Installation generating power from sea currents - has impeller with tilting blades driving air compressors in watertight housing

摘要

A wheel with tilting blades (2) is mounted on a vertical shaft below the surface of the sea. A tail blade (1) rotates the housing of the wheel to face the current which sets the wheel into rotation. The shaft extends below the wheel into a watertight working chamber which has a rounded exterior to withstand the pressure and current. The shaft drives air compressors (5) inside the working chamber. Atmospheric air comes in through a pipe (12) from outside and compressed air is delivered (13) to a reservoir (16) outside. Compressed air is drawn from the reservoir (16) to drive a turbine coupled to a generator.