According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a marine propulsion system (1) comprising a first portion (4) and a second portion (5) of a set of movable foils, a movement mechanism (2) coupled to the first portion (4) and the second portion (5) of the set of movable foils and configured to simultaneously control a motion of the first portion (4) and the second portion (5) of the set of foils along a closed first trajectory (6) comprising a first direction (17) and a second direction (18) which is different than the first direction (17), and a pitch mechanism (3) coupled to the first portion (4) and the second portion (5) of the set of movable foils and configured to control a pitch angle (π) of the first portion (4) and the second portion (5) of the set of movable foils, and wherein the pitch angle (π) of at least a part of the second portion (5) of the set of foils is dependent on an incoming fluid flow (v.sub.x), the motion of the second portion (5) of the set of foils, and a flow (v.sub.ind) induced by at least a part of the first portion (4) of the set of foils.

It is about an omnidirectional generator apparatus, capable of translating the push of a fluid from any direction in the vertical, horizontal or diagonal plains to rotational movement on a unique axis. This rotational movement can be translated to electric energy by known means.

A supply device for a high-power load includes a DC/DC voltage converter disposed between a high-voltage side and a low-voltage side. The DC/DC voltage converter includes a first sub-converter and a second sub-converter. The sub-converters are connected to one another in a converter series circuit between first and second primary-side DC voltage poles. The second sub-converter is connected between first and second secondary-side DC voltage poles. The sub-converters each have at least one AC voltage terminal connected to one another by a coupling device to permit an exchange of electrical power between the first and second sub-converters. The secondary-side DC voltage poles are configured for connection to the high-power load. An arrangement for converting electrical energy into chemical energy with gas generation includes the supply device.

An inflatable kite includes a main tube and a sub tube. The inflatable kite includes: a first air chamber, which constitutes the sub tube; a second air chamber, which constitutes the sub tube and which is disposed at a position that is farther from the main tube than from the first air chamber in the sub tube; and a pressure regulator configured to adjust a pressure of the first air chamber and a pressure of the second air chamber. The sub tube cut by one plane that crosses in the direction of extension of the sub tube has a maximal cross-sectional area on a cross section of the first air chamber. The pressure regulator regulates the pressure of the first air chamber to be lower than the pressure of the second air chamber in a steady flight of the inflatable kite.

A Pulsed Locomotor (120), for propelling media, fluids and crafts, in fluids and on land, comprising a blade (124) securely connected to a drive shaft (122). Upon reciprocation, the ambient medium is forced towards the trailing edge of the blade (124) thereby causing a reactive locomotion of the apparatus, substantially along the plane of the blade. Apparatus is secured to motor M by fastening through aperture (130). The apparatus can be operated directly by motor M, and indirectly by the reaction momentum imparted to a supporting platform P. Thrust is directed by steering handle (128) about a bearing (126), rotatably coupling to platform P and base C. Lubricant L is supplied to outlets (134) via conduit (136) and inlet (132), to coat the apparatus with a lubricant cavity, for drag reduction. The blade (124) planes along a figure 8 reciprocation path s1e1s2e2s1. Crafts are embodied.

Disclosed is a combined energy supply system of wind, photovoltaic, solar thermal power and medium-based heat storage, capable of storing the energy which would have been “abandoned wind” and “abandoned light” temporarily in the form of heat by medium-based energy storage. Heat is released during peaks in the power grid to generate power, which serves the function of adjusting the peaks in the power grid. With the medium-based energy storage, unstable photovoltaic electric energy can be converted into stable heat energy output when a relatively large fluctuation occurs in wind and photovoltaic power generation, and therefore the stable supply of energy sources can be guaranteed efficiently. Furthermore, a second heater can also be used for heating the low-temperature media outputted by a first medium tank (100), or a third heater is used for heating water in a heat exchanger (500), and therefore the energy storage of the medium or the heating efficiency of the heat exchanger is improved.

A method of generating power. An airborne power generating craft is connected to a floating structure using an aloft portion of a tether line. The floating structure is connected to an anchor using an underwater portion of the tether line. The anchor is secured to an underwater floor. Power is generated based on movement of the airborne power generating craft in response to a wind force. The floating structure is connected to an electrical transmission system through at least part of the tether line. The generated power is transmitted to the electrical transmission system.

A method of generating power using an airborne power generating craft connected to an anchor using a tether line. The anchor is secured to an underwater floor. Power is generated based on movement of the airborne power generating craft in response to a wind force. A constant length of the tether line is maintained between the airborne power generating craft and the anchor as the airborne power generating craft moves in response to the wind force. The airborne power generating craft is connected to an electrical transmission system through at least part of the tether line. The generated power is transmitted to the electrical transmission system.

A method of maintaining an offshore power plant. A power generating craft is attached to a tow cable on a floating vessel. The floating vessel is moved to an offshore power generating site. The power generating craft is maintained in an airborne state while the floating vessel is moving to the offshore power generating site. The power generating craft is detached from the tow cable and attached to a first end of a tether line at the offshore power generating site. The second end of the tether line is anchored to an underwater floor. The power generating craft is operated in an airborne state.

A method of maintaining an offshore power plant. A plurality of airborne power generating craft are landed on or near a floating vessel. Each of the plurality of airborne power generating craft forms part of the offshore power plant.