US Patent 10309368 Power generation apparatus utilizing water current energy

To an installation base fixed to the seabed surface, a vertical cylindrically shaped rotating body is attached to be able to rotate. Mounting frames are attached in a radially manner from the outer circumference of the rotary body. At the top side positions of the mounting frames, pressure receiving plates of flat plate shapes, of a specific gravity slightly smaller and lighter than seawater, and giving rise to buoyancy are attached by butterfly joints to be able to pivot. Further, stoppers and stoppers stopping the pressure receiving plates to within an angular range from slightly below the horizontal or 4° to the substantially vertical or 90° are provided. The rotation of the rotary body is increased to turn the power generator.