APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GENERATING POWER FROM A FLUID CURRENT
An apparatus and method for generating power from a fluid current. The apparatus can include a power drive assembly (200) for converting the flowing energy of a fluid current into rotational energy, an acceleration chamber (106) configured to increase an entering flow of fluid to an accelerated flow, and pontoons (102) for supporting at least a portion of the power drive assembly in the acceleration chamber, such that the power drive assembly is positioned to receive the flowing energy of the accelerated flow. The method may include accelerating a flow of fluid to an accelerated flow, positioning at least a portion of a power drive assembly within the accelerated flow, the power drive assembly configured for converting the flowing energy of a fluid current into rotational energy, and supporting the power drive assembly with pontoons, such that the power drive assembly may be floated on a moving body of fluid.