Patent classifications
Y02E10/30
Self-tuning wave energy converter (WEC) controller for changing sea states
Systems and methods for a WEC controller that uses a self-tuning proportional-integral control law prescribing motor torques to maximize electrical power generation and automatically tune the controller to maximize power absorption. In an embodiment, the controller may be part of any resonant WEC system. The control law relies upon an identified model of device intrinsic impedance to generate a frequency-domain estimate of the wave-induced excitation force and measurements of device velocities. The control law was tested in irregular sea-states that evolved over hours (a rapid, but realistic time-scale) and that changed instantly (an unrealistic scenario to evaluate controller response).
AUTONOMOUS WATER ANALYSIS DEVICE AND SWIMMING POOL EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A DEVICE
Disclosed is a device for analysing water and a swimming pool equipped with such a device. The device includes: an analysis chamber provided with at least one water inlet and at least one water outlet; a sealed housing adjacent to the analysis chamber and isolated from the analysis chamber by a partition; a data processor housed in the sealed housing; at least one probe electrically connected to a data input of the data processor; an electrical power supply electrically connected to a power input of the data processor, the electrical power supply having an electrical generator provided with a turbine housed in the analysis chamber, the electrical generator being electrically connected to the data input of the data processor. The device is useful for monitoring the sanitary state of the water of a swimming pool.
OSCILLATING TENSION WAVE ENERGY CONVERTER
A unique point absorber type wave energy conversion device is disclosed that includes a Power Take Off (PTO) which uses a torsion spring to return a vertical shaft to its original position after being rotated by a rope or cord that pulls a reel via a guide system. This spring return allows the PTO and housing to stay stationary under the wave energy while a buoy at the surface provides an oscillating linear movement. The oscillating rotary motion caused by the interaction of the buoy and spring is converted into a one directional motion via a one-way clutch and is transmitted to generators using a gearbox that increases rotational speed.
INDEPENDENT WAVE ENERGY POWER GENERATION BUOYANCY TANK BASED ON PRINCIPLE OF LIQUID SLOSHING
The present invention provides an independent wave energy power generation buoyancy tank based on a principle of liquid sloshing. A shape of the independent wave energy power generation buoyancy tank is an oblate spherical floating sphere, and crash pads are arranged along the middle direction and the circumferential direction of the buoyancy tank. A hatch cover is installed at the top of the independent wave energy power generation buoyancy tank, and a washer is arranged at the contact between the hatch cover and the floating sphere 9. A signal lamp is installed on the hatch cover. An anchoring ring and a cable socket are installed at a top side of the independent wave energy power generation buoyancy tank. Four sand injection and discharge valves are uniformly arranged on the upper part of the independent wave energy power generation buoyancy tank along the circumferential direction.
Wave energy recovery apparatus with power-take-off arrangement
This invention relates to a wave energy recovery apparatus with a power-take-off arrangement comprising at least a base, a reciprocating panel, two power-take-off (PTO) units with one or more generators to convert kinetic energy of waves or tidal currents to electricity, at least two gear transmissions operatively connected between the panel and the generators and at least two one-way clutch mechanisms to control the directions of rotation of the generators. The panel is arranged to rotate a half of the generators when rotating into one direction and another half of the generators when rotating into the opposite direction.
ARRAY FOR ARRANGING WAVE ENERGY CONVERTERS IN A WAVE POWER PARK
Disclosed herein is an array including at least ten wave power converters and at least one marine substation, each wave energy converter including a floating body, a wire, a housing anchored in a seabed or lakebed, the housing including a stator and a seesawing translator. The seesawing translator is connected via the wire to the floating body and each of the at least ten wave power converters is electrically connected to the marine substation. The at least ten wave energy converters are arranged on a symmetric, open, concave line, where a symmetry axis is at least more or less parallel to a primary wave direction and where the marine substation is arranged on the symmetry axis.
METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE ARRANGEMENT OF WAVE ENERGY CONVERTERS
Disclosed herein is a method for determining the arrangement of wave energy converters in a wave power park in a seabed or lake area including the steps of: measuring wavelength and wave direction over a period of time, collecting all values measured for the wavelength and the wave direction in a matrix, statistically determining, from the matrix, a predominant wavelength and a predominant wave direction, and arranging an amount X of wave energy converters at regular intervals over a distance that corresponds to half of the length of the predominant wavelength or a multiple thereof, where the distance is measured in a direction at least more or less parallel to the predominant wave direction.
OSCILLATING DEVICE FOR GENERATING ELECTRICITY AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING OSCILLATING DEVICES
Described is an oscillating device for generating electricity from a fluid flow, comprising at least one oscillating part, at least one support, fixed to a reference surface and connected to the oscillating part at an oscillation axis, at least one counter-balancing system connected to, and/or acting on the oscillating part, at least one adjustable profile configured to be at least partially immersed in the fluid flow and movably connected to the oscillating part. The oscillating device comprises an adjustment system configured to change the position of the adjustable profile with respect to the fluid flow between at least one position of greatest resistance and at least one position of least resistance. The invention also relates to an adjustment method for oscillating devices designed to generate electricity, according to which adjustments to the position of the adjustable profile are made as a function of certain parameters, such as the speed and/or the change in direction of the oscillation of the oscillating part, detected by a series of sensors.
Device for Producing Energy by Salinity Gradient Through a Membrane Based on Crosslinked Cellulose Fibres
The present invention concerns a device for producing electrical energy, comprising: a) a first reservoir A for receiving an electrolyte solution having a concentration CA of a solute and comprising an electrode (30A) in contact with the electrolyte solution having concentration CA; b) a second reservoir B for receiving an electrolyte solution having a concentration CB of one and the same solute, CB being lower than CA, and comprising an electrode in contact with the electrolyte solution having concentration CB; c) a membrane separating the two reservoirs, said membrane comprising pores allowing the electrolytes to diffuse from reservoir A to reservoir B through said pore or pores; and d) a device capable of supplying the electrical energy generated by the potential difference existing between the two electrodes, characterized in that the membrane comprises at least one layer formed of a cellulosic material comprising a network of crosslinked cellulose nanofibres and/or microfibres.
Floating drum turbine for electricity generation
A floating drum turbine is used for generating the electrical energy from the kinetic energy of a water stream (sea wave or river flow) that provides the mechanical energy needed to rotate an electrical generator for generating the electricity. The drum turbine is installed on a buoyant skid anchored to the seabed by some chains/ropes to keep it in a fixed position and direction along the water stream. The turbine is coupled to an electrical generator with a power transmission system, and generates the electricity that is transferred to the coast using a cable system floated on the water surface.