A HYDRAULIC METHOD TO EFFICIENTLY PRODUCE POWER AND STORAGE FROM A HYDROKINETIC AND WIND TURBINE

A method is disclosed to convert a variable torque from a hydrokinetic or wind turbine to operate a blade rotor at its optimal tip-speed ratio, drive a generator operating at synchronous speed, and create pumped water storage using a hydraulic drive system for grid-tie and off-grid applications. The objective of this method is to reduce the levelized cost of electricity of hydrokinetic and wind turbine applications. Additionally, the blade rotor diameter is changed to address predicted variations in the average velocity of the energetic fluid to better maintain the power rating of the turbine. The method can be implemented in an open-loop configuration using water to further simplify the system and reduce costs and maintenance. The method reduces requirements for customized components, employs commonly available hydraulic components, decreases system complexity, and simplifies deployment, repairs, and maintenance of turbines, especially in distributed applications.