Hydroelectric turbine system

Abstract

According to the present invention there is provided a hydroelectric turbine system comprising a base comprising a frame, and a plurality of legs extending from the frame, the base being provided with one or more load bearing members in the form of outriggers extending from the base at a position adapted to resist, in use, overturning of the base, in particular during extreme tidal conditions.

1 . A hydroelectric turbine system comprising a base comprising a frame, a plurality of legs extending from the frame; and at least one load bearing member extending from the base at a position adapted to resist, in use, overturning of the base. 
     
     
         2 . A system according to  claim 1  in which the base defines an overturning axis extending between a pair of the legs, the at least one load bearing member being positioned to resist an overturning moment acting about the overturning axis. 
     
     
         3 . A system according to  claim 1  in which the load bearing member is arranged and dimensioned to be at an elevated position above a surface of a deployment site when the plurality of legs are engaged against and supported by the surface. 
     
     
         4 . A system according to  claim 1  in which the load bearing member has a load bearing face positioned outboard of the overturning axis. 
     
     
         5 . A system according to  claim 1  in which the load bearing member comprises a leg secured to the base, and a load bearing face located at a free end of the leg. 
     
     
         6 . A system according to  claim 5  in which the load bearing face is oriented such as to be substantially parallel to a seabed or other support surface on contacting the seabed or support surface during an overturning event. 
     
     
         7 . A system according to  claim 1  in which the frame is substantially triangular and the base comprises three legs, one at or adjacent each apex of the triangular frame. 
     
     
         8 . A system according to  claim 7  comprising a load bearing member extending from each of three sides of the triangular frame. 
     
     
         9 . A system according to  claim 7  comprising a plurality of the load bearing members extending from one side of the triangular frame. 
     
     
         10 . A system according to  claim 1  comprising a hydroelectric turbine mounted on the base. 
     
     
         11 . A system according to  claim 9  in which the turbine comprises an open centre turbine.