SUBMERGED WAVE GENERATION SYSTEM

Abstract

A wave generation system may comprise a submerged platform. The submerged platform may be attached to the bottom of a body of water by cables or pilings. A wave generator may be coupled to the submerged platform. The wave generator may create waves above the submerged platform. The shape of the submerged platform may dictate the shape of the waves. The submerged platform may be adjusted by raising or lowering the submerged platform. The shape of the submerged platform may be adjusted by adjusting the pitch of various sections of the submerged platform. A portion of the energy in the generated waves may be transmitted beyond the submerged platform and dissipated by a surrounding body of water.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/220,402 entitled “SUBMERGED WAVE GENERATION SYSTEM” and filed on Sep. 18, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to wave generation systems, and more specifically to wave generation systems suitable for surfing.

BACKGROUND

Numerous systems for creating man-made waves have been designed, such as wave pools, artificial reefs, devices, which are towed behind a boat, etc. However, creating man-made waves suitable for surfing and other recreational purposes presents many challenges. For example, the costs involved in obtaining land, permitting, construction, filling with water, and filtering the water to swimming pool standards may be very high. Additionally, in conventional wave pools, the waves reflect off of the pool boundaries and create undesirable reflections and secondary, waves which interfere with the quality and breaking characteristics of the primary wave. Existing wave pools may require periods of non-use to allow the water to calm before generating additional waves suitable for surfing.

Further, the ability to adjust the breaking characteristics of the waves is expensive and difficult to achieve as a result of the scale of such facilities. The characteristics of a breaking wave have a tremendous impact on the type, quality, duration, and safety of a participant's experience while riding the wave. For example, beginning surfers and small children may prefer soft, crumbling waves that break with less power and force. This forgiving, less intense wave allows them to develop their skills and build confidence without the fear of the potential consequences from falling, such as being held under water for an extended period of time. In contrast, more experienced surfers may desire an aggressively breaking, or barreling wave that allows them to tap into the increased energy of this type of wave to perform maneuvers such as aerials, tube rides, and cut-backs.

SUMMARY

A wave generation system may comprise a submerged platform. The submerged platform may be attached to the bottom of a body of water by cables or pilings, be held underwater using ballast, be supported using upthrust, or utilize any combination of these. A wave generator may be coupled to, or detached and adjacent to, the submerged platform. The wave generator may create waves above the submerged platform. The shape of the submerged platform may dictate the shape of the waves. The submerged platform may be adjusted by raising or lowering the submerged platform. The shape of the submerged platform may be adjusted by adjusting the pitch of various sections of the submerged platform. A portion of the energy in the generated waves may be transmitted beyond the submerged platform and dissipated by a surrounding body of water, a wave attenuation system, or both of working in concert.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. A more complete understanding of the present disclosure, however, may best be obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a wave generation system in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a section view of a wave generation system in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a wave generation system having a partial circular submerged platform in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a section view of a wave generation system with a portion of the submerged platform located above water in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a wave generation system with a submerged hull generator in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a section view of a single-sided wave generation system in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a section view of a wave generation system having a gas buoyancy system in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a wave generation system with a first interior pitch having a curved edge in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a wave generation system with a double-sided hull generator on a column in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a wave generation system comprising a vortex generator in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates a wave generation system having a curved exterior pitch in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure; and

FIG. 12 illustrates the wave generation system of FIG. 11 at a lower depth in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description of various embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show various embodiments by way of illustration. While these various embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the inventions, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical, chemical and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the order presented.

Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full and/or any other possible attachment option. Additionally, any reference to without contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact. Surface shading lines may be used throughout the figures to denote different parts but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials. In some cases, reference coordinates may be specific to each figure.

Various wave generation systems having a submerged platform are disclosed. The platform may be submerged in a body of water, such as a lake or a bay. A hull generator may travel in a circular pattern on the platform. The hull generator creates waves which are suitable for recreational activities, such as surfing. As the hull generator moves in a circle, the hull generator may create waves to the interior of the circle, the exterior of the circle, or both.

As the hull generator creates the waves, the hull generator adds a tremendous amount of kinetic energy into the system. Without dissipating this energy somehow, the water may become turbulent over time and become unsuitable for creating desirable surfing waves. However, in the systems described herein, the waves may transmit a portion of this energy beyond the exterior edge of the submerged platform. Additionally, the waves may transmit a portion of this energy through an interior absorption area. The energy may be transmitted to the larger body of water, which may act as an energy sink and naturally dissipate the energy.

Referring to FIG. 1, a top view of a wave generation system (“WGS”) 100 is illustrated according to various embodiments. The WGS 100 is located in a body of water 110, such as a lake or bay. In various embodiments, the WGS 100 may be located in a man-made pool which is larger than the WGS 100. The WGS 100 may be generally annular in shape, and the WGS 100 may comprise a series of concentric features. The WGS 100 may comprise an exterior ring 118 or series of exterior rings. The exterior ring 118 may comprise an outer walkway which allows users to walk around the WGS 100. The exterior ring 118 may further comprise buildings 130, such as restrooms, restaurants, retail buildings, etc. Water and electrical lines may be coupled to the exterior ring 118 to provide power and water to the buildings 130. The exterior ring 118 may comprise one or more docks 135. Boats may tie up to the docks 135 to load or unload passengers. The exterior ring 118 may comprise an energy dissipation system. The energy dissipation system may dissipate energy from waves generated inside of the exterior ring 118. The energy dissipation system may also dissipate energy from waves outside of the exterior ring 118 which would otherwise enter the WGS 100. Many types of energy dissipation systems are known to those skilled in the art, some of which are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,221, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The WGS 100 may comprise an interior ring 122. The interior ring 122 may comprise a walkway which allows users to walk around on the interior ring 122. The interior ring 122 may support buildings, such as restrooms, restaurants, retail buildings, etc. A wave generator may be located below the walkway. A variety of wave generators are known to those skilled in the art. For example, the wave generator may comprise a hull generator, which is an object which is driven through water to displace water and create waves, and is discussed in more detail herein. In various embodiments, the interior ring 122 may form a complete circle. The wave generator may travel around the circle. In various embodiments, the wave generator may continuously travel around the circle, creating one or more endless waves suitable for surfing. The wave generator may create an exterior wave 131, which extends radially outward from the interior ring 122. The wave generator may also create an interior wave 132, which extends radially inward from the interior ring 122. In various embodiments, the wave generator may create multiple waves at different locations about the interior ring 122. For example, the wave generator may create 2 sets of interior/exterior waves 180 degrees apart about the interior ring. Similarly, the wave generator may create 3 sets of waves separated by 120 degrees, or any other number of suitable waves.

The WGS 100 may comprise a central deck 104. The central deck 104 may be located at the center of the WGS 100. The central deck 104 may be located above an interior energy dissipation mechanism, as further described herein. The waves created by the wave generator may introduce a large amount of energy into the WGS 100. A portion of the energy may be dissipated by the energy dissipation systems located below the exterior ring 118 and the central deck 104. Additionally, a portion of the energy may pass through the energy dissipation system below the exterior ring 118 and be transmitted to the surrounding body of water. A portion of the energy may pass through the energy dissipation system below the central deck 104 and exit the WGS 100 through an interior absorption area below the central deck 104 and be transmitted to the surrounding body of water.

In various embodiments, a portion of the WGS 100 may be located adjacent to a land mass 150. Positioning the WGS 100 adjacent to the land mass 150 may allow for easy access to the WGS 100 for users, as well as for utilities such as power, electrical, water, and sewer.

Referring to FIG. 2, a section view of the WGS 100 is illustrated according to various embodiments. A section of the exterior ring 118 may comprise a reflection wall 202. The reflection wall 202 may extend below the surface of the surrounding body of water. The reflection wall 202 may be constructed of a rigid material, such as concrete. The reflection wall 202 may reflect wave energy away from the land mass. Thus, the reflection wall 202 may prevent the generated waves from eroding or otherwise causing damage to the land mass. However, the majority of the exterior ring 118 may not comprise a reflection wall and may allow the wave energy to exit under the exterior ring 118 in order to remove energy from within the WGS 100.

The WGS 100 may comprise one or more hull generators 205. The hull generators 205 may be driven on a track around the interior ring 122. Many types of hull generators are known in the art, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,496,403, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The WGS 100 may comprise a submerged platform 220. The submerged platform 220 may be generally annular in shape. The submerged platform 220 may be a buoyant structure, or a non-buoyant structure which is supported by buoyant devices or materials, such as air bladders, encapsulated polystyrene, or plastic barrels, and which may be held in place by a plurality of anchors and cables 211. In various embodiments, the submerged platform 220 may be coupled to pilings which maintain the location of the submerged platform 220 over a fixed position of the bottom floor 215 of the surrounding body of water. The submerged platform 220 may comprise a first interior pitch 231 adjacent to and located radially inward of the hull generator 205, a second interior pitch 232 adjacent to and located radially inward of the first interior pitch 231, and a third interior pitch 233 adjacent to and located radially inward of the second interior pitch 232. The first interior pitch 231 may be positioned deeper relative to the surface of the body of water as compared to the second interior pitch 232 and the third interior pitch 233. The second interior pitch 232 may be positioned at an angle relative to the surface of the body of water, such that the portion of the second interior pitch 232 adjacent to the first interior pitch 231 is deeper than the portion of the second interior pitch 232 adjacent to the third interior pitch 233.

Similarly, the submerged platform 220 may comprise a first exterior pitch 221 adjacent to and located radially outward of the hull generator 205, a second exterior pitch 222 adjacent to and located radially outward of the first exterior pitch 221, and a third exterior pitch 223 adjacent to and located radially outward of the second exterior pitch 222. The first exterior pitch 221 may be positioned deeper relative to the surface of the body of water as compared to the second exterior pitch 222 and the third exterior pitch 223. The second exterior pitch 222 may be positioned at an angle relative to the surface of the body of water, such that the portion of the second exterior pitch 222 adjacent to the first exterior pitch 221 is deeper than the portion of the second exterior pitch 222 adjacent to the third exterior pitch 223. The various pitches of the submerged platform 220 may be coupled by hinges 207 which allow the relative angles between the various pitches to be adjusted.

In various embodiments, an energy dissipation system may be coupled to, or incorporated into the submerged platform 220. The energy dissipation may be coupled to at least one of the top, the outer edge, the inner edge, the bottom, or within the submerged platform 220. For example, portions of the submerged platform 220 may comprise perforations, louvers, dampers, depressions, ridges, or various textures which dissipate wave energy. Artificial or live plants or grass may be coupled to the submerged platform 220 to dissipate wave energy. In various embodiments, multiple energy dissipation systems may be used in combination, particularly in areas that face or have the ability to impact areas that may be susceptible to erosion.

The hull generator 205 may be driven by a track on the first exterior pitch 221 and/or the first interior pitch 231. As the hull generator 205 travels around the submerged platform 220, the hull generator 205 may displace water outwardly and inwardly from the hull generator 205. The outward displacement may generate the exterior wave, and the inward displacement may generate the interior wave.

In various embodiments, the entire submerged platform 220 may be rotated to generate waves. A motor may drive the rotation of the submerged platform 220. In various embodiments, one or more boats may tow or push on the submerged platform 220 in a tangential direction, causing the submerged platform 220 to rotate. The submerged platform 220 may comprise wave generating structures coupled to the submerged platform 220 that create the waves as the submerged platform 220 is rotated. In various embodiments, the submerged platform 220 may be towed, pushed, or otherwise driven in a linear direction to generate waves. The submerged platform 220 may be a modular system which is capable of being transported in segments to a desired location, such as to the center of a lake, where the submerged platform 220 may be reassembled and rotated or linearly towed by one or more boats.

The shape of the submerged platform 220 may cause the generated waves to break in a desired manner. By raising or lowering the entire submerged platform 220, the shape of the waves may be controlled. Additionally, by adjusting the relative angles of the various pitches of the submerged platform 220, the shape of the waves may be adjusted. In general, as the waves encounter the shallower regions of the submerged platform 220, the waves will begin to break. For a detailed analysis of wave shape, see Surfing Science, Proceedings of the 3^rd International Surfing Reef Symposium, Raglan, New Zealand, Jun. 22-25, 2003 pp. 1-36, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As the exterior wave breaks over the third exterior pitch 223 of the submerged platform 220, the energy in the wave may be transmitted beyond the exterior edge of the third exterior pitch 223 and be dissipated by the surrounding body of water. Thus, turbulence may be reduced in the water located above the submerged platform 220.

The submerged platform 220 may comprise an interior absorption area 210. The interior absorption area 210 may comprise an aperture in the center of the submerged platform 220 located at the center of the third interior pitch 233. As the interior wave breaks over the third interior pitch 233, the energy in the interior wave may be transmitted through the interior absorption area 210, below the submerged platform 220, and to the surrounding body of water.

Referring to FIG. 3, a top view of a WGS 300 having a partial circular submerged platform is illustrated according to various embodiments. A hull generator may follow a circular track under an interior ring 322. However, a segment of the submerged platform 320 may be removed. The removed segment may provide a channel 311 for surfers to paddle into the WGS 300. As illustrated, the hull generator and generated waves travel in a counter-clockwise direction within the WGS 300. However, as the waves reach the terminal edge 326 of the submerged platform 320, the absence of a submerged platform in that area may allow the wave energy to dissipate in the surrounding body of water. In various embodiments, the hull generator may change directions in response to reaching the terminal edge 326 of the submerged platform 320. The hull generator may then create waves in a clockwise direction within the WGS 300. However, in various embodiments, the hull generator may continue on a track which bridges between the terminal edge 326 of the submerged platform 320 and a leading edge 325 of the submerged platform 320. The absence of a the submerged platform 320 between the terminal edge 326 and the leading edge 325 may result in only a small wave to be generated between the terminal edge 326 and the leading edge 325. In various embodiments, the hull generator may reduce speed between the terminal edge 326 and the leading edge 325 to reduce any resultant wave in that area.

In various embodiments, the WGS 300 may be separated from the land mass. An entrance deck 317 may extend from the land mass to the central deck 304 to provide users a walkway to access the central deck 304. Energy dissipation systems may be located below the entrance deck 317. Additionally, utilities may be coupled to the entrance deck to provide power etc. to buildings 330 located on the central deck 304.

Referring to FIG. 4, a section view of a WGS 400 with a portion of the submerged platform 420 located above water is illustrated according to various embodiments. Many variables are involved to determine the shape of a wave, including the generation of the wave itself, the shape of the submerged platform 420, and the depth of the submerged platform 420. In various embodiments, the submerged platform 420 may be raised and lowered to affect the shape of the waves. The submerged platform 420 may be anchored to the floor of the body of water by a plurality of cables 411. The cables may be lengthened or shortened to change the height of the submerged platform 420 within the body of water. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the submerged platform 420 is raised such that at least a portion of the third exterior pitch 423 and at least a portion of the third interior pitch 433 is located above the surface of the body of water. The resulting water above the submerged platform 420 is shallower than for a fully submerged platform, which may alter the shape, breaking characteristics, and breaking location of the waves. The portions of the submerged platform 420 located above the surface of the body of the water may provide an area for users to relax. As the exterior wave breaks, a portion of the wave may spill over the exterior edge of the submerged platform 420, which removes energy in the water located above the submerged platform 420. Similarly, as the interior wave breaks, a portion of the interior wave may spill into the interior absorption area 410, which removes energy in the water located above the submerged platform 420. Water may be returned to the area above the submerged platform 420 by pumps, or by ports located in submerged portions of the submerged platform 420, which would maintain the water level above the submerged platform 420 at the same level as the surrounding body of water.

Referring to FIG. 5, a WGS 500 is illustrated with a submerged hull generator 505 according to various embodiments. The WGS 500 does not comprise the interior ring described with reference to FIGS. 1-4. The hull generator 505 may be fully or partially submerged, which may reduce the costs of building the interior ring, and may also be aesthetically pleasing. The hull generator 505 may travel along tracks 501 located on a top side of the submerged platform 520. A gap 502 may be present between the first exterior pitch 521 and the first interior pitch 531 of the submerged platform 520. In various embodiments, the hull generator 505 may be located at least partially in the gap 502. Water may freely transfer through the gap 502 between the area above the submerged platform 520 and the area below the submerged platform 520. The hull generator 505 may scoop water from below the submerged platform 520 and direct the water through the gap 502 to create waves above the submerged platform 520.

Referring to FIG. 6, a section view of a single-sided WGS 600 is illustrated according to various embodiments. The WGS 600 may comprise a single-sided hull generator 605. The hull generator 605 may generate waves to the interior of the hull generator 605. The hull generator 605 may travel around the submerged platform 620 in a plurality of tracks 603. The tracks 603 may be located in at least one of a top surface of the submerged platform 620, a bottom surface of the submerged platform 620, or a side surface of the submerged platform 620. A portion of the hull generator 605 may extend below the submerged platform 620, and the hull generator 605 may scoop water from below the submerged platform 620 to generate waves above the submerged platform 620. Thus, the waves may be generated using relatively calm water from below the submerged platform 620 which may generate cleaner waves. Additionally, locating the tracks on multiple surfaces of the submerged platform 620 may increase the strength and stability of the hull generator 605. A portion of the water and associated energy in the waves may exit through the interior absorption area 610. Thus, the WGS 600 may continuously remove energy from the water above the submerged platform 620 and create new waves using calm water.

Referring to FIG. 7, a section view of a WGS 700 having a gas buoyancy system is illustrated according to various embodiments. The submerged platform 720 may be formed from a buoyant material. For example, the submerged platform 720 may comprise concrete with a polystyrene core. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of materials may be used to form the submerged platform 720. Increasing the buoyancy of the submerged platform 720 may increase the stability of the submerged platform 720. However, as the buoyancy is increased, the upward force on the cables 711 is increased, necessitating stronger anchoring systems. In various embodiments, it may be desirable to adjust the buoyancy of the submerged platform 720 depending on the particular waves being generated, the occupancy load, weather conditions, or other factors. A compressed gas 780, such as compressed air may be injected below the submerged platform 720. The submerged platform 720 may comprise an interior cylinder 741 extending downward from the third interior pitch 733. The gas may be trapped by the interior cylinder 741 and at least one of the third interior pitch 733, the second interior pitch 732, or the first interior pitch 731 and form a gas cushion 785. The gas may provide an upward force on the submerged platform 720, in effect increasing the buoyancy of the submerged platform 720. The gas may be released by exhaust ports in the submerged platform 720 when the additional buoyancy is no longer desired. Additional methods of adjusting the buoyancy may include coupling buoyant objects to the submerged platform 720 or adding or removing weights from the submerged platform 720.

The exterior edge of the first interior pitch 731 may comprise a variety of shapes to accommodate the hull generator 705. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the first interior pitch 731 may comprise an angled edge 729 between the top surface of the submerged platform 720 and a side of the submerged platform 720.

Referring to FIG. 8, a WGS 800 with a first interior pitch 831 having a curved edge is illustrated according to various embodiments. The curved edged may accommodate a curved shape of the hull generator 805. The hull generator 805 may be flush with a bottom of an exterior cylinder 842 extending downward from the first interior pitch 831. By having a flush relationship, drag and turbulence may be decreased as the hull generator 805 travels through the water, which may decrease the energy necessary to drive the hull generator 805.

Referring to FIG. 9, a WGS 900 with a double-sided hull generator 905 on a column is illustrated according to various embodiments. In various embodiments, the submerged platform 920 may comprise a first exterior pitch 921 and a second exterior pitch 922 without a third exterior pitch. Similarly, the submerged platform 920 may comprise a first interior pitch 931 and a second interior pitch 932 without a third interior pitch. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that submerged platforms having any number of pitches are contemplated by the disclosure. The submerged platform 920 may comprise a column 950 extending vertically upward from the submerged platform 920. The hull generator 905 may ride along the column 950. The column 950 may provide strength and stability to the hull generator 905. The hull generator 905 may additionally travel in tracks in the first exterior pitch 921 and/or the first interior pitch 931. An interior cylinder 941 and an exterior cylinder 942 may extend downward from the interior edge and the exterior edge of the submerged platform 920. The interior cylinder 941 and the exterior cylinder 942 may prevent users from entering the area below the submerged platform 920 and becoming trapped.

Referring to FIG. 10, a WGS 1000 comprising a vortex generator 1010 is illustrated according to various embodiments. The vortex generator 1010 may be located within the center of the submerged platform 1020. The vortex generator 1010 may comprise a plurality of paddles 1012 which rotate. The paddles 1012 may create a vortex 1014 which drives water from above the submerged platform 1020 downward through the interior of the submerged platform 1020. The vortex 1014 may pull turbulent, energetic water from above the submerged platform 1020 and transmit this energy to the area below the submerged platform 1020, which may then be dissipated by the surrounding body of water. Additionally, the paddles 1012 may be rotated in the opposite direction of the direction of the hull generator 1005, which may decrease the angular momentum of the water above the submerged platform 1020, as well as offset rotation of the entire WGS 1000. The vortex area may be covered by a grate to prevent users and equipment from being dragged under the submerged platform 1020.

Referring to FIG. 11, a WGS 1100 is illustrated with a submerged platform 1120 having a curved exterior pitch. The WGS 1100 comprises a double-sided hull generator 1105. The submerged platform 1120 comprises a substantially flat first exterior pitch 1121 and a substantially flat first interior pitch 1131. The first exterior pitch 1121 transitions to a convex second exterior pitch 1122. The second exterior pitch 1122 transitions to a gently sloped third exterior pitch 1123. In contrast, the first interior pitch 1131 transitions to a moderately sloped second interior pitch 1132 of constant slope. The submerged platform 1120 is submerged to a depth where water on both sides of the hull generator 1105 is substantially greater than 1.3 times the height of the generated waves, which is roughly the ratio at which waves begin to break. Due to the asymmetrical shape of the submerged platform 1120, the waves will begin to break at different distances from the hull generator 1105. However, as the slope of the submerged platform 1120 at the point where the waves begin to break is the same for the interior wave and the exterior wave, both waves result in a plunging wave which may be suitable for advanced surfers.

Referring to FIG. 12, the WGS 1100 is illustrated with the submerged platform 1120 at a lower depth than in FIG. 11. With the lowered submerged platform 1120, the location at which the waves begin to break changes. Because the slope of the second interior pitch 1132 is constant, the resultant wave is still a plunging wave. However, because the slope of the second exterior pitch 1122 decreases with increasing distance from the hull generator 1105, the exterior wave changes to a spilling wave, which may be more suitable for beginning surfers. The difference exhibited in FIGS. 11 and 12 is just one example of how altering the depth or shape of the submerged platform 1120 may create differently shaped waves.

Although primarily described with reference to annular wave generation systems, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concepts described herein may be advantageous for linear wave generation systems, or wave generation systems of any shape. Similarly, although primarily described with reference to hull generators, the concepts described herein may be utilized with other wave generation means, such as a wave cannon barge, a boat passing along the edge of the submerged platform, or any other suitable means.

In the detailed description herein, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “various embodiments”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure in alternative embodiments.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent various functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the inventions. The scope of the inventions is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. Different cross-hatching is used throughout the figures to denote different parts but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials.

Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” As used herein, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

Claims

1. A wave generation system comprising:

a submerged annular platform; and

a wave generator coupled to the submerged annular platform.

2. The wave generation system of claim 1, wherein the submerged annular platform is buoyant.

3. The wave generation system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of cables coupling the submerged annular platform to a bottom of a surrounding body of water.

4. The wave generation system of claim 1, further comprising an exterior ring.

5. The wave generation system of claim 4, wherein a portion of the exterior ring comprises a reflection wall.

6. The wave generation system of claim 1, further comprising an aperture in a center of the submerged annular platform.

7. The wave generation system of claim 1, wherein a depth of the submerged annular platform is adjustable.

8. The wave generation system of claim 1, wherein the wave generator comprises a double-sided hull generator.

9. The wave generation system of claim 1, wherein the wave generation system is configured to transmit wave energy to a surrounding body of water.

10. The wave generation system of claim 1, wherein the wave generator is located at least partially below the submerged annular platform.

11. The wave generation system of claim 1, wherein a pitch of at least a portion of the submerged annular platform is adjustable.

12. The wave generation system of claim 1, further comprising a vortex generator coupled to the submerged annular platform.

13. The wave generation system of claim 1, further comprising a first track for the wave generator located in a bottom surface of the submerged annular platform.

14. The wave generation system of claim 13, further comprising a second track for the wave generator located in a top surface of the submerged annular platform.

15. The wave generation system of claim 1, wherein the submerged annular platform comprises a convex pitch.

16. The wave generation system of claim 1, further comprising a gas injection system configured to increase buoyancy of the submerged annular platform.

17. The wave generation system of claim 1, wherein the wave generator is configured to generate a plunging wave.

18. The wave generation system of claim 1, further comprising an interior absorption area.

19. The wave generation system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the submerged annular platform is located above a surface of a surrounding body of water.

20. A wave generation system comprising:

a submerged platform, wherein the submerged platform is buoyant, wherein the submerged platform comprises an aperture in a center of the submerged platform;

a plurality of cables coupling the submerged platform to a bottom of a surrounding body of water;

a track coupled to the submerged platform; and

a wave generator coupled to the submerged platform, wherein the wave generator is configured to move along the track.