Anadarko Petroleum Corporation

Kerr-Mcgee Oil & Gas Corporation

William D Bolin

Patrick L Grizzle

Christian M Snyder

Various subsystems for a submerged or waterborne system used to generate power derived from fast-moving water currents using an induction-type generator system equipped with one or more fin-ring propellers are disclosed. Many of the systems and subsystems shown and described herein are individually suitable for use in systems using conventional generator drive systems and other means of power creation. Means for transmission of power generated by such systems, tethering and mooring systems, and methods for improving system transportation, installation and maintenance are also disclosed.

Subsystems for a water current power generation system

A water current power generation system is provided, including a plurality of flotation tubes joined by a body structure; a plurality of ballast chambers joined by a body structure; a plurality of induction type power generation units disposed within housings associated with one or more of the flotation chambers, ballast chambers and body structure; and a plurality of propellers disposed in mechanical communication with each of the induction type generator units. In one presently preferred embodiment, a plurality of propellers disposed in communication with a plurality of induction type generator units, wherein the propellers each include one or more concentrically disposed rings, with each of the concentrically disposed rings having an inner ring member, an outer ring member, and a plurality of curved fin members separated by gap spaces disposed between the inner and outer ring members. Methods and means of deploying, positioning, maintaining, controlling and operating the system are also provided, as are detailed descriptions of novel inductor type generators used to obtain power from fast moving water currents, flotation tanks for tensioning the system against a submerged anchoring system disposed on an associated seafloor, and fluid-filled ballast chambers equipped with multiple sub-chambers that lend precision control and continuous adjustability to the system.

Fin-ring propeller for a water current power generation system

A water current power generation system is provided, including a plurality of flotation tubes joined by a body structure; a plurality of ballast chambers joined by a body structure; a plurality of induction type power generation units disposed within housings associated with one or more of the flotation chambers, ballast chambers and body structure; and a plurality of propellers disposed in mechanical communication with each of the induction type generator units. Methods and means of deploying, positioning, maintaining, controlling and operating the system are also provided, as are detailed descriptions of novel inductor type generators used to obtain power from fast moving water currents, flotation tanks for tensioning the system against a submerged anchoring system disposed on an associated seafloor, and fluid-filled ballast chambers equipped with multiple sub-chambers that lend precision control and continuous adjustability to the system.

Water current power generation system

Methods and apparatus for producing hydrocarbons from a well, and especially for producing gas from low pressure gas wells containing water, are disclosed. An electrical submersible pump is attached to and in fluid communication with the bottom end of a string of pipe joints or tubing extending in the well bore from the surface to below the water-containing gas interval, a further string of pipe joints or tubing having one or more openings therein at the bottom end thereof extends from the surface to below the water-containing gas interval, and water supplied from the surface via the further string of pipe joints or tubing along with water from the water-containing gas interval is constantly pumped by the electrical submersible pump at a rate sufficient to prevent the pump from overheating and failing and to prevent production-limiting water build-up in the well bore.

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Spring, TX, United States of America

William D Bolin