwater fouling is a huge problem.

To improve the washing result, rotating turbo nozzles can be used, which turbo nozzles rotate about their longitudinal axes, such as those used in washing or maintenance work in tunnels, or for washing ship and/or boat hulls, or in the offshore industry.

The turbine system or power plant 300 may further comprise at least a floating pontoon / ballast or floatation device 40 located above 40A and/or below 40B container or container frame 70, 70A, 70B, with the at least one ballast tank or means 40, 40A, 40B possibly being fixed to container (frame) structure 70 by way or use of e.g. fastening or locking device(s) 74, 74A, 74B, such as, e.g., container locks, etc. The at least one ballast tank or means 40, 40A, 40B may be constructed or shaped as an aeroplane wing or with a suitable aerodynamic shape. The floatation or ballast device 40, 40A, 40B may be constructed with or comprise at least one internal chamber 45 (see Fig. 1 C) which, when needed, can be filled with air and/or water if the structure is to be lifted or lowered, or is to be situated in a horizontal or another desired position. The structure may be provided with a level controller. The level controller may be programmed to keep the structure 300 in a horizontal or another set or programmed position. This level controller may also be controlled manually, e.g. by personal from a technical room on the surface, for example, and/or

electronically using a processing unit located in housing 100 for gearbox 80 and generator 90, or in a technical room on the surface.

Each ballast tank or means 40, 40A, 40B may further comprise at least one rudder device or rudder 50 arranged or oriented with and/or against the flow direction. The at least one rudder device 50, 50A, 50B of each floatation or ballast tank or means 40, 40A, 40B may have an aerodynamic shape. The at least one rudder device 50, 50A, 50B of each floatation or ballast tank or means 40, 40A, 40B may be used for minimizing the friction associated with the system structure and/or for stabilizing the system structure. The floater 40 and/or rudder 50 may be streamlined or aerodynamic. The design / configuration of floater 40 and/or rudder 50 also allows the water flow(s), downstream of the wing and on towards turbine 350, to have water flow providing a suction effect against the water flow(s) going through and exiting turbine 350. This makes this water flow increase the impact on the through-flow in turbine 350.

The vertical sides of container or container frame 70, 70A, 70B extending with and/or against the water flow must be open and can be referred to as flow sides. The vertical sides of container or container frame 70, 70A, 70B, at which shaft 120 is supported 130, do not need to be open and may constitute a massive wall and are referred to as side walls. The cross or horizontal sides of container or container frame 70, 70A, 70B may be open or provide a massive wall. These two horizontal sides can be referred to as the upper and lower side of the container or container frame 70, respectively. One or both of these horizontal sides may have said floatation or ballast tank or means 40, 40A, 40B mounted thereon.

Referring to Figs. 1 A and 1 B, an embodiment of system 300 is shown, in which each floatation or ballast tank or means 40, 40A, 40B comprises a rudder device 50, 50A, 50B at each end thereof.

Referring to Fig. 1 C, another embodiment of system 300 is shown, in which each floatation or ballast tank or means 40, 40A, 40B comprises a rudder device 50, 50A, 50B only on the side of system structure 300 at which the water flow exits therefrom. However, it is also possible to have a rudder device 50, 50A, 50B only on the side of system structure 300 at which the water flow enters the structure (not shown).

Additionally, a grid or lattice 160, 165, 170, 175 may be arranged or mounted in front (160, 170) and on each side (165, 175) of each flow side of system 300. The grid or lattice 160, 165, 170, 175 may prevent loose objects from entering turbine 350, such as, e.g., large fish, tree branches, brushes, divers, etc. Lattice or grid 160, 165, 170, 175 may e.g. be comprised of vertical and/or horizontal metal or steel plates or poles or wires having a spacing or opening of about 5 - 20 cm therebetween, but not limited thereto. The lattice or grid 160, 165 (and particularly the front 160 facing the water flows) may be mounted at an angle alfa / a to the water flows to thereby direct floating objects away from and/or over turbine system 300. The outer edges of the lattice or grid may also serve to guide or direct or carry the water flows in towards turbine device 350 and turbine blades 35, respectively.

The lattice or grid 170, 175 on the side of the turbine system 300 at which the flows exit the turbine 350, i.e. at the downstream edge of turbine 350, may be arranged or mounted so as to cut water or current vortexes downstream of turbine 350 and to return the water more quickly to the free space with water flows so as to mount another turbine system downstream of the first and to connect them in series.

The grid or lattice 160, 165, 170, 175 shown in Fig. 1 C is suitable for ocean or river currents going or flowing in one direction.

Another embodiment of a grid or lattice 160, 165, 170, 175 for turbine system 300, as seen in a top view, is shown in Fig. 1 D. Therein, the front lattice 160, 165 is similar to the rear lattice 170, 175. Thus, the grid or lattice 160, 165, 170, 175 for turbine system 300 is suitable for tidal applications.

Turbine system 300 may be anchored, as illustrated in Fig. 1 C, by means of an anchoring arrangement. The anchoring arrangement may comprise four (-4-) anchors 200 and four (-4-) wires or chains 30B, for example, with the wires or chains 30B connecting or securing anchors 200 to an attachment point at the corners of the bottom side or section of container frame or container 70 (70B). Each anchor 200, 250 may be formed as a concrete or metal block and/or other anchor / anchoring systems suited for the anchoring and/or installation site in question, such as, for example, rock, stone, clay, sand, etc.

The anchoring arrangement (200, 30B, inter alia) may be designed in accordance with the intensity of the water flows and possibly other loads on system 300. Anchoring chains or wires 30B may pass on through cylinders or hollow spaces / areas 77 in the framework 70 of the container to thereby connect or attach 30A to floating buoys 20. Alternatively, anchoring chains or wires 30B may connect to pulling ropes or chains or wires 30A of a same type as or a different type than the anchoring chains or wires, which may in turn be run through said cylinders or hollow spaces / areas 77 in framework 70. The floaters or pontoons 40, 40A, 40B may also comprise corresponding hollow cylinders or spaces or areas 47, 47A, 47B suitable for feeding chains, wires and/or hauling ropes 30A, 30B, 190 therethrough. Floating buoys 20 may be used for marking the structure and anchoring chains with anchors. Each floating buoy may comprise an eye or lifting ring / lug 10. Ring 10 of floating buoy 20 can be used for catching or engaging floating buoy 20 in the water. Floating buoy 20 with lifting lug 10 can be used when lifting the structure 300 and/or operating various components of the system 300 (such as air tubes, lines, chains / wires, etc.) from a crane boat or ship on the surface.

To improve the stabilization of system 300 and to prevent the system 300 from tilting, the upper section of anchoring chains or wires 30B may be secured to one or more attachment points at the corner(s) of the top section or side of container 70.

Anchoring is important, particularly on the flow side of the turbine device 350 that receives the water flow. Anchoring chain or wire 30B / 190 with anchor 200 / 250 attached to the top side of container or container frame 70 may also be combined with the chain or wire 30B / 190 with anchor 200 / 250 attached to the bottom section or side of container or container frame 70.

Additional embodiments of the system 300 according to the invention are shown in Figs. 2A-2B. Herein, turbine system 300 comprises two turbine arrangements 350 disposed or mounted side by side. More than two turbine arrangements 350 disposed side by side in one turbine system 300 are also contemplated implementations of the invention.

System 300 may further comprise at least one additional anchor 250 and a

corresponding additional chain or wire 190. As mentioned earlier, turbine blades 35 of each turbine device 350 may be mounted or fixed to the circular plates or flywheels 1 10, e.g. by welding. In the cases shown in Figs. 2A-2B and 3A-3B, when at least two turbine devices 350 are to be disposed in a side-by-side relation, a partitioning wall may be arranged or mounted in the centre of container 70, possibly with one flywheel 1 10 located on each side of the

partitioning wall (see Figs. 4 and 5). At least one of flywheels 1 10 may form or have mounted thereon a toothed wheel, which will then serve as a flywheel drive and/or gear. The transmissions or power transmission means may also extend up to or be run to the uppermost floating pontoon / ballast tank 40, 40A, where there may be a watertight space or chamber 600 for accommodating technical installations or system components, such as a generator, gear box, transmission, hydraulic pump, oil tank, cables and/or control components. The partitioning wall or one of the sidewalls may also have mounted thereon a toothed wheel driven by a belt or chain up to the watertight space or chamber 600 in or above ballast tank 40, 40A. This space or chamber 600 may be an alternative equally applicable as the arrangement inside housing 100 and/or lateral wings 60 included in some of the drawings with said installations. In this case, the watertight space or chamber 600 may form housing 100. The watertight space or chamber 600 or housing 100 or lateral wing housing 60 may be provided with a maintenance or inspection hatch 610.

Additionally, generator 90 may comprise two shafts, of which the first is connected to the toothed wheel while the second may be provided with a brake or braking device or means operable to control and/or stop the rotation of turbine 350. Alternatively, generator 90 may comprise a single shaft, in which case the first side of the shaft is connected to the toothed wheel while the second side of the shaft may be provided with a brake or braking device or means operable to control and/or stop the rotation of turbine 350. The above may be accomplished pneumatically, hydraulically or mechanically.

Figs. 3A-3B show further embodiments of the system 300 according to the invention, comprising at least two turbine devices 350. Turbine system 300 may further comprise lateral stabilizers or wings 60 provided on each sidewall of container 70. The lateral stabilizers or wings 60 may be streamlined or of an aerodynamic shape. Lateral stabilizers or wings 60 may also be used for minimizing the friction associated with the system structure and/or for stabilizing system structure 300. Lateral stabilizers or wings 60 may be also be connected to said level controller. The rudder device 50, 50A, 50B may also be connected to said level controller (not shown).

The one lateral stabilizer or wing 60 may provide the housing 100 enclosing the gear box 80, generator 90 and possibly other technical installations / arrangements, such as, for example, the hydraulic pump 85, processing unit, level controller, water container, an oil tank (for use in conjunction to the gearbox), a housing/container for cooling liquid (for cooling e.g. the gear box and/or generator or other components), etc. Each lateral stabilizer or wing 60 may further comprise a vertical side plate or side fin or side rudder 65 provided on the outer side of stabilizer profile 60. The side rudders or fins 65 may be arranged so as be laterally rotatable or twistable, independently of each other, to stabilize and/or prevent rotation of system 300. Side rudders or fins 65 may be configured to extend above and/or below stabilizer profile 60.

All moveable elements of the system, such as rudder devices, stabilizers, floaters / pontoons and/or side fins, are controllable and movable by means of hydraulic, pneumatic or manual mechanical adjustment or pre-adjustment.

System 300 may further comprise a monitoring unit for monitoring the components of system 300 and/or recording various activities, such as power production, water velocities, RPM of the turbines, etc. The monitoring unit may be connected to the computer system / processing unit. The monitoring unit may comprise at least one alarm device to provide notification of failures or overheating or stoppage.

Fig. 4 shows a number of components of system 300 in accordance with the embodiments shown in Figs. 2A-2B.

Fig. 5 shows a number of components of the system 300 according to the

embodiments shown in Figs. 3A-3B. Herein, it is shown that the components inside housing 100 may be distributed to both lateral wings 60. The lateral stabilizers or wings 60 may be watertight or sealed. The one lateral wing 60 may comprise, inter alia, gear box 80 and generator 90 or hydraulic pump 85, whereas the other lateral wing 60 may comprise other components, assemblies or elements associated with system 300 and/or turbine device 350. Distributing the assemblies / components of system 300 and/or turbine device 350 in the two lateral wings 60 may help improving the balancing of system 300.

Fig. 6 shows a cross-section of turbine assembly 350 and frame 70 of system 300 according to an embodiment of the invention, in which a number of components of turbine 350 are clearly apparent. Spoiler device 140, 140A, 140B and blade profiles 35 are configured and arranged in such a manner that turbine 350 will rotate about shaft 120 in a clockwise direction (see the arrows) regardless of whether the water flow comes from the one (left) or other (right) flow side of the container or container frame 70.

Fig. 7 shows part of a container or container frame 70 (70A) and a cup-shaped bearing 130 of system 300 according to an embodiment of the invention. A possible / suitable type of locking or attachment device 75, such as e.g. container locks, etc., is also shown in this drawing.

Fig. 8 shows a cross-section of a lateral stabilizer 60, 100 for system 300 according to an embodiment of the invention, in which several chambers are suitably arranged. One of the chambers may be used for gear box 80.

Moreover, generator 90 is connected to a current converter 95 by way of at least one cable (not shown). Current converter 95 can make sure the current has proper amperage before the current is sent into a power grid or to at least one onshore consumer or installation via at least one cable.

Current converter 95 may be located in housing 100 / rudder device 60 or onshore.

Alternatively, power plant or system 300, i.e. the turbine structure 40, 70, 350, may be permanently mounted on at least one foundation 400. Foundation 400 may comprise at least one leg 410 fixedly connected to the ocean, lake or river bed, e.g. by embedding, drilling or piling the leg 410 into the bed or by fixedly mounting thereof 410 to a concrete weight or block which has been placed on or embedded into the bed on beforehand. Foundation 400 may comprise at least one guiding pin 420 and/or at least one guiding cavity 430 providing for the correct and/or simple installation of framework 70 or bottom floats 40B of system 300 onto foundation 400 (see Figs. 9A-9E).

The onshore located components, assemblies and/or installations of system 300 (such as generator 90, receiving pump 87, converter(s) 95, level controller, control, monitoring and/or computer system(s)) may be located in a technical room for such onshore elements and/or installations. The technical room may be a (standard ISO) container, hut or building.

When a hydraulic pump 85 connected to shaft 120 and arranged or sealed or mounted in housing 100 / stabilizer 60 is to be used for transferring the kinetic or motional energy from turbine 350 (i.e. from the water flow(s)) to an onshore receiving pump 87, at least one pipe, such as a conduit pipe, may be used for this power transmission. The conduit pipe may be run on the ocean, lake or river bed from subsea structure 300, 40, 350, 70 to the onshore technical room. At least one concrete weight or block 500 (shown in Fig. 10) may be used for stabilizing and/or blocking the movement of the (conduit) pipe when located in a submerged position on the ocean, lake or river bed. Alternatively, the (conduit) pipe may be buried into the ocean, lake or river bed. This (conduit) pipe may e.g. be an all-welded pipe which can be made of plastic or metal, such as steel. Receiving pump 87 may be

connected to generator 90 to be located onshore.

Claims

C L A I M S

1 . A system for generating electrical energy from mechanical movement caused by water flow, such as for example tidal, ocean or river currents, wherein the system (300) comprises a framework (70) and at least one turbine device (350), the framework (70) being quadrilateral and comprising two opposite flow sides, two opposite wall sides, an upper side and a lower side, inside which framework (70) the at least one turbine device (350) is arranged, the at least one turbine device (350) comprising a shaft (120) supported at the wall sides of the framework (70) by means of bearings (130), the shaft (120) of the at least one turbine device (350) extending from at least one wall side of the framework (70) and being enclosed by a housing (60, 100) comprising power transmission means for transferring the kinetic or motion energy to a generator (90) arranged in the housing (60, 100) or onshore and suitable for generating electric energy, and wherein the system (300) further comprises at least one ballast or floatation device (40), the at least one ballast or floatation device (40) being aerodynamic or streamlined and being mounted or rigidly attached above (40A) the upper side of the framework (70) and/or below (40B) the lower side of the framework (70), and the at least one ballast or floatation device (40, 40A, 40B) comprising, on at least one of its sides in a direction with or against the water flows, at least one movable rudder device (50, 50A, 50B) being aerodynamic or streamlined and arranged so as to provide for stabilization of the system (300).

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the power transmission means comprises a gear or gear box (80) connected to the generator (90) which is arranged in the housing (60, 100), the generated electrical energy being transferred, by means of at least one cable, to at least one of the following: a power grid, a power line, a consumer and an onshore installation.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the power transmission means comprises a hydraulic pump (85) connected to the shaft (120) and arranged in the housing (100), the hydraulic pump (85) being used for transferring the kinetic or motional energy to a receiving pump which is in turn connected to the generator (90) which is located onshore.

4. The system of any one of claims 1 -3, wherein a current converter is connected to and arranged behind the generator (90) either in the housing (60, 100) or at an onshore location.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 -4, wherein the at least one turbine device (350) comprises at least one spoiler device (140) located inside the framework (70) on the lower / bottom side and/or upper / top side thereof, the at least one spoiler device (140, 140A, 140B) being designed or configured for guiding or directing or carrying the water flows in toward the turbine blades (35) of the turbine device (350).

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one spoiler device (140, 140A, 140B) comprises an array of nozzles (145) configured for washing or cleaning the turbine blades (35) by spraying with a set high pressure.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 -6, wherein the system (300) further comprises at least two lateral stabilizers (60) arranged on the wall sides of the framework (70), at least one of the lateral stabilizers (60) forming the housing (100) for system components (80, 90; 85).

8. The system of any one of claims 1 -7, wherein the framework (70) is a standard ISO manufactured container framework or container.

9. The system of any one of claims 1 -8, wherein the framework (70) is comprised of two framework parts (70A, 70B), the first framework part (70A) extending upwards the second framework part (70B) and both (70A, 70B) being provided or suitable for simplifying the installation and/or support (130) of the shaft (120) with the at least one turbine device (350) into the framework.

10. The system of any one of claims 1 -9, wherein the system (300) further comprises an anchoring device comprising at least one anchor (200, 250) connected by way of at least one chain or wire (30B, 190) to a particular attachment point of the framework (70).

1 1 . The system of any one of claims 1 -10, wherein the system (300) further comprises at least one foundation (400) suitable for placing the turbine structure (40, 70, 350) thereon and comprising at least one leg (410) fixedly connected to the ocean, lake or river bed.