The present disclosure relates to an assembly comprising an elongate, substantially vertical water-based structure and an energy generator functionally coupled thereto, wherein said energy generator is configured to convert a water flow into electrical energy. The present disclosure furthermore relates to a water-based structure and an energy generator configured to be comprised by such an assembly.

Tidal pow'er is a known method for generating renewable energy which thus for has not seen wide scale implementation. In this method, kinetic energy from the Earth’s oceanic tides is converted into usable electric energy. Relative to alternative methods for generating renewable energy that rely on weather conditions, tidal power is considered advantageous due to its reliability. Since the Earth’s oceanic tides are caused by the orbital characteristics of the Earth- Moon system, tidal pow'er has the potential to reliably generate renewable energy independent of weather conditions.

Nevertheless, in contrast to certain alternative methods for generating renewable energy, tidal power has not yet seen a large scale global implementation. One reason for this is that in order to be effective, known tidal installations must be placed at a location with sufficiently high tidal ranges and flow velocities in order to generate a sufficient amount of energy. The number of such suitable locations around the globe is, however, quite limited. An other reason for the thus far constricted large scale implementation of tidal pow'er is the fact that the method suffers from relatively high costs per kWh of generated energy.

Wind energy is method for generating renewable energy that, in contrast to tidal pow'er, has seen a much more large scale implementation. When applied in an offshore environment, water-based structures in the form of monopile support structures are used to support the tower of a wind turbine. Placing such structures at remote areas at sea rather than on land is considered to be advantageous due to the abundance of available space and the presence of laminar wind flow's, which result in a relatively high energy yield of an offshore wind park. These advantages have resulted in the construction of a great number of offshore wind parks at various locations around the world, with some wind parks comprising up to hundreds of wind turbines.

To transport the power generated by a wind park to the larger electricity grid so that it may be used, an infrastructure supporting the wind park is required. Such a support infrastructure partially consists of power lines that connect each wind turbine of the wind park to the larger electricity grid. As offshore wind parks are often constructed at remote locations at sea, construction of this support infrastructure comprises laying power lines on the sea bed over considerable distances. The costs for this aspect of the construction process of an offshore wind park are often substantial, which in turn contributes to the overall costs of wind energy being still relatively high in comparison to traditional ^' (e.g. non-renewable) methods for generating energy.

An other disadvantage of wind parks is that, due to their inherent nature, wind turbines are only capable of generating energy when they are exposed to wind. As the presence of a sufficient amount of wind is not continuous, wind turbines spend a significant portion of their service life in a state wherein they do not generate an optimal amount of energy. These down time periods result in an extended length of the payback period of a wind park after its construction; and result in wind parks being unable to consistently and reliably meet temporally changing demands for energy. To nevertheless still meet the required energy, usage is made of more the aforementioned‘traditional’ methods of generating energy, which evidently have a much more substantial negative impact on the environment.

The objective of the invention disclosed by the present disclosure is to at least mitigate one or more of the above described drawbacks of known methods for generating renewable energy.

This objective is achieved by an assembly, comprising an elongate, substantially vertical water-based structure configured to be arranged in a water flow and an energy generator functionally coupled to the water-based structure. Because of the functional coupling between the water-based structure and the energy generator, an enhanced efficiency of energy generation is achieved both in terms of total energy output and costs per kWh of generated energy.

By being placed in a water flow, a water-based structure causes an increase in flow velocity in an area around its circumference as the flow of water is diverted around it. In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, this increase in flow velocity may be advantageously exploited by functionally coupling the energy generator to the water-based structure by arranging the energy generator at least partially within the area wherein the flow velocity is increased. As the energy output of such an energy generator is in part dependent on the velocity of the water flow' in which it is arranged, the output of the energy generator is therefore enhanced.

The energy generator further comprises a converter arranged to convert water flow' into electrical energy during operation of the energy generator, the converter comprising a rotary system with at least one rotor and one stator for this purpose.

ln certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the rotor of the rotary system is configured to rotate around an axis substantially transverse relative to a water flow direction. In additional or alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the rotor of the rotary system is configured to rotate around an axis substantially parallel relative to a plane defined by a water flow direction. In these embodiments, a rotation axis of the rotary system may be defined by or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the water-based structure. Moreover, the rotary system may be arranged substantially along at least a submerged height of the water-based structure. According to certain embodiments the present disclosure, the energy generator may comprise a channel defining an inlet and an outlet and configured to be submerged in the water flow. In an additional or alternative preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the channel of the energy generator further comprises a constricted section having a reduced diameter relative to at least one of a diameter of the inlet and a diameter of the outlet. Preferably, at least one of the rotor and the stator of the rotary system is arranged at the constricted section of the channel. The channel defines a venturi passage wherein the flow undergoes a further increase in flow velocity, resulting in a further enhanced energy output of the energy generator.

Further additional or preferred embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise at least an outer part of the channel and a portion of the cross sectional circumference of the water- based structure comprising mutually complementary shapes. By means of these mutually complementary shapes, a water flow between the channel of the energy generator and the water- based structure is at least impeded and preferably completely obstructed. In these embodiments of the present disclosure, water flow with increased flow velocity caused by the aforementioned diversion is essentially forced through the channel of the energy converter as it seeks a flow path with the least amount of resistance, thus further enhancing the output of the energy generator. In certain preferred embodiments, these mutually complementary shapes of the outer part of the channel and a portion of the cross sectional circumference of the water-based structure may be achieved by the outer part of the channel and the circumference of the water-based structure respectively comprising a substantially similar curvature.

In additional or alternative preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, such an impediment, and preferably an obstruction, of water flow between the channel and the water-based structure may furthermore be achieved by at least one insert arranged between the energy generator and the water-based structure.

In additional or alternative preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, the assembly comprises a float configured to reciprocate with a wave motion in a body of water and a reservoir connected to the float. In these embodiments, the reservoir is configured to take in ambient water during an upward motion of the float and is configured to eject water into the inlet of the channel through a nozzle during a downward motion of the float. As such, the output of the energy generator may be further enhanced by converting wave motions in the body of water into electrical energy.

In additional or alternative preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, the channel of the energy generator further comprises at least one flow injector to further increase the velocity of the flow in the channel. The flow' injector may be arranged at the outlet of the channel.

In additional or alternative preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, the channel of the energy generator may further comprise an additional passage to an interior of the channel at the inlet of the channel. In these embodiments, , additional passage allows passage of the water flow from a high pressure region located near the inlet of the channel to an interior thereof, thereby adding momentum to the water flow through the channel of the energy generator, thus further enhancing the output of the energy generator.

In certain additional or alternative preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one of the inlet and the outlet of the channel may comprise a rectangular shape. In embodiments wherein a plurality of energy generators are functionally coupled to one and the same water-based structure, such a rectangular shape of the channel of each energy generator allows for a more efficient arrangement of the energy generators. In addition, a rectangular shape may be manufactured more easily and cost effective relative to alternative shapes of the channel.

In certain additional or alternative preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, the energy generator may be functionally coupled to the water-based structure by at least one of the channel and the converter being arranged on a guide. In these embodiments, the guide is configured to guide the at least one of the channel and the converter during hoisting or lowering thereof along the water-based structure to, respectively from, above a water line. As such, installation and maintenance of the energy generator is significantly simplified relative to embodiments without such a guide. The guide preferably comprises a rail extending longitudinally along a side of the water-based structure.

In certain additional or alternative preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, the functional coupling between the energy generator and the water-based structure further comprises a hoist arranged on the water-based structure, with said hoist being configured to hoist or lower at least part of the energy generator in a movement along the guide.

In certain additional or alternative preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the channel and the converter is configured to be separately coupled to and decoupled from the water-based structure. Preferably, a remotely operated retaining mechanism is provided to couple and decouple at least one of the channel and the converter to/from the water-based structure. In certain embodiments, at least one of the channel and the converter is functionally coupled to the water-based structure by means of the remotely operated retaining mechanism in conjunction with the aforementioned guide.

In certain additional or alternative preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the channel and the converter is comprised by a cassette. Further preferred embodiments comprise the cassette being configured to be separately coupled to and decoupled from the water- based structure. Further preferred embodiments comprise the cassette being coupled to the water- based structure by means of the aforementioned guide. Preferably, a remotely operated retaining mechanism to couple and decouple the cassette to/from the water-based structure may be provided. This retaining mechanism may be the same as the aforementioned retaining mechanism or one that is different therefrom. In addition, the cassette may also be coupled to the water-based structure by means of the aforementioned guide.

hi certain additional or alternative preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the energy generator is rotably coupled to the water-based structure about a longitudinal axis of the water-based structure. By being rotably coupled to the water-based structure, the energy generator may be aligned around a cross sectional circumference of the water-based structure with a directional component of the water flow to achieve an optimal water flow through the energy generator of the energy generator, thus resulting in an optimal energy output ln further embodiments, there may be a controller provided so that this process may be performed in an automated fashion based on input from an operator or fully automatic based measurements of a flow direction stemming from sensors.

ln certain additional or alternative preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the assembly may comprise a plurality of energy generators. These energy generators may be functionally coupled to the water-based structure on one or more than one side thereof. In addition, the energy generators may be arranged one above the other in a longitudinal direction of the water- based structure.

In certain additional or alternative preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the assembly may further comprise an energy storage configured to temporarily store energy generated by the energy generator. By means of this energy storage, temporal fluctuations in demand for or the production of energy may be absorbed by selectively charging the energy storage and/or releasing energy therefrom.

In certain additional or alternative preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the water-based structure may be a structure of an additional energy generator, such as a monopile of a wind turbine ln embodiments wherein the assembly also comprises the aforementioned energy storage, the water-based structure and the energy generator may be functionally coupled through the energy storage. In these embodiments, selective release and absorption of energy from/by the energy storage may be used to stabilise the total energy output from the assembly as a whole resulting from changing wind and/or tidal conditions.

ln certain additional or alternative preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the energy generator and water-based structure with the additional energy generator are functionally coupled through a common power outlet or node.

In more preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, the energy generator is configured to match at least one output characteristic of the additional energy generator of the water-based structure. Even more preferably, this output characteristic is comprised by a group of output characteristics, said group comprising: an output power, an output voltage, a voltage frequency, a voltage phase, and an output current. More over, the present disclosure relates to an energy generator according to any one of the embodiments as defined above, as well as a water-based structure configured to be arranged in a water flow according to any one of the above defined embodiments.

Herein above, embodiments of the present disclosure are referred to on the basis of relatively generic indications of features thereof, corresponding with the definitions in the appended claims. Herein below, more detailed aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure are described referring to the appended drawing. It is emphasised here that the shown embodiments are merely exemplary of the possibilities and functionalities that can be achieved by basic principles of the present disclosure, and that the scope of protection of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims may encompass alternatives, additions and equivalents of the features and functionalities of the below described embodiments and of the features in the appended claims. Throughout the below embodiment description, the same or similar elements, components, functional units and the like can be referred to using the same or similar reference signs. In the appended drawing:

Fig. 1 discloses a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an assembly according to the present disclosure;

Fig. 2 discloses another exemplary embodiment of an assembly according to the present disclosure, wherein the rotor of the rotary system is of the converter of the energy generator is configured to rotate around an axis substantially transverse relative to a water flow direction;

Fig. 3 discloses an exemplary embodiment of an energy generator to be used in the aforementioned assembly;

Fig. 4 discloses a top-down view of an exemplary embodiment of an assembly according to the present disclosure;

Fig. 5 discloses a top-down view of an other exemplary embodiment of an assembly according to the present disclosure;

Fig. 6 discloses an embodiment of the present disclosure that is configured to convert a reciprocating wave motion in a body of water into electrical power;

Fig. 7 depicts a channel of an energy converter according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 8 depicts a channel of an energy converter according to an other exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 9 shows an other exemplary embodiment of an assembly according to the present disclosure;

Fig. 10 shows an other exemplary embodiment of an assembly according to the present disclosure further comprising a guide; Fig. 11 shows an other exemplary embodiment of an assembly according to the present disclosure further comprising an exemplary embodiment of a hoist;

Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an assembly 1 according to the present disclosure. The assembly 1 comprises an elongate, substantially vertical water-based structure 2 configured to be arranged in a water flow. The water-based structure 2 may be a monopile of a wind turbine. However, the invention according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The water-based structure may for example be an oilrig or a part thereof, a bridge pillar of a bridge over a river, a floating structure, or any other type of water-based structure configured to be arranged in a body of water wherein a water flow occurs.

When water-based structure 2 is arranged in a water flow, water in the vicinity of water- based structure 2 will impede thereon and will be diverted around a portion perimeter of water- based structure 2 while undergoing an increase in flow velocity. Water-based structure 2 thus defines an area around at least a portion of its perimeter wherein a flow velocity of the water flow is relatively increased.

The assembly 1 further comprises at least one energy generator 3 arranged at and functionally coupled to water-based structure 2. The term“functionally coupled”, as it henceforth will be used throughout the present disclosure, should be understood as being coupled to enhance the functionality of the energy generator 3 and, in certain embodiments of the present disclosure, an additional energy generator comprised by water-based structure 2. An enhanced functionality may constitute an overall enhanced energy output, simplified installation and/or maintenance, and/or reduced installation and/or maintenance costs of assembly 1.

Again referring to Fig. 1, energy generator 3 may be coupled to water-based structure 2 to be arranged in the aforementioned area wherein a flow velocity of the water flow is increased. As will be elucidated below, the increased flow velocity in this area enhances the energy output of energy generator 3, thus resulting in energy generator 3 being functionally coupled to water-based structure 2 in the context of the present disclosure.

As will be further elucidated with reference to Fig. 3, energy generator 3 comprises at a converter arranged to convert water flow into electrical energy. To this end, the converter comprises a rotary system with at least one rotor and one stator.

Fig. 2 depicts an additional or alternative embodiment of the assembly depicted in Fig. 1.

In Fig. 2, assembly 1 comprises two energy generators 3 functionally coupled to an elongate, substantially vertical water-based structure 2. The energy generators 3 depicted in Fig. 2 differ from the energy generators 3 depicted in Fig. 1 in that the rotary system of the converter of the former is configured to rotate around an axis that is substantially transverse relative to a water flow direction, while the rotary system of the converter of the latter is configured to rotate around an axis that is substantially parallel to a plane defined by the water flow direction. The embodiment of depicted in Fig. 2 may have the advantage of reduced production, installation and maintenance costs relative to the embodiment depicted in Fig. 1 , alongside with potentially reduced mechanical loads on (parts of) the structure. In addition, vulnerable equipment and/or parts may be installed at or near the top end of the axis transverse to the water flow direction, close to or above a w'ater line. At this position, said equipment and/or parts are subjected to the hazardous ocean environment to a lesser degree and may be installed and/or maintained with relative ease.

The skilled person will recognise that the rotor blades of the rotary system of energy generator 3 depicted in Fig. 2 may exhibit many different forms, with the forms depicted in Fig. 2 merely being an example. For instance, the rotor blades may exhibit shapes resembling those found in a Darrieus wind turbine, a Giromill, a Savonius wind turbine, or variations thereof.

Fig. 3 depicts an energy generator 3 to be used in the embodiment depicted in Fig. 1, said energy generator 3 comprising a channel 4 configured to be at least partially submerged in the water flow'. Channel 4 further comprises two openings at either end thereof, which respectively constitute an inlet 5 and an outlet 6 of channel 4. lnlet 5 and outlet 6 are configured to respectively take in and let out water flow, thus allowing water flow to flow' through channel 4 in a longitudinal direction thereof.

Depending on the specific flow direction of the water flow' wherein channel 4 is arranged, inlet 5 and outlet 6 may also have their respective functions interchanged so that inlet 5 serves as an outlet of channel 4 and outlet 6 serves as an inlet of channel 4. As such, the function of inlet 5 and outlet 6 may be relative and dependent on the flow direction of the water flow, thus allowing energy generator 3 to function in part independently of the flow direction of said w'ater flow.

While not show'n in the respective figures, it is noted here that the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 may also comprise a channel 4 having a function similar to as described above and below.

As is shown in Fig. 3, channel 4 of energy generator 3 may comprise a section with a diameter that is reduced relative to at least one of inlet 5 and outlet 6. In this section, a w'ater flow' flowing through channel 4 undergoes a further increase in flow velocity due to being forced through said section with a reduced diameter. This further increase in flow' velocity - in addition to the increase in flow velocity due to the functional coupling between water-based structure 2 and energy generator 3 - further enhances the output of energy generator 3.

By comprising a section with a diameter that is reduced relative to at least one of inlet 5 and outlet 6, channel 4 of energy generator 3 preferably defines a venturi passage.

Again referring to Fig. 3, energy generator 3 comprises converter 7 to convert water flow through channel 4 into electrical energy. In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 3, the converter 7 comprises a rotary system 8 connected to the converter and configured to convert kinetic energy of the water flow into electrical energy by means of induction. For generating electrical energy by means of induction, rotary system 8 and converter 7 may respectively comprise coils and magnets, or vice versa.

In additional or alternative embodiments, converter 7 may comprise a hydraulic drive (not shown) that pumps fluid (e.g. seawater, hydraulic oil, glycol or an other type of suitable hydraulic fluid) towards a hydraulic motor in either an open loop or closed loop system. The motor may be connected to an electric drive system that automatically converts the hydraulic energy into electric power. Such a system may be used alternatively to or in conjunction with the aforementioned induction based converter 7.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the present disclosure in a top-down perspective. In this embodiment, assembly 1 comprises a water-based structure 2 and two energy generators 3 functionally coupled thereto. In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the energy generators 3 are functionally coupled to water-based assembly 2 by being arranged in an area near water-based structure 2 wherein water flow undergoes an increase in flow velocity. The functional coupling between water-based structure 2 and energy generators 3 further constitutes channels 4 of energy generators 3 comprising parts of which the shapes complement a portion of a cross sectional circumference of water-based structure 2. Because of these mutually complementary shapes, water flow in the areas between water-based structure 2 and channels 4 is at least impeded and possibly entirely obstructed. As such, a water flow that impinges upon water-based structure 2 is forced through channels 4 of energy generators 3 as it seeks a flow path with a minimal amount of resistance. In these embodiments, a functional coupling between water-based structure 2 and energy generator 3 is therefore optimised, thus further enhancing the output of energy generator 3.

As is furthermore depicted in Fig. 4, the outer parts of channels 4 and the circumference of water-based structure 2 respectively comprise substantially similar curvature to ensure an optimally smooth flow of water through channels 4 of energy generators 3.

Fig. 5 shows an exemplary alternative to the embodiment depicted in Fig. 4. In this embodiment, channels 4 of energy generators 3 do not comprise parts of which the shape complements a part of the cross sectional circumference of water-based structure 2. Instead, the embodiment depicted in Fig. 5 comprises inserts 9 arranged in the area between channels 4 of energy generators 3 and the water-based structure 2. By means of inserts 9, a water flow in the areas between water-based structure 2 and channels 4 is at least impeded and possibly entirely obstructed, thus forcing the water flow through channels 4 of energy generators 3 as it seeks a flow path with minimal resistance in a way that is similar to the embodiment depicted by Fig. 4. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may utilise a combination of the above described mutually complementary shapes and inserts 9.

Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein assembly 1 further comprises a float 10. Float 10 is configured to float in a body of water wherein assembly 1 is arranged and is furthermore configured to reciprocate with a wave motion said body of water. Float

10 may be ring shaped to engirdle water-based structure 2 or may be comprised by one or more individual floating sections.

With reference to Fig. 6, assembly 1 further comprises reservoirs 11 connected to float 10. During an upward motion of float 10 resulting from a wave motion in the body of water, reservoirs

11 reciprocate with float 10 and take in ambient water. Reservoirs 11 furthermore comprise nozzles 12 oriented towards inlets 5 of channels 4 of energy generators 3. When float 10, after having taken in ambient water, subsequently undergoes a downward motion, reservoirs 11 reciprocate with float 10 and eject the water they have previously taken in into inlets 5 through nozzles 12. This results in a flow of water through channels 4 of energy generators 3, which is subsequently converted into electrical energy by energy generators 3 in the manner as described above.

The embodiment of the present disclosure depicted in Fig. 6 may thus convert wave motions in the body of water wherein assembly 1 is arranged into electrical energy in addition to converting the kinetic energy of a water flow in said body of water into electrical energy. As such, an enhanced and/or more reliable and consistent output of energy of energy generator 3 may be achieved.

Fig. 7 shows an additional exemplary embodiment of a channel 4 of an energy generator 3 according to the present disclosure. In this embodiment, channel 4 comprises a plurality of flow injectors 13 arranged at or near outlet 6. Each flow injector 13 may be formed as an extrusion having an inlet for a high velocity water jet. The flow injectors 13 are thus capable of increasing the velocity of the overall water flow through channel 4 by generating a low pressure area near outlet 6, thus resulting in an enhanced energy output of energy generator 3.

Fig. 8 shows an other exemplary embodiment of a channel 4 of an energy generator 3 according to the present dislosure. hi this embodiment, channel 4 of energy generator 3 further comprises an additional passage 14 to an interior of channel 4. In this embodiment, additional passage 14 allows passage of a water flow from a high pressure region located near inlet 5 to an interior of channel 4, thereby adding momentum to said flow to further enhance the output of energy generator 3.

Fig. 9 shows an other exemplary embodiment of an assembly 1 according to the disclosure, said assembly 1 comprising a water-based structure 2 and energy generators 3 functionally coupled thereto. In contrast to the previously described embodiments, the embodiment depicted in Fig. 4 comprises energy generators 3 with channels 4 defining inlets 5 and outlets 6 with a substantially rectangular shape. In embodiments of the present disclosure wherein a plurality of energy generators is functionally coupled to water-based structure 2, such a substantially rectangular shape allows for more space efficient stacking of energy generators 3 in a vertical direction of water- based assembly 3. In addition, while Fig. 9 nevertheless depicts a substantial gap between each energy generator 3 stacked in a vertical direction of water-based structure 2, a rectangular shape of inlets 5 and/or outlets 6 allows for energy generators 3 to be stacked on one another in a vertical direction of water-based structure 2 in a tightly fitting fashion, wherein no or only a minimal gap is present between each of the energy generators. In these embodiments, a flow that impedes on water-based structure 2 is thus forced to flow through rectangular inlets 5 of channels 4, which further enhances the energy output of energy generators 3. A rectangular shape of inlets 5 and outlets 6 of channels 4 may have the additional advantage that such inlets 5 and outlets 6 are easier and more cost efficient to manufacture relative to other (e.g. round) shapes of inlets 5 and outlets 6.

Fig. 10 shows an additional or alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein energy generator 3 is comprised by a cassette 16 that is functionally coupled to water-based structure 2 by means of a guide 15.

Energy generator 3 may be partially comprised by cassette 16, with either one of channel 4 and converter 7 being comprised by said cassette 16, or may be fully comprised by cassette 16, with both channel 4 and converter 7 being comprised by cassette 16. The cassette 16 may be configured to protect channel 4 and/or converter 7 from external influences that may otherwise damage these components. In certain embodiments, the cassette may also comprise additional components, such as a voltage converter. In embodiments wherein assembly 1 comprises both guide 15 and cassette 16, cassette 16 is preferably functionally coupled to water-based structure 2 by means of guide 15.

Referring again to Fig. 10, assembly 1 comprises guide 15 configured to guide cassette 16 during hoisting or lowering thereof along the water-based structure to, respectively from, above a water line. As such, guide 15 extends in a vertical direction along water-based structure 2 at least from above a water line to at least a desired installation position of energy generator 3, thus advantageously allowing for easier installation of and maintenance on energy generator 3, or components thereof such as channel 4 and converter 7. In embodiments wherein energy generator 3 is partially or completely comprised by a cassette 16, guide 15 may be configured to guide said cassette 16. However, in embodiments comprising cassette 16, guide 15 may be configured to guide elements constituting energy generator 3 that are not comprised by said cassette 16. In certain embodiments of the present disclosure wherein no cassette 16 is present, guide 15 may nevertheless be configured to guide either one or both of channel 4 and converter 7 along a vertical direction of water-based structure 2, as well as power generator 3 as a whole.

In preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, guide 15 comprises a rail extending longitudinally along a side of water-based structure 2. Nevertheless, guide 15 may be embodied by an equivalent alternative component, such as a fixed cable, a guide groove or a protrusion extending longitudinally along a side of water-based structure 2. Assembly 1 may further comprise at least one remotely operated retaining mechanism configured to remotely couple or decouple energy generator 3 and/or at least one of channel 4 and converter 7 to/from water-based structure 2 from above a water line. In embodiments wherein at least part of energy generator 3 is comprised by aforementioned cassette 16, the remotely operated retaining mechanism may be configured to remotely couple or decouple said cassette 16 to/from water-based structure 2 from above a water line. As such, such a remotely operated retaining mechanism mitigates the need for divers when installing or maintaining power generator 3 or components thereof. In certain preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, the remotely operated retaining mechanism is advantageously comprised by guide 15.

Fig. 1 1 show's an additional or alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, assembly 1 further comprises a hoist 17 configured to hoist or lower at least one of converter 7 and channel 4 of energy generator 3 along water-based structure 2. While Fig. 1 1 shows an exemplary embodiment wherein converter 7 is hoisted or lowered independently of channel 4, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In certain embodiments, hoist 17 may be configured to hoist or lower channel 4 or both of converter 7 and channel 4. ln embodiments wherein at least one of channel 4 and converter 7 is comprised by cassette 16, hoist 17 may furthermore be configured to hoist or lower cassette 16. In preferred embodiments, hoist 17 is configured to be used in conjunction with guide 15 and the aforementioned remotely operated retaining mechanism.

While hoist 17 is depicted in Fig. 1 1 as a cable-based hoist, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, hoist 17 may be embodied by a drive comprised by energy generator 3, with said drive being configured to mechanically drive energy generator 3 in a vertical direction along water-based structure 2 while simultaneously engaging guide 15. In further certain embodiments of the present disclosure, hoist 17 may be embodied by a buoyancy unit comprised by energy generator 3, wherein said buoyancy is configured to alternate between a positive and a negative buoyancy condition to respectively hoist or low'er energy generator 3 or a component thereof. Within the context of the present disclosure, the term“hoist” should thus be understood as referring to each of these embodiments of hoist 17, as w'ell as equivalent alternatives thereto.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, channel 4 of energy generator 3 may be rotatably coupled to 'aler-based structure 2 about a longitudinal axis of w'aler-based structure 2. In these embodiments, channel 4 may be rotated so that inlet 5 of channel 4 of energy generator 3 is advantageously aligned with a directional component of the water flow wherein assembly 2 is arranged. This ensures an optimal flow velocity of w'ater flow through channel 4 of energy generator 3, which in turn results in an optimised output of energy generator 3. In more preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, a controller is provided to rotate channel 4 around a cross sectional circumference of the water-based structure 2 to align water-based structure 2 with a directional component of the water flow'. The controller may furthermore align channel 4 based on a signal from a flow sensor that is indicative of direction component of the water flow.

While the exemplary figures in the appended drawing depict assembly 1 with one, two, four and six energy generators 3, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Indeed, according to the present disclosure assembly 1 may comprise any number of energy generators 3.

In preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, assembly 2 may further comprise an energy storage configured to temporarily store energy generated by energy generator 3. In these embodiments, temporal fluctuations in energy production by energy generator 3 and in demand for energy may be absorbed by selectively by charging said energy storage and/or releasing energy therefrom.

In preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, water-based structure 2 is a structure of an additional energy generator. Such an additional energy generator may be a wind turbine, with water-based structure 2 being a monopile configured to support said wind turbine. Alternatively, water-based structure 2 may be a part of a structure of a hydropower-based, a solar-based, a combustion-based nuclear-based, or even an other tidal power-based energy generator. In these embodiments of the present disclosure, energy generator 3 and water-based structure 2 may advantageously utilise the same support infrastructure. For example, an assembly 1 comprising an energy generating water-based structure 2 and energy generator 3, w'ater-based structure 2 and energy generator 3 may be functionally coupled to one another through a common power outlet or node. In these embodiments, water-based structure 2 and energy generator 3 thus share said support infrastructure. As this support infrastructure thus only has to be constructed once to support both energy generating water-based structure 2 and energy generator 3, a significant reduction of costs per kWh of energy generated by assembly 1 is achieved.

In such embodiments of the present disclosure, preferably a characteristic of respective energy outputs of water-based structure 2 and energy generator 3 may be matched to one another. This characteristic may comprise an output pow'er, an output voltage, a voltage frequency, a voltage frequency, a voltage phase and an output current. An output characteristic of water-based structure 2 may be matched to an output characteristic of energy generator 3 so that the two respective output characteristics are identical to one another. For example, an output voltage frequency of energy generator 3 may be matched to an output voltage frequency of energy generating water-based structure 2, so that both energy generator 3 and water-based structure 2 output electrical energy with an output voltage frequency that corresponds to a utility frequency of the larger electricity grid to w'hich they are connected. Alternatively, the two respective output characteristics may be matched to one another so that a compounded output characteristic of assembly 1 corresponds to a predetermined value. For example, a power output of energy generator 3 may be matched to a power output of energy generating water-based structure 2, so that a compounded power output of assembly 1 as a whole corresponds to a predetermined desired value.

In specific embodiments wherein assembly 1 further comprises the aforementioned energy storage, said energy storage may further operate in conjunction with energy generating water-based structure 2.

In various embodiments of the present invention, the energy generator takes the form of an add-on that may be functionally coupled to existing water-based structures of various well-known types, thus forming an assembly in accordance to the present disclosure. For example, the water- based structure may be an existing offshore wind turbine which - after having coupled energy generator 3 thereto - may bring forward any one of the advantageous technical effects described above. Further parts of any one of the assemblies described above, such as guide 15, cassette 16 and hoist 17 may also take the form of an add-on that may be coupled to existing water-based structures comprised by the assembly. As such, one of the primary advantages of an assembly in accordance with the present disclosure is the ability to improve and/or expand the functionality of existing water-based structures.

It should be noted, that the figures in the appended drawing constitute an only minor example of the many different additional and alternative embodiments that could and would be contemplated by the skilled person upon learning of the embodiments of the present disclosure. From this, it is apparent that the scope of protection for the embodiments of the present disclosure is by no means restricted to the actually shown and/or described embodiments, but corresponds with the features that are defined in the appended claims.