WaveAnchor and WavePower, and methods of installation and use

Abstract

A WaveAnchor and method of installing the WaveAnchor to stabilize the wave-induced rocking action of a boat, vessel or other floating platforms is provided. The present invention includes a method of creating downward pull on the WaveAnchor cables, which serves to stabilize a rocking boat or vessel, and further for harvesting the force of this downward pull for purposes of electrical generation by attaching the rope or cable from the WaveAnchor described above to a rotating shaft on the floating platform. Critical to this invention is the deployment of many such WaveAnchor devices around the edges of the floating platform, each of which transfers power to the central shaft. The power generation achieved by the WavePower platform with its deployed WaveAnchors is enhanced by the use of a floating platform which is not stable as it naturally rocks with wave action.

Claims

1. Baffled sea anchor, comprised of a large cylindrical bag which is larger at the top, open end and closed at the bottom, smaller end. The smaller end is closed with a baffled set of half-circle flaps which open when the sea anchor is moving in a downward direction, but are pushed closed when moving in an upward direction.

2. Generation of power by means of a rocking, imbalanced floating platform anchored with the described sea anchor(s), by connecting the ropes or cables from a number of sea anchors to a power generator mounted on a heavy floating platform. The platform can also be used to mount a wind turbine, standard to the industry, to supplement the generation of power.

3. A rotating, one-directional power generation gear which resets to a home position on spring loaded control and is mounted on a central power generation shaft. Multiple such gears can be used to collect pull power from each of the deployed sea anchors. Many features have been listed with particular configurations, options, and embodiments. Any one or more of the features described may be added to or combined with any of the other embodiments or other standard devices to create alternate combinations and embodiments. Therefore, it is noted that various preferred embodiments of the present invention employ differing combinations of the optional and necessary components of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just-described preferred embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] WaveAnchor Design

[0016] FIG. 1 shows the overall WaveAnchor tapered cylinder device. The line at the top is tied to the cleat of a boat or other secure tying point on a floating raft or platform. Down from this top line and typically under the water mark are several securing lines which travel to and are firmly tied to the sides of the top end of the tapered cylinder (FIG. 2).

[0017] FIG. 2 shows a tapered cylinder, or fill bag, is-made of canvas, nylon or other similar material (FIG. 3). Sewn or otherwise secured into the upper end of this cylinder is the top, hinged hoop of metal (FIG. 7). The top securing lines described above are tied to this top, hinged metal loop. At the bottom of the tapered cylinder, or fill bag, is a smaller metal loop in this case not hinged but bolted closed and sewn or otherwise secured into the lower end of the cylinder. Also installed in this smaller, lower end of the tapered cylinder is the baffled lower opening and attached weight to pull the WaveAnchor down (FIG. 4). This is comprised of two cross bars which are secured to the lower end metal hoop, one at 90 degrees to the other and meeting in the middle (FIG. 5).

[0018] FIG. 3 shows the tapered fill bag with an example of dimensions and amount of taper.

[0019] FIG. 4 shows the baffled lower opening of the tapered cylinder or fill bag (side view). The baffles open with downward movement of the WaveAnchor, and close with upward movement. The attached weight pulls the WaveAnchor down and opens the baffles with downward movement. A retrieval rope is attached to the weight to allow easy removal of the WaveAnchor assembly from the water when not in use.

[0020] FIG. 5 shows the construction of the frame for the baffled bottom of the tapered cylinder or fill bag.

[0021] FIG. 6 further shows the construction of the baffled bottom flaps

[0022] FIG. 7 shows the hinged bars for the top opening of the tapered cylinder or fill bag. The two bars are each bent into a half circle and attached at their ends, allowing the two halves to fold for easier storage.

[0023] WavePower Design

[0024] FIG. 8 shows an example of a heavy, floating platform which is attached to multiple WaveAnchors around its circumference.

[0025] FIG. 9 displays how the WaveAnchor cables are attached to one-directional rotating gears on a central power generation shaft.

[0026] FIG. 10 illustrates how the floating platform is designed with a high center of gravity which amplifies its rocking motion. In the diagram shown, the high center of gravity is accomplished by adding a wind turbine to the top of the generator shaft. Power from the wind turbine blades is transferred to the power generator by standard methods in the industry.

[0027] FIG. 11 illustrates how the WaveAnchors are attached to a boat hull.