This disclosure is directed to hydrodynamic electric generators, including their structural design, methods of deployment, anchoring systems, drive systems and control systems. The system can be scaled from ones that can be hand carried to large, stationary devices that can generate up to and greater than 20 kw in a current of 3 knots. In a stationary system, the device can be anchored to an underwater floor by an anchoring device supported by four adjustable legs. These legs can eliminate the need for extensive mooring lines, providing the device with a small footprint that is non-hazardous to marine animals or vegetation. Individual components, such as rotors, generators and other mechanical components can be modularly installed for easy removal and servicing without having to disturb the entire system.

Deployable system of one or more sensors (116) for incorporation on a marine installation (100). The sensor system comprises a sensor mount (114) securable to the marine installation (100) and a sensor (116) mounted on the sensor mount (114). The sensor mount (114) has a raised configuration and a deployed configuration, such that the sensor (116) is arranged to be held rigidly in place below a hull (102) of the marine installation when the sensor mount (114) is in the deployed configuration. The sensor mount (114) is arranged to rigidly hold the sensor (116) in a higher position in the raised configuration than in the deployed configuration. The sensor system is configured to monitor local wildlife and the interaction of the wildlife with the marine installation (100).

This disclosure is directed to hydrodynamic electric generators, including their structural design, methods of deployment, anchoring systems, drive systems and control systems. The system can be scaled from ones that can be hand carried to large, stationary devices that can generate up to and greater than 20 kw in a current of 3 knots. In a stationary system, the device can be anchored to an underwater floor by an anchoring device supported by four adjustable legs. These legs can eliminate the need for extensive mooring lines, providing the device with a small footprint that is non-hazardous to marine animals or vegetation. Individual components, such as rotors, generators and other mechanical components can be modularly installed for easy removal and servicing without having to disturb the entire system.

Disclosed herein is a power generating apparatus for extracting energy from flowing water. The apparatus comprises a buoyancy vessel, and a turbine assembly coupled to the buoyancy vessel. The turbine assembly comprises a turbine rotor mounted to a nacelle, and a support structure. The support structure comprises an open structure defining at least one void configured to provide a passage for water to flow through. The support structure is pivotally coupled at its inboard end to the buoyancy vessel at at least two vertically spaced connection locations and at its outboard end to the nacelle. The turbine assembly is pivotally moveable between a first position and a second position. When the power generating apparatus is floating on a body of water, in the first position the nacelle is fully submerged below the water surface; and in the second position at least a part of the nacelle is projects above the water surface.

The present invention provides a large tidal current energy generating device and an assembly platform (1) thereof. At least one horizontal axis hydro-generator (2) is installed in the assembly platform (1). The assembly platform (1) includes at least four fixed piles (11), at least two force-bearing blocks (12), at least two force-bearing supports (13), and supports (14). The at least four fixed piles are connected through the supports to form an installation space (15). The at least one horizontal axis hydro-generator is installed inside the installation space. One end of each fixed pile is driven to be fixed to a seabed and the other end extends to be above a water surface. The at least four fixed piles are arranged in left and right columns relative to a water flow direction, and each column of the fixed piles is arranged along the water flow direction. The at least two force-bearing blocks are fixed to the corresponding fixed piles or supports and located on left and right sides of the horizontal axis hydro-generator below the water surface, respectively. Ends of the at least two force-bearing supports are respectively mounted on the left and right sides of the horizontal axis hydro-generator relative to the water flow direction and the other ends are respectively against the corresponding force-bearing blocks.