A method and apparatus for producing electricity from a combination of three sources: ocean waves, wind and solar, includes converting an upward and downward motion of a buoyant platform into a rotational motion of a shaft using a plurality of blades mounted to the shaft, the blades causing the shaft to rotate from internal wind energy as the blades move up and down within a cavity. The shaft is coupled to a generator for producing electricity. A wind turbine is mounted to the buoyant platform for converting wind energy into electricity. Further, solar panels are included, for example, mounted to the buoyant platform and/or turbine blades of the wind turbine, the solar panels also generate electricity when exposed to light.

Aspects of the disclosure include a tidal power generator comprising a first container, at least one second container pivotably coupled to the first container, a frame pivotably coupled to the first container, a first valve, associated with the first container, configured to selectively control ingress of a first volume of a first fluid into the first container, and a second valve, associated with the first container, configured to selectively control egress of a second volume of the first fluid out of the first container.

Water buoys sense water characteristics and wirelessly transfer the water characteristics for delivery to a computer system. The computer system receives the water characteristics wirelessly transferred by the water buoys. The computer system receives a location and a user water condition preference transferred by a user communication device. The computer system processes the water characteristics, the location, and the user water condition preference, and in response, generates and transfers water condition information for the location for delivery to the user communication device.

A water buoy data system stabilizes an offshore vessel. Water buoys sense wind characteristics and water characteristics at a location of the vessel. The water buoys wirelessly transfer data messages that indicate the wind characteristics and water characteristics at the location of the vessel for delivery to a computer system. The computer system receives the data messages wirelessly transferred by the water buoys that indicate the wind characteristics and the water characteristics at the location of the vessel. The computer system determines wave forces based on the wind characteristics and the water characteristics at the location of the vessel. The computer system indicates the wave forces to control vessel engine thrusters to counter the wave forces and stabilize the vessel.

An apparatus is described for converting river, tidal or ocean current energy into another form of energy, such as electrical, mechanical, or chemical energy. The apparatus can include a first underwater sail(s) coupled to a first cable and second underwater sail(s) coupled to a second cable. The sails are configured to catch water flows and move their respective cables along pulleys. The first cable and the second cable can form a main cable loop that is coupled to a bull wheel. A second cable loop configures the sails to best catch the water flow. The pulleys can guide the main cable loop along a rotational direction. The rotational movement of the bullwheel can be transferred to a generator to convert the water flow into another form of energy.

Assemblies, systems, and methods are disclosed for generating energy from natural and renewable forces and, more particularly, to energy generation using tidal action. A tidal energy conversion assembly includes a displacement vessel coupled via an anchor cable to a directional converter and an electrical power generator on land. The displacement vessel includes a horizontally rotatable drag panel extending into the water to capture drag forces caused by the flow of water. The flow of water against the drag panel causes the displacement vessel to move laterally and pull on the anchor cable thus exerting a force on the directional converter. The directional converter converts this force into rotational energy that may be harnessed by the electrical power generator to generate electricity for consumption. The horizontally rotatable drag panel may be rotated to adjust the amount of electrical energy produced.

Assemblies systems, and methods are disclosed for generating energy from natural forces and, more particularly, to energy generation using tidal action. A tidal energy conversion assembly includes a displacement vessel housing a directional converter that is coupled to an electrical power generator. The tidal energy conversion assembly further includes an anchor cable having a first end, a second end connected to the directional converter, and a length in between the first end and the second end. The anchor cable may be threaded through an anchor at a stationary location, such as a sea floor. The rising, falling, and/or drag forces of the tide cause a change in the length of the anchor cable thus exerting a force on the directional converter. The directional converter converts this force into rotational energy that may be harnessed by the electrical power generator to generate electricity for consumption.

An apparatus for transporting water is described. The apparatus includes a large number of identical units that contain fresh water, for example, and which float on the sea. The units are alternately controlled to rise and fall with a first tide and to remain at low tide during the next tide. This motion, along with valves to allow fresh water to flow in one direction only, provide a water transport system that operates using tidal power.

A Tidal Electricity Generator device and system providing a simple and effective way to generate electricity by harnessing tidal motion. The device has no parts to churn up the water, and does not actively force water through blades or screens. The device works passively to extract energy from the water by capturing the buoyancy of a bobber which rises and falls with the tides and/or gravity. Thus the kinetic energy of the tides is converted into mechanical energy which can then be transferred through a series of gears and other components to power an electric generator or other electric power grid. With this system, there is nothing to harm the environment or any sea life.

Systems and methods disclosed herein provide a tidal power generator including a first container, a second container coupled to the first container, a frame pivotably coupled to the second container, a first valve, associated with the second container, configured to selectively control ingress of a first volume of a fluid into the second container, and a second valve, associated with the second container, configured to selectively control egress of a second volume of the fluid out of the second container.