Sea wave power converter

Info

Publication number: 20120251349
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 28, 2011
Publication Date: Oct 4, 2012
Inventor: Israel Ortiz (Guayama, PR)
Application Number: 13/065,725

Abstract

A primary piston that is connected to a secondary piston that is part of a compressor, primary and secondary piston are connected by a connecting rod, the primary piston is driven by the pressure and vacuum produced by a pressure chamber that is driven by the variation of the sea waves. The output of the compressor is applied to a pressure tank, and then the out put flow is controlled and applied to the turbine.

Description

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to United States patent number U.S. 2007/0130929, issued Jun. 14, 2007, for WAVE POWER GENERATOR, by Ghazi Khan, Shahnaz Khan, included by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a power generator and, more particularly, to a generator that is driven from sea wave,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are problems related with generating energy or power from sea waves. One of them is that the sea wave has a crest and trough, that when applied to a pressure chamber will produce a bidirectional force of air. Therefore a normal turbine will not function because it would oscillate back and forward. So this force would have to be rectified to produce a one way rotation on the turbine. Also the waves have different wave length and different amplitudes. This would affect the steady rotation that an electrical generator would need.

One solution is the Well's turbine that is been used in the Island of Islay, Scotland. Another solution is using floats, by using the up and down movement of the float to compress air.

The Well's Turbine in Islay Scotland will rectify the bidirectional force, but will not correct the problem of different wave length and different amplitudes of the waves. That could affect the rotation stability of the generators. And using a float to compress air is a very inefficient way of compressing air because it only uses the mass of the float and not the total mass of water that is being used.

It is therefore an object of the invention to produce useful energy from the sea waves.

It is another object of the invention to rectify or eliminate the sea waves variation in both length and amplitude, and to produce a constant output force.

It is another object of the invention to produce energy from sea waves in the megawatt and higher range.

It is another object of the invention to produce clean energy from the sea.

It is another object of the invention to use the full mass of water to compress air in the full cycle of compression. When the wave level go's up or down. Which is very efficient. And not a float which is very inefficient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a primary piston that is connected to a secondary piston that is part of a compressor. Primary and secondary pistons are connected by a connecting rod. The primary piston is driven by the pressure and vacuum produced by a pressure chamber that is driven by the variation of the sea waves. The output of the compressor is applied to a pressure tank. The output of the pressure tank is controlled by a control valve, so as to control the air flow that is applied to the turbine. The purpose of the primary piston and compressor is to rectify the bidirectional force that is produce at the output of the pressure chamber, The control valve is controlled by any electronic close loop control system that monitors the velocity of rotation of the turbine or generator. Therefore, this system will cancel the variations of the sea waves, length and amplitude and produce a force of air flow that is very stable for constant rotation of the electrical generator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a complete system inside a building;

FIG. 2 is a left perspective view of a complete system without the building that is used for housing;

FIG. 3 is a left detail view of an or the system in a idle state;

FIG. 4 is a left view of a response to a high level of water in the pressure chamber;

FIG. 5 is a left detail view of a response to a low level of water in the pressure chamber;

FIG. 6 is a left perspective view of a compressor or the compressor and connecting rod that connects the primary piston to the secondary piston of the compressor;

FIG. 7 is a left detail view of a connecting rod between the primary piston and the secondary piston of the compressor;

FIG. 8 is a detail view of a secondary piston and the secondary piston rings, also the check valve used in the compressor;

FIG. 9 is a detail view of a secondary piston and the relative positions of the check valves; and

FIG. 10 is a right exploded view of a check valve and different views of FIGS. 11, 12, 13 and 14. of the same valve.

For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout the Figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The purpose of the present invention is take the energy present in sea waves or any large body of water which has waves and produce motive force. Since a wave has variations in both amplitude and wave length, this will produce a force that will be bidirectional and has variations in the magnitude of force. This would cause the speed and force at the turbine 23 to variate, and would cause variation in both voltage and frequency at the electrical generator 10. The present invention will correct all of this variations and apply a force that is constant and completely under control to the turbine 23. Also since it is using a primary piston 24 and not a float, it is very efficient because this system uses the total mass of the water that is moving in the pressure chamber 1 which can be in tons and deliver energy in the megawatt range and higher.

FIG. 1: is a perspective view of this system. FIG. 2: is a perspective view without the housing or building structure that would house this system. Here we see the safety valve 5 for the pressure tank 6 and turbine housing 8. FIG. 3: is a side view of the internal parts of this system, also here the system is in a idle position. Also here is seen the nozzle 16 or nozzles for applying the compressed air to the turbine 23 to generate the motive force. Here is also seen the shock absorber 22 or shock absorbers that are used to maintain the total travel of the primary piston 24 with in the length of the piston cylinder. The length of this cylinder should be at least two times the average height of the waves from crest to trough. In FIG. 4: and FIG. 5: is seen what changes take place as the water level go to a high level and than to a low level. FIG. 6: we see the main parts of the compressor 13. Which are intake pipe 1 12, intake pipe 2 14, compressor output 1 30, compressor output 2 31 and cooling fin 4. Cooling fin 4 is used to dissipate the heat of the compressor 13 when in operation. FIG. 7: shows the internal parts of the compressor 13, like the connecting rod 15, primary piston 24 and secondary piston 21. FIG. 8: is shown the internal parts of the compressor 13 like the secondary piston 21 and the check valves. FIG. 9: shows where the check valves will be placed and in what position the intake and output check valves are placed relative to one another in the compressor 13. Here we see how the intake check valve 1 17 and intake check valve 2 18 are placed inside the piston cylinder, but the output check valve 1 19 and output check valve 2 20 are placed outside of the piston cylinder. This is so that when the intake check valve 1 17 is open the output check valve 1 19 will be closed and vice versa. This also holds true for the intake check valve 2 18 and output check valve 2 20. The check valves are move by pressure generated by the secondary piston 21. Here is also seen the piston ring 33. An optional piston center balancing spring 32 that can be added to maintain the piston centered at idle. This piston center balancing spring 32 is attached at one end to the piston cylinder and the other end is attached to the secondary piston 21. In FIG. 10 the different parts of the check valve 25 used here can be seen, although any other type of check valves can be used as long as it can be opened and closed by the secondary piston 21 generated pressure. In FIG. 10A: is seen the main parts of check valve 25, valve disc 26, valve seat 27, spring 28 and retaining pin 29. FIG. 10B: is a proportional view, FIG. 10C: is a front view. FIG. 10D: the check valve 25 is shown in close state and FIG. 10E: is in open state. This check valve 25 is opened or closed by the pressure generated by the secondary piston 21.

The following is a description of the system in operation. The waves enter the pressure chamber 1 at the bottom. The pressure or vacuum generated by the pressure chamber 1 will be applied to the primary piston 24 via the intake and exhaust pipe 2, which also houses the piston cylinder for the primary piston 24 as seen in FIG. 3. If the water level is high like in FIG. 4: the primary piston 24 will move to the left, likewise the secondary piston 21 which is part of the compressor 13 will move to the left, because it is connected to the primary piston 24 by the connecting rod 15 as seen in FIG. 7. In the compressor 13, the intake check valve 1 17 will close and the output check valve 1 19 will open to compress air into the pressure tank 6 as seen in FIG. 4:. Also the intake check valve 2 18 will open and let air in. And the output check valve 2 20 will close. When the level of water is low, this will cause a vacuum in the pressure chamber 1 and the primary piston 24 will move to the right as seen in FIG. 5:. The secondary piston 21 will move to the right because it is connected to the primary piston 24 by the connecting rod 15. This will close intake check valve 2 18 and cause the output check valve 2 20 to open and compress the air in the pressure tank 6. At the same time intake check valve 1 17 will open to let air into the compressor 13 and output check valve 1 19 will close. Output check valve 1 19, output check valve 2 20, intake check valve 1 17 and intake check valve 2 18 are actuated by the air pressure generated by the secondary piston 21 and the relative position of the check valves as seen in FIG. 9. The air is compressed in a full cycle of the secondary piston 21 and applied to the pressure tank 6 via connecting pipe 1 3. From the pressure tank 6 the compressed air is applied to the turbine 23 via connecting pipe 2 11. Also the air is controlled by flow control valve 7 as seen in FIG. 3. The flow control valve 7 is controlled by any electronic close loop control system that is constantly monitoring the frequency of the electrical generator 10 and produce error signal to make the necessary corrections. The output compressed air that flows out of the pressure tank 6 and flow control valve 7 is applied to the turbine 23. Which in turn will move the electrical generator 10. The used compressed air will flow out of the turbine housing 8 via the turbine exhaust 9. The air pressure applied to the turbine 23 is controlled very precisely by this system.

Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.

Claims

1. A sea wave power converter for converting the sea waves to useful energy, using the full mass of water that enters the pressure chamber, by using a primary piston connected to a secondary piston, comprising:

means for generating the pressure and vacuum as the water rises and lowers its level;

means for intake and exhaust of air, as the water level produces the pressure and vacuum in the pressure chamber it also holds the piston and piston cylinder;

means for connecting the compressor to the pressure tank;

means for storing the high pressure of air from the compressor;

means for controlling the flow going to the turbine, so the turbine will maintain a constant speed;

means for housing the turbine;

means for exhausting the air pressure from the turbine;

means for connecting the pressure tank to the turbine housing and turbine;

means for intake of air to the compressor;

means for compressing the air that will be stored in the pressure tank;

means for connecting the primary piston to the secondary piston of the compressor;

means for intake of air into the compressor, to open and close the intake of air at the correct time;

means for output compressed air into the pressure tank, at the correct time;

means for compressing air in a full cycle also is part of the compressor;

means for maintaining the full cycle of the piston with in range of the piston cylinder;

means for transferring the force of the sea waves to the secondary piston of the compressor via the connecting rod. and it uses the total mass of water;

means for closing and opening at the correct time, to stop or let the air pass so the compressor will able to compress the air;

means for connecting the compressed air to connecting pipe 1;

means for making the piston gas tight;

means for converting the output of the compressed air into motive force;

means for closing the valve when in contact with the seat;

means for closing the valve when in contact with the valve disc;

means for maintaining the valve close when in idle state; and

means for holding the valve together.

2. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for generating the pressure and vacuum as the water rises and lowers its level comprises a pressure chamber.

3. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for intake and exhaust of air, as the water level produces the pressure and vacuum in the pressure chamber it also holds the piston and piston cylinder comprises an intake and exhaust pipe.

4. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for connecting the compressor to the pressure tank comprises a connecting pipe 1.

5. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for storing the high pressure of air from the compressor comprises a pressure tank.

6. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for controlling the flow going to the turbine, so the turbine will maintain a constant speed comprises a flow control valve.

7. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for housing the turbine comprises a turbine housing.

8. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for exhausting the air pressure from the turbine comprises a turbine exhaust.

9. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for connecting the pressure tank to the turbine housing and turbine comprises a connecting pipe 2.

10. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for intake of air to the compressor comprises an intake pipe 1.

11. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for intake of air to the compressor comprises an intake pipe 2.

12. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for compressing the air that will be stored in the pressure tank comprises a compressor.

13. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for connecting the primary piston to the secondary piston of the compressor comprises a connecting rod.

14. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for intake of air into the compressor, to open and close the intake of air at the correct time comprises an intake check valve 1.

15. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for intake of air into the compressor, to open and close the intake of air at the correct time comprises an intake check valve 2.

16. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for output compressed air into the pressure tank, at the correct time comprises an output check valve 1.

17. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for output compressed air into the pressure tank, at the correct time comprises an output check valve 2.

18. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for compressing air in a full cycle also is part of the compressor comprises a secondary piston.

19. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for maintaining the full cycle of the piston with in range of the piston cylinder comprises a shock absorber.

20. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for transferring the force of the sea waves to the secondary piston of the compressor via the connecting rod. and it uses the total mass of water comprises a primary piston.

21. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for closing and opening at the correct time, to stop or let the air pass so the compressor will able to compress the air comprises a check valve.

22. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for connecting the compressed air to connecting pipe 1 comprises a compressor output 1.

23. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for connecting the compressed air to connecting pipe 1 comprises a compressor output 2.

24. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for making the piston gas tight comprises a piston ring.

25. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for converting the output of the compressed air into motive force comprises a turbine.

26. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for closing the valve when in contact with the seat comprises a valve disc.

27. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for closing the valve when in contact with the valve disc comprises a valve seat.

28. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for maintaining the valve close when in idle state comprises a spring.

29. The sea wave power converter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for holding the valve together comprises a retaining pin.

30. A sea wave power converter for converting the sea waves to useful energy, using the full mass of water that enters the pressure chamber, by using a primary piston connected to a secondary piston, comprising:

a pressure chamber, for generating the pressure and vacuum as the water rises and lowers its level;

an intake and exhaust pipe, for intake and exhaust of air, as the water level produces the pressure and vacuum in the pressure chamber it also holds the piston and piston cylinder;

a connecting pipe 1, for connecting the compressor to the pressure tank;

a pressure tank, for storing the high pressure of air from the compressor;

a flow control valve, for controlling the flow going to the turbine, so the turbine will maintain a constant speed;

a turbine housing, for housing the turbine;

a turbine exhaust, for exhausting the air pressure from the turbine;

a connecting pipe 2, for connecting the pressure tank to the turbine housing and turbine;

an intake pipe 1, for intake of air to the compressor;

an intake pipe 2, for intake of air to the compressor;

a compressor, for compressing the air that will be stored in the pressure tank;

a connecting rod, for connecting the primary piston to the secondary piston of the compressor;

an intake check valve 1, for intake of air into the compressor, to open and close the intake of air at the correct time;

an intake check valve 2, for intake of air into the compressor, to open and close the intake of air at the correct time;

an output check valve 1, for output compressed air into the pressure tank, at the correct time;

an output check valve 2, for output compressed air into the pressure tank, at the correct time;

a secondary piston, for compressing air in a full cycle also is part of the compressor;

a shock absorber, for maintaining the full cycle of the piston with in range of the piston cylinder;

a primary piston, for transferring the force of the sea waves to the secondary piston of the compressor via the connecting rod. and it uses the total mass of water;

a check valve, for closing and opening at the correct time, to stop or let the air pass so the compressor will able to compress the air;

a compressor output 1, for connecting the compressed air to connecting pipe 1;

a compressor output 2, for connecting the compressed air to connecting pipe 1;

a piston ring, for making the piston gas tight;

a turbine, for converting the output of the compressed air into motive force;

a valve disc, for closing the valve when in contact with the seat;

a valve seat, for closing the valve when in contact with the valve disc;

a spring, for maintaining the valve close when in idle state; and

a retaining pin, for holding the valve together.

31. The sea wave power converter as recited in claim 30, further comprising:

a piston center balancing spring, for maintaining the piston at center position in ideal state.

32. A sea wave power converter for converting the sea waves to useful energy, using the full mass of water that enters the pressure chamber, by using a primary piston connected to a secondary piston, comprising: