This disclosure includes various embodiments of apparatuses for encapsulating and stopping a flowing mass of fluid (e.g., liquid such as water, or gas such as air) to extract the kinetic energy from the mass, and for exhausting the mass once stopped (spent mass, from which kinetic energy has been extracted). This disclosure also includes various embodiments of systems comprising a plurality of the present apparatuses coupled together and/or one or more of the present apparatuses in combination with one or more flow resistance modifiers (FRMs). This disclosure also includes various embodiments of methods of extracting kinetic energy from a flowing mass of fluid (e.g., liquid such as water, or gas such as air) by stopping the mass, and for exhausting the mass once stopped (spent mass, from which kinetic energy has been extracted). This disclosure also includes embodiments of mechanical energy-storage or accumulation devices.

A system for converting the mechanical energy produced by the flow of ocean currents into electric power including a first and second floating structure, a first pulley device supported on the first and second structure, and a second pulley device supported on the first and second structure. A first continuous cable is configured to be suspended from the first pulley device supported on said first and second structure. A second continuous cable is configured to be suspended from the second pulley device supported on the first and second structure. A sail implement is configured to collect mechanical energy from the ocean currents, and wherein the sail implement is operable for transmitting the mechanical energy to the first continuous cable and the second continuous cable. A generator device is operable for transforming the mechanical energy from the continuous cables into electrical power.

A fluid flow powered system for generating electrical power including a rotating turbine blade assembly comprising an outer rim, a tension airfoil central hub assembly, tension elements extending between the outer rim and the tension airfoil central hub assembly, and a plurality of turbine blades secured to the tension elements. A rim engagement wheel is rotationally driven by the outer rim. Rotation of the wheel drives an electric power generator. The turbine blade assembly can be rotationally driven by at least one of wind and water. The wheel, independently or in conjunction with additional wheels can provide at least one of axial support and radial support to the turbine blade assembly during operation.

This disclosure includes various embodiments of apparatuses for encapsulating and stopping a flowing mass of fluid (e.g., liquid such as water, or gas such as air) to extract the kinetic energy from the mass, and for exhausting the mass once stopped (spent mass, from which kinetic energy has been extracted). This disclosure also includes various embodiments of systems comprising a plurality of the present apparatuses coupled together and/or one or more of the present apparatuses in combination with one or more flow resistance modifiers (FRMs). This disclosure also includes various embodiments of methods of extracting kinetic energy from a flowing mass of fluid (e.g., liquid such as water, or gas such as air) by stopping the mass, and for exhausting the mass once stopped (spent mass, from which kinetic energy has been extracted). This disclosure also includes embodiments of mechanical energy-storage or accumulation devices.

Three controls, three variable gear assemblies, an optional hatch or variable propeller pitch, and a variable overlap generator (VO generator), as well as one or more commutator and brush-less free direct current generators may be used independently and together to provide constant frequency and voltage output power and to increase the amount of output power generated with the same input water flow or wind speed in a plurality of embodiments useful in wind power generation and water renewable energy generators for any of tidal and ocean current or wave conditions. Two Transgear assemblies side-by-side and sharing the same central shaft may comprise a constant speed motor control, produce required constant frequency and voltage and be reduced in part count and complexity. The variable overlap generator of a marine hydrokinetic or wind power generator may be used as a low torque generator, a high power-rated generator or a control in these applications and may generate more electric power than a conventional fixed power generator (the rotor axially aligned to overlap the stator in a conventional manner) over a wider input range. An electromotive force (EMF) embodiment generates alternating current at constant frequency and voltage in varying wind and water speed conditions.

A gear system. The gear system includes a tiered base defining a plurality of circular platforms, wherein each platform includes a distinct diameter. The platforms are arranged in a stacked configuration in order of decreasing diameter from a lowermost platform to an uppermost platform. A plurality of rings are stacked on the platforms, each ring having an inner side with a plurality of gears thereon, wherein each gear is freely rotatable about an axle extending radially inwardly from the inner side of each ring. A ring track is disposed on a lower surface of each ring and a platform track is disposed on an upper surface of each circular platform. Each gear engages both a platform track and a ring track. Each ring increases in rotational speed with respect to a below ring, allowing the gear system to increase the output speed of a motor with minimal loss of torque.

A river or tidal turbine for generating a minimum predetermined value of electricity from river current received at a harnessing module comprises a harnessing module, a control module and a generating module. Han's principle is that harnessed power from a river or tidal turbine must exceed a predetermined value of control power used by the turbine. Minimum power is lost in a three variable closed mechanical control system. The three variable closed mechanical system comprises a Hummingbird control assembly of first and second spur/helical gear assemblies which may be preferably mechanically simplified. The Hummingbird control, a control motor and a generator among other components may be mounted on a floating platform for delivery of constant power at constant frequency given sufficient input from a waterwheel harnessing module driven by river current flow in at least one direction. A tidal embodiment may comprise a moveable hatch for permitting the waterwheel to turn in foe same rotational direction regardless of direction of water current flow.

The present invention relates to an autonomous power generating device using gravity and buoyancy, an autonomous power generating device using a structure, and a marine boundary light using same. To this end, the present invention forms a rotating module having at least one rotating body provided on a rotating shaft and a power transmitting gear provided on one side end of the rotating shaft, a rope is hung to touch the rotating body of the rotating module and moves upward and downward, a buoyant body is provided on one side end of the rope, a tensioning body is provided on the other side end to vary the vertical force with the buoyant body, and the rotating force of the power transmitting gear of the rotating module is sequentially transmitted to a drive gear and a generator. Therefore, a fluctuation in water level can effectively be converted into an up-and-down vertical movement of the buoyant body.

Exemplary compact wind power generation systems are configured to be suitable for residential and other locations where concealed moving parts are desirable. The wind power generation systems utilize a propeller disposed behind a contracting inlet. The propeller blades may be oriented into the wind to develop consistent torque across a variety of wind speeds. The propeller may rim-drive power generation components, further reducing vibration, or may share a common rotational axis with the power generation components.

A reciprocating motion energy conversion apparatus is adapted to capture kinetic energy of wind, waves, or other reciprocating or turbulent motion in order to generate electricity. A rolling shaft rests on a shaft guide frame, with the rolling shaft being coupled to the input shaft of at least one electric generator. As the shaft guide frame tilts or rocks, the rolling shaft rolls on the shaft guide frame, turning the input shaft of the generator and producing electricity. In a Wave rocker embodiment, the shaft guide surface is secured within a buoyant, waterproof enclosure, which is placed in a body of water to convert energy from wave motions. In a Wind board embodiment, the shaft guide frame is suspended from two swing panels, which are put into swinging motion by turbulent winds, causing the rolling shaft to roll and turn the input shaft of each pair of electric generators.