International Classification:
F03B 900
Abstract:
A chain turbine system of the type including pairs of chains supporting a plurality of pivoted deflection buckets. The pairs of chains are suspended across a moving stream, so that a lower portion of the chains and the deflection buckets travel through the stream at right angles to the current and an upper or returning portion of the chains and deflection buckets is out of contact with the stream. Modifications of the invention include affixing one or more guide wheels to the discharge ends of the deflection buckets such that the guide wheels engage a stabilizing track, while traversing the stream bed as the lower driving portion of the chain, and on the return upper portion of the chains the guide wheels engage a stabilizing cable or rod. Also, when the stream current is scant, the system may be built with a pressure or accumulation tank across the stream so that the flowing stream may be accumulated, then discharged downwardly through discharge ducts to the deflection buckets.