120A. In examples, the generator 124 uses at least a portion of the torque transferred via the transfer device 118A to generate electrical power. In an example, the generator 124 is disposed outside the body of water (in which the enclosure 110 is submerged) and is mechanically coupled to the second end of the transfer device 118A (at which the torque from the captured device 114 is delivered) to generate power at a different geographic location using the torque that was generated in the submerged enclosure 110 and/or one or more other submerged enclosures which may be at various distant locations. A non-exhaustive list of possible implementations of the example generator 124 includes a Francis turbine, a Pelton turbine, a Kaplan turbine, a Deriaz turbine, a Jonval turbine, a Cross turbine, a reaction type turbine, an impulse type turbine, any other type of turbine generator, an electric motor generator, or any other type of generator. The generator 124 can be mounted vertically, horizontally, or in any other suitable orientation.

As noted above, in some examples, the system 100 is configured to mechanically transfer power generated at a source location (e.g., the enclosure 110) to more than one destination (e.g., generators, buildings, power distribution sites, power plants, electric vehicles, ocean vessels, etc.). To facilitate this, in the illustrated example, the power distribution site 120A includes the water pump 126, the tank 128, and the turbine conveyer 130.

The water pump 126 may include a hydraulic pump, a pneumatic pump, a turbopump, or any other type of pump. In an example, the water pump 126 is configured to compress or pressurize water from the water storage tank 128 into a high pressure water stream (e.g., 5000 to 15000 PSI or any other suitable high pressure). To facilitate this, the water pump 126 can be powered using torque (i.e., power take off (PTO) method) transferred into the site 120A from an external source (e.g., torque transferred from the enclosure 110 through the transfer device 118A) or from an internal source (e.g., from the turbine conveyer 130 or any other component in the site 120A that generates torque). Alternatively or additionally, in some examples, the water pump 126 can be powered using an electrical motor or a gas turbine or a combustion engine or any other type of motor. In some examples, the water pump 126 can alternatively or additionally be powered by a battery or a battery bank.

The water storage tank 128 may be a pressurized or unpressurized local water storage tank. For example, where the site 120A is located on an sea surface vessel (e.g., ship, boat), a coastal land location, or other land location with access to unpressurized water, the water storage tank can store unpressurized water from its local water source. In an alternative example where the site 120A is near, at, or at least partially submerged in water (e.g., lake or river bed or at different ocean depth), the tank 128 may store pressurized water which may be at a lower or higher pressure than the pressurized water flowing into the enclosure 110.

The turbine conveyer 130 may include a conveyer belt (not shown) on which a plurality of blades (not shown) are disposed to rotate the conveyer belt when a pressurized stream of water (e.g., pumped by the water pump 126) flows across (e.g., above or under) the conveyer belt. The conveyer belt may in turn be coupled to one or more rotor shafts (not shown) and configured to rotate each of the rotor shaft(s) about its axis by transferring the force from the stream of water to the rotor shaft(s) disposed in the turbine conveyer device 130. In an example, torque from one or more of the rotor shafts in the turbine conveyer 130 may then be transferred, via the transfer device 118B, out of the site 120A to a different power distribution site 120B. In some examples, torque from one or more other rotor shafts in the turbine conveyer 130 can be used to power other components at or near the site 120A (e.g., the air pump 122, the generator 124, the controller 140, or other electronics (not shown) at or near the site 120A).

The controller 140 is configured to control various components of the system 100. In examples, the controller 140 is configured to regulate and/or control the flow of water into and/or out of the enclosure 110, the amount of torque transferred between the enclosure 110 and the distribution sites 120A-B, and/or the amount of torque used to power certain components (e.g., generators 124, air pumps 122, water pumps 116, 126, etc.) at or near each enclosure (e.g., 110) or distribution site (e.g., 120A-B) of the system 100. To that end, the controller 140 may include one or more computers that have hardware and/or software executable to control the system 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, the computer 140 may include one or more processors and a memory device (e.g., a nontransitory computer readable medium) storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the computer(s) 140 to perform the functions described herein. Alternatively or additionally, the controller 140 may include digital and/or analog circuitry wired to perform the functions of the controller 140 described herein. In some examples, the controller 140 may be disposed at any of the sites 120A, 120B and/or enclosure(s) 110. In some examples, the controller 140 may have a distributed computing architecture comprising one or more computing systems connected via a network and/or distributed across one or more locations (e.g., sites 120A-B, enclosure 110, etc.) to collectively perform the functions disclosed herein.

The controller 140 may be configured to control flow of water into the enclosure 110 by operating an intake port 112 of the enclosure 110 (e.g., by switching an intake port or valve 112 to allow, prevent, or adjust the rate at which the water is flowing in). Similarly, the controller 140 may also be configured to control flow of water out of the enclosure 110. The controller 140 may also be configured to control the amount of torque transferred between various components of the system (e.g., enclosure 110, sites 120A-B, etc.), for example, by changing the number of rotor shafts connected to the transfer devices 118A, 118B.

Tidal waves generally have very long wavelengths (e.g., miles or tens or miles) such that, at any particular location in the ocean, high tides and low tides occur in a predictable manner (e.g., approximately every 6 hours, 12 hours, etc.). Thus, in examples where the system 100 is configured to harvest tidal energy, the controller 140 can start pumping and/or increase the rate at which water is being pumped out of the enclosure 110 during times when the tidal phase is at or near a low tide. Similarly, the controller 140 can start or increase the rate at which water is being transported into the enclosure 110 when the tidal phase is at or within a threshold from a high tide (e.g., when the sea level above the enclosure 110 is slightly higher than average due to the tidal forces exerted on the oceans by the moon and/or the sun. Thus, the example systems herein may advantageously enable harnessing tidal energy by selectively allowing water into the enclosure 110 and/or he storage tank 120 during high tides (when the water level is relatively higher), and/or by delaying the timing or rate of pumping water out of the water storage tank 120 until a low tide condition occurs (i.e., when the water level above the storage tank 120 is relatively lower) to harness the pressure differential between the high tide and the low tide. Notably, the example systems herein also advantageously improves the efficiency of harvesting tidal wave energy, by using the high pressure environment at the ocean depths to more effectively transport large amounts of water through the turbine 114 during the high tide phase. For example, if the turbine was instead closer to the surface of the body of water, a relatively smaller amount of water will flow through the turbine 114 during the high tide phase. Accordingly, the example systems herein provide a significant advantage over traditional systems by efficiently harnessing one of the relatively more challenging but very abundant sources of marine hydrokinetic energy.

Furthermore, as noted above, the system 100 may decouple the locations of devices that capturing marine hydrokinetic energy (e.g., by placing enclosures 110 in locations where strong water currents or suitable pressure differentials are expected, etc.) from locations of devices (e.g., generators, cities, factories, etc.) where mechanical power (e.g., rotor torques) is converted into electrical power by using PTO or torque transfer devices (e.g., 118A-B). Thus, the system 100 may advantageously allow transferring the captured kinetic energy from marine locations to a suitable destination mechanically, instead of or in addition to transferring it in the form electrical power using long electrical cables which may be susceptible to electrical power transmission losses, power conversion losses, electromagnetic interference, environmental noise emissions, etc., or may otherwise be less suitable for certain applications (e.g., where government regulations restrict deployment of high power electrical lines, where power line transmission/conversion losses may be too high, etc.).

In some embodiments, the system 100 can be deployed at ocean depths far above a seabed or on the seabed. For instance, an enclosure (e.g., 110) can be tethered, via transfer devices (e.g., 118A-B) to power distribution centers (e.g., 120A-B), electrical grid(s), ocean vessel(s), rig(s), ship(s), boat(s), yacht(s), and/or vehicle(s) in order to deliver electrical energy.

In some embodiments, the enclosure 110 and/or the sites 120A-B can be configured as an ocean vessel including a propulsion system for navigation and positioning the enclosure 110 at sea depths. In some embodiments, the enclosure 110 can employ submarine components required to remotely pilot the enclosure 110 to a suitable location The suitable location, for example, can include, but is not limited to, land, or another part of the ocean. In other embodiments, the enclosure 110 can be deployed inside a vessel as an electric energy power source for the vessel. In some embodiments, the vessel can be a submarine.

In some embodiments, the system 100 includes cables. The cables can be submarine cables. In some embodiments, cables and submarine cables can be employed. The cables can deliver the electrical energy between the enclosure(s) 110 and/or the sites 120A-B. The electrical energy may include electrical power and/or signals for controlling the operation of various components of the system 100.

In some embodiments, the system 100 can include transformer(s), control room(s), computer(s) 140, and/or battery storage unit(s), or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, the systems can include transformer(s), control room(s), robotic(s), automation, computer(s) 140, and/or battery storage unit(s), or a combination thereof, whether within the system 100, outside the system 100, or near the system 100, or in the sea depths, or placed on land. In other embodiments, the system 100 can include accommodations for human habitation for periods of time, such as oxygen supply, sleeping quarters, kitchen, bathrooms, showers, storage area, living quarters, and is not limited to the list herein can be interchangeable and employed in the system 100.

It should be appreciated that the system 100 can alternatively include fewer or more components than those shown, and/or one or more of the components shown can be alternatively implemented as in a single or in different structures that perform the various functions of the one or more components.

For example, in various embodiments, the system 100 can comprise one or more enclosures 110, one or more vessels or power distribution centers 120A-B, one or more storage tanks 120, one or more intake valves 112, one or more outlet valves 112, one or more pressure valves, one or more turbine generators 114, one or more transmission gears, one or more water pumps 116, 126, one or more computers 140, one or more motors, electronics, mounts, and/or one or more air pumps 122. In some embodiments, the system 100 includes other hardware and/or software commonly used in marine hydrokinetic electrical energy systems.

As another example, the water pump 126, tank 128, and turbine conveyer 130 can be additionally or alternatively implemented in the power distribution site 120B, the enclosure 110, or as an independent power distribution module positioned in a location suitable for dividing harvested hydrokinetic energy (e.g., captured from a water current) into one or more PTO torques to be transferred via one or more transfer devices (e.g., 118A-B) and/or delivered to one or more nearby generators (e.g., 124), electric motors, pumps (e.g., 116, 126, 122), or to power any other machine at or near the location of such power distribution module.

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternate embodiment 200 of an example power system, according to the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the enclosure 110 can have any shape, such as the shape shown in FIG. 2 or another shape, that concludes as a sealed device configured to prevent high pressure water and/or air from escaping, except through intake valves 112a, 112b or outlet valve 112c (collectively referred to as ports 112) that control flow of water and air into or out of the enclosure 110. In other embodiments, the enclosure 110 can have one or more compartments and options for smaller compartments. As shown, the capture device 114 is disposed inside the enclosure 110. In some examples, the enclosure 110 may also include one or more additional valve(s), gear boxes(s), power transmission, devices, computers, and/or other electronics required to operate the system 200. In the illustrated example, the enclosure 110 transports a high pressure water stream flowing to the capture device 114 so as to rotate blades of the capture device 114. As shown, the capture device 114 is coupled (e.g., via one or more rotating gears) to a first end of the energy transfer device 118A. The transfer device 118A may Include a first pipe extending lengthwise as illustrated in FIG. 2 in a first direction away from the first end (i.e., away from the capture device 114), a second pipe extending lengthwise in a second direction away from the first pipe, and so on.

In other embodiments, the enclosure 110 can optionally include one or more generators that generate electrical power, one or more valves and/or one or more gear boxes, and/or other electronics. The blades of the capture device 114 can be exposed to high pressure water flow to rotate a rotor shaft inside the enclosure 110. In some embodiments, the system 200 includes a tube 220 supplying high air pressure from vessel 230 to the enclosure 110. The air supply can be used to operate the enclosure 110 and regulate the proper pressure in the water flowing toward the capture device 114. In an example, the enclosure 110 can be deployed at 1,000 feet ocean depth and the PSI can be 433. In this example, a higher PSI may be necessary to get a to produce a desirable in the capture device 114. Thus, added air pressure (e.g., pumped by the air pump 122 via the tube 220) may be employed to increase the pressure of the water flowing to the capture device 114.

In some embodiments, high pressure water can enter the enclosure 110 through an intake valve 112a and rotate a rotor shaft of the capture device 114 to produce torque. The torque of the rotor shaft can then be sent to the power distribution center 120A for distribution to an electrical grid or to drive the generator 124. In other embodiments, a generator may be disposed inside the enclosure 110 and electrical power can be sent from the enclosure 110 to the site 120A (which is outside a body of water in which the enclosure 110 is submerged) by way of one or more electrical cables 210.

In some embodiments, the enclosure 110 can employ one or more stop valves 260 to be used as emergency turn on/off lever(s) controlling high pressure water flow. Thus, electricity can be produced at the generator 124 of the site 120A by transferring hydrokinetic energy obtained from water pressure at ocean depths in the enclosure 110 in the form a torque transferred to the generator 124 via the transfer device 118A (by rotating the turbine generator 124). Once high pressure water exits the enclosure 110 through the exit valve 112c, it can be released back into the body of water around the enclosure 110.

In some embodiments, the enclosure 110 can be mounted to the seabed (ocean floor) and/or tethered to a vessel 120A at the ocean's surface.

Enclosures 110 can be deployed in ocean(s), sea(s), river(s), lake(s), manmade lakes(s) and any body of water In some embodiments, sphere enclosures can operate in water depths and land holes filled with water at depths. In other embodiments, water pressure at ocean depths can be the main ingredient required to produce hydrokinetic electrical energy. The enclosure 110 can be composed of any suitable material used in the hydrokinetic energy industry. Water pressure, other liquids pressure, and/or pressurized air can be used for operations in the system 200. In some embodiments, the enclosure 110 can employ one or more motors with thrust propulsion used to maneuver the enclosure 110 into a proper position to operate at sea depths.

The enclosure 110 can employ one or more air tubes 220 from the enclosure 110 to the vessel or land-based platform 120A. The enclosure 110, in the illustrated example of FIG. 2, can produce electricity by way of hydrokinetics energy, obtained from water pressure at ocean depths. In some embodiments, the system 200 comprises the enclosure 110 with intake 112a for high pressure water to enter the enclosure 110. The flow of high pressure water can rotate a rotor shaft of the capture device 114, which can produce a torque and send it out of the body of enclosure 110 to the site 120A (which is outside the body of water). The site 120A can include, but is not limited to, an ocean surface vessel, a rig, a ship, a boat, a yacht, a vehicle, land, or a building. Then, in the site 120A, the torque transferred from the enclosure 118A (via the transfer device 118A) can be used to rotate the generator 124, and optionally one or more other components in or near the site 120A, such as the controller 140 or the air pump 122. In some embodiments, the power distribution center 120A can be on land. In some examples, the system 200 includes, but is not limited to, the enclosure 110, the turbine generator(s) 114, valve(s) 112, transmission gear(s), water pump(s) 122, air compressor(s) 119, storage tank(s) 120, ocean vessel(s) 230, computer(s) 140, motor(s) tube(s), cables, electronics, mounting apparatus, and tethering the unit and sensor(s).

In some examples, the system 200 can be designed to produce electricity offshore. For example, the power distribution site 120A can be alternatively configured as a long term ship/rig platform. One or many may be deployed as a part of an electricity producing farm at sea. Operation staff employees can work and live aboard the ship or rig 120A. The ship/rig 120A can be deployed miles offshore. The ship or rig can also be connected to a power distribution center on land and or designed to be a re-fueling, electric energy station for ocean going electric ships and vessels. In an example, the system 200 can be deployed along the world's coast and along ocean shipping routes as a re-fueling, electric energy station for ocean vessels, ships, aircraft and drones.

FIG. 3 is a partial illustration of another alternate embodiment 300 of an example power system, according to the present disclosure. The system 300 comprises a sphere enclosure 110 or any shape enclosure 110 (a portion of which is omitted from FIG. 3 for illustrative purposes), which receives water through intake valve 112a and discharges water through outlet valve 112c. In the illustrated example, the system 300 also includes the water pump 116 disposed downstream of the intake valve 112a and configured to increase the pressure of the water flowing through the water pump 116.

In the illustrated example, the capture device 114 includes a plurality of blades 314a, a rotor shaft 314b and a joint or transmission gear(s) 314c. In an example, the plurality of blades 314a are coupled to the rotor shaft 314b so as to rotate the rotor shaft 314b when high pressure water flowing out of the water pump 116 moves across the plurality of blades 314b. The torque of the rotating rotor shaft 314b then rotates one or more gears inside the joint 314c (e.g., transmission gears), which then transfer the rotation torque of the rotor shaft 314b to one or transfer devices 318A-C (which are similar to transfer device 118A of the system 100). For example, the transfer device 318A may include a flexible cable that transfers torque received from the joint 314c at a first end of the transfer device 318A to a gear 320A at a second end of the transfer device 318A. In an example, the transfer device 318A may be implemented as a flexible cable, in which a wire rotates to transfer a first portion of the torque of the rotor shaft 314b from the first end to the second end.

In the illustrated example, a second portion of the torque of the rotor shaft 314b is transmitted, via a transfer pipe 319B, to a second transfer device 318B. For example, the pipe 319A may include a shaft disposed therein that rotates inside the pipe 319A to transfer the second portion of the torque from the joint 314c to the second transfer device 318B. A third portion of the torque of the rotor shaft 314b can similarly be transmitted, via the pipes 319A and 319B, to a third transfer device 318C. Each of the transfer devices 318A-C then transfers its respective portion of the torque to a different destination (e.g., different land based or surface based power distribution sites similar to the sites 120A-B of the system 100). For example, at the distal ends of each of the transfer devices 320A-C, a respective gear 320A-C may rotate according to the respective transferred portion of the torque of its device 320A-C. Thus, in the Illustrated example, the first portion of the torque is then transferred through the gear 320A to power or rotate a first generator 324A (similar to generator 124) at a first location. Similarly, the second portion of the transferred torque powers a second generator 324B at a second location, and the third portion of the torque powers a third generator 324C at a third location. It is noted that, in some examples, the generators 324A-C can be geographically distributed in distant locations potentially miles apart from one another and/or from the enclosure 110.

FIG. 4 illustrates another alternate embodiment 400 of an example power system, according to the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, torque generated from the enclosure 110 is transferred, through a network of PTO devices or energy transfer devices 118A-L, to a plurality of different power distribution sites 120A-G that are geographically distributed in different locations. Thus, as noted above, hydrokinetic power captured at the enclosure 110 can be used to power various devices (e.g., generators, etc.) distributed across a plurality of different locations of the sites 120A-G. For example, a portion of the torque produced in the enclosure 110 can be transferred to the power distribution sight 120C via the transfer devices 118A, 118B, 118D, 118E, and so on.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example embodiment 514 of an example energy capture device (e.g., similar to the capture device 114), according to the present disclosure. In the illustrated example of FIG. 5, the capture device 514 includes the plurality of blades 314a, the rotor shaft 314b, and the joint or gear 314c. Further, in the illustrated example, the capture device 514 also includes a motor flange 314d. The motor flange 314d may be configured to selectively couple the capture device 514 to an electric machine (i.e., motor or generator). For example, an electric motor can be coupled to the flange 314d to facilitate regulating a torque of the rotor shaft 314b or operating the capture device 514 (at least temporarily) as a PTO device. In other examples, an electric generator can be coupled to the flange 314d to convert a portion of the torque of rotor shaft 314b to electrical power for powering one or more local components of the system 100. For example, referring to FIG. 3, a generator coupled to the flange 314d can be used to power the valves 112a, 112c.

FIG. 6 illustrates another alternate embodiment 600 of an example power system, according to the present disclosure. The system 600 shows an example configuration where an electrical motor/generator is coupled to the flange 314d of the energy capture device 514, in line with the discussion above.

FIG. 7 illustrates another alternate embodiment 700 of an example power system, according to the present disclosure. System 700 represents an example power system configuration that can be implemented in a land-based site (e.g., 120A, 120B, etc.), a submersible enclosure (e.g., 110), or a mobile platform (e.g., vehicle, submarine, ship, etc.).

In the illustrated example, system 700 includes the turbine conveyer 130 which is configured to receive a high-pressure stream of water flowing above and/or below the turbine conveyer 130. The stream of water causes the turbine conveyer 130 to rotate one or more rotor shafts (e.g., 732A, 732B, etc.) of the turbine conveyer 130.

In the illustrated example, the system 700 also includes electric machines 710A-B which may be similar to electric machine 610. For example, electric machine 710A may be coupled to a first rotor shaft 732A of the turbine conveyer 130 and electric machine 710B may be coupled to a second rotor shaft 732B of the turbine conveyer 130. Further, electric machine 710A can be operated as an electric motor to increase, regulate, or otherwise adjust a torque of the rotor shaft 732A or as an electric generator that converts at least a portion of the torque of the rotor shaft 732A to generate electrical power. Similarly, electric machine 710B can be operated as an electric motor or as an electric generator coupled to the rotor shaft 732B.

In the illustrated example, system 700 also includes transfer devices 718A-B (e.g., PTO devices, energy transfer pipes, etc.) which transfer, respectively, at least a portion of the torque of rotor shafts 732A-B from respective proximal ends of the transfer devices 718A-B (i.e., the ends connected to the electric machines 710A-B) to respective distal ends of the transfer devices 718A-B (i.e., the ends connected to transfer terminals 719A-B). Transfer terminals 719A-B may each include a transmission system (e.g., gears, etc.) to redirect the torque received from the transfer devices 718A-B to different destinations (e.g., other transfer devices, generators, pumps, etc.) that can be within the system 700 (e.g., pump 126) or outside the system 700 (e.g., a different power distribution site or submersible enclosure).

In the illustrated example, the system 700 also includes the water storage tank 128, which may store water locally at a lower pressure than the pressure of the water stream that actuates the turbine conveyer 130. For example, the water storage tank 128 may store the water flowing out of water dispensers 720A-720B after the water flows above the turbine conveyer 130.

The water dispensers 720A-B are devices configured to direct, respectively, a high-pressure stream of water to drive or rotate a turbine conveyer (e.g., 130). In the illustrated example, the dispensers 720A-B drive different turbine conveyers. In alternative examples, the dispensers 720A-B may drive a same turbine conveyer (e.g., by directing a first water stream above the turbine conveyer and a second water stream below the conveyer, etc.).

In examples, a water dispenser (e.g., 720B) may be configured to receive the high-pressure water stream from a surrounding environment. For example, where the system 700 is implemented inside a submersible enclosure (e.g., enclosure 110), the dispenser 720B may receive a high-pressure stream of water from the body of water in which the enclosure 110 is submerged (e.g., seabed or ocean depth, etc.) and direct the incoming flow of pressurized water to a turbine conveyer.

In alternative or additional examples, a water dispenser (e.g., 720A), together with the water pump 126, may be configured to pressurize water from the local water storage tank 128 to generate the high-pressure stream of water that drives the turbine conveyer 130. In an example, the water pump 126 may receive a torque transferred from one or more sources (e.g., PTO devices, etc.) inside the system 700 (e.g., via transfer devices 718A, 718B, etc.) or outside the system 700 (e.g., from a remote power distribution site similar to sites 120A, 120B or from a remote submerged enclosure similar to 110). In another example, the water pump 126 may be powered by an electric motor (e.g., 710A or 710B) or other type of motor.

Thus, for example, the system 800 can be deployed on land or in a mobile unit or in any other site that is not submerged in high-pressure ocean depths. In this example, the water dispenser 720A can pressurize its available locally stored water using the torque transferred from a remote system (e.g., enclosure 110) that is present in a high-pressure marine environment.

FIG. 8 illustrates another alternate embodiment 800 of an example power system, according to the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the water dispenser 720A is configured as a hydraulic water dispenser in which low-pressure water (e.g., from the storage tank 128) is pumped (e.g., using a hydraulic water pump 126) to produce the high-pressure water stream dispensed from the dispenser 720A to drive the turbine conveyer 130.

In the illustrated example, the hydraulic water dispenser 720A includes one or more input valves 822, a cylinder 824 having one or more inlets 826 and one or more outlets 828, a piston rod 830, and an output valve 832. In this example, the dispenser 720A could thus receive water having a relatively low pressure (e.g., from water storage tank 128) via the input valve(s) 822 and direct the received (unpressurized) water into the cylinder 824 via the inlet(s) 826. The piston rod 830 can then compress the water in the cylinder 824 and force it out of the outlet(s) 828 as a high pressure water stream flowing out of the dispenser 720A via the output valve 832 (e.g., toward the turbine conveyer 130).

FIG. 9 illustrates another alternate embodiment 900 of an example power system, according to the present disclosure. The illustration of system 900 of FIG. 9 may represent a partial view of a power system similar to system 700 for example. In the illustrated example, the turbine conveyer 130 includes a plurality of blades 934, a conveyer belt 936, and a plurality of rotor shafts 732A-B and 932A-C.

The plurality of blades 934 are disposed on the conveyer belt 936 and so as to rotate the conveyer belt when a high pressure water stream flows above (e.g., stream 901) or below (e.g., stream 903) the conveyer belt 936. The conveyer belt 936, in turn, is coupled to the plurality of rotor shafts 732A-B and 932A-C so as to rotate the plurality of rotor shafts. The stream 901, for example, may correspond to the high pressure water stream dispensed out of the water dispenser 720A of FIG. 7.

In an example, the stream 903 may correspond to a stream of water that is pulled into the dispenser 720a through the input valve(s) 822 of FIG. 8. In an alternative example, the stream 903 may correspond to another stream of water dispensed from a second water dispenser (e.g., similar to dispenser 720A). Referring back to FIG. 7 by way of example, an alternative configuration of the system 700 may include the second dispenser arranged opposite the dispenser 720A to dispense the stream 903 below the turbine conveyer 130. In some examples, the streams 901, 903 may comprise tubes or water channels configured to direct water flowing inside the tubes 901, 903 across the conveyer belt 936 as shown.

In examples, the plurality of rotor shafts includes one or more rotor shafts (e.g., 732A-B) connected to an external transfer device (e.g., 718A-718B) or an external electrical machine (e.g., 710A-710B). In additional or alternative examples, the plurality of rotor shafts includes one or more rotor shafts (e.g., 932A-C) that are not necessarily connected to the external electrical machines or transfer devices directly but that may be connected to them indirectly (e.g., via the rotor shafts 710A-710B).

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-section view of an alternative embodiment 1030 of an example turbine conveyer device, according to the present disclosure. FIG. 11 illustrates another crosssection view of the turbine conveyer 1030 (i.e., along the A-A lines depicted in FIG. 10). The turbine conveyer 1030 may be similar to the turbine conveyer 130 of the systems 100 and 700, for example. In the illustrated example, the turbine conveyer 1030 includes a mounting structure 1038 that supports a plurality of rotor blades (e.g., 732A-B, etc.) of the turbine conveyer 1030. As best shown in FIG. 11 for example, the mount 138 may be configured to reduce physical contact between the conveyer belt 936 and the rotor shafts 732A-B, etc.) by defining a cavity 1040 between the conveyer belt 936 and the rotor shafts as a friction-less buffer to reduce an area of physical contact between the conveyer belt 936 and the rotor shafts 732A-B.

In some examples, the conveyer belt 1030 may include a magnetic separation mechanism configured to maintain the separation cavity 1040 by inducing a magnetic force between the rotor shafts 732A-B and the mount 1038. For example, the mount 1038, the rotor shafts 732AB, etc., and/or the conveyer belt 936 may include one or more magnets arranged such that a same polarity of corresponding magnets face one another to induce a magnetic force that resists physical contact between the rotor shafts 732A-B, etc. and the conveyer belt 1042 (e.g., by means of magnetic repulsion between the magnets, etc.) at least within the cavity 1040.

In an example, the turbine conveyer 1030 includes a first magnet 1042 disposed on the conveyer belt 936 (e.g., on a flap of the conveyer belt protruding downwards toward the rotor shafts) and a second magnet 1044 disposed on the rotor shaft 732B (e.g., on a corresponding flap of the rotor shaft 732B protruding upwards toward the conveyer belt 936). The magnets 1042, 1044 may be arranged to approach and/or overlap one another as the conveyer belt 936 is rotating. Furthermore, the magnets 1042, 1044 may be arranged such that each magnet has a same polarity facing the other magnet. With this arrangement for example, a magnetic force may be induced between the magnets