Example of a 6x1 hydrokinetic turbine array showing high pressure and low pressure hydraulic lines in the patent pending embodiment where individual synchronous AC generators or DC generators are replaced with individual interconnected hydraulic pumps which transfer energy to a hydraulic motor which directly coupled to one high efficiency AC or DC generator thus significantly reducing both individual and overall project development costs for the hydrokinetic turbine array system when they are used in ocean energy, tidal energy, run-of-river energy, in-stream hydro kinetic energy projects.

This is an cut-out view of the cross section of the kinetic hydropower turbine array unit. This type of proprietary design enables higher power output over other designs such as those of a single or dual pinwheel. For the same size diameter rotor, the same velocity current, in the same flow regime, this patented design can produce over 250% more power as independently verified (LINK) by the NASA sponsored SATOP program.

This is the first in a series of conceptual 3D renderings showing the actual hydro turbine array. This is the inner part of a single kinetic hydropower turbine array unit. A mechanical transmission changes the direction of rotation of the shaft and the at the same time increases the speed of rotation to that required by the electrical generator. By not placing the electrical generator below the surface of the water and using the mechanical transmission (light blue 90 degree housing) instead, this approach eliminates the potential for seal failure on the generator. Replacement of a water damaged generator is time consuming and expensive, including costs and risks associated with hiring professional industrial divers.

Hydrokinetic hydropower turbine array suspended from the surface. This view if from below the water. There are a number of significant advantages to suspend hydrokinetic turbine arrays from the surface as opposed to permanently mounting them on monopiles (or pilings). Namely the United States Army Corps of Engineers will grant a waver on the Section 404 review. Section 404 deals with dredging and filling. In certain application points, the electrical transmission line can be suspended from the tethering umbilical and run to shore at or above the surface of the water. Section 404 permits are extremely costly and can take years of review by the Army Corps of Engineers before being granted.

Another advantage of the surface suspended units in the hydrokinetic turbine array is the significantly higher level of safety for all inspection operations and maintenance personal. The surface mounted system provides a stable platform from which personal can conduct maintenance and inspections from the system also allows for a safe and secure location for all maintenance and inspection tools without the concern of the potentially highly lost of tools and equipment. Lastly, no underwater diving is required in this system which is of unprecedented importance in tidal energy applications. In tidal energy applications professional divers typically operate in zero visibility conditions and have a 20 to 30 minute window of "slack" tide in which to quickly operate. Zero visibility and short operational time constraints significantly increase the level of risk and the costs of maintenance with other technologies.

An axial view of a hydro kinetic turbine array which can be used in in-stream river current, tidal energy or ocean energy applications. Multiple arrays can be positioned at regular intervals in in-stream river current, tidal energy or ocean energy applications for quickly scalable and low cost renewable energy projects.

Up close view of surface of individual unit in a hydro kinetic turbine array which can be used for in stream river energy, tidal energy and ocean energy projects. Note the rusted tethering ring located in the lower right quadrant of the picture. This tethering ring is used for both mooring operations to prevent unwanted movement. One significant advantage of this system is that the tethering allows for simple readjustment of the units' location for maximum power production from the available resource.

This is a top view of a hydro kinetic turbine array which can be used in in-stream river current, tidal energy or ocean energy applications. This embodiment shows hydraulic pumps which are mechanically coupled to the turbine rotor. The red line represents the high pressure and the blue line represents low pressure hydraulic system.

Example of individual unit showing high pressure and low pressure hydraulic lines in the patent pending embodiment where individual synchronous AC generators or DC generators are replaced with individual interconnected hydraulic pumps which transfer energy to a hydraulic motor which directly coupled to one high efficiency AC or DC generator thus significantly reducing both individual and overall project development costs for the hydrokinetic turbine array system when they are used in ocean energy, tidal energy, run-of-river energy, in-stream hydro kinetic energy projects.

Example of individual unit showing individual hydraulic line valve on the low pressure hydraulic line in the patent pending embodiment. Industry proven low cost hand operated 90 degree block valves are used to isolate the hydraulic pump or hydraulic motor. hydraulic bypass is used on both the high pressure and low pressure hydraulic lines to enable removal of an individual hydrokinetic power generating unit without taking the generator offline.

This is an underwater view of the patented hydro kinetic in-stream river current device. Significant advantages in cost per kilowatt of a project can be had not only by scaling up but also by scaling down the size of individual units. It is possible to develop projects at less than $1500 per kilowatt with this technology.