Author Topic: Prop Drives similar to windmills underwater?  (Read 2847 times)

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1watt

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Prop Drives similar to windmills underwater?
« on: June 12, 2004, 12:34:55 AM »
I was wondering if something like flowing water across a prop similar to to a boat's lower unit and using some sort of drive train, Gears, shafts, belts, chains, whatever to turn an alternator has ever been tried? Similar to a windmill underwater. I live next to a large river with constant flow and it seems like it should be possible to do. Taking in to count, pitch, blade diameter, torque  ratios, gearing and lots of experimentation,would it be possible?
« Last Edit: June 12, 2004, 12:34:55 AM by (unknown) »

kurt

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Re: Prop Drives underwater?
« Reply #1 on: June 12, 2004, 01:23:02 AM »
« Last Edit: June 12, 2004, 01:23:02 AM by kurt »

RobD

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Re: Prop Drives similar to windmills underwater?
« Reply #2 on: June 12, 2004, 07:08:40 AM »
For low head apps. do a search for the Banki wheel. On long slow drops, like mine, you can use a run of black plastic pipe to a pelton wheel to a venturi to increase water velocity eliminating the need for gearing up.

RobD
« Last Edit: June 12, 2004, 07:08:40 AM by RobD »

drdongle

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Re: Prop Drives similar to windmills underwater?
« Reply #3 on: June 12, 2004, 07:12:01 AM »
There is some one who has an ad in "Home Power" who sells a unit that looks like a pod with a boat prop that is suspended in the flow of a river. The water flowing past tuns the prop and produces DC.


Carpe Vigor


Dr.D

« Last Edit: June 12, 2004, 07:12:01 AM by drdongle »

1watt

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Re: Prop Drives underwater?
« Reply #4 on: June 12, 2004, 01:38:13 PM »
Yeah - just like that!!  Thanks.  Scott
« Last Edit: June 12, 2004, 01:38:13 PM by 1watt »

1watt

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Re: Prop Drives similar to windmills underwater?
« Reply #5 on: June 12, 2004, 01:39:30 PM »
Thanks!!!  Scott
« Last Edit: June 12, 2004, 01:39:30 PM by 1watt »

1watt

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Re: Prop Drives similar to windmills underwater?
« Reply #6 on: June 12, 2004, 01:41:51 PM »
Thanks, that is alot of food for thought there!!!  Scott
« Last Edit: June 12, 2004, 01:41:51 PM by 1watt »

Dennis

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Re: Prop Drives similar to windmills underwater?
« Reply #7 on: July 04, 2004, 05:43:51 AM »
    Chris I have the answer to your problem. I have created a new design that I call a Gravity Wheel. It turns high volume-low pressure water into low volume-high pressure water by lifting it. The beuty of the design is its simplicity.

   -Unlike the tyson turbine there is no power robbing transmission.

   -No belts, pulleys, or chain.

   -no head needed, it creates its own.

   -built with iron pipe, it will just thread together like a big erector set.

   -floats to raise and lower with river.

Visit my site at http://WildWaterPower.com

-Dennis

« Last Edit: July 04, 2004, 05:43:51 AM by Dennis »

deb

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Re: Prop Drives similar to windmills underwater?
« Reply #8 on: July 06, 2004, 07:07:44 AM »
These water current turbines are quite expensive for the delivered power. Is somebody know a cheaper one?


If not, I think I would have to design my own system and look for great ideas...

« Last Edit: July 06, 2004, 07:07:44 AM by deb »