Patent classifications
F03B13/182
Modular wave energy converter
A modular wave energy converter includes: a forward attachment frame; forward guide rails coupled to the forward attachment frame; a forward paddle coupled to the forward guide rails; and one or more forward tethers coupled to the forward paddle and the shaft. A combination of heave and surge forces from waves of water causes the forward paddle moves up and down the forward guide rails. The movement of the forward paddle moves the one or more forward tethers. The movement of the one or more forward tethers causes the shaft to rotate via the rotation of winches. The winches are configured with a one-way clutch, which allows the shaft to rotate in a first direction but not a second. The converter has the same structure on the aft side, including an aft paddle. The forward and aft paddles are positioned vertically or inclined.
Energy transfer arrangement of a wave energy recovery apparatus
This invention relates to an energy transfer arrangement of a wave energy recovery apparatus comprising at least a base, a reciprocating panel, supporting legs and a pivot shaft for the reciprocating panel, and a driving and power-take-off arrangement equipped with an actuating mechanism and one or more power-take-off units to convert kinetic energy of waves or tidal currents to another type of energy, each PTO unit comprising a power transmission mechanism. The actuating mechanism is arranged to transfer the reciprocating motion of the panel mechanically to a linear motion of the power transmission mechanism of each PTO unit.
Surface level follow-up arrangement for a wave energy re-covery system
This invention relates to a surface level follow-up arrangement for a wave energy recovery unit where the wave energy recovery unit comprises at least a panel element hinged at its lower edge onto the base at the bottom of the sea with the help of one or more support structures and one or more support shafts to make a reciprocating motion in response to kinetic energy of waves or tidal currents. The arrangement comprises at least a surface level follow-up means capable to change the vertical position of the upper edge of the reciprocating panel element along with the change of the vertical position of the surface level caused by a tidal fluctuation.
Wave Energy Converter With Concurrent Multi-Directional Energy Absorption
An ocean wave energy converter (WEC) using one or more elongated light-weight low-cost surface floats, oriented and self-orienting parallel to oncoming wave fronts are mechanically linked to a motion stabilized or fixed frame or base through one or more power take-offs in such manner that multi-directional rotational and translational wave-induced forces and relative motion between the float(s) and base are efficiently captured. Some embodiments have at least one forward positioned float that moves upward and rearward on wave crests and downward and forward on ensuing wave troughs to capture a majority of both heave and surge wave energy components. Other embodiments also provide apparatus and means to totally submerge the floats during severe seas or adjust submerged depth and float mass to optimize performance.
Multi mode wave energy converter with elongated wave front parallel float having integral lower shoaling extension
A wave barrier or wave terminator type ocean wave energy converter (WEC) utilizing one or multiple adjacent floats together forming an elongated wave front parallel (EWFP) float rotatably connected by at least one swing or drive arm to a secondary floating or shore or seabed fixed body or frame, such that the at least one swing arm is rotating about a submerged pivot point or axle on such body or frame and constraining the motion of the float(s) relative to the body or frame when wave forces are applied against the float(s). Relative to the direction of oncoming wave fronts and relative to the still water line (SWL), the at least one EWFP float is substantially forward of, and above, the pivot point such that the float concurrently moves both upward and rearward on wave crests and returns both forward and downward on ensuing wave troughs. The rear surface of the EWFP float is substantially arcuate and concave with a radius approximating its distance from the pivot point such that the float produces minimal energy consuming back waves when it is being moved by oncoming wave forces. The lower rear arcuate surface of the float can extend below the bottom of the float deeper into the water column to capture additional wave energy.
Wave energy conversion incorporating actuated geometry
Described herein are wave energy conversion systems including actuated geometry components. An example system may include at least one body portion configured to transfer wave energy to a power take off device, and at least one actuated geometry component that is connected to the at least one body portion, the at least one actuated geometry component operable to modify a geometric profile of the system.
System for producing energy through the action of waves
A system and method for generating energy from tuning the natural frequency of masses relative to a ground plane and an external force. In some embodiments the external force is the action of the waves. The system has a first mass movable relative to the ground plane, wherein the external force induces an oscillation in the first mass relative to the ground plane. A second movable mass is carried by and movable relative to the first movable mass. The second movable mass creates kinetic energy as the result of varying the position of the second movable mass relative to the first mass. The system adjusts or tunes the frequency of various components in relation to the natural frequency of the waves. The energy created by the relative motion can be converted to various forms of energy including electrical energy.
Wave power generation device and method for operating and maintaining the same
A wave power generation device, including a power generation assembly, a mooring system, a floating platform, floating towers, control cabins, a connecting member, and anti-sway plates. The floating platform is a square floating box. The power generation assembly includes a swing plate, a hydraulic cylinder, an energy accumulator, a hydraulic motor, a generator, a battery, and a power generation and distribution device. The floating platform includes a main deck. The main deck includes a manhole and a support for supporting the swing plate. The swing plate is connected to the support via a first hinge. One end of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the swing plate, and another end of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to a floating platform. The mooring system includes four anchor windlasses. A method for operating and maintaining the wave power generation device is also provided.
Wave power generation system
There is provided a wave power generation system comprising: first and second floating members to generate a floating force, wherein the first and second floating members are spaced from each other; first and second frames respectively coupled to the first and floating members; a pendulum swayably coupled to the first and second frames, wherein the pendulum is disposed between the first and second frames; a physical power converter operatively coupled to the first and second frames and operatively coupled to the first connection bars, wherein the physical power converter is configured to convert a pendulum movement force of the pendulum to a rotation force; a first wire operatively coupled to the physical power converter; a gearbox disposed on a land and operatively coupled to the wire, wherein the gearbox is configured to receive the rotation force from the first wire and to generate a continuous rotation force using first and second weights and one-way clutch.
WAVE ENERGY CONVERTER WITH A DEPTH ADJUSTABLE PARAVANE
A wave energy converter is provided. The wave energy converter includes a paravane rotationally and pivotably coupled to a support structure, and operatively coupled to an energy collection device. A method of harvesting water wave energy is provided. The method includes positioning the paravane within water to be impacted by water waves, and transferring water wave energy from the paravane to the energy collection device.