Dynamic Dam for Harnessing Ocean and River Currents and Tidal Power

Abstract

A new type of power system is proposed for creating economically viable systems for harnessing ocean and tidal energies. Based on the "dynamic dam" concept, immense amounts of ocean or river energy can be collected with low cost structures and concentrated into compact tur ines. Since the collecting surfaces do not encounter large hydrostatic pressures, as different from a static dam, they can be anchored in open oceans or wide rivers. Through an extended concept, this system can provide economical powerplants for harnessing even low level tides.