These innovative technologies capture and convert the Kinetic Energy of a moving volume of fluid, over a linear distance, rather than from a narrow swept area of interference.  The Tidal Current Surface Crawler (TCSC) and the Wind Stream Sails (WSS) are alternatives to the present art of Tidal Current Turbines and Wind Turbines.

All conventional tidal current and wind turbines experience a considerable resistance to rotation because of their forced lateral movement in the fluid medium. These resistive forces are completely eliminated in GWFT patent pending technologies.

Tidal Current Surface Crawler (TCSC)

The Tidal Current Surface Crawler (TCSC) is a floating surface device with no requirement for specialized vessels or ocean foundations, making heavy lift equipment unnecessary, save and except the placement of an inert anchor. The TCSC features the following advantages:

  • Requires less fabricated material/kW, is much more efficient in energy capture, is totally environmentally benign, and is relatively inexpensive. It is simple and elegant.
  • High sensitivity to current flow with only minor friction losses, and as such can engage the small velocities of ocean currents such as the Gulf Stream.
  • Directly suitable to river currents without negatively affecting fish habitat.
  • Can capture upwards of 40 % of the kinetic energy of a moving volume of water.
  • Energy capture is totally linear and energy farms are capable of supplying hundreds of MW into the grid.
  • Has no impact on Marine life, and deployment areas become sheltered fish habitat.
  • Power takeoff is direct mechanical, with the drive train being above the water line.
  • Anchoring is slack moored, fore and aft, allowing tidal flow energy capture bi-directionally.
  • It is a game changer in tidal current energy extraction.
  • It has a very low profile, and does not present visual pollution.

Wind Stream Sails (WSS)

The Wind Stream Sails (WSS) is also a floating surface device with no requirement for specialized vessels or ocean foundations that makes heavy lift equipment unnecessary. The WSS features the following advantages:

  • Can be mounted on a turntable on the TCSC providing for synergistic energy conversion
  • Requires less sophisticated off-the-shelf materials
  • Marine deployment can be on a low-profile floating platform
  • Terrestrial deployment can be on new or retrofitted industrial buildings
  • Permits distributed power generation and reduces the need for grid connection
  • We can take lessons from the effectiveness of the early sailing ships
  • There are no negative effects on avian life
  • There is no impact on airport radar
  • It has a very low profile, and does not present visual pollution.