Patent classifications
F03B13/1885
System for conversion of wave energy into electrical energy
The present invention relates to the utilization of wave energy and its conversion into operating motion of an electrical energy generating system. The system for generation of electrical energy through the conversion of aquatic wave motion includes floating bodies and a constant rotation mechanism, which converts the two-way linear motion of an inflexible transmission shaft or a flexible transmission shafts into one-way rotation of an output shaft of the constant rotation mechanism. This mechanism allows utilization of wave energy in two directions caused by the rise and fall of waves. The output shaft of the constant rotation mechanism is coupled to a force multiplier that is further coupled to a generator which generates electrical energy. Constant rotation mechanism can be driven by inflexible transmission shaft pivotally coupled to the floating bodies at one end, and the other end to an input gear of the constant rotation mechanism. Depending on the height of the wave and the wavelength, various constructions of floating bodies are used. Certain floating bodies are designed for the waves of a smaller amplitude and smaller wavelength, while other floating bodies are designed for bigger amplitude and bigger wavelength.
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.
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.
Wave-activated power generator provided with rope-control hydraulic cylinder
The wave generator for a rope-controlled hydraulic cylinder in the present invention includes a Wave Energy Harvest and Conversion system (WEHCS), a rope control device and a gravity anchor. The rope control device includes two members which are controllable in relative motion, i.e., frame and an elongated member. When the frame is located above the elongated member, the top end of the frame serves as a connection point with the WEHCS, and the bottom end of the elongated member serves as a collection point with the gravity anchor; however, when the frame is located below the elongated member, the frame serves as a connection point with the gravity anchor, and the top end of the elongated member serves as, a connection point with the WEHCS. The wave generator is applicable for large waves and adapted to tidal changes, as well as effective in rope-retrieving.
Wave power generation system and method for controlling same
Disclosed are a wave power generation system for generating electrical energy by means of a hydraulic circuit, and a method for controlling same. The wave power generation system comprises a hydraulic motor for storing motion energy in a form of fluid pressure and volume if a plurality of tension transmission members, for transmitting motion energy by means of six-degrees-of-freedom motion of a movable object floating on the waves, move in one direction, and for maintaining the tension of the tension transmission members by means of the stored energy if the tension transmission members move in the other direction. Electric energy is alternately generated by means of the bidirectional motion of the plurality of tension transmission members.
Extension spring and fairlead based power take-out for wave power systems
A system includes a float including a drivetrain, a reaction structure coupled to the drivetrain by a tendon, and an extension spring having a first end coupled to a fixed point on the tendon and a second end configured to be disposed at a fixed location relative to the drivetrain. The extension spring is configured to experience an elastic force in response to tension on the first end of the extension spring away from the drivetrain.
Wave energy conversion of horizontal surge motion
A system converts mechanical wave energy into electrical energy. The system includes a wave energy converter (WEC), which includes a surface float, a reaction structure, a plurality of flexible tethers, and a plurality of drivetrains. Each flexible tether connects the surface float to the reaction structure. Each drivetrain is connected to a corresponding flexible tether. Each flexible tether has a length established to treat the system as an inverse pendulum to utilize a horizontal surge motion of the surface float to present tension at the corresponding drivetrain for production of electrical energy from the horizontal surge motion.
Mechanical engine for power generation through water movement
MECHANICAL ENGINE FOR THE GENERATION OF ENERGY THROUGH WATER MOVEMENT, refers to a mechanical motor (1) to (41), with their auxiliary sets, with the objective of generating mechanical and electrical energy, or both, being plants electric lines with this system can be built on the banks or inside the sea, river or islands, where the cost benefit of the energy by the conventional way, does not become compensating, or practically inaccessible places, but that have waves, tides, or level differentials in waters. As these sources of energy, in water there are in abundance on the planet, possible future plants of this system, may be more spread out, and in greater quantity, thus reducing the number of posts, towers, compensation equipment, components, and transmission wires. In case of use in water navigation, this engine can be used to replace, totally or partially, conventional fuels and engines, for mechanical handling, and the generation of electric energy on board.
Wave energy conversion
A wave energy converter (WEC) 10 has a body portion 18 with a face 20 and at least one flexible membrane 16 bounding at least part of a volume of a fluid to form a variable volume cell 22. The membrane is inclined from vertical providing a flow smoothed passage for wave energy from a wave 14 to travel over the WEC whilst deforming the at least one membrane towards the body to compress the fluid. The cell(s) can be submerged or floating. The inclination of the at least one membrane assists conversion of potential and kinetic energy of the wave to pressure within the fluid. Fluid pressure within the WEC cell(s) and/or system can be optimised to suit wave and/or performance conditions.
Carpet of wave energy conversion (CWEC)
A carpet of wave energy conversion (CWEC) device mechanically couples an absorber carpet to one or more energy converters, thereby allowing for wave energy extraction from passing waves. The absorber carpet may be flexible material of a composite material that has a low elastic modulus in a longitudinal direction (to allow for stretching), and a relatively higher elastic modulus in a transverse direction (to better couple energy from wave to converters). Such designs have minimal wave reflections and high efficiencies within a relatively short extent of deployment. The resultant converted useful energy is available as either: 1) mechanical power including direct desalinization or electrical production; or 2) hydraulic power for a number of applications (including hydraulically powered motors supplying power to powered devices including generators), or pumping of the wave medium under pressure to an alternate location for irrigation or energy storage.