Systems and methods for tidal energy conversion and electrical power generation

Abstract

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.

1 - 41 . (canceled) 
     
     
         42 . A method for generating electricity from the ebb and flow of water due to tidal action, the method comprising:
 providing a displacement vessel at a distance from a stationary location, said displacement vessel operatively coupled to a plurality of directional converters at the stationary location, wherein the plurality of directional converters is coupled to a plurality of electrical power generators;   changing the distance between said displacement vessel and said stationary location by tidal action;   engaging at least one of said plurality of electrical power generators;   converting the change in lateral distance of the body into mechanical energy;   transmitting the mechanical energy to the at least one activated electrical power generator; and   generating electricity with the at least one activated electrical power generator using the mechanical energy.   
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 42 , further comprising the step of engaging an electrical power generator that was previously disengaged upon the increases of the force of the tidal currents. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 42 , further comprising the step of disengaging an electrical power generator that was previously engaged upon the decrease of the force of the tidal currents. 
     
     
         45 - 57 . (canceled) 
     
     
         58 . A method for generating electricity from the ebb and flow of water due to tidal action, the method comprising:
 changing a distance between a body floating in the water and a stationary location to a first lateral distance;   generating electricity from the changing of the first lateral distance;   rotating the body about an axis;   changing distance between the body and the stationary location to a second lateral distance;   generating electricity from the changing of the second lateral distance.   
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 58 , wherein rotating the body comprises:
 winding a first control cable coupled to the body with a first control mechanism; and   releasing a second control cable coupled to a body with a second control mechanism.   
     
     
         60 - 82 . (canceled) 
     
     
         83 . A method for generating electricity from the ebb and flow of water due to tidal action, the method comprising:
 providing a displacement vessel at a distance from a first stationary location, said displacement vessel operatively coupled to a first directional converter at the first stationary location and a second directional converter at a second stationary location, wherein the first directional converter is coupled to a first electrical power generator and the second directional converter is coupled to a second electrical power generator;   changing the lateral distance between said displacement vessel and said first stationary location by tidal action in a first direction;   engaging the first electrical power generator to generate electricity; and   changing the lateral distance between said displacement vessel and said first stationary location by tidal action in a second direction; and engaging at least the second electrical power generator to generate electricity.   
     
     
         84 - 96 . (canceled) 
     
     
         97 . A method for generating electricity using water flow in a river, the method comprising:
 releasing a first displacement vessel downstream in the river;   generating electricity as the first displacement vessel travels downstream in the river;   releasing a second displacement vessel downstream in the river;   generating electricity as the second displacement vessel travels downstream in the river; and   rewinding the first displacing vessel upstream as the second displacement vessel travels downstream in the river.   
     
     
         98 . The method of  claim 97 , further comprising rotating the first displacement vessel before rewinding the first displacement vessel. 
     
     
         99 . (canceled) 
     
     
         100 . A method for generating electricity from energy associated with flowing water comprising:
 providing a displacement vessel in an area of flowing water, wherein the displacement vessel includes at least one drag panel extending downwardly therefrom;   operatively connecting the displacement vessel to a converter device for translating movement of the displacement vessel in the water flow into rotational energy which can actuate a generator;   positioning the displacement vessel in the flowing water with the water acting against the at least one drag panel to cause movement of the displacement vessel and thereby causing the converter device to produce rotational energy for actuating one or more generators to generate electricity.   
     
     
         101 . The method according to  claim 100 , wherein the operative connecting is carried out by an anchor cable secured at one end to the displacement vessel and its other end wrapped around a directional converter, such that movement of the displacement vessel causes the directional converter to produce rotational energy for actuating the one or more generators. 
     
     
         102 . The method according to  claim 101 , which further includes locating a said directional converter and the at least one generator at a stationary location. 
     
     
         103 . The method according to  claim 102 , which further includes passing the anchor cable through an anchor member fixed in place relative to the flowing water. 
     
     
         104 . The method according to  claim 102 , wherein the stationary location is land. 
     
     
         105 . The method according to  claim 100 , wherein the actuating of the one or more generators includes selectively engaging and disengaging the one or more generators in accordance with predetermined criteria. 
     
     
         106 . The method according to  claim 101 , further comprising selectively changing the orientation of the displacement vessel at least in lateral directions in accordance with predetermined criteria. 
     
     
         107 . The method according to  claim 101 , further comprising selectively changing the orientation of the displacement vessel at least in vertical directions in accordance with predetermined criteria. 
     
     
         108 . The method according to  claim 100 , wherein the flowing water is a tidal water flow. 
     
     
         109 . The method according to  claim 100 , wherein the flowing water is a river current. 
     
     
         110 - 133 . (canceled)