Working Member Actuated By The Rise And Fall Of A Surface Of A Body Of Fluid Patents (Class 60/497)
  • Patent number: 11901713
    Abstract: In particular, the invention relates to a system for regulating the temperature of a cable which is laid at least partly in a body of water and on land, said system including: means for collecting water on the land-side such that water can be collected into said means and can be dispensed out of said means; means for controlling a quantity of water such that a quantity of water flowing out of the means for collecting water on the land-side or flowing into said means from the body of water can be controlled; and means for cooling a cable, said means surrounding the cable in the form of a sleeve in at least one section of the means for collecting water on the land-side up to a body of water, wherein a cavity through which the water flows in order to cool the cable is formed between the cable and the means for cooling the cable. The invention additionally relates to the use of a system according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: RWE Renewables GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Obermeyer, Stefan Dominguez Ebitsch, Christian Schiller
  • Patent number: 11879421
    Abstract: An energy farm having an electrical grid through which power generated by the devices in the farm may be combined and transmitted. The electrical grid is formed through the electrical interconnection of devices in a farm through electrical connections that remain, in whole or at least in part, adjacent to the surface of the body of water on which the devices float. A plurality of flexible converters of the network have no direct or immediate electrical interface with a subsea power cable (i.e. a cable on or under the seafloor), but instead transmit electricity to other converters in a daisy-chained fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Lone Gull Holdings, Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian Lee Moffat, Garth Alexander Sheldon-Coulson
  • Patent number: 11854416
    Abstract: According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a drone station comprising a housing having a cavity, and a structure permeable to air and configured to be moved from a first position into a second position and reverse, wherein a platform for landing, storing and starting of a drone is provided by the structure within the cavity in the first position, and wherein an entry into the cavity or an exit out of the cavity through a ventral access is provided for the drone in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Teknologian tutkimuskeskus VTT Oy
    Inventor: Raul Prieto
  • Patent number: 11821158
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media that implement an autonomous modular breakwater system. An example system includes a plurality of autonomous submersible structures, each configured to mechanically link to any other of the plurality of autonomous submersible structures to form a breakwater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Aaron Knoll, Neil Davé, Charles Nordstrom
  • Patent number: 11725621
    Abstract: A power take-off apparatus for a wave energy converter of point absorber type, includes a cylinder attachable to a floating device, a piston that reciprocates inside the cylinder and has a piston rod attachable to a mooring, at least one penstock with a first end in communication with a second end of the cylinder through a first opening, and a second end having a second opening, and a housing above a cylinder first end. The housing communicates with the penstock through the second opening and with the cylinder through a third opening in the housing such that the cylinder, penstock and the housing form a closed loop for a fluid in the power take-off apparatus. A water turbine is arranged inside the housing so that working fluid entering the housing from the at least one penstock causes rotation of the water turbine to drive an electrical generator connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Novige AB
    Inventors: Jan Skjoldhammer, Timo Pohjanvuori
  • Patent number: 11703027
    Abstract: 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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Giorgio Bacelli, David G. Wilson, Dominic Forbush, Steven J. Spencer, Ryan G. Coe
  • Patent number: 11499520
    Abstract: A device for generating hydroelectric energy, using the swell of a mass of water, said device containing an impeller which is rotatable around a shaft and at least one electric generator group, the drive shaft of which is coupled at least in one direction of rotation in a torque transmitting manner to the impeller shaft, whereby the device is provided with a floating casing which contains two compartments which are partly filled with fluid and which via a passage are fluidly connected with each other, whereby the device furthermore contains an air-filled caisson, which has an open bottom and opens out to said passage and whereby in said caisson the impeller is rotatably mounted around a shaft which extends perpendicular to the direction of the passage and whereby the impeller is partly mounted in the air-filled space of the caisson and partly in the fluid in the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Inventor: Boudewijn Gabriël Van Rompay
  • Patent number: 11353000
    Abstract: A wave-direction-adaptive wave focusing type wave energy convertor with multiple water channels, comprising an energy acquisition system, an energy conversion system and a support system. Wave focusing is carried out through double water channels, so that the movement amplitude of water particles behind a box is doubled. A device is connected with a fixed pile through universal bearings, so that an opening of the device is always faced to a wave flow direction, which adapts to different seasons and water conditions, has low environmental requirements, and can be used in a wide sea area. Several coils of pretension spring compression are arranged in a winding barrel, so that a nylon rope connected to a buoy is ensured to be always in a straightened state and not derail from pulley blocks to work abnormally due to looseness whether the buoy is at a wave crest or a wave trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: DALIAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Chongwei Zhang, Zhenyu Ding, Dezhi Ning
  • Patent number: 11286900
    Abstract: A wave power generation unit suitable for large-scale application and a system thereof are disclosed. The wave power generation unit includes at least two types of water platforms that dynamically differ from each other under the effect of waves: stationary floating platform and movable floating platform. The two types of floating platforms are paired to form a functional unit, and the difference between the two floating platforms caused by waves causes interactions between the two floating platforms. The movable floating platform converts wave energy into mechanical energy, and the stationary floating platform converts machinery energy into electrical energy. The dynamic features of the floating platform are adjusted by a sink and float control device or a peripheral lifting device, and the adjustment effect is enhanced by a large-mass flywheel. Multiple wave power generation units form a wave power generation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Inventor: Sheng Zhong
  • Patent number: 10988213
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for deploying a plurality of unmanned marine vehicles into water, in which each unmanned marine vehicle including a float and a glider connected by a tether. A buoyant platform carries the plurality of unmanned marine vehicles is advanced through the water. Each respective unmanned marine vehicle is secured in an associated apparatus comprising a buoyant frame defining a receiving bay, a float clamp assembly coupled to the buoyant frame and selectively retaining a float of the respective unmanned marine vehicle in the receiving bay, and a glider retainer assembly configured to selectively hold the glider of the respective unmanned marine vehicle below the buoyant frame. Each respective unmanned marine vehicle and associated apparatus is transferred from the buoyant platform to the water, and each respective unmanned marine vehicle is deployed from the associated apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Jamie Childress
  • Patent number: 10557458
    Abstract: Offshore airborne wind turbine systems with an aerial vehicle connected to an undersea anchor via a tether are disclosed. A floating landing platform may be coupled to the tether and be dragged along the surface of the water along with the tether. The landing platform may be designed such that the tether can freely pass through the platform, allowing the aerial vehicle to ascend, descend, move laterally, and in crosswind flight, without creating a significant tension load on landing platform. The landing platform may also include a tether drive mechanism that can actively move the tether through the platform, thus changing the platform's location along the length of the tether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Makani Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Charles Nordstrom, Fort Felker
  • Patent number: 10126072
    Abstract: A heat storage unit or a heat storage system is a heat storage unit including: a heat storage portion having a first material with a strongly correlated electron system material; and a heat conduction portion having a second material higher in a thermal conductivity than the first material and being in contact with the heat storage portion. The heat storage unit may have a laminated structure in which the heat storage portion and the heat conduction portion are alternately laminated on each other. For example, a metal-insulator phase transition material or a transition metal oxide may be used as the strongly correlated electron system material. The second material may be metal or ceramics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinya Kasamatsu, Eiichi Okuno, Yasushi Kouno, Takuya Fuse
  • Patent number: 9989076
    Abstract: Methods and systems for harvesting mechanical energy for transformation into electrical energy are described. An energy harvesting apparatus may include a housing having fluid disposed therein and a piston assembly configured to move within the housing in one of an extension stroke and a compression stroke. The piston assembly may include a bidirectional rotor configured to rotate responsive to the piston assembly moving in either of the extension stroke and the compression stroke. The bidirectional rotor may be connected to a rotary generator such that rotational energy generated by rotation of the bidirectional rotor may be transferred to the rotary generator. Electrical energy may be produced by the rotary generator responsive to receiving the rotational energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY MADRAS
    Inventor: Abdus Samad
  • Patent number: 9777700
    Abstract: A gyrating wave power plant, comprising a body (1) floating on water with a main plane which in calm water is substantially vertical. The body is moored in an orientation with the main plane transverse to the propagation direction of waves. The body has its upper and lower sections provided with arched fins (2, 3). The fins (2) in the body's upper section curve downward when proceeding towards side edges of the body, and the fins (3) in the body's lower section curve upward when proceeding towards side edges of the body. The arched shape of the fins (2, 3) is an oval-shaped spiral with respect to a lateral swaying axis (A) of the body, which is perpendicular to the main plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: WELLO OY
    Inventor: Heikki Paakkinen
  • Patent number: 9057352
    Abstract: A wave power generation device for synchronizing a vertical movement of a float with all the wave periods, and a method of controlling the same. The device has a controller which controls a torque of a power generator, and the controller is configured to estimate a displacement and a speed of a float from data of a rotation number or a rotation speed of the power generator, to estimate a wave period from the displacement and the speed, and to determine a displacement coefficient corresponding to the wave period from a data table stored in advance, and to transmit a calculated product of the displacement coefficient and the displacement as a torque command to the power generator so as to control a torque of the power generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: MITSUI ENGINEERING & SHIPBUILDING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kunio Nakano, Hiroyuki Nakagawa, Shogo Miyajima, Takashi Kawaguchi
  • Publication number: 20150096292
    Abstract: Apparatus for converting wave motion on a body of water into electrical power includes an electrical power generating system. The system includes a floatable housing. An electrical power generating unit is disposed within the floatable housing. The electrical power generating unit includes two spaced apart wheels which are connected by a drive element, and at least one generator for generating electrical power. A weight is connected to the drive element. When the system is tilted by wave motion, the weight moves toward the lower wheel, thereby turning the wheels and generator(s) and creating electrical power. In an embodiment, a plurality of systems are connected by connectors to form a power generating array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Robert Georges Skaf
  • Publication number: 20150013327
    Abstract: A hydroelectric power system and pump suitable for the system are disclosed which can make efficient use of the energy available in water flows with considerably variable flow rates. A simple, compact variable displacement axial piston pump can be operated so as to provide an essentially constant output pumping pressure and variable output volume that varies efficiently in accordance with water flow rate. The system is particularly suitable for shoreline tidal power generation and provides firm power output throughout the tidal slacks occurring during the tidal reversals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Laird Galen Bateham
  • Patent number: 8925313
    Abstract: A device that converts wave energy to electrical or chemical energy includes a buoy adapted to float on a water surface, a venturi tube, and a rigid or flexible means of connecting the buoy and the venturi tube. The venturi tube defines a lumen through which water flows downwardly when the buoy moves upwardly and upwardly when the buoy moves downwardly. A constriction is formed in the lumen to create a venturi effect for water flowing upwardly and downwardly through the lumen. A turbine is positioned in the lumen at the constriction where water flow is at a maximum rate. The turbine is connected to a generator so that the venturi effect is harnessed to generate power. Multiple embodiments are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Brian Lee Moffat
  • Publication number: 20140352293
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tether for connecting a moving device submerged in liquid to a support structure, e.g. a submersible power plant comprising a stream-driven vehicle provided with at least one turbine for generation of electrical energy. The tether extends in a main direction, and at least a tether portion of the tether comprises a tensile force bearing portion extending in the main direction of the tether, wherein the tether portion is arranged to strive to self-align in relation to a relative flow direction of the liquid during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Arne Quappen, Olof Marzelius
  • Publication number: 20140338321
    Abstract: A floating eagle type wave power generating device includes an eagle-head-shaped wave absorption floating body, a ship-shaped underwater appendage and a door-shaped support arm. The eagle-head-shaped wave absorption floating body is fixedly connected with an upper end of the door-shaped support arm. A lower end of the door-shaped support arm is connected with first hinges. The first hinges are fixedly connected with the ship-shaped underwater appendage through a base. The door-shaped support arm, together with the eagle-head-shaped wave absorption floating body, can rotate around the first hinges. L-shaped underwater appendages, mounted at two ends of the ship-shaped underwater appendage, are connected with the ship-shaped underwater appendage through second hinges and can rotate around the second hinges. A main floating body is arranged above the ship-shaped underwater appendage and below the eagle-head-shaped wave absorption floating body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Yage You, Songwei Sheng
  • Publication number: 20140335747
    Abstract: A float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Liquid Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine, Kurt A. F. Kiesow, III, William A. Stutz, Graham Hine
  • Publication number: 20140327338
    Abstract: A float operated lever device for wave energy conversion comprising at least one force amplifying lever, a pivot secured on a secured platform, a buoyant float attached to said lever and a latch means secured in position for obstructing the motion of said force amplifying lever for a fraction of half wave's period, when said float is nearly at its highest and lowest positions whereby said force amplifying lever travels downward or upward respectively, at a greater velocity and for a greater distance than in the case of free floating thus producing an amplified output force, pivoting speed and angular displacement. A method for thermal energy storage and retrieval of electricity in phase change material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Vassilios Vamvas
  • Publication number: 20140318117
    Abstract: An underwater structure includes a power generation unit, which includes a main body, a mounting portion which extends from the main body and which defines a mounting axis, and a support structure adapted for engagement with a bed of a body of water, and support housing. The mounting portion defines a substantially continuous mounting surface which extends substantially completely around the mounting portion, and the support housing defines a substantially continuous support surface which extends substantially completely around the support housing. The mounting surface and support surface are arranged to abut one another substantially continuously when the power generation unit is mounted on the support structure. The mounting portion and the support housing are adapted to cooperate with one another for mounting of the power generation unit on the support structure in any polar orientation about the mounting axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: TIDAL GENERATION LIMITED
    Inventor: Paul Vigars
  • Publication number: 20140305118
    Abstract: The patent application discloses an energy collector, which comprises a hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic motor and a water carrying wheel. A piston in the hydraulic cylinder is connected with a reciprocating type running gear; a water inlet pipe and a water outlet pipe are installed on the hydraulic cylinder; a one-way valve a is arranged in the water inlet pipe; a one-way valve b is arranged in the water outlet pipe; the water outlet pipe is connected with the hydraulic motor; the hydraulic motor is connected with the water carrying wheel in a transmission manner; and a water carrying pipe is installed in the middle of the water carrying wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Kam Wa Tai
  • Publication number: 20140290234
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wave power device 1 for the extraction of energy from waves in a liquid 3. The device 1 comprises a container 2 intended to at least partially be located in the liquid 3 from which the wave energy shall be extracted. The container 2 is provided with one or several openings 6, for admitting said liquid 3 and gas 5 into the container and at least one outlet 8. The container 2 is at least partly designed as an oblong unity adapted to be influenced by and essentially follow the wave motions in the liquid 3 so that the container 2 assumes a wave shaped contour. The container 2 will assume positions having different potential energy relative each other in at least a first portion 9 and a second portion 10. By the wave motion will liquid 3 and gas 5 be transported through the tubular container while a pressure is built up within the container 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel Ehrnberg
  • Publication number: 20140290233
    Abstract: This disclosure provides improved nautical craft that can travel and navigate on their own. A hybrid vessel is described that converts wave motion to locomotive thrust by mechanical means, and also converts wave motion to electrical power for storage in a battery. The electrical power can then be tapped to provide locomotive power during periods where wave motion is inadequate and during deployment. The electrical power can also be tapped to even out the undulating thrust that is created when locomotion of the vessel is powered by wave motion alone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine
  • Publication number: 20140260236
    Abstract: According to embodiment of the disclosure, a wave energy harvesting system comprises a water wave band gap structure (WWBGS) and one or more energy conversion devices. The water wave band gap structure (WWBGS) comprises an array of posts with one or more missing posts that define a defect cavity. The one or more defect cavities are configured to concentrate energy of water waves. The one or more energy conversion devices are positioned in or adjacent to one of the one or more defect cavities and are configured to convert the energy from the water waves into another form of energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Delmar L. Barker, Darrick M. Buban, Michael J. Broyles
  • Patent number: 8826658
    Abstract: The generator comprises a float (1) which is movable in response to wave motion in a body of water, a submersible reaction member (2) of adjustable buoyancy, with at least two buoyancy configurations, connected to the float and arranged to resist movement of the float caused by the wave motion, an energy converter (5) for converting such reciprocal movement to useful energy; and biasing means such as a spring 6 for directionally biasing the reciprocal movement. Displacement of the float relative to the reaction member is permitted and reciprocal movement generated in response to such displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Marine Power Systems Limited
    Inventors: Graham Foster, Gareth Stockman
  • Publication number: 20140230426
    Abstract: This invention relates to an arrangement in a wave energy recovery system comprising at least a wing element hinged on its one edge to make a reciprocating motion in response to kinetic energy of waves or tidal currents, a wave energy recovery means having a space alterable by its volume with the help of a connection rod making a reciprocating movement caused by the wing element At least the sealings and/or through holes between the space and the connection rod are protected against seawater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: AW-ENERGY OY
    Inventors: Yrjö Tuokkola, Arvo Järvinen
  • Patent number: 8763389
    Abstract: A reaction mass and a spring are configured to form an “oscillator”. The reaction mass is coupled to, and can wrap around, a first pulley via a first belt/cable. The spring is coupled to, and can wrap around, a second pulley via a second belt/cable. The first and second pulleys are mechanically linked together and are mounted so they rotate in tandem. The diameter of the second pulley is different than the diameter of the first pulley to cause the reaction mass to travel a different distance than the spring in response to the up down motion of the reaction mass. The first and second pulleys may be circular with the second pulley being made smaller than first. Alternatively, the first pulley may be circular and the second pulley a cam of varying radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Ocean Power Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Stewart
  • Patent number: 8733092
    Abstract: A wave power converting device includes a platform, a plurality of first and second fluid guide assemblies and floating assembly. The platform has a retaining post anchored to an underwater ground. The first and second fluid guide assemblies are disposed underwater so that the water could flow into the first and second fluid guide assemblies. The floating assembly could be moved up and down relative to the platform so as to press the water upwardly through the first and second fluid guide assemblies to a reservoir. Under this arrangement, the energy potential of the water in the reservoir can be converted into electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Yun-Chang Yu
  • Patent number: 8726651
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydropower plant including a water turbine submerged in a water current, A grating is located adjacent the water turbine. According to the invention the grating is arranged to guide the water flow in the water current such that the velocity of the water between the grating and the water turbine becomes non-uniform. The invention also relates to a use of the hydropower plant for generating electric energy for supply to an electric network. Further the invention relates to a method for operating a hydropower plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Current Power Sweden AB
    Inventor: Mats Leijon
  • Patent number: 8713928
    Abstract: A wave energy converter comprises a pitching floating vessel and means for converting the pitching motion to electrical power. By varying the distribution of the ballast mass in the vessel and by varying the vessel's immersed length the moments of inertia of mass and of added mass are varied and wave-bridging is controlled. The immersed length of the vessel is varied by changing the draft of a v-shaped hull. Roll and yaw are suppressed by a vertical fin held at a substantial depth Inside the vessel is a compact pendulum that is a combination of tracked and folding pendulums. Both vessel and compact pendulum can be simultaneously and dynamically tuned over the range of periods that characterize high-energy ocean swells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Bruce Gregory
  • Publication number: 20140116042
    Abstract: A wave power generation system includes a power generation component and a hydraulic component. The hydraulic component includes a cylinder and a piston. The cylinder connects to the power generation component. The cylinder has an accommodation space and a vent located in the middle section of the accommodation space such that the vent runs outside from the accommodation space. The accommodation space is used for accommodating a fluid. The piston is disposed in the accommodation space and is used for being guided by the accommodation space and sliding relative to the cylinder. Thereby, this drives the power generation component to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, and to force the remaining air in the accommodation space and remaining air in the fluid to be discharged via the vent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Sheng-Chung LO, Chen-Yang LAN, Wei-Ming CHEN, Tzu-Hung HUANG
  • Patent number: 8677743
    Abstract: Invention for extraction and accumulation of energy from displacement of an agitated fluid includes buoyant body, camshaft, flywheel, and platforms. Buoyant body floats upon agitated fluid surface and is constrained to vertical translation. Buoyant body translation is converted to flywheel rotation via bearings which engage helical cam tracks of a camshaft. Camshaft is torsionally engaged with flywheel. Buoyant body and camshaft are fitted with unidirectional rotary clutches. Upon action of rising wave, buoyant force is exerted upon buoyant body, displacing body vertically and causing bearings to apply torsion to camshaft, driving camshaft and flywheel into rotation. Upon wave recession, buoyant body descends under self weight via freewheeling action of unidirectional clutches. Flywheel may be filled with or emptied of fluid to adjust its rotary inertia during operation. Buoyant body has a tapered shape and may be filled with or emptied of fluid to adjust its interface with agitated fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Steven Pedersen
  • Patent number: 8667791
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a damper for damping the reactionary motion of a wave energy conversion device to wave motion, comprising a damping energy absorber (7) having a reversible non-linear stress-strain response, arranged to damp the reactionary motion of the WEC. According to a first aspect, there is provided a damping structure (2) for a wave energy conversion device (1). The structure comprises a fixed member (6), and a damping member (7) having a reversible non-linear stress-strain response. The present invention also relates to a mooring component (2) for a mooring system (1) and to a method for manufacturing a mooring component (2). The component comprises a deformable element (6) having a reversible non-linear stress-strain response, wherein the response is a composite reversible non-linear stress-strain response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Technology From Ideas, Limited
    Inventors: Paul McEvoy, Robert Healy
  • Patent number: 8650870
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to wave actuated devices for converting wave energy from waves passing through water into mechanical work, the wave actuated devices including primary buoys floating in the water and configured to rise and fall with the waves as they pass through the water between lower position and upper positions, carriages coupled to the primary buoy by a linkage and moving between first and second positions, carriage magnetically interactive materials mounted to the carriages, a support structure extending from a support surface and including a pivot spaced from the support surface, and an arm pivotally supported on the pivot and extending from the pivot to a first end proximate the carriage magnetically interactive material. Some examples of wave actuated devices implement buoy force to return the system to a state of potential energy as a wave triggers the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Aaron Overman
  • Publication number: 20140033701
    Abstract: A wave power generator device having hypoid racks includes a buoyant tank, a roller mechanism, guide posts, a power generation platform, a hydraulic energy conversion mechanism and a cross lifting lever. The power generation platform is mounted on guide posts extended into the seabed. The cross lifting lever is provided in the throughhole in the middle of the platform. The lower part of the cross lifting lever is fixed with the buoyant tank by a movable connection rod. The roller mechanism is mounted at both sides of the buoyant tank and appressed to the guide posts. The hydraulic energy conversion mechanism includes a housing, one-way hydraulic cylinders, rolling wheels and is mounted on the power generation platform in cooperation with the cross lifting lever to achieve energy conversion motion to solve the control and adaption problem for a water level difference during the wave power generation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Zhejiang Ocean University
    Inventors: Detang Li, Younghe Xie, Long Shao
  • Publication number: 20140007568
    Abstract: A wave power capture system includes a double acting piston arrangement in which reciprocation of the piston arrangement as a result of wave action to causes hydraulic fluid to be pumped into a hydraulic supply to a hydraulic motor and the flow and differential pressure of the double acting piston may be different to the flow and differential pressure provided to the hydraulic supply and that such difference is variable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Michael David Crowley
  • Patent number: 8614520
    Abstract: An ocean wave energy converter uses one or more buoyant elongated float(s) self orienting toward oncoming wave fronts and movably affixed to a motion stabilized controlled buoyancy frame by down sloping tracks constraining the wave induced motion of the float(s) to an upward and rearward motion as oncoming wave crests impact and lift the barrier(s) and downward and forward as subsequent wave troughs return it. Motion between the barrier(s) and the frame is resisted and energy captured by a programmable electric or hydraulic power take off system. Capture efficiency is further enhanced by adjusting float mass and buoyancy by controlling water entering or exiting cavities in the float(s), use of wave shoaling and focusing means, and adjusting the submerged depth and slope angle of the device with adjustable frame air-water ballast tanks which also allow total float submergence during severe sea states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Rohrer Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John Rohrer
  • Patent number: 8590299
    Abstract: A device to capture and store or generate energy from variations in water level of a water body has a housing and an input shaft rotatably mounted to the housing. A drive belt is rotatably connected to the input shaft and a float is attached to that drive belt so that the float reciprocally drives the input shaft as the water levels increase and decrease. An output shaft is also rotatably mounted to the housing while a first one-way clutch is operatively disposed between the input shaft and the output shaft so that the input shaft rotatably drives the output shaft through the clutch in one rotational direction. A reversing gear is rotatably mounted to the housing and rotatably drives a second one-way clutch also operatively coupled to the second shaft to drive the second shaft in the same rotational direction as the first clutch, but during the opposite rotation of the input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Philip Padula
  • Patent number: 8590298
    Abstract: A changeable damping wave power capturing device driven by bidirectional screw rod is provided, which uses the ball screw device to capture the wave power and prevents the energy lost caused by complex mechanism. In addition, bidirectional reciprocating rectilinear motion is changed to unidirectional rotation by the ratchet wheel device, and then the rotating energy is imported to the generating set. Besides, the wave power capturing device driven by bidirectional screw rod uses the control device to detect wave energy and choose different generator, the control device could change the damping value and improve the efficiency that transforming wave energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Yin-Ling Kuo, Chih-Wei Yen, Wei-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 8584454
    Abstract: An electrical power generation device (10) utilising movement of the ocean comprising an elongate column (12) journalled in a support structure (14) for universal movement relative thereto. The support structure is adapted to be secured to the sea bed so that the column is disposed for at least partially submerged universal motion relative to the support structure automatically in response to force transmitted by movement of the ocean in which the support structure and the column reside. The support structure may contain an array of piston and cylinder assemblies (32) in such a construction the supported end (26) of the column is adapted to actuate one or more of the piston and cylinder assemblies in random sequence as a result of movement of the column relative to the support structure. The piston and cylinder assemblies are operatively connected to drive electrical power generators (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Sybre Limited
    Inventors: Ivan Patrick Williams, John Malcolm Hepworth, David Homfray Slater
  • Publication number: 20130285381
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wave-power aggregate and a method of extracting energy from wave motion in a liquid by means of a wave-power aggregate. The wave-power aggregate comprises a container which is situated at least partially in the liquid and also comprises an inflow and an outflow. The container is arranged to, under the influence of said wave motion, to let a first part of the container arrange itself in a first position and a second part of the container in a second position, where the first and second position corresponds to different potential energy states. The method comprises the steps of: alternately supplying the container with at least a first and a second fluid respectively via the inflow, where the density of the fluids differs. at least during an initial stage of the method controlling a flow resistance in at least one of the first and second fluids through the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel Ehrnberg
  • Patent number: 8564152
    Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and method for harnessing water wave energy by transforming it into a continuous flow of water to be converted into mechanical work by means of a water turbine which in turn actuates a generator that transforms the work in to electrical energy. The wave energy device connects distanced water waves in a novel manner that allows them to power one another rather than only themselves alone. By interposing a turbine in the communicating flow of water that transmits power from each wave to the others energy can be siphoned from them and stored for human use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventors: Dan Nicolaus Costas, Alexander Nicholas Costas
  • Patent number: 8555632
    Abstract: A wave power generator that can efficiently perform power generation in response to ocean-wave periods, which are waves of varying period, is provided. A vibration receiving portion that is provided in a float floating at a wave surface and that performs power generation by means of vibrations exerted thereon; a mass body that applies a mass loading on the vibration receiving portion from above; a plurality of elastic members that support the mass body in series; and a plurality of locking mechanisms that restrict/release the motion of the plurality of elastic members are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunichi Ikesue, Takeshi Yasunaga, Makoto Ohta
  • Patent number: 8528326
    Abstract: A reciprocating water displacement gravity engine is shown and described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Brian J. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20130227942
    Abstract: This invention relates to a tidal adjustment arrangement for a wave energy recovery system where the wave energy recovery system comprising at least a body (2), a wing (3a) hinged at its lower edge onto the body (2) to make a reciprocating motion in response to kinetic energy of waves or tidal currents and a power-take-off (PTO) means (3b). The arrangement comprises at least a support means (6) capable to change the vertical position of the wing (3a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: AW-ENERGY OY
    Inventors: Arvo Järvinen, Rauno Koivusaari
  • Patent number: 8525364
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for harnessing wave energy by transforming it in a continuous flow of water to be converted in mechanical energy through a water turbine. The energy wave device maximizes the throughput by discharging the water crest in a continuous flow through turbines into the trough, absorbing the water of the neighboring wave's crest and sharing the facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: Dan Nicolaus Costas, Alexander Nicholas Costas
  • Patent number: 8522544
    Abstract: An oceanic wave energy utilization system includes a floating energy collection device, an energy transfer device and an energy conversion device. The floating energy collection device is connected to the energy conversion device via the energy transfer device. The floating energy collection device is made up of a hull-shaped float and a float limitation device. Vertical energy collection plates are arranged at the underside of the float, while the energy transfer device is made up of a fixed seat and an energy transfer rod, said fixed seat being fixed at shore-side or at the seabed and movably connected to the energy transfer rod. The energy transfer rod is movably connected to the floating energy collection device and to the energy conversion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: Yi Zhang, Jilin Zhang, Huijie Zhang, Xiaoqin Zhuo, Feng Liu