CONVERTING ENERGY IN A STREAM OF MOVING LIQUID TO A READILY USUABLE FORM

The present invention comprises a system for converting the energy in a stream of moving liquid such as a river. The stream is diverted by a common and alternating control means into either of two chambers on opposite sides of the stream so that as the stream flows tangentially into one chamber it flows tangentially out of the other chamber into the stream. As the liquid flows into or out of each chamber it swirls so that the hydraulic losses due to inflow into and outflow from the chambers are minimal. The filling and emptying of the chambers causes displacement of air out of one chamber, through a duct and into the other chamber and vice versa. The back and forth movement of the air drives a turbine in the duct, which in turn drives an electrical generator. Performance is improved by causing the stream of flow through a syphon duct structure into which the chambers communicate.