SYSTEM FOR EXTRACTING POTENTIAL AND KINETIC ENTERGY FROM SEA WAVES

Abstract

A system for extracting potential and kinetic energy from sea waves is located in offshore constructions. The system includes at least one extraction unit with a supporting structure suspended from the construction, fixed at the top to a first platform and closed at the bottom by a base, and an energy-generating mechanism inside the supporting structure. The mechanism includes a half-submerged lower buoy connected to a closed-circuit pumping mechanism, a turbine and respective tanks connected to the pumping mechanism of the at least one unit and located on a second machine platform, (5.2) which is located above the first platform and fixed at the top to the marine construction. The supporting structure has an automatic adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height and waterline of the buoy.

Claims

1. A system located in offshore marine constructions for extracting potential and kinetic energy from sea waves, comprising an operation based on a piston causing movement of a pressurized liquid through a turbine, wherein the system comprises: at least one extraction unit comprising a supporting structure suspended from a marine construction, fixed at the top to a first holding platform and closed at the bottom by a lower base, an energy-generating mechanism located inside the supporting structure, wherein the energy-generating mechanism comprises a half-submerged buoy in a lower part thereof connected by a frame to a closed-circuit pumping mechanism, turbine and an accumulator tank and a regulator tank connected to a pumping mechanism of the at least one extraction unit and located on a second machine supporting platform which is located above the first holding platform and fixed at the top to the marine construction, and a suspended supporting structure comprising an automatic adjustment mechanism for adjusting a height and waterline of the half-submerged buoy which keeps the rest of the energy-generating mechanism above sea level, by displacement of the first holding platform with respect to the second supporting platform.

2. The system for extracting potential and kinetic energy from sea waves according to claim 1, wherein the suspended supporting structure comprises a series of tubular bodies arranged around a central area.

3. The system for extracting potential and kinetic energy from sea waves according to claim 2, wherein that the automatic adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height and waterline of the half-submerged buoy comprises a series of guide elements fixed at the top to the second supporting platform and each of them being located inside one of the tubular bodies of the supporting structure, wherein at least two of said guide elements are threading elements to be threaded on the corresponding tubular bodies and wherein said threading elements comprise in an upper part thereof gears (15) interconnected with one another and a central gear by a first transmission chain, wherein the central gear is connected to a motor of the system controlled by a program for automatically adjusting a buoyancy of the half-submerged buoy.

4. The system for extracting potential and kinetic energy from sea waves according to claim 1, wherein the closed-circuit pumping mechanism comprises a vertical piston secured by a bearing to a push rod fixed to an upper part of the frame connected to the half-submerged buoy, wherein movement of the half-submerged buoy and the frame displace the push rod which in turn displaces the piston inside a pressurized chamber by a first upward movement which causes the pressurized chamber to be filled up with the pressurized liquid from the regulator tank to which it is connected by a first connector, and a second downward movement causing the pressurized chamber to be emptied by discharging the pressurized liquid to the accumulator tank through a second connector, wherein said tanks are connected to one another by a control valve controlling the passage of the pressurized liquid from the accumulator tank to the regulator tank through the turbine.

5. The system for extracting potential and kinetic energy from sea waves according to claim 4, wherein the first and second connectors between the pressurized chamber and the regulator tank and accumulator tank, respectively, comprise respective hoses each connected to the corresponding tank, respective rigid pipes connecting, in each case, one of said hoses to an inlet and outlet duct of the pressurized chamber and, respective check valves, where the valve connected in the first connector allows circulation of the pressurized liquid to the pressurized chamber and the valve connected in the second connector allows circulation to the accumulator tank.

6. The system for extracting potential and kinetic energy from sea waves according to claim 1, wherein the displacement of the half-submerged buoy comprises a guider of the energy-generating mechanism.

7. The system for extracting potential and kinetic energy from sea waves according to claim 6, wherein the guider for guiding movement of the energy-generating mechanism comprise side bearings for guiding the half-submerged buoy with respect to the supporting structure and guide rings of the frame thereof.

8. The system for extracting potential and kinetic energy from sea waves according to claim 6, wherein the guider for guiding the movement of the energy-generating mechanism comprises a cylindrical space in the central area of the push rod with a guide rod, secured to the first holding platform, sliding therein.

9. The system for extracting potential and kinetic energy from sea waves according to claim 1, wherein the energy-generating mechanism comprises securing means formed by clamps for securing to the supporting structure.

10. The system for extracting potential and kinetic energy from sea waves according to claim 1, wherein the extraction unit comprises safety means formed by dampeners located in the lower base of the supporting structure, in an area of contact thereof with the half-submerged buoy and, on a support surface fixed in the lower part of the pressurized chamber of the piston, in the area of contact thereof with the half-submerged buoy.

11. The system for extracting potential and kinetic energy from sea waves according to claim 1, wherein the supporting structure of the extraction unit comprises six tubular bodies arranged in a shape having a hexagonal section.

12. The system for extracting potential and kinetic energy from sea waves according to claim 1, wherein further comprising at least one independent module, formed by three extraction units arranged in a triangle, wherein the central gears of said three extraction units are connected by a second transmission chain, one of said central gears being connected to the motor controlled by a program for automatically adjusting a buoyancy of the half-submerged buoy.

13. The system for extracting potential and kinetic energy from sea waves according to claim 1, wherein the turbine of the system is connected to energy storage means.

14. The system for extracting potential and kinetic energy from sea waves according to claim 1, wherein the turbine of the system is connected to a nearby power grid.

15. The system for extracting potential and kinetic energy from sea waves according to claim 1, wherein the liquid of the closed-circuit pumping mechanism is a lubricant and an antioxidant.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] In order to aid to better understand the features of the invention according to a preferred practical embodiment thereof, a series of drawings in which the following has been depicted with an illustrative and non-limiting character is provided as an integral part of said description:

[0045] FIG. 1 shows a section view of the system for extracting potential and kinetic energy from sea waves, for a first preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0046] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the system for extracting potential and kinetic energy from sea waves, for a first preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0047] FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the system for extracting potential and kinetic energy from sea waves, for a second preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0048] FIG. 4 shows a view of section A-A of the system for extracting potential and kinetic energy from sea waves, for a second preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0049] FIG. 5 shows a view of section A-A of the system for extracting potential and kinetic energy from sea waves in the maintenance or transport position, for a second preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0050] In view of the drawings that have been provided, it can be seen how in a first preferred embodiment of the invention, the system for extracting potential and kinetic energy from sea waves, of the type located in offshore marine constructions and having an operation based on a piston 2 causing the movement of a pressurized liquid 36 through a turbine 10 proposed herein, comprises an extraction unit 1 formed by a supporting structure 3 suspended from the marine construction and an energy-generating mechanism 7 located inside the supporting structure 3.

[0051] In this first preferred embodiment of the invention, the marine construction in which the system for extraction is located is a sea bridge, the system being fixed in a suspended manner below one of the lower areas thereof.

[0052] The supporting structure 3 of the extraction unit 1 comprises a series of tubular bodies 4 arranged around a central area, which in this first preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 2, are six tubular bodies 4 arranged in the shape having a hexagonal section. This supporting structure 3 is fixed at the top to a first holding platform 5.1 and closed at the bottom by means of a lower base 6.

[0053] Likewise, as can be seen in FIG. 1 the energy-generating mechanism 7 comprises a half-submerged buoy 8 in the lower part thereof, connected by means of a frame 9 to a closed-circuit pumping mechanism. In this first preferred embodiment of the invention, said closed circuit uses a lubricant 36 and an antioxidant.

[0054] The system for extraction in turn comprises a turbine 10 and respective accumulator tank 11 and regulator tank 12 connected to the pumping mechanism of the extraction unit. Both the turbine 10 and the tanks 11, 12 are located on a second machine supporting platform 5.2 which is located above the first holding platform 5.1 and fixed at the top to the marine construction 13.

[0055] Furthermore, the suspended supporting structure 3 has an automatic adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height and waterline of the buoy 8 which keeps the rest of the energy-generating mechanism 7 above sea level, by means of the displacement of the first holding platform 5.1 with respect to the second supporting platform 5.2.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 1, in this first preferred embodiment of the invention said automatic adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height and waterline of the buoy 8 is formed by a series of guide elements 14, fixed at the top to the second supporting platform 5.2 and each of them being located inside one of the tubular bodies 4 forming the supporting structure 3. Like in this first embodiment, the supporting structure 3 is formed by six tubular bodies 4, and it therefore has six guide elements 14.

[0057] In this preferred embodiment, two of said guide elements 14 are furthermore threading elements 14.1 to be threaded on the corresponding tubular bodies 4.

[0058] As can be seen in FIG. 2, these two threading elements 14.1 have in the upper part thereof gears 15 which are interconnected with one another and with a central gear 16 by means of a first transmission chain 17.1.

[0059] In turn, the central gear 16 is connected to a motor 18 of the system controlled by a program for automatically adjusting the buoyancy of the buoy 8.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 1, in this first preferred embodiment of the invention the closed-circuit pumping mechanism comprises a vertical piston 2 secured by means of a bearing 19 to a push rod 20 fixed to the upper part of the frame 9 connected to the buoy 8.

[0061] The piston 2 displaces vertically inside a pressurized chamber 21 due to the movement of this buoy 8 and the frame 9 connected thereto. This movement displaces the push rod 20 which in turn displaces the piston 2 inside the pressurized chamber 21.

[0062] A first movement is therefore the upward movement of the piston 2 due to the buoy 8 moving upward as a result of the wave crest 22 acting thereon. This upward movement of the piston 2 fills the pressurized chamber 21 with the liquid 36 from the regulator tank 12 to which it is connected by first connection means. A second movement is the downward movement of the piston 2 inside the pressurized chamber 21 due to the buoy 8 moving down as a result of the wave shape 23 acting thereon. The downward movement of the piston 2 causes the liquid 36 to be discharged through second connection means to the accumulator tank 11, the pressurized chamber 21 thereby being emptied.

[0063] FIG. 1 shows the complete path for the liquid of the closed circuit of the pumping mechanism, both in the first and second movements.

[0064] The accumulator tank 11 and the regulator tank 12 are connected to one another by means of a control valve 24 controlling the passage of the liquid 36 from the accumulator tank 11 to the regulator tank 12 through the turbine 10.

[0065] In this first preferred embodiment of the invention as can be seen in FIG. 1, the first connection means between the pressure chamber 21 and the regulator tank 12 are formed by a hose 25.1 connected to the regulator tank 12, a rigid pipe 26.1 connecting this hose 25.1 to an inlet and outlet duct 27 of the pressurized chamber 21 and a check valve 28.1 allowing circulation of the liquid 36 to the pressurized chamber 21.

[0066] Likewise, the second connection means between the pressurized chamber 21 and the accumulator tank 11, are formed by a hose 25.2 connected to said accumulator tank 11, a rigid pipe 26.2 connecting this hose 25.2 to the inlet and outlet duct 27 of the pressurized chamber 21 and a check valve 28.2 allowing circulation of the liquid 36 to the accumulator tank 11.

[0067] In this first preferred embodiment of the invention as can be seen in FIG. 1, the buoy 8 comprises guiding means of the energy-generating mechanism 7 which are formed by side guiding bearings 29 for guiding the buoy 8 with respect to the supporting structure 3 and guide rings 30 of the frame 9 thereof.

[0068] Furthermore, these guiding means comprise in the central area of the push rod 20 a cylindrical space with a guide rod 31, secured at its upper end 31.1 to the first holding platform 5.1, sliding therein.

[0069] This therefore helps the system to maintain the vertical axis, preventing deviations caused by compressive forces during impulsion movement of the energy-generating mechanism 7.

[0070] Likewise, as shown in said FIG. 1 the energy-generating mechanism 7 comprises securing means formed by clamps 32 for securing to the supporting structure 3.

[0071] Likewise, for safety purposes, in order to prevent the possible waves from exceeding the maximum calculated height, in this first preferred embodiment of the invention the extraction unit 1 has safety means shown in FIG. 1 and formed by dampeners 33 located in the lower base 6 of the supporting structure 3, in the area of contact thereof with the buoy 8 and, on a support surface 34 fixed in the lower part of the pressurized chamber 21 of the piston 2, in the area of contact thereof with the buoy 8.

[0072] In this first preferred embodiment of the invention, the turbine 10 of the system is connected to a nearby land power grid, having a connection socket in the sea bridge below the structure of which there is positioned in a suspended manner the system for extracting potential and kinetic energy from sea waves.

[0073] In a second preferred embodiment of the invention proposed herein, the system for extracting potential and kinetic energy from sea waves, of the type located in offshore marine constructions and having an operation based on a piston 2 causing the movement of a pressurized liquid 36 through a turbine 10, comprises a series of independent modules 35, where each of them is made up of three extraction units 1 such as those defined in the first preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the arrangement of the extraction units 1 in one of these modules 35.

[0074] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4 each extraction unit 1 is formed, like in the first preferred embodiment of the invention, by a supporting structure 3 suspended from the marine construction 13 and an energy-generating mechanism 7 located inside the supporting structure 3.

[0075] In this second preferred embodiment of the invention, the marine construction 13 in which the system for extraction is located is a marine platform, such as an oil platform or an oceanographic laboratory, the system being fixed below the structure thereof in a suspended manner.

[0076] The supporting structure 3 of each extraction unit 1 comprises six tubular bodies 4 arranged in the shape having a hexagonal section. The extraction units 1 are arranged in a triangle, such that each extraction unit 1 shares two of these six tubular bodies 4 with each of the other two extraction units 1.

[0077] As they are connected in a triangular manner, the need to position the buoys 8 according to the attack of the waves is prevented, since as a result of the configuration thereof, the amount of energy harnessed from the waves would be the same and the highest regardless of the direction of attack.

[0078] FIG. 4 shows a section A-A of a module of the system where the sections of two of the extraction units 1 of the module 35 can be seen. As has been determined, in this second preferred embodiment of the invention each extraction unit 1 is similar to the extraction unit 1 defined in the first preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0079] Said FIG. 4 shows two of the extraction units 1 in a position in which they receive the wave. In this sense, the buoy 8 of one of the units is in the low part or trough 23 of the wave and the other moves up over the crest 22 or high point of the wave.

[0080] In the case of the extraction unit 1 having the buoy 8 at the trough point 23 of the wave, since the piston 2 is connected to the buoy 8 by means of the push rod 20 fixed to the frame 9 of said buoy 8, said piston 2 was displaced downwards. This displacement discharged the liquid 36 found in the pressurized chamber 21 and it reaches, by means of the rigid pipe 26.2 and the hose 25.2 of the second connection means, the accumulator tank 11 of the system. These second means have a check valve 28.2 which only allows circulation to the accumulator tank 11.

[0081] On the other hand, at the same time the buoy 8 of the other depicted extraction unit 1 is at the wave crest point 22.

[0082] In this case, since the buoy 8 moves up over said wave crest 22, the piston 2 is displaced upwards such that the pressurized chamber 21 is filled with liquid 36 coming from the regulator tank 12 of the system through the hose 25.1 and the rigid pipe 26.1 forming the first connection means of this extraction unit 1. These first means have a check valve 28.1 which only allows passage to the pressurized chamber 21.

[0083] Both accumulator tank 11 and regulator tank 12 are connected by means of a pressure control valve 24. They furthermore have a turbine 10 located in the connection between both tanks, such that the liquid 36 circulating from one tank to another driven by the movements of the buoy 8 which displaces the piston 2, causes the passage of the liquid 36 through the turbine 10 and generates electricity. Like in the first preferred embodiment, this liquid 36 circulating in the closed circuit is a lubricant and an antioxidant.

[0084] The turbine 10 and the tanks 11, 12, of each module 35 of the system for extraction are located on a second machine supporting platform 5.2 which is located above the first holding platform 5.1 of the supporting structures 3 of the three units 1 forming the module 35.

[0085] The supporting structure 3 suspended from each extraction unit 1 has, as indicated in the first preferred embodiment of the invention, an automatic adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height and waterline of the buoy 8, keeping the generating mechanism 7 of each extraction unit 1 above sea level.

[0086] This automatic adjustment mechanism in turn allows manually lifting the supporting structures 3 of the extraction units 1 for maintenance or transfer situations such as that shown in FIG. 5.

[0087] The automatic adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height and waterline of the buoy 8 is formed by six guide elements 14, fixed at the top to the second supporting platform 5.2 and each of them being located inside one of the tubular bodies 4 forming the supporting structure 3. Two of said guide elements 14 in each tubular body 4 are furthermore threading elements 14.1 to be threaded on the corresponding tubular bodies 1, where the threading elements 14.1 are thus located in tubular bodies 4 in positions that are not shared by the extraction units 1.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 3, the threading elements 14.1 of each extraction unit 1 have in the upper part thereof gears 15 that are interconnected with one another and with a central gear 16 by means of a first transmission chain 17.1. Likewise, the central gears 16 of said three extraction units 1 are connected by a second transmission chain 17.2, one of said central gears 16 being connected to the motor 18 controlled by a program for automatically adjusting the buoyancy of the buoy 8.

[0089] In this second preferred embodiment of the invention, the buoy 8 of each extraction unit 1 of the module 35 comprises, like in the first defined embodiment, guiding means of the energy-generating mechanism 7, formed by side guiding bearings 29 for guiding the buoy 8 with respect to the supporting structure 3 and guide rings 30 of the frame 9 thereof. The guiding means of each extraction unit 1 also comprise a cylindrical space in the central area of the push rod 20 with a guide rod 31, secured at its upper end 31.1 to the first holding platform 5.1, sliding therein.

[0090] Likewise, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 the energy-generating mechanism 7 of each extraction unit 1 comprises securing means formed by clamps 32 for securing to the respective supporting structure 3.

[0091] Each extraction unit 1 also comprises safety means formed by dampeners 33 that are located in each extraction unit 1, in the lower base 6 of the supporting structure 3 thereof, in the area of contact thereof with the buoy 8 and, on a support surface 34 fixed in the lower part of the pressurized chamber 21 of the piston 2, in the area of contact thereof with said buoy 8, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0092] In this second preferred embodiment of the invention, the turbine 10 of the system is connected to storage means of the system from which the required energy is provided to the marine platform.

[0093] Significant improvements with respect to the state of the art are achieved with the system for extracting potential and kinetic energy from sea waves proposed herein.

[0094] A completely autonomous system, specially designed for being coupled to any offshore platform, where there is a demand for electric current that is usually generated by means of generator sets that depend on fuel supply usually transported by means of tankers, is thus obtained. The system for extraction defined herein provides all the required energy to these structures without having to depend on external supply, so it is much more profitable. Since no underwater cables are needed, given that all wiring is internal, costs as well as wear and maintenance problems are reduced.

[0095] Since the system is a suspended system, only the buoy is in contact with the sea, the rest of the mechanisms thereof being outside the water, and it therefore prevents lichens or other underwater elements from sticking thereon, allows visual operation inspection, allows preventing leaks or failures that are harder to detect as a result of being submerged and makes maintenance tasks easier.

[0096] As modules can be formed with three extraction units arranged in a triangle, it is a very effective system when the orientation of the attack of the waves cannot be determined, given that the system is capable of harnessing energy 360 which will allow it to harness the maximum amount of energy regardless of the direction of attack of the wave.

[0097] By having a closed circuit pumping mechanism, the present invention has several advantages such as the fact that, by using a lubricant and an antioxidant, the maintenance of the elements working under friction is assured. Furthermore, it does not depend on the supply of operating liquid.

[0098] On the other hand, the automatic adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height and waterline of the buoy allows modifying the height thereof with respect to the buoyancy level of the waves, in order to be able to optimize system performance, regardless of the change in height of the waves and tides.