B63B2035/4466

Autonomous unmanned wave energy converter for multifunction sensor platform

A submergible wave energy converter and method for using the same are described. In one embodiment, the wave energy converter may be used for deep water operations. In one embodiment, the submergible wave energy converter is an autonomous unmanned vehicle that enables remote ocean power generation. In one embodiment, the wave energy converter apparatus comprises an absorber having a body with an upper surface and a bottom surface and at least one power take-off (PTO) unit coupled to the absorber and configured to displace movement of the absorber body relative to a reference, where the power take-off unit is operable to perform motion energy conversion based on displacement of the absorber body relative to the reference in response to wave excitation, and where the power take-off unit is operable to return the absorber body from a displaced position to a predefined equilibrium position and to provide a force acting on the absorber body for energy extraction.

FRAMEWORK AND OFFSHORE SUPPORT STRUCTURES MADE THEREOF
20220212755 · 2022-07-07 ·

A framework (50) for modular construction of an offshore framework structure comprising a first bar (51) functioning as a floating body, a second bar (52), with two posts (53) for substantially parallel support of the bars (51, 52) and two belts (54) for tensioning the framework (50). Connection elements (55) are positioned at the respective ends of the bars (51, 52), which exhibit flanges (56) for attaching the connection elements (55) to the bars (51, 52). In the connection elements (55), receiving areas (57) are positioned transversely to the longitudinal direction (61) of the bars (51, 52) for attaching the posts (53). Further, the connection elements (55) have securing means (58) for securing belts (54) provided with tensioning devices (60) in such a way that the framework (50) can be held in shape or diagonally tensioned by means of the tensioning devices (60).

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HYDRO-BASED ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION

A hydrodynamic power generation assembly and method of use therefor for generating electrical power from the combination of kinetic energy, hydrostatic energy, and turbulent energy of water. The power generation assembly comprises a water accelerator assembly comprising a support structure which is at least partially buoyant and a baffle panel member (or an array of baffle panel members) having an opening, inter-panel spacing, or flow passageway around the baffle panel(s). A hydropower converter is supported from, by, or on the support structure and is operatively coupled to a generator. The hydropower converter is positioned behind baffle assembly. Water flowing through or around the baffle assembly has an increased velocity relative the ambient current and therefore is capable of generating more power relative to the ambient water where power generation assembly is deployed. Particular types of hydropower converters suitable for use with the invention are turbines and water wheels.

MODULAR FLOATING TERRITORY
20220250721 · 2022-08-11 · ·

A floating territory made of a semi-rigid floating structure. The structure is able to follow the upward and downward movement of the waves. It can be installed as well close to the shores as in high sea, carrying a rigid structure. Said rigid structure acts like a bridge between the waves and provides a substantially stable surface for the installation of structures for human activity. Said rigid structure remains above the water level. The floating territory can be stabilized in position dynamically by propellers compensating the movement of the streams and/or winds, or by submersed weights attached to said rigid structure, or by pillars planted in the ground attached to said rigid structure. This leaves a vertical freedom of movement to follow the movement of the waves or the tides.

Inertial hydrodynamic pump and wave engine

A buoyant hydrodynamic pump is disclosed that can float on a surface of a body of water over which waves tend to pass. The pump incorporates an open-bottomed tube with a constriction. The tube partially encloses a substantial volume of water with which the tube's constriction interacts, creating and/or amplifying oscillations therein in response to wave action. Wave-driven oscillations result in periodic upward ejections of portions of the water inside the tube that can be collected in a reservoir that is at least partially positioned above the mean water level of the body of water, or pressurized by compressed air or gas, or both. Water within such a reservoir may return to the body of water via a turbine, thereby generating electrical power (making the device a wave engine), or else the device's pumping action can be used for other purposes such as water circulation, propulsion, or cloud seeding.

Hydrogen production and conveyance system

A system and method by which energy from ocean waves is converted into hydrogen, and that hydrogen is used to manifest electrical and mechanical energies by an energy consuming device. A portion of the generated electrical power is communicated to water electrolyzers which produce oxygen and hydrogen from water as gases. At least a portion of the generated hydrogen gas is transferred to a transportation ship via a hose-carrying, remotely operated (or otherwise unmanned) vehicle, and subsequently transferred to an energy-consuming module or infrastructure, where a portion of the hydrogen is consumed in order to manifest a generation of electrical energy, a mechanical motion, and/or a chemical reaction.

Hydroelectricity Production Facility Using Changes in Water Column Density to Induce Vertical Flow
20220250723 · 2022-08-11 ·

The present invention relates generally to facilities and systems capable of initiating and maintaining vertical flow, upward, within an extended-length water column by inducing changes in density throughout the column. Specifically, the induced (vertical) flow of water within an extended water column that is the present invention is accomplished through fluid aeration, with ambient air, which is directed toward producing ascending water flow rates sufficient to generate hydraulic pressure and hydraulic powered energy, through generated radial force in hydraulic turbines. It is another goal of this invention to utilize air infused water, derived from high-density and low depths, to create said vertical flow and induce turbine actuation through said unaltered, recyclable mediums—air and water—resulting in electrical power generation and desalination.

CYCLOTURBINE MODULAR RIVER CURRENT ENERGY CONVERTER AND METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DEPLOYING MARINE HYDROKINETIC TURBINE ASSEMBLY TO HARVEST RIVERINE AND OCEAN TIDAL CURRENT ENERGY
20220252036 · 2022-08-11 ·

A hydrokinetic turbine system for harvesting energy from riverine and tidal sources, including a first floating dock, a marine hydrokinetic turbine mounted on the first floating dock, and a second floating dock. The system further includes a winch assembly mounted on the second floating dock and operationally connected to the first floating dock and a linkage assembly operationally connected to the first floating dock and to the second floating dock. The linkage assembly may be actuated to pull the first floating dock into contact with the second floating dock. The linkage assembly may be actuated to distance the first floating dock from the second floating dock, and the winch assembly may be energized to orient the first floating dock into a position wherein the marine hydrokinetic turbine is above the first floating dock and wherein the winch assembly may be energized to orient the first floating dock into a position wherein the marine hydrokinetic turbine is below the first floating dock.

SORBENT EMITTER FOR DIRECT AIR CAPTURE OF CARBON DIOXIDE
20220241727 · 2022-08-04 ·

An emitter apparatus is mounted on a marine structure powered by wind or marine hydrokinetic energy to disperse a carbon dioxide sorbent such as sodium hydroxide. The sorbent can be generated by reverse osmosis of seawater with electrolysis of the brine, or delivered from an external supply. Suitable marine structures include offshore wind turbines, marine hydrokinetic generators, offshore oil platforms, merchant vessels, and other fixed and mobile structures. Effective capture is made by dispersing a fine mist or fog of aqueous sorbent from nozzles with a particle size from a nozzle of less than 100 microns. The sorbent reacts with atmospheric carbon dioxide forming carbonates and bicarbonates, which drift and fall to the ocean surface, reducing surface acidity and capturing additional atmospheric carbon dioxide via absorption at the local ocean surface. The resulting carbonates sink to the ocean floor and are there sequestered.

MOORING STRUCTURE FOR OCEAN WAVE ENERGY CONVERTERS
20220219791 · 2022-07-14 ·

A mooring system for an Ocean Wave Energy Converters (OWEC) includes multiple structural members such as legs and braces that are linearly extendible and connected using mobile joints, each joint providing two degrees of freedom for rotations about the joint. Mobile joints also attach bottom ends of the legs to mooring points. A jacking system can change lengths of the extensible structural members to adjust depth of the OWEC for operation or for storm safety, to lift the OWEC out of the water for maintenance, or to align the OWEC to an incoming wave direction.