US 12,341,408 B2
Hydroelectric energy systems and methods of manufacturing the same
Daniel E. Power, III, Pace, FL (US)
Assigned to OCEANA ENERGY COMPANY, Washington, DC (US)
Appl. No. 18/687,380
Filed by OCEANA ENERGY COMPANY, Washington, DC (US)
PCT Filed Aug. 29, 2022, PCT No. PCT/US2022/041895
§ 371(c)(1), (2) Date Feb. 28, 2024,
PCT Pub. No. WO2023/034213, PCT Pub. Date Mar. 9, 2023.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/238,538, filed on Aug. 30, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2024/0356409 A1, Oct. 24, 2024
Int. Cl. H02K 7/18 (2006.01); C25B 1/04 (2021.01); C25B 9/65 (2021.01); C25B 15/08 (2006.01); F25J 1/00 (2006.01); H02K 7/08 (2006.01); H02K 15/00 (2025.01)
CPC H02K 7/1823 (2013.01) [C25B 1/04 (2013.01); C25B 9/65 (2021.01); C25B 15/08 (2013.01); F25J 1/001 (2013.01); H02K 7/08 (2013.01); H02K 15/00 (2013.01)] 27 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A hydroelectric energy system, the system comprising:
a stationary ring structure comprising a stationary ring foundation and a stationary ring backing disposed at least partially within an opening defined by the stationary ring foundation, the stationary ring foundation having a first plurality of electricity-generating elements;
a rotating ring structure comprising a rotating ring foundation and a blade support ring disposed radially outward of an outer circumferential surface of the rotating ring foundation, the rotating ring foundation having a second plurality of electricity-generating elements, wherein the rotating ring foundation is disposed radially outward of an outer circumferential surface of the stationary ring foundation and is configured to rotate around the stationary ring foundation about an axis of rotation; and
at least one bearing mechanism configured to support the rotating ring structure relative to the stationary ring structure during rotation of the rotating ring foundation around the stationary ring foundation,
wherein, in a submerged position within a fluid current causing during the rotation of the rotating ring foundation around the stationary ring foundation, the stationary ring backing is configured to be in compression and to support the stationary ring foundation, the rotating ring foundation, and the blade support ring in a stacked configuration.