A Type of Submerged Tidal Generating Platform and Energy Storage Generating

System

Technical field

The present disclosure relates to collecting and storing energy from the movement of water. The disclosure is particularly, but not exclusively, applicable to collecting and storing tidal energy. This invention falls within the field of electrical generation, relating to a type of submerged tidal generating platform and energy storage generating system; and its related energy storage system.

Background technology

As technology develops, a number of tidal power generation designs have appeared, but currently, the existing designs have not effectively resolved the problems of efficiency and energy storage. Currently, using tidal energy for electricity generation in China and overseas all requires construction of a platform for installing hydro turbines, gearboxes and electric motors (generators). Regardless of whether constructing the platform on the surface of the water, or installing the sealed equipments on the seabed to generate electricity, large quantities of steel are always required, typically a thousand tonnes of steel is used, the return of investment takes too long.

Invention Content

In an aspect of the invention, there is provided an energy collection and storage system, comprising: an energy collection module configured to collect energy from movement of water; and an energy storage module; wherein energy is transferred from the energy collection module to the energy storage module using (moving) water as a medium for energy transfer. In other words, collected energy is transferred by conveying water to the energy storage module. This may allow for a more lightweight system that requires less steel to construct, since there is no need for undersea (electrical) power transmission cables when the system is used to collect tidal energy.

The energy collection module may comprise a pump for pumping water to the energy storage module; the pump being powered by the collected energy. The pump may be configured to operate across a range of power inputs, preferably wherein the pump is a composite pump comprising a plurality of sub-pumps, each of the sub-pumps being activated or de-activated in dependence on the power input to the pump. Specifically, three pumps may be provided - where the flow rate is below one knot, only one pump may be active.

The energy collection module may comprise a turbine for collecting energy from the movement of water; wherein the pump is driven directly by the turbine. The turbine may drive an internal axle that is connected to an external axle via a thrust bearing, preferably wherein the pump is installed in between the internal axle and the external axle, more preferably wherein the internal diameter of the pump is attached to the internal axle, and the external diameter of the pump is secured with the external axle.

The energy collection module may comprise a submerged platform on which the turbine is mounted. The turbine of the energy collection module may protrude above the ground (below sea level). The platform may be installed by piling. The turbine may be mounted on a single or a dual column that is in turn mounted on a submerged platform, preferably wherein the turbine is mounted such that it may rotate around an axis running along the length of the single or dual column.

The energy collection module may comprise means for aligning the energy collection module with respect to the direction of the movement of water. Optionally, this may comprise a guiding rudder for the turbine.

A plurality of energy collection modules may be provided - preferably, between 10 and 1000 energy collection modules are used with the system.

The system may further comprise a plurality of pipes for conveying water from the plurality of energy collection modules to the energy storage module. The system may further comprise means for preventing backflow in transferring energy to the energy storage module. The plurality of pipes may comprise a main pipe (also referred to as a 'large energy conveyor pipe') connecting to the energy storage module; and a plurality of secondary pipes (also referred to as 'small energy conveyor pipes') connecting the main pipe and the plurality of energy collection modules.

The system may further comprise valves at the junctions between the plurality of secondary pipes and the main pipe, and a valve between the main pipe and the energy storage module; preferably wherein the valves comprise piston switches.

The energy storage module comprises a body for receiving water (also referred to as an 'energy accumulator'). The body may have a closed cavity for receiving water. The body may comprise a plurality of pipes arranged in parallel, wherein adjacent pipes are connected via pipe bends to form a single cavity rigid body, preferably wherein the pipes are high-pressure seamless steel pipes, yet more preferably wherein the pipes' diameter is between 1 metre and 2 metres. The plurality of pipes comprising the body may be arranged in a generally vertical direction.

The energy storage module may store energy by compressing a compressible fluid by the (received) water. Preferably, the fluid is air. Alternatively, another compressible fluid (other than air) may be used. Expansion of the air may releases water out of the energy storage module.

The energy storage module may further comprise a body for holding compressible fluid (also referred to as an 'air compressor'); wherein the body for holding compressible fluid is connected to the body for receiving water, preferably wherein the body for holding compressible fluid is connected to the body for receiving water proximate an upper part of the body for receiving water, more preferably at the uppermost point. Water in the body for receiving water exerts a pressure on air in the body for holding compressible fluid and vice versa (e.g. water flow into the body for receiving water acts to compress air in the body for holding compressible fluid). The body for receiving water and/or the body for holding compressible fluid may comprise one or more high-pressure pipes, preferably wherein both comprise one or more identical high-pressure pipes.

The body for receiving water may receive water proximate a lower part of the body for receiving water, preferably at the lowest point. In other words, the body for receiving water is arranged (generally) above the pipes conveying the water to the energy storage module.

The system may further comprise a power generation module for generating electricity from the movement of water; the power generation module being connected to the energy storage module. Energy may be transferred from the energy storage module to the power generation module using water as a medium for energy transfer.

The system may be capable of generating electricity from energy collected by the energy collection module without storing energy in the energy storage module. In other words, water may flow from the energy collection modules directly to the energy generation module via the energy storage module.

The electricity generated by the energy generation module may be regulated by storing energy in the energy storage module when the energy collected by the energy collection module exceeds an electricity generation capacity of the energy generation module. The energy generated by the energy generation module may be regulated by using said stored energy in the generation of electricity when the energy collected by the energy collection module is below an electricity generation capacity of the energy generation module. Since energy is conveyed by means of moving water, the electricity generation capacity may correspond to the water pressure at the (inlet to the) energy generation module.

The power generation module may comprise a water motor arranged to receive water from the energy storage module; and a generator powered by the water motor. The power generation module may comprise be a 1450 rpm, 360 V generator, or a 600 rpm 470 V generator.

The system may be configured to generate electricity using the generator when the water pressure at an inlet to the energy generation module (and/or at an outlet of the energy storage module) is above a predetermined threshold; preferably wherein said threshold is between 50 and 100 kg/m ³ , more preferably between 80 and 85 kg/m ³ .

The water pressure at the inlet to the to the energy generation module may be regulated by use of the energy storage module; preferably wherein fluid is compressed in the energy storage module to decrease water pressure; and/or wherein fluid is allowed to expand in the energy storage module to increase water pressure.

The system may further comprise means for controlling the water pressure at an inlet to the energy generation module. The means for controlling the water pressure at an inlet to the energy generation module may comprise valves; preferably wherein the valves comprise piston switches. Optionally, a computer-implemented control system for the valves is provided.

The energy storage module may be partitioned into two or more sections, and water pressure at an inlet to the energy generation module may be controlled by controlling water flow between the sections (optionally using the aforementioned valves). Where the water pressure at an inlet to the energy generation module is above around 100 or 200 kg/m3, a second section may be used to accommodate the water. Water flow between the sections may be controlled in dependence on air and/or water pressure in one or more of the sections, and/or water pressure at an inlet to the energy generation module.

The energy storage module (and preferably the power generation module) may be positioned on land, preferably above sea level. The energy collection module may be at least partially submerged. The energy storage module may be located proximate a power station.

The water may be sea water, and the movement of the water may be a result of a tide. Water used in electricity generation may be (subsequently) released to the sea.

The system may comprise a plurality of energy storage modules, where each energy storage module receives energy (i.e. water) from the main pipe.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of collecting and storing energy, comprising: collecting energy from movement of water; and transferring said collected energy for storage using water as a medium for energy transfer. Optionally, the method further comprises storing said energy.

In an aspect of the invention, there is provided an energy collection module, comprising a turbine, pump, a submerged platform, and optionally a mounting column.

In an aspect of the invention, there is provided an energy storage module, comprising a body for receiving water; wherein said water is used to compress air.

In general, the system operates by accumulating energy when not all of the conveyed energy to the power generation module can be used in power generation. When there is no longer enough pressure at the power generation module for use in electricity generation, the stored water is released and used for power generation.

In other words, when the pressure of the system (from pump to the energy accumulator) is higher than that inside the air compressor, pressured sea water is pumped into the energy accumulator and the air is further compressed in the air compressor. When the pressure of the system (in the energy accumulator) is lower than that of the compressed air in the air compressor, the air expands in the compressor releasing energy and the pressured sea water is going out from the energy accumulator to generate electricity.

The technical problem that the present invention seeks to resolve is provision of a type of submerged tidal generating platform and energy storage generating system.

To describe the aforementioned aspects in other words, in a further aspect, the technical scheme adopted by the present invention for resolving the above-mentioned technical problem is as follows:

a type of submerged tidal generating platform and energy storage generating system, being comprised of: a hundred or tens of submerged tidal generating platforms, and their connection to an energy storage system, said submerged tidal generating platform comprised of: a submerged platform (1) and a hydro turbine, the hydro turbine being installed on top of the submerged platform (1), the submerged platform being connected to the hydro turbine, the hydro turbine collecting tidal energy, the energy being conveyed via multi-tube hydraulic pumps; whereby, each hydro turbine connects to its own multi-tube hydraulic pump, each multi-tube hydraulic pump being connected to its own small energy conveyor pipes (2), the small energy conveyor pipes of each hydro turbine all being connected to a large energy conveyor pipe (3) where energy is centralised and conveyed, the large energy conveyor pipe connecting to an energy accumulator (5), that being connected to an air compressor (6), the energy accumulator connecting to a sea water motor (7), the sea water motor connecting to a generator (8), the generator being connected to a substation (10), the substation being connected to the grid. Apart from that, the large energy conveyor pipe is associated with several switches.

whereby, said submerged tidal generating platforms consist of a single-column type submerged generating platform and a dual-column type submerged generating platform, the single-column type submerged generating platform consisting of a pile made of steel, driven into the position in the sea where the hydro turbine is intended to be installed, supporting the hydro turbine, allowing the hydro turbine to rotate according to the flow of water and to collect tidal energy;

the dual-column type submerged generating platform consists of two piles made of steel, driven into the position in the sea where the hydro turbine is intended to be installed, and bearing the hydro turbine, allowing the hydro turbine to rotate according to the flow of water and to collect tidal energy.

Whereby, said submerged platforms (1) consist of a medium-small platform model and a large platform model, said medium-small platform model being constructed at a position in water between 30 metres deep to 50 metres deep, the medium-small submerged platform generally takes the form of single-column type submerged generation platform;

the large platform model is designed to be installed at a position in water between 50 metres deep to 100 metres deep, and the large model submerged platform takes the form of dual-column type submerged generating platform.

Whereby, said single-column type submerged generating platform is comprised of: small and medium platform models, the smallest specification of the small model platform being constructed in water 30 metres deep, the platform pile being 50 metres long, driven 38 metres into the ground, 12 metres remaining above the ground, the diameter of the steel pile being approximately 2.2 metres, the steel being approximately 3 centimetres thick;

the medium platform model is constructed in water 50 metres deep, the designed length of the pile being 80 metres, the pile being driven 60 metres into the ground, 23 metres remaining above the ground, the diameter of the steel pile being approximately 3 metres, the steel being approximately 4 centimetres thick;

there are multiple 30 centimetres wide, 3 centimetres thick strengthening ribs provided on the external surface of the steel pile extending from the top end of the steel pile to 20 metres below the ground. At a 2 metres position on the strengthening ribs (201) of the steel pile opening an additional one or two layers of steel rings are used, to act as strengthening for the pipe opening;

from the ground surface to 20 metres below the ground two or more triangular fin plates (202) are provided, the tops of which are larger than the bottoms, to provide strengthening at the ground surface.

The specification of the platform can be modified to fit the specific conditions of the location where the platform is installed.

Whereby, the construction of said submerged platform relies on Chinese piling ship deep-sea piling technology, the pile platform being piled in the position in which the hydro turbine is required to be installed. Other suitable piling method from other countries can also be used for piling.

Whereby, a single-column platform is sufficient for the submerged tidal generating platform in water of less than 50 metres deep, a dual-column platform is used in water over 50 metres deep. The choice for using either the single-column or the dual-column platform is based on matching the strength of the platform to fit the particular conditions of tidal flow and the seabed where the platform will be installed.

Whereby, the hydro turbines consist of medium-small type automatically-rotating hydro turbines and large type fixed hydro turbines.

Whereby, said medium-small type automatically-rotating hydro turbine is comprised of: an internal axle (301), an external axle (302), a central hub (303), blades (304), securing column (305), a horizontal bearing (306), a multi-tube hydraulic pump (307), a guiding rudder (308), and small energy conveyor pipes (2), also being provided with a suspension fitting (309), the medium-small type automatically-rotating hydro turbines have different specifications of diameters between 18 metres and 37 metres, there being a thrust bearing installed between the internal axle (301) and the external axle (302), the central hub (303) being installed at the front end of the internal axle, the blades (304) being installed on the central hub; the internal diameter of the multi-tube hydraulic pump (307) is installed on the rear end of the internal axle, the external diameter of the pump is secured with external axle, the securing column (305) is installed in the central position beneath the external axle, in the securing position of the securing column and the external axle there is a horizontal bearing (306) installed, the guiding rudder of the automatically-rotating hydro turbine is installed on two sides to the rear of the external axle.

Whereby, once the medium-small type hydro turbine is installed on the single-column platform, if the flow of water is from east to west, the guiding rudder of the hydro turbine automatically corrects the position of the turbine, adjusting the hydro turbine blades to point east, exposing them to the thrust of the tide to collect energy, if the flow of water is from west to east, the guiding rudder automatically corrects the position of the turbine, adjusting the hydro turbine blades to point west, exposing them to the thrust of the tide to collect energy. The collected energy from the tide by the hydro turbine is conveyed using sea water as the medium to the large energy conveyor pipe via multi-tube hydraulic pumps and small energy conveyor pipes, there being piston switches positioned where the small energy conveyor pipes connect with the large energy conveyor pipe, the pressure of the energy accumulator being less than 300 kilograms, the energy conveyed by the hydro turbine only advancing but not reversing. The piston switches ensure that the collected energy from the turbine will only be accumulated into the energy accumulator but not be released backward.

Whereby, said large-type fixed hydro turbine, the diameters of different specifications of which are 50 metres to 85 metres, is comprised of: an internal axle (301), an external axle (302), a central hub (303), blades (304), securing columns (305), a multi-tube hydraulic pump (307), small energy conveyor pipes (2) and two suspension fittings (309);

whereby, there are thrust bearings installed between the two ends of the internal axle and external axle of the hydro turbine, a central hub being installed at a position in the centre of the external axle, the blades being installed on the central hub. The securing column is installed at the two ends of the internal axle, the inner diameter of the multi-tube hydraulic pump can be installed at one or two ends of the external axle, the outer diameter of the pump body being secured on the securing column at the two ends;

whereby, after the large-type fixed hydro turbine has been installed on the submerged dual-column type platform, if the flow of water is from east to west, the hydro turbine rotates in the forwards direction, and tidal energy collected; if the flow of water is from the west to the east, the hydro turbine rotates in the opposite direction to collect tidal energy. The collected energy from the tidal streams by the hydro turbine is conveyed using sea water as the medium to the large energy conveyor pipe via multi-tube hydraulic pumps and small energy conveyor pipes, there are piston switches positioned at where the small energy conveyor pipes connect with the large energy conveyor pipe, the pressure of the energy accumulator being less than 300 kilograms, the energy conveyed by the hydro turbine only advancing but not reversing. The piston switches ensure that the collected energy from the turbine will only be accumulated into the energy accumulator but not be released backward.

Whereby, said multi-tube hydraulic pump is comprised of: a single multi-tube hydraulic pump and a connected multi-tube hydraulic pump, whereby the single multi-tube hydraulic pump consists of a single pump module combining one or more inlets and multiple outlet tubes, which is a dedicated hydraulic pump using seawater for generating electricity, when flow is fast and hydro turbine output high, the multiple outlet tubes convey energy rapidly in high quantities;

The connected multi-tube hydraulic pump is designed as a composite pump module consists of connected pumps, two or three pump modules being connected together, for instance, the medium large hydro turbine or large hydro turbine can be installed with two- or multi-modules connected pump because the output is very large, alternatively two or multiple single pumps can be added for use.

Whereby, said energy accumulator consists of lengths of one metre or two metre diameter high pressure seamless steel pipes, pre-arranged outdoors of the power station at a dedicated open-air site, pipe bends of the same specification connecting and sealing multi-tube openings, being used in parallel;

The air compressor is located near the energy accumulator and is made of similar high-pressure seamless steel pipes similar to the energy accumulator, the installation needs to be around one metre higher than the energy accumulator. As the energy accumulator begins to accumulate energy the air moves to a higher position, the air being compressed into the air compressor. The high-energy generating medium is sea water, sea water moves towards a lower position, sea water has no elasticity under pressure, while compressed air has high elasticity, as a result, the generating medium requires corresponding air elasticity for generation. Both the air compressor and energy accumulator are made of the same high-pressure seamless steel pipes. The air compressor is located higher than the energy accumulator so that when pressured seawater is pumped into the energy accumulator by the turbine, the air is compressed in the air compressor.

While the hydro turbine is collecting tidal energy, due to the tidal flow has a cycle of six hours, the flow is slow for the two hours when tide has just started and for the two hours just before high tide is reached, while the flow in the two hours in between is very quick, so if the hydro turbine is directly connected with gearbox that drives the generator to generate electricity directly, electricity can be generated in the two hours in the middle, but in the four hours of slow tidal flow the hydro turbine will be unable to drive the generator, and it will not be possible to generate electricity and energy will be wasted. With submerged tidal generating platforms and energy accumulation generating technology, hydro turbines can collect high and low energy over six hours, while relying on multi-tube hydraulic pumps and energy conveying pipes to transfer energy to the accumulator, unstable energy from uneven flow rates undergoes buffering by the energy accumulator will result in stable voltage generation; comparing on a similar hydro turbine basis, submerged tidal generating platform with energy storage generating technology relative to directly connecting generator, the amount of electricity generated by energy accumulation roughly doubles. Incorporating the energy accumulators allow the system to collect all the high and low energy from the tidal streams over the entire cycle of a tide, therefore, the system can collect more energy than a system without the energy accumulator which will waste some energy.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention are described as follows in the Description; additionally, it is possible that embodiments may be provided for the purpose of partially clarifying the Description. The objectives and other advantages of the present invention may be realised and achieved via the structures specifically indicated in the Description, the Clauses, the Claims and the Appended Drawings.

Each of the aspects above may comprise any one or more features mentioned in respect of the other aspects above.

In this specification the word 'or' can be interpreted in the exclusive or inclusive sense unless stated otherwise. The disclosure extends to methods, system and/or apparatus substantially as herein described and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The disclosure extends to any novel aspects or features described and/or illustrated herein.

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to system aspects, and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some and/or all features in one aspect can be applied to any, some and/or all features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination. It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention can be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently.

It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention can be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently.

It should be noted that the term "comprising" as used in this document means "consisting at least in part of". So, when interpreting statements in this document that include the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner. As used herein, "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

As used herein, means plus function features may be expressed alternatively in terms of their corresponding structure.

Preferred examples are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings

Appended Drawings Description

The following provides a more detailed description of the present invention taken in conjunction with the Appended Drawings, and is for the purposes of providing greater clarity with respect to the above-mentioned advantages of the present invention. Whereby,

figure 1 is a structural representation of the submerged tidal generating energy storage system of the present invention;

figure 2 is a structural representation of the single-column type submerged generating platform of the present invention;

figure 3 is a structural representation of the dual-column type submerged generating platform of the present invention;

figure 4 is a structural representation of the medium-small type automatically-rotating hydro turbine of the present invention;

figure 5 is a structural representation of the medium-large-type fixed hydro turbine of the present invention;

figure 6 is representation of a ship for use in installing the hydro turbine of the present invention. Detailed Embodiments

The present disclosure is described with particular reference to the collection and storage of tidal energy, whereby a tide serves as an example movement of water. The present disclosure could equally well be applied to the collection and storage of energy from any other movement of water, such as currents (in an ocean, sea, river, and/or any other water body).

The following taken in conjunction with the Appended Drawings and Embodiments provides a detailed description of modes of implementation of the present invention; in this manner, it is possible to explain how the present invention applies technological approaches to resolving technical problems, ensuring a full understanding based on embodiments and technical results that occur as these are implemented. It should be stated that, when embodiments of the present invention and characteristics of these embodiments are combined in a manner that is not conflictive, the resultant technical schemes shall all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Referring to Figures 1 to 6, an energy storage and collection system comprises an energy collection module, and an energy storage module. The energy storage module comprises an energy accumulator 5, and an air compressor 6. The energy collection module comprises a (hydro) turbine mounted on a submerged platform 1 and a (hydraulic) pump (preferably a hydraulic multi-tube pump). Energy is transferred from the energy collection module to the energy storage module by conveying water from the energy collection module to the energy storage module using one or more pipes - e.g. a main pipe 3 connecting to the energy storage module (or the energy accumulator 5) and a secondary pipe 2 connecting the main pipe 3 to the energy collection module.

The energy storage and collection system may further comprise a power generation module. The power generation module comprises a (sea) water motor 7 and a generator 8. The generator may be connected to a substation 10, and the substation to a grid, thereby allowing the system to supply electricity to the grid.

As indicated in figures 1-6, a type of submerged tidal generating platform and energy storage generating system, being comprised of: submerged tidal generating platforms numbering in the tens or hundreds, and their connection to an energy storage system, said submerged tidal generating platform comprised of: a submerged platform (1) and a hydro turbine (turbine), the hydro turbine being installed on top of the submerged platform (1), the submerged platform being connected to the hydro turbine, the hydro turbine collecting tidal energy, the energy being conveyed via multi-tube hydraulic pumps; whereby, each hydro turbine connects to its own multi-tube hydraulic pump, each multi-tube hydraulic pump being connected to its own small energy conveyor pipes (2), the small energy conveyor pipes of each hydro turbine all being connected to a large energy conveyor pipe (3) where energy is centralised and conveyed, the large energy conveyor pipe connecting to an energy accumulator (5), that being connected to an air compressor (6), the energy accumulator connecting to a sea water motor (7), the sea water motor connecting to a generator (8), the generator being connected to a substation (10), the substation being connected to the grid, apart from this, there are multiple switches (valves) provided between energy conveyor pipes, such as the first switch 91 and the second switch 92.

Whereby, the submerged generating platform may be specified as a medium-small platform model or a large platform model, whereby, a small model of submerged platform generally takes the form of single-column type platform, a large model of submerged platform takes the form of dual-column type platform.

The single-column type submerged generating platform consists of a single pile made of steel, driven into the position in the sea where the hydro turbine is intended to be installed, and supporting the hydro turbine, allowing the hydro turbine to rotate according to the flow of water and to collect tidal energy.

The dual-column type submerged generating platform consists of two piles made of steel, driven into the position in the sea where the hydro turbine is intended to be installed, and bearing the hydro turbine, allowing the hydro turbine to rotate according to the flow of water and to collect tidal energy.

The submerged platforms consist of a medium-small platform model and a large platform model respectively, said medium-small platform model being constructed at a position in water between 30 metres deep to 50 metres deep, the medium-small submerged platform generally takes the form of a single-column type platform. The large platform model is designed to be installed at a position in water between 50 metres deep to 100 metres deep, and the large model submerged platform takes the form of dual-column type platform.

Specification of the medium-small model single-column platform: medium-small model platforms consist of a small model and a medium model platform, the smallest specification of the small model platform being constructed in water 30 metres deep, the platform pile being 50 metres long, driven 38 metres into the ground, 12 metres remaining above the ground, the diameter of the steel pile being approximately 2.2 metres, the steel being approximately 3 centimetres thick. The medium model largest specification platform is constructed in water 50 metres deep, the designed length of the pile being 80 metres, the pile being driven 60 metres into the ground, 23 metres remaining above the ground. The diameter of the steel pile is approximately 3 metres, the steel being approximately 4 centimetres thick. There are multiple 30 centimetres wide, 3 centimetres thick strengthening ribs provided on the external surface of the steel pile extending from the top end of the steel pile to 20 metres below the ground.

At a 2 metres position on the strengthening ribs (201) of the steel pile opening an additional one or two layers of steel rings are used, which strengthen the pipe opening. From the ground surface to 20 metres below the ground 2 or more triangular fin plates (202) are provided, the tops of which are larger than the bottoms, to provide strengthening at the ground surface. Depending on differences in water depth there are various different design specifications for the medium-small model single-column submerged platforms.

There are also different dual-column type platform design specifications depending on water depth. The specification of the platform can be modified to fit the specific conditions of the location where the platform is installed.

Construction of submerged platforms: the construction of submerged platforms relies on the fully-mature advantages of Chinese piling ship deep-sea piling technology, the pile platform being piled in the position in which the hydro turbine is required to be installed. Other suitable piling method from other countries can also be used for piling.

Submerged platform functions: a single-column platform is sufficient for the submerged tidal generating platform and energy storage generation technology in water of less than 50 metres deep, a dual-column platform is used in water over 50 metres deep. For a hydro turbine of equivalent specification, less steel is used in the submerged platform, around 300 tonnes being sufficient, reducing the cost of the submerged platform, and greatly reducing the amount of time required to recover investment. The function of the submerged platform is to act as a fixed point in the ocean, acting as a strong-point while the hydro turbine collects tidal energy. The choice for using either the single-column or the dual-column platform is based on matching the strength of the platform to fit the particular conditions of tidal flow and the seabed where the platform will be installed.

The hydro turbine is comprised of an internal axle (301), an external axle (302), a central hub (303), blades (304), securing column (305), a horizontal bearing (306), a multi-tube hydraulic pump (307), a guiding rudder (308), and small energy conveyor pipes (2).

The medium-small type automatically-rotating hydro turbine: the medium-small type automatically-rotating hydro turbine has differing specifications of diameter 18 metres to 36 metres etc. There is a thrust bearing installed between the two ends of the internal and external axles of the hydro turbine. The central hub is installed at the front end of the internal axle, the blades being installed on the central hub. The internal diameter of the multi-tube hydraulic pump is installed at the rear-end of the internal axle, the external diameter of the pump module being secured with the external axle. The securing column is installed in a central position beneath the external axle, there being a horizontal bearing installed in the position in which the securing column and external axle are secured. The guiding rudder of the automatically-rotating hydro turbine is installed on two sides to the rear of the external axle.

Functional principles of the medium-small type automatically-rotating hydro turbine: once the medium-small type hydro turbine is installed on the single-column platform, if the flow of water is from east to west, the guiding rudder of the hydro turbine automatically corrects the position of the turbine, causing the hydro turbine blades to point east, exposing them to the thrust of the tide resulting in collection of energy, if the flow of water is from west to east, the guiding rudder automatically corrects the position of the turbine, causing the hydro turbine blades to point west, exposing them to the thrust of the tide resulting in collection of energy. The collected energy from the tide by the hydro turbine is conveyed using sea water as the medium to the large energy conveyor pipe via multi-tube hydraulic pumps and small energy conveyor pipes, there being piston switches positioned where the small energy conveyor pipes connect with the large energy conveyor pipe, the pressure of the energy accumulator being less than 300 kilograms, the energy conveyed by the hydro turbine only advancing but not reversing. The piston switches ensure that the collected energy from the turbine will only be accumulated into the energy accumulator but not be released backward.

Large-type fixed hydro turbine:

there are different specifications of large-type fixed hydro turbine, with diameters of 50 metres to 80 metres etc., there being thrust bearings installed between the two ends of the internal and external axles of the hydro turbine. The central hub being installed at a position in the centre of the external axle, the blades being installed on the central hub. The securing column is installed at the two ends of the internal axle. The internal diameter of the multi-tube hydraulic pump can be installed at one or two ends of the external axle, the external diameter of the pump body being secured on the securing column at the two ends. The large-type fixed hydro turbine does not possess automatic rotation functionality, so in the position of the securing column there is no need for a horizontal bearing, and no need for a guiding rudder.

The functional principles of the large-type fixed hydro turbine:

after the large-type fixed hydro turbine has been installed on the submerged dual-column type platform, if the flow of water is from east to west, the hydro turbine rotates in the forwards direction, and tidal energy collected. If the flow of water is from the west to the east, the hydro turbine rotates in the opposite direction and tidal energy collected. The collected energy from the tide by the hydro turbine is conveyed using sea water as the medium to the large energy conveyor pipe via multi-tube hydraulic pumps and small energy conveyor pipes, there being piston switches positioned where the small energy conveyor pipes connect with the large energy conveyor pipe, the pressure of the energy accumulator being less than 300 kilograms, the energy conveyed by the hydro turbine only advancing but not reversing. The piston switches ensure that the collected energy from the turbine will only be accumulated into the energy accumulator but not be released backward.

Installation of the hydro turbine: installation of the hydro turbine requires a specialised dock, one or two piles that match the submerged platform being stood vertically; firstly the internal and external axles, the central hub, the multi-tube hydraulic pump and the securing column are assembled and craned, the securing column being inserted within the internal diameter of the pile and secured, then the blades installed. After the hydro turbine has been assembled at the dock, the company's dedicated hydro turbine installation ship is used, lifting it off the dock, and placing it on top of piles on the deck of the ship; relying on GPS, these are transported directly to the submerged platform position, the hydro turbine craned up and lowered into the water; divers or submersible robots guide the securing column into the internal diameter of the submerged platform piles, the small energy conveyor pipes and large energy conveyor pipes then being connected, completing the process.

Models and output of hydro turbines: different specifications and models of hydro turbine are designed depending on the submerged platforms constructed for different water depths, for instance for water 50 metres deep, the submerged platform is located at a distance of 23 metres from the ground surface. The diameter of the medium-large model of hydro turbine is 37 metres, weighing around 200 tonnes. The blades are at a distance of three metres from the ground surface, and around 10 metres from the surface of the water, to avoid typhoon damage. If a typhoon makes landfall in an area nearby, and flow rate exceeds seven knots, based on calculations using standard international software, the output from the 37 metres medium-large model hydro turbine at flow rates in excess of seven knots will be around eight megawatts. While submerged hydro turbines collect tidal energy without being affected by typhoons, for around a half month preceding arrival of a typhoon and for around a half month after a typhoon has made landfall the flow of water is much faster, and more electricity will be generated. Numerous typhoons occur in the Pacific Ocean each year, and regardless of whether or not a typhoon makes direct hit landing, flow is always much faster, and more electricity generated.

With the smallest specification of the medium-small model hydro turbines, with a water depth of 30 metres, the submerged platform will be at a distance of 12 metres from the ground surface, the hydro turbine diameter is 18 metres, and it weights around 80 tonnes. The blades are at a distance of around two metres from the ground surface, and when flow rate exceeds seven knots, output is around 2.5 megawatts.

Output of hydro turbines is based on diameter, model, area, torque, flow rate and rate of rotation. Due to differences in sea area where the unit is installed, the flow rate and the rate of rotation, the amount of electricity generated by the same model of hydro turbine may differ.

The main different multi-tube hydraulic pumps are: the single multi-tube hydraulic pump and the connected multi-tube hydraulic pump.

Single multi-tube hydraulic pump: the single multi-tube hydraulic pump consisting of a single pump module dedicated sea water generation hydraulic pump combining one or more inlets and multiple outlet tubes; when flow is fast and hydro turbine output is high, the multiple outlet tubes convey energy rapidly in high quantities, however, when flow is slow and hydro turbine output is low, slower flow rate results in less energy being conveyed.

Connected multi-tube hydraulic pump: the connected multi-tube hydraulic pump is designed as a composite pump module consists of connected pumps, two or three pump modules being connected together, and for instance, when the medium-large hydro turbine or large hydro turbine can be installed with two- or multi-modules connected pump because the output is very large, alternatively two or multiple single pumps can be added for use.

Functional principle of the hydraulic pump: the functional principle of the hydraulic pump is that the tide drives the rotation of the hydro turbine, the hydro turbine collects tidal energy, which is conveyed using sea water as the medium from the multi-tube hydraulic pump to the accumulator where energy is accumulated and electricity generated. In terms of the functional principle of the connected hydraulic pumps, when flow rate is small, and the output from the hydro turbine is low, one pump operates, when flow rate increases and output from the hydro turbine increases, a second pump is automatically activated, then once maximum flow rate above four knots is reached three pumps are activated automatically and operate together. As flow rate gradually reduces, and output from the hydro turbine reduces, which drives the three connected pumps ineffectively, the connected pumps automatically stop operating one after one, when the flow rate is below one knot, two of the three connected pumps cease to operate automatically, leaving only one pump continues to operate.

Multiple-unit mass production is key to construction of a zero carbon power station, and requires construction of submerged platforms numbering in the tens or hundreds, on which hydro turbines are installed, supplying energy together. Multiple-unit energy conveyance occurs as a result of tidal flow driving multiple units, which rotate simultaneously to collect energy, the multi-tube hydraulic pumps of each unit and the small energy conveyor pipes conveying energy to the large energy conveyor pipe.

The large energy conveyor pipe concentrates the large amount of energy from the multiple units and conveys it to the energy accumulator where energy is stored and electricity generated.

1. Large energy conveyance: each hydro turbine in the sea is the equivalent of one generator set on land, however due to the relatively long distance between the sea and the land, the unit cannot be moved to and installed in the location where the electricity is used, and in view of this, it is necessary to construct power pylons to convey high-voltage cables for the delivery of electricity from the sea, or to lay seabed power cables for delivery, in view of which, costs are very high. Construction of a tidal energy zero carbon power station requires tens or hundreds of hydro turbines to provide energy. With submerged tidal generating platform and energy storage generation technology, the small energy conveyor pipes of each individual unit convey energy from each unit to a large energy conveyor pipe, large amounts of energy being concentrated by the large energy conveyor pipe and conveyed to an energy accumulator on the land for energy storage and generation of electricity, replacing sea level high-voltage cables or seabed cables for delivery of electricity. Conventional marine energy technologies use power cables to transfer electricity which is very costly. The innovation of the technology in this article replaces expensive submarine cables by energy conveyor tubes.

2. Reduction of electricity delivery costs: submerged tidal generating platform and energy storage generation technology uses seamless steel pipes for conveyance of energy for storage and generation of electricity, when seamless pipes are compared to construction of pylons for the delivery of electricity via cables or the laying of seabed cables for delivery of electricity, seamless pipes allow a major reduction in electricity delivery cost of marine electricity.

Energy storage generating system:

Energy accumulator: the energy accumulator consists of lengths of one metre or two metre diameter high pressure seamless steel pipes, pre-arranged outdoors of the power station at a dedicated open-air site, pipe bends of the same specification connecting and sealing multi-tube openings, being used in parallel.

Air compressor: the air compressor is located near the energy accumulator and is made of similar high-pressure seamless steel pipes as the air compressor, the installation needing to be around one metre higher than the energy accumulator. As the energy accumulator begins to accumulate energy the air moves to a higher position, the air being compressed into the air compressor. The high-energy generating medium is sea water, sea water moves towards a lower position, sea water has no elasticity under pressure, while compressed air has high elasticity, as a result of which, the generating medium requires the corresponding air elasticity for generation. Both the air compressor and energy accumulator are made of the same high-pressure seamless steel pipes. The air compressor is located higher than the energy accumulator so that when pressured seawater is pumped into the energy accumulator by the turbine, the air is compressed in the air compressor.

Energy buffering: while the hydro turbine is collecting tidal energy, due to the tidal flow has a cycle of six hours, the flow is slow for the two hours when tide has just started rising and for the two hours just before high tide is reached, while the flow in the two hours in between is very quick, so if the hydro turbine is directly connected with gear box that drives the generator and generates electricity directly, electricity can be generated in the two hours in the middle, but in the four hours before and after the slow running hydro turbine will be unable to drive the generator, and it will not be possible to generate electricity and energy will be wasted. With submerged tidal generating platforms and energy accumulation generating technology, hydro turbines can collect high and low energy over six hours, by relying on multi-tube hydraulic pumps and energy conveying pipes to deliver energy to the accumulator; unstable energy from uneven speed flow rates undergoes buffering by the energy accumulator results in stable voltage generation. Comparing on a similar hydro turbine basis, submerged tidal generating platform with energy storage generating technology relative to generation relying on a directly driven generator, the amount of electricity generated by energy accumulation roughly doubles. Incorporating the energy accumulators allow the system of this invention to collect all the high and low energy from the tidal streams over the entire cycle of a tide, therefore, the system can collect more energy than a system without the energy accumulator.

Energy storage generation: energy storage system consists of the first stage energy storage and the second stage energy storage, separation of energy storage into stages is achieved be providing two switches in the middle of the energy accumulator, which divide the energy accumulator into three parts, hydro turbines and multi-tube hydraulic pumps convey tidal energy to the energy accumulator, as the air compresses and the energy is continuously accumulated in the accumulator, a pressure gauge on the energy accumulator displays increases in pressure, electricity generation will start after the pressure rises in roughly 20 minutes to 80 kilograms, however when flow rate is fast, a large amount of energy is endlessly accumulated in the energy accumulator, and at the point that the generator cannot use up all the energy for generation, the pressure continues to rise above 80 kilograms, the voltage rises further along with increasing pressure, at such situation the first stage energy accumulator switch will be partially closed, resulting in large amounts of energy being stored in the first stage energy accumulator, and the pressure gauge will show a pressure in excess of 100 or 200 kilograms; at this time, if the voltage is slightly unstable, the second stage switch will close partially; the second stage energy storage is mainly to control over high pressure energy, to stabilise the pressure required for generation and to ensure stable generation of electricity by the generator. As tidal flow slows, the energy delivered by the hydro turbine does not provide sufficient pressure for generation of electricity by the generator, the stored high pressure energy will be automatically released for generating electricity. When high tide is reached and tidal flow stops, there is no energy to be delivered by the hydro turbine, the stored energy feedback allows generation of electricity to continue as normal, the duration for which electricity can be generated depending on the size of the energy accumulator and the amount of energy stored.

The energy accumulator has the functions of buffering, storing energy, stabilizing pressure and control, which plays an important role with respect to tidal power generation; at the same time as it stores energy and generates electricity it also allows planned delivery of yearly, monthly and daily power supplies.

The energy accumulator (5) may be a closed cavity rigid body with openings from the two ends, where the lower end is connected to the main energy conveyor pipe (3), and the upper end is connected to the air compressor (6). Multiple energy accumulators may be connected to the main energy conveyor pipe and function in parallel. When the pressure of the system (from pump to the energy accumulator) is higher than that inside the air compressor, pressured sea water is pumped into the energy accumulator and the air is further compressed in the air compressor. When the pressure of the system (in the energy accumulator) is lower than that of the compressed air in the air compressor, the air expands in the compressor releasing energy and the pressured sea water is going out from the energy accumulator to generate electricity.

Sea water motor: this is a type of motor driven by sea water; when the energy accumulator's pressure reaches 85 kilograms or more, the energy storage switch opens, and high energy sea water drives the rotation of the motor, driving the generator to generate electricity; after the energy is used in generation the remaining sea water flows back into the ocean.

Electric motors: when the hydraulic motor rotates, it drives the generator to generate electricity. The generator can be a 1450 rpm, 360 V standard generator, or a 600 rpm 470 V generator. Preferably it is a standard generator, which is both economical and durable. The electricity output by the generator undergoes voltage transformation in a substation before connected to the grid.

Energy transformation is as follows:

1. Astronomical tides: tides flow for 24 hours each day, each tide being 6 hours long, within the first two hours of the tide stopping and starting to rise, the flow rate gradually increases from small to large, within the third and the fourth hour the flow rate is highest, then from the fifth to the sixth hour the flow rate gradually reduces from large to small until it stops, the same applying to the falling tide. Each day, the time of high and low tides is changed by around 40 minutes, and the height reached by the high and low tides gradually reduce from high to low day by day, or gradually increase from low to high day by day, while the tidal flow rate differs for every day, every hour and every minute. When the weather changes or a typhoon occurs, there are major changes in the flow rate, in light of which, the calculation of hydro turbine output with respect to flow rates is extremely complex, and difficult to be accurate, therefore, it is necessary to install the unit in the sea and commence actual generation so that accurate data can be obtained.

2. Energy transformation: the tide drives rotation of the hydro turbine, the hydro turbine collect uneven and unstable tidal kinetic energy, using sea water as the medium, the energy from multi-tube hydraulic pumps and energy conveyor pipes is conveyed to an accumulator; after buffering, storing energy, stabilizing pressure and control by the energy accumulator and the transformation by the sea water motor and generator the large amount of kinetic energy is transformed into electrical energy.

Environmental protection as follows:

1. With submerged tidal generating platform and energy storage generating technology, as part of the platform and hydro turbine manufacturing process, manufacturing takes place at a factory on the land, and the main concern is the slight effects that odours arising from torch welding or arc welding may have on air within the factory.

2. The submerged platform construction stage mainly involves transportation by ship to the position for installation of the hydro turbine, then use of a piling ship for lifting and piling, a small amount of murky water occurring as a result, with no environmental impact.

3. During the hydro turbine installation process, based on GPS navigation, a dedicated installation ship is used for transport of the submerged platform to the required position, this then being lowered into the sea, divers or submersible robots guiding the securing column into the internal diameter of the submerged platform pile(s), the small energy conveyor pipes and large energy conveyor pipes then being connected, completing the process, which does not result in environmental pollution.

4. The large energy conveyor pipe is a single high pressure seamless steel pipe, which is laid on the ground surface from the position at which the submerged platform is constructed to specific land areas adjacent to the power station on the land, only requiring connection of the energy accumulator, and causing no environmental pollution.

5. The energy accumulator: The energy accumulator is installed on specific land areas adjacent to the power station on the land, both ends of the pipes being connected by arc welding, and odours from arc welding may have minor effects on the air. 6. Power station: The power station requires 20,000 square metres of land, the factory building require a constructed area of 2000 square metres, mainly for installation of sea water motors and generators, 15,000 square metres of open-air land being for installation of the energy accumulator, the remaining land being roads and greenery. There would be a small amount of dust arising during construction of the factory buildings. The water motors and generators are finished products, and can be bought and installed as-is, resulting in no pollution.

7. Generating: During the electricity generating process, high output energy is expended to generate electricity, and the composition of the water remaining after generation has not changed in any way, the water flowing directly back into the sea, resulting in no environmental pollution.

The submerged tidal generating platform and energy storage generating technology of the present invention, relies on single or dual pile submerged platforms, (approximately 300 tonnes) reducing platform costs. Energy is collected from throughout the six hours of a tide by relying on an energy storage generation approach, which is then conveyed to an energy accumulator, transforming differing amounts of instable kinetic energy into electrical energy. Based on similar hydro turbines, a submerged tidal generating platform with energy storage generating technology can result in roughly double the amount of electricity being generated. The adoption of an energy conveying approach, replacing construction of power pylons to convey high-voltage cables for the delivery of electricity from the sea, or laying of seabed power cables for delivery, reduces the cost of power transmission. In view of this, this submerged tidal generating platform and energy storage generating technology reduces the costs of various aspects of tidal power generation, greatly shortening the time required for recovery of investment.

In the nine years over which research and testing of submerged tidal generating platform and energy storage generating technology has taken place, small-scale trials have been totally successful. A trial submerged tidal generating platform and energy storage installation generating 300 KW is already under construction, and trials of this will be completed at the end of 2019; if all aspects of trial production data achieve the various predicted targets, this will gradually be developed further, and can be installed for power generation anywhere in the world in sea areas with a depth of water between 30 metres and 100 metres where flow rates are suitable. In view of this, successful adoption of submerged tidal generating platform and energy storage generating technology will be the basis of a primary energy source revolution.

Finally, it should be explained that: the above descriptions are purely preferred embodiments of the present invention, and shall not restrict the present invention in any way; although the aforementioned embodiments may be used as a reference providing a detailed description of the present invention, a person skilled in the art would still be able to make modifications to the technical schemes recorded by the aforementioned embodiments, or make like for like or partial exchanges of the technical characteristics of these. As long as these fall within the spirit and principles of the present invention, any modification, like for like exchange or improvement etc. shall all be considered to fall within the scope of protection applied to the present invention.

Alternative Examples and Embodiments

A person skilled in the art will appreciate that many different combinations of embodiments and examples described with reference to Figures 1 to 6 may be used alone unmodified or in combination with each other.

The described examples of the invention are only examples of how the invention may be implemented. Modifications, variations and changes to the described examples will occur to those having appropriate skills and knowledge. These modifications, variations and changes may be made without departure from the scope of the claims.

CLAUSES

The invention is further illustrated by the following clauses. The following clauses serve to illustrate the possibilities of combining different features of the invention in order to arrive at an embodiment according to the invention.

1. A type of submerged tidal generating platform and energy storage generating system, wherein this is comprised of: submerged tidal generating platforms numbering in the tens or hundreds, and their connection to an energy storage system, said submerged tidal generating platform comprised of: a submerged platform (1) and a hydro turbine, the hydro turbine being installed on top of the submerged platform (1), the submerged platform being connected to the hydro turbine, the hydro turbine harvesting energy collecting tidal energy, the energy being conveyed via multi-tube hydraulic pumps; whereby, each hydro turbine connects to its own multi-tube hydraulic pump, each multi-tube hydraulic pump being connected to its own small energy conveyor pipes (2), the small energy conveyor pipes of each hydro turbine being connected to a large energy conveyor pipe (3) where energy is centralised and conveyed, the large energy conveyor pipe connecting to an energy accumulator (5), that being connected to an air compressor (6), the energy accumulator connecting to a sea water motor (7), the sea water motor connecting to a generator (8), the generator being connected to a substation (10), the substation being connected to the grid. Apart from that, the large energy conveyor pipe is associated with several switches.

2. The submerged tidal generating platform and energy storage generating system according to clause 1, wherein said submerged tidal generating platforms consist of a single-column type submerged generating platform and a dual-column type submerged generating platform, the single-column type submerged generating platform being a pile made of steel, driven into the position in the sea where the hydro turbine is intended to be installed, supporting the hydro turbine, allowing the hydro turbine to rotate according to the flow of water and to collect tidal energy; the dual-column type submerged generating platform consists of two piles made of steel, driven into the position in the sea where the hydro turbine is intended to be installed, and bearing the hydro turbine, allowing the hydro turbine to rotate according to the flow of water and to collect tidal energy.

3. The submerged tidal generating platform and energy storage generating system according to clause 2, wherein said submerged platform (1) is respectively a medium-small platform model or a large platform model, said medium-small platform model being constructed at a position in water between 30 metres deep to 50 metres deep, the medium-small submerged platform generally takes the form of single-column type submerged generation platform;

the large platform model is designed to be installed at a position in water between 50 metres deep to 100 metres deep, and the large model submerged platform takes the form of dual-column type submerged generating platform.

4. The submerged tidal generating platform and energy storage generating system according to clause 3, wherein said single-column type submerged generating platform is comprised of: small and medium platform models, the smallest specification of the small model platform being constructed in water 30 metres deep, the platform pile being 50 metres long, driven 38 metres into the ground, 12 metres remaining above the ground, the diameter of the steel pile being approximately 2.2 metres, the steel being approximately 3 centimetres thick;

the medium platform model is constructed in water 50 metres deep, the designed length of the pile being 80 metres, the pile being driven 60 metres into the ground, 23 metres remaining above the ground, the diameter of the steel pile being approximately 3 metres, the steel being approximately 4 centimetres thick;

there are multiple 30 centimetres wide, 3 centimetres thick strengthening ribs provided on the external surface of the steel pile extending from the top end of the steel pile to 20 metres below the ground. At a 2 metres position on the strengthening ribs (201) of the steel pile opening an additional one or two layers of steel rings are used, acting as strengthening for the pipe opening;

from the ground surface to 20 metres below the ground 2 or more triangular fin plates (202) are provided, the tops of which are larger than the bottoms, to provide strengthening at the ground surface.

The specification of the platform can be modified to fit the specific conditions of the location where the platform is installed.

5. The submerged tidal generating platform and energy storage generating system according to clause 1, wherein the construction of said submerged platform relies on Chinese piling ship deep-sea piling technology, the pile platform being piled in the position in which the hydro turbine is required to be installed. Any other suitable piling method from other countries can also be used for piling.

6. The submerged tidal generating platform and energy storage generating system according to clause 1, wherein a single-column platform is sufficient for the submerged tidal generating platform in water of less than 50 metres deep, a dual-column platform is used in water over 50 metres deep. The choice for using either the single-column or the dual-column platform is based on matching the strength of the platform to fit the particular conditions of tidal flow and the seabed where the platform will be installed.

7. The submerged tidal generating platform and energy storage generating system according to clause 1, wherein the hydro turbines consist of medium-small type automatically-rotating hydro turbines and large type fixed hydro turbines.

8. The submerged tidal generating platform and energy storage generating system according to clause 7, wherein said medium-small type automatically-rotating hydro turbine is comprised of: an internal axle (301), an external axle (302), a central hub (303), blades (304), securing column (305), a horizontal bearing (306), a multi-tube hydraulic pump (307), a guiding rudder (308), and small energy conveyor pipes (2). The medium-small type automatically-rotating hydro turbines have different specifications with diameters between 18 metres and 37 metres, there being a thrust bearing installed between the internal axle (301) and the external axle (302), the central hub (303) being installed at the front end of the internal axle, the blades (304) being installed on the central hub; the internal diameter of the multi-tube hydraulic pump (307) is installed on the rear end of the internal axle, the external diameter of the pump is secured with the external axle, the securing column (305) is installed in the central position beneath the external axle, in the securing position of the securing column and the external axle there is a horizontal bearing (306) installed, the guiding rudder of the automatically-rotating hydro turbine is installed on two sides to the rear of the external axle.

9. The submerged tidal generating platform and energy storage generating system according to clause 8, wherein once the medium-small type hydro turbine is installed on the single-column platform, if the flow of water is from east to west, the guiding rudder of the hydro turbine automatically corrects the position of the turbine -, adjusting the hydro turbine blades to point east, exposing them to the thrust of the tide to collect energy, if the flow of water is from west to east, the guiding rudder automatically corrects the position of the turbine, adjusting the hydro turbine blades to point west, exposing them to the thrust of the tide to collect energy. The collected energy from the tide by the hydro turbine is conveyed using sea water as the medium to the large energy conveyor pipe via multi-tube hydraulic pumps and small energy conveyor pipes, there being piston switches positioned where the small energy conveyor pipes connect with the large energy conveyor pipe, the pressure of the energy accumulator being less than 300 kilograms, the energy conveyed by the hydro turbine will only be advancing but not reversing. The piston switches ensure that the collected energy from the turbine will only be accumulated into the energy accumulator but not be released backward.

10. The submerged tidal generating platform and energy storage generating system according to clause 7, wherein said large-type fixed hydro turbine, the diameters of different specifications of which are 50 metres to 85 metres, is comprised of: an internal axle (301), an external axle (302), a central hub (303), blades (304), securing columns (305), a multi-tube hydraulic pump (307), suspension fittings (309), and small energy conveyor pipes (2);

whereby, there are thrust bearings installed between the two ends of the internal axle and external axle of the hydro turbine, the central hub is installed in the centre of the external axle, the blades are installed on the central hub. The securing columns are installed at the two ends of the internal axle, the inner diameter of the multi-tube hydraulic pump can be installed at one or two ends of the external axle, the outer diameter of the pump body is secured on the securing columns at the two ends;

whereby, after the large-type fixed hydro turbine has been installed on the submerged dual-column type platform, if the flow of water is from east to west, the hydro turbine rotates in the forwards direction, and tidal energy can be collected; if the flow of water is from the west to the east, the hydro turbine rotates in the opposite direction to collect tidal energy The collected energy from the tidal streams by the hydro turbine is conveyed using sea water as the medium to the large energy conveyor pipe via multi-tube hydraulic pumps and small energy conveyor pipes, there are piston switches positioned at where the small energy conveyor pipes connect with the large energy conveyor pipe, the pressure of the energy accumulator being less than 300 kilograms, the energy conveyed by the hydro turbine only advancing but not reversing. The piston switches ensure that the collected energy from the turbine will only be accumulated into the energy accumulator but not be released backward.

11. The submerged tidal generating platform and energy storage generating system according to clause 1, wherein said multi-tube hydraulic pump is comprised of: a single multi-tube hydraulic pump and a connected multi-tube hydraulic pump, whereby the single multi-tube hydraulic pump consists of a single pump module combining one or more inlets and multiple outlet tubes, which is a dedicated hydraulic pump using seawater for generating electricity, when flow is fast and hydro turbine output high, the multiple outlet tubes convey energy rapidly in high quantities;

The connected multi-tube hydraulic pump is designed as a composite pump module consists of connected pumps, two or three pump modules being connected together, for instance, the medium large hydro turbine or large hydro turbine can be installed with two- or multi-modules connected pump because the output is very large, alternatively two or multiple single pumps can be added for use.

12. The submerged tidal generating platform and energy storage generating system according to clause 1, wherein said energy accumulator consists of lengths of one metre or two metre diameter high-pressure seamless steel pipes, pre-arranged outdoors of the power station at a dedicated open-air site, pipe bends of the same specification connecting and sealing multiple pipe openings, being used in parallel;

The air compressor is located near the energy accumulator and is made of similar high-pressure seamless steel pipes, similar to the energy accumulator, the installation needs to be around one metre higher than the energy accumulator. As the energy accumulator begins to accumulate energy the air moves to a higher position, the air being compressed into the air-compressor. The high-energy generating medium is sea water, sea water moves towards a lower position, sea water has no elasticity under pressure, while compressed air has high elasticity, as a result, the generating medium requires the matching air elasticity for generation. Both the air compressor and energy accumulator are made of the same high-pressure seamless steel pipes. The air compressor is located higher than the energy accumulator so that when pressured seawater is pumped into the energy accumulator by the turbine, the air is compressed in the air compressor.

While the hydro turbine is collecting tidal energy, due to the tidal flow has a cycle of six hours, the flow is slow for the two hours when tide has just started and the two hours just before high tide is reached, while the flow in the two hours in between is very quick, so if the hydro turbine is directly connected with gear box that drives the generator to generate electricity directly, electricity can be generated in the two hours in the middle, but in the rest of the four hours of slow tidal flow the hydro turbine will be unable to drive the generator, and it will not be possible to generate electricity and energy will be wasted. With submerged tidal generating platforms and energy accumulation generating technology, hydro turbines can collect high and low energy over six hours, while relying on multi-tube hydraulic pumps and energy conveying pipes to transfer energy to the accumulator, unstable energy from uneven speed flow rates undergoes buffering by the energy accumulator will result in stable voltage generation; comparing on a similar hydro turbine basis, submerged tidal generating platform with energy storage generating technology relative to directly connecting generator for generation, the amount of electricity generated by energy accumulation roughly doubles. Incorporating the energy accumulators allow the system to collect all the high and low energy from the tidal streams over the entire cycle of a tide, therefore, the system can collect more energy than a system without the energy accumulator which will waste some energy.