Abstract: A potable water producing system for disposition at a salt water body and methods of producing potable water are provided. The system includes a wave energy conversion system (AWECS) and a portable filtration system. The AWECS forms a floating articulated barge having an onboard desalination system including reverse osmosis membranes. The filtration system is a sand filter residing on a damping plate submerged in the salt water body and filters the adjacent salt water for providing filtered salt water to the onboard desalination system. Wave action on the articulated barge provides energy to pump and pressurize the filtered salt water from the sand filter to the reverse osmosis membranes to produce potable water. The wave action on the articulated barge effects shaking of the reverse osmosis membranes, thereby rendering them self-cleaning. The potable water can be used for various applications, e.g., bottling, replenishing aquifers, ground and/or aquifer remediation, irrigation, etc.

Abstract: A hinge system and method for an Articulated Wave Energy Conversion System (AWECS) that provides for hinge and piston pump displacements due to multi-axis forces in allowing adjacent barges of the AWECS to pivot with respect to one another due to wave motion. The hinge system uses a plurality of parallel hinges, and axle segments, coupled between adjacent barges wherein the hinges are coupled to upright trusses positioned transversely along facing edges of each barge. Hinge bracing includes lower V-shaped struts that act as lower stops when the barges pitch up and also include upper struts that act as upper stops when the barges pitch down. The pumps are positioned in parallel. The pumps have special couplings such as ball joint couplings that permit motions other than longitudinal pump/ram motions due to multi-axis forces generated by the wave motion and thus provide omni-directional stress relief to the pumps.

Abstract: An articulating wave energy conversion system (AWECS) formed of a forward barge hingedly-coupled to a two-part aft barge configuration for reducing the attenuation of available wave energy along the length of the AWECS. The two-part aft barge includes a buoyant section that is either rigidly-connected, or unitized with, a lever-arm barge. The lever-arm barge includes a draft that is much smaller than the drafts of the forward barge and buoyant section. In addition, the lever-arm barge includes a large waterplane area that results in large hydrostatic forces as the waves pass. One or more intermediate barges may be hingedly-coupled between the forward barge and the aft barge. Pumps can be positioned across every hinge to convert the barge articulations into mechanical energy for driving the pumps based on wave motion for a variety of functions, such as water desalination, electrical energy generation, etc.

Abstract: A potable water producing system for disposition at a salt water body and methods of producing potable water are provided. The system includes a wave energy conversion system (AWECS) and a portable filtration system. The AWECS forms a floating articulated barge having an onboard desalination system including reverse osmosis membranes. The filtration system is a sand filter residing on a damping plate submerged in the salt water body and filters the adjacent salt water for providing filtered salt water to the onboard desalination system. Wave action on the articulated barge provides energy to pump and pressurize the filtered salt water from the sand filter to the reverse osmosis membranes to produce potable water. The wave action on the articulated barge effects shaking of the reverse osmosis membranes, thereby rendering them self-cleaning. The potable water can be used for various applications, e.g., bottling, replenishing aquifers, ground and/or aquifer remediation, irrigation, etc.

Abstract: A bi-directional pump system that can be configured for a plurality of operating modes. The bi-directional pump system includes a plurality of bi-directional pumps each having their own valving system that are connected to a common high pressure manifold, a low pressure manifold and a suction manifold. Via the respective valve systems, each pump can be configured into: (1) a single-acting pumping mode; (2) a double-acting pumping mode; (3) an inactive free motion mode; and (4) an inactive rigid mode. One exemplary application of the bi-directional pump system is on an articulated wave energy conversion system that consists of three floating barges: a front barge, a center barge and a rear barge where the front barge and center barge are hingedly connected as are the center barge and the rear barge. A first set of the bi-directional pumps span the first hinge connection and the second set of bi-directional pumps span the second hinge connection.

Abstract: A potable water producing system for disposition at a salt water body and methods of producing potable water are provided. The system includes a wave energy conversion system (AWECS) and a portable filtration-anchor system. The AWECS forms a floating articulated barge having a desalination system including a reverse osmosis membrane. The filtration-anchor system is submerged in the salt water body and includes a sand filter to filter the adjacent salt water for providing the filtered salt water to the desalination system on the articulated barge. Wave action on the articulated barge provides energy to pump the filtered salt water from the sand filter to the reverse osmosis member to produce potable water. The wave action on the articulated barge effects the shaking of the reverse osmosis filter, thereby rendering it self-cleaning. The potable water can be used for various applications, e.g., bottling, replenishing aquifers, ground and/or aquifer remediation, irrigation, etc.

Abstract: A bi-directional pump system that can be configured for a plurality of operating modes. The bi-directional pump system includes a plurality of bi-directional pumps each having their own valving system that are connected to a common high pressure manifold, a low pressure manifold and a suction manifold. Via the respective valve systems, each pump can be configured into: (1) a single-acting pumping mode; (2) a double-acting pumping mode; (3) an inactive free motion mode; and (4) an inactive rigid mode. One exemplary application of the bi-directional pump system is on an articulated wave energy conversion system that consists of three floating barges: a front barge, a center barge and a rear barge where the front barge and center barge are hingedly connected as are the center barge and the rear barge. A first set of the bi-directional pumps span the first hinge connection and the second set of bi-directional pumps span the second hinge connection.

Abstract: A hinge system and method for an Articulated Wave Energy Conversion System (AWECS) that provides for hinge and piston pump displacements due to multi-axis forces in allowing adjacent barges of the AWECS to pivot with respect to one another due to wave motion. The hinge system uses a plurality of parallel hinges, and axle segments, coupled between adjacent barges wherein the hinges are coupled to upright trusses positioned transversely along facing edges of each barge. Hinge bracing includes lower V-shaped struts that act as lower stops when the barges pitch up and also include upper struts that act as upper stops when the barges pitch down. The pumps are positioned in parallel. The pumps have special couplings such as ball joint couplings that permit motions other than longitudinal pump/ram motions due to multi-axis forces generated by the wave motion and thus provide omni-directional stress relief to the pumps.

Abstract: A bi-directional pump system that can be configured for a plurality of operating modes. The bi-directional pump system includes a plurality of bi-directional pumps each having their own valving system that are connected to a common high pressure manifold, a low pressure manifold and a suction manifold. Via the respective valve systems, each pump can be configured into: (1) a single-acting pumping mode; (2) a double-acting pumping mode; (3) an inactive free motion mode; and (4) an inactive rigid mode. One exemplary application of the bi-directional pump system is on an articulated wave energy conversion system that consists of three floating barges: a front barge, a center barge and a rear barge where the front barge and center barge are hingedly connected as are the center barge and the rear barge. A first set of the bi-directional pumps span the first hinge connection and the second set of bi-directional pumps span the second hinge connection.

Abstract: A bi-directional pump system that can be configured for a plurality of operating modes. The bi-directional pump system includes a plurality of bi-directional pumps each having their own valving system that are connected to a common high pressure manifold, a low pressure manifold and a suction manifold. Via the respective valve systems, each pump can be configured into: (1) a single-acting pumping mode; (2) a double-acting pumping mode; (3) an inactive free motion mode; and (4) an inactive rigid mode. One exemplary application of the bi-directional pump system is on an articulated wave energy conversion system that consists of three floating barges: a front barge, a center barge and a rear barge where the front barge and center barge are hingedly connected as are the center barge and the rear barge. A first set of the bi-directional pumps span the first hinge connection and the second set of bi-directional pumps span the second hinge connection.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating electricity from ocean wave energy by using a floating device having a first portion that is movably coupled to a second portion. A hydraulic pump is coupled between these portions such that when the floating device is exposed to ocean wave energy, the hydraulic fluid within the pump is displaced. A flow rectifier is used to create a unidirectional hydraulic fluid flow that is dispensed through a rotary-vane pump which, in turn, is coupled to an electrical generator. Thus, as the rotary-vane pump is activated by the unidirectional hydraulic fluid flow, the rotary-vane pump turns the electrical generator for generating electricity. A plurality of hydraulic pumps and associated flow rectifiers, rotary-vane pumps and electrical generators can be coupled between the first and second portions.

Abstract: A constrained buoy experiencing vortex-induced, in-line and transverse angular motions and designed to absorb and attenuate the energies of streams, rivers and localized ocean currents is described. Referred to as a Finned-Spar-Buoy (FSB), the buoy design can be considered an exoskeleton, in that vertical fins are externally mounted on a vertical cylindrical float. The fins increase the drag coefficient by enhancing the wake losses. The FSB operates as a single unit or as a component of an array, depending on the application. The FSB can adjust to high-water events caused by tides, storm surges or spring-melting runoffs because the FSB can move axially along a center-staff which is attached to an anchor pole at a pivot point. The buoy-staff system is allowed to rotate in any angular direction from the vertical, still-water orientation of the center-staff. The FSB has a relatively small diameter-to-draft ratio, analytically qualifying the buoy as a slender-body.

Abstract: A filter-anchor for placement on a sea floor is provided. It includes a filter housing for filtering sea water prior to entry into a water desalinization system. The filter housing has an exterior, an interior chamber, at least one inlet for providing the sea water to the interior chamber, and at least one outlet for enabling filtered water to be pumped from the interior chamber. A sand filter is disposed in the filter housing. The filter housing has at least one water conduction outlet conduit for filtered water to be pumped to the desalinization system. A wave energy conversion system utilizing the filter anchor is also provided to effect the pumping of the filtered water to the desalinization system. A method of anchoring a wave energy conversion system and providing filtered water to a desalinization system is also provided.

Abstract: A potable water producing system for disposition at a body of salt water and a method of producing potable water is provided. The system includes a wave energy conversion system (AWECS) and a portable filtration-anchor system. The AWECS is in the form of a floating articulated barge housing a desalination system including a reverse osmosis membrane. The filtration-anchor system is submerged in the body of salt water and includes a sand filter to filter the adjacent salt water and to provide the filtered salt water to the desalination system on the articulated barge. The action of the waves on the articulated barge provides energy to pump the filtered salt water from the sand filter to the reverse osmosis member to produce potable water. Moreover, the action of the waves on the articulated barge effects the shaking of the reverse osmosis filter, thereby rendering it self-cleaning.

Abstract: A potable water producing system for disposition at a body of salt water and a method of producing potable water is provided. The system includes a wave energy conversion system (AWECS) and a portable filtration-anchor system. The AWECS is in the form of a floating articulated barge housing a desalination system including a reverse osmosis membrane. The filtration-anchor system is submerged in the body of salt water and includes a sand filter to filter the adjacent salt water and to provide the filtered salt water to the desalination system on the articulated barge. The action of the waves on the articulated barge provides energy to pump the filtered salt water from the sand filter to the reverse osmosis member to produce potable water. Moreover, the action of the waves on the articulated barge effects the shaking of the reverse osmosis filter, thereby rendering it self-cleaning.

Abstract: A constrained buoy experiencing vortex-induced, in-line and transverse angular motions and designed to absorb and attenuate the energies of streams, rivers and localized ocean currents is described. Referred to as a Finned-Spar-Buoy (FSB), the buoy design can be considered an exoskeleton, in that vertical fins are externally mounted on a vertical cylindrical float. The fins increase the drag coefficient by enhancing the wake losses. The FSB operates as a single unit or as a component of an array, depending on the application. The FSB can adjust to high-water events caused by tides, storm surges or spring-melting runoffs because the FSB can move axially along a center-staff which is attached to an anchor pole at a pivot point. The buoy-staff system is allowed to rotate in any angular direction from the vertical, still-water orientation of the center-staff. The FSB has a relatively small diameter-to-draft ratio, analytically qualifying the buoy as a slender-body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating electricity from ocean wave energy by using a floating device having a first portion that is movably coupled to a second portion. A hydraulic pump is coupled between these portions such that when the floating device is exposed to ocean wave energy, the hydraulic fluid within the pump is displaced. A flow rectifier is used to create a unidirectional hydraulic fluid flow that is dispensed through a rotary-vane pump which, in turn, is coupled to an electrical generator. Thus, as the rotary-vane pump is activated by the unidirectional hydraulic fluid flow, the rotary-vane pump turns the electrical generator for generating electricity. A plurality of hydraulic pumps and associated flow rectifiers, rotary-vane pumps and electrical generators can be coupled between the first and second portions.

Abstract: A buoy for use in reducing the amplitude of waves in water and a system making use of plural buoys to create a floating breakwater. Each buoy is arranged to be constrained, e.g., connected to an anchor, and comprising a body e.g., a cylindrical member having at least one outwardly projecting fin, that is configured to be resonant and impedance matched. The buoy and anchoring approach allows for self-tuning to the changes in the wave spectrum due to the tidal or storm surge induced changes in the water depth. The body of the floating buoy is not limited to circular cylinder, and could be square, hexagonal, triangular, etc. but must have at least one exterior mounted fin.

Abstract: A buoy for use in reducing the amplitude of waves in water and a system making use of plural buoys to create a floating breakwater. Each buoy is arranged to be constrained, e.g., connected to an anchor, and comprising a body e.g., a cylindrical member having at least one outwardly projecting fin, that is configured to be resonant and impedance matched. The buoy and anchoring approach allows for self-tuning to the chances in the wave spectrum due to the tidal or storm surge induced changes in the water depth. The body of the floating buoy is not limited to circular cylinder, and could be square, hexagonal, triangular, etc but must have at least one exterior mounted fin.