Abstract: An offshore system for producing regenerative energy, including a system of electrical water power energy converters, a system of wind energy plants, a system of hydrodynamically acting auxiliary elements, the hydrodynamically acting auxiliary elements being set up to influence, in a targeted manner, ocean waves and/or ocean currents with regard to their energy at the positions of the electrical water power energy converters and/or of the wind energy plants, in particular through interference.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wind power installation (1) for generation of electrical power by means of ambient air, having a flow channel (3) through which the ambient air is passed by an air flow being formed, with the flow channel (3) having an outer casing (6) delimiting it, and also having: a first section (7) with an essentially constant cross section, into which the ambient air can be introduced, with an air acceleration device (39) being provided in the first section (7), a second tapered section (9) which is in the form of a Venturi nozzle (10), a third section (11) which follows the second section (9) and in which a rotor (60) is arranged which is caused to rotate by the air flowing through it, and whose rotation is used to generate electrical power, a fourth flared section (13) which is in the form of a Laval nozzle (12), and a fifth section (15) which has a second air acceleration device (85) used as the exhaust for the air which has been introduced into the flow channel (3).

Abstract: A tangential turbine is adapted for receiving kinetic energy from a flowing fluid and comprises a supporting shroud, a rotating runner having a hub and a plurality of radial blades spaced apart on the hub, and a means for controlling the receiving. In first embodiment the controlling means comprises a plurality of springs each connected with its ends turningly about a connecting axis being between and within the hub and the blade and between limit stops to the hub and fixedly to the blade turnable about the axis to a non-working tangential position. In second embodiment the controlling means comprises the shroud shaped into a caisson and provided with turnable aprons and capable of accommodating the runner in the air and controlling the insertion of the blades into the flow below the shroud.

Abstract: Disclosed is a movable object type high-efficiency wave energy apparatus which further accelerates vibration of floating bodies according to vibration of waves to maximize electric power generation efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting wave energy may include a watercraft, a pendulum and an energy converter. The watercraft may be configured to roll in response to wave action and may have roll characteristics that are tunable to characteristics of the wave action. The pendulum may be supported by the watercraft to enable the pendulum to swing in response to the wave action. An energy converter may be configured to convert the relative movement of the pendulum and watercraft into electrical energy. The pendulum may also be tunable to characteristics of the wave action.

Abstract: Three bodies interact to drive a transmission having a pair of one-way clutches coupling a single length of drive chain or other elongate flexible member to an intermeshed pair of counter rotatable gears so as to drive a primary shaft in a single rotational direction. The three bodies are a fixed body, a floating body, and a suspended and usually submerged weighted body. The three bodies are interconnected by the single length of the elongate flexible member and are spaced apart there along. The weighted body is mounted at one end of the elongate flexible member. The primary shaft is mounted above the surface of a moving fluid mass to either the fixed or floating body. The end of the flexible member opposite to the weight is mounted to the other of the fixed or floating body.

Abstract: The invention as disclosed is an underwater based electric energy production system. A cable having a piezoelectric core is attached on one end thereof to a floating buoy and on the other end thereof to an anchor. The system is deployed in the water such that the cable extends vertically through a water column. Movement of the cable due to water current generates electric power that can be harvested and stored. The floating buoy can be at or near the water's surface and the anchor can but need not rest on the sea floor.

Abstract: A power generating apparatus suitable for use in extracting energy from the movement of water, in particular tidal movement, is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongate, generally circular in cross section, buoyancy vessel (1), having depending from its underside on a mounting means, rotatable rotor blades (2). The rotor blades are connected to a power generating means whereby in use of the apparatus movement of water across the rotor blasé, drives them so as to generate power in the power generating means.

Abstract: The tidal power generator includes a hollow container, an impeller designed for unidirectional rotation, an electric generator fixed in the container, and a chargeable power source. A first opening and an opposite second opening are defined in the container. The impeller is positioned at the second opening and configured for unidirectionally rotating pushed by air flow. The electric generator includes a stator and a rotor extending from the stator. The rotor is fixedly connected to the impeller. The rotor rotates with rotation of the impeller so that the stator outputs electrical energy. The power source is configured for storing the output electrical energy.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for converting wave energy into electric power, comprising a closed floating element (1) and a mass forming element (2), the mass forming element (2) being arranged inside the floating element (1) and mounted mobile relative to the floating element (1), the mass forming element (2) being adapted to be set in relative motion with respect to the floating element (1) under the action of the waves on the floating element (1). The invention is characterized in that it also comprises locking means (13) adapted to lock the movement of the mass forming element (2) and control means adapted to control the locking means (13) for selectively locking or releasing the mass element (2) so as to amplify the movement of the mass forming element (2) by constant adaptation to the dynamics of the apparatus to successive waves.

Abstract: A machine which capitalizes on the descent of water which has been elevated by making use of the random use of waves and or the velocity of the waters. A device which determines the true surface level in spite of random motions of the waters such as waves, surges and etc. by establishing the theory that water seeks its own level. A device which capitalizes on the velocity and weight of water, such as is present in waves and river waters, wherein the current has sufficient velocity to depress a ramp and produce useful energy.

Abstract: A wave energy converting apparatus 44 and its associated tension mooring system 50 is described. The wave energy converting apparatus 44 comprises an elongate support structure 45 designed to extend above a mean water level in the ocean. The support structure 45 has a submerged member 46 provided in connection therewith below the mean water level. A float member 48 of positive buoyancy is slidably mounted on the support structure 45 so as to be movable in a vertical direction. The apparatus 44 also comprises a linear electric generator 49 having a stator provided in connection with the support structure 45 and a translator integrated into the body of the float member 48. Differential motion of the float member 48 relative to the support structure 45 results in the generation of electrical power by the linear electric generator 49.

Abstract: A wave energy conversion system or device includes a float and base on top of which there is a power take-off system. The float, its base and the machine room are inserted in a main column supported by legs and corresponding leg supports on the bottom floor in shallow waters (seas or lakes). In deeper waters, the main column may be supported by column supports attached to an underwater float. The machine room is separated of the float frame through a rotary joint which allows the float and base to rotate in any horizontal direction while maintaining the machine room fixed in the same horizontal direction. The rotary joint separating the float frame and the machine room also allows for the vertical up and down movement when interacting with incoming waves. The distance between the machine room and the float frame is always the same. The device includes flaps or blades for the absorption of kinetic energy derived from the back and forth movement of water generated by waves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a submersible plant for producing energy. The submersible plant comprises at least one turbine (9) and is characterized in that said turbine (9) is mounted on a stream-driven vehicle (3) and in that said stream-driven vehicle is secured in a structure by means of at least one wire (6).

Abstract: An energy-harvesting, self-propelled buoy includes a housing, an inertial power pump for converting wave motion to electrical energy, an electrical energy storage pod operably associated with the inertial power pump, and a propulsion unit for propelling the buoy. The inertial power pump is extensible from the housing.

Abstract: A wave power capture system, comprises a fluid transfer conduit for connection to a wave energy conversion device such that, in operation, the wave energy conversion device pressurizes fluid in the fluid transfer conduit in response to wave motion; a turbine apparatus arranged to receive fluid from the fluid transfer conduit; at least one sensor for sensing pressure and/or flow rate of the fluid; a variable opening valve for controlling the rate of flow of fluid from the fluid transfer conduit to the turbine apparatus; a controller for controlling operation of the variable opening valve in dependence upon the pressure and/or flow rate of the fluid sensed by the sensor and/or the speed of rotation of the turbine apparatus; and an electrical power generation system for obtaining electrical power from operation of the turbine apparatus.

Abstract: A system and a method for controlling operation of an underwater power generator is described, as well as computing componentry for controlling the operation of the underwater power generator. The system comprises: meters for measuring selected properties associated with blade speed and inward water flow of the underwater power generator; a drive for altering one or more selected aspects of operation of the underwater power generator; and a data processing apparatus comprising a central processing unit (CPU), a memory operatively connected to the CPU, the memory containing a program adapted to be executed by the CPU, wherein the CPU and/or memory are operatively adapted to receive information from the meters to calculate a Tip Speed Ratio (TSR or ?) and implement an instruction to the drive to change the one or more selected operating parameters of the underwater power generator in response to the calculated TSR or ?.

Abstract: There is described a method for controlling the output of a tidal hydroelectric turbine generator from a remote location, with the need for control circuitry to be housed local to the generator. The rotational speed of the turbine, and consequently the output power level of the generator, is controlled by varying the transmission line voltage of the submarine power cable connecting the off-shore turbine with an on-shore substation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a hydrokinetic device that includes an energy transducer. The method comprises setting a target condition for the hydrokinetic device, monitoring an actual condition of the hydrokinetic device, comparing the target condition to the actual condition to determine an error signal, and invoking a power control protocol with depth change protocol based on the error signal to maintain the hydrokinetic device at the target condition.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems, as well as methods and articles of manufacture, may operate to receive oscillatory motion at an inertial mass to impart motion to a fluid, rotate a turbine or vibrate a beam using the motion imparted to the fluid, and generate power using a generator mechanically coupled to the turbine or beam. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting wave energy may include a watercraft, a pendulum and an energy converter. The watercraft may be configured to roll in response to wave action and may have roll characteristics that are tunable to characteristics of the wave action. The pendulum may be supported by the watercraft to enable the pendulum to swing in response to the wave action. An energy converter may be configured to convert the relative movement of the pendulum and watercraft into electrical energy. The pendulum may also be tunable to characteristics of the wave action.

Abstract: A wave energy conversion system is described. The system comprises a wave energy absorber for absorbing wave energy. At least one switched reluctance machine is driven by the wave energy absorber for converting mechanical energy to electrical energy. The switched reluctance machine has a generating mode and a motoring mode. A sensing means is provided for sensing an operating parameter generated by the wave energy absorber. A control means is co-operable with the sensing means for controlling the mode of the switched reluctance machine in response to the sensed operating parameter.

Abstract: A fleet of vessels attached together longitudinally (rows), and transversely (columns) and operating in unison convert wave energy to electrical energy which is stored in either a chemical or electrical form. The vessels when detached from the fleet provide transportation to coastal or by navigable waterway ports of call for distribution to market centers. Both wind wave and swell wave energy conversion is performed by use of the differential motion between the vessels. Means are provided for the energy conversion systems to adapt to changes in wave direction, wave length, amplitude, and phase. Such vessels are self powered for off shore or inland waterway navigation, either singularly or in multiples, with which to deliver energy to other sea going vessels or to land based ports of call. Two or more of such vessels are capable of using the energy of waves during the delivery process. The fleet can maintain a designated geographical location by dynamic positioning.

Abstract: A turbine that will produce useful mechanical force from the dynamic force of the sea wave. This is done by rectifying the bidirectional force obtained from such wave. This turbine will produce a unidirectional rotation from the bidirectional force of the wave. The turbine will adjust the pitch of its blades automatically as the air flow inside the pipe changes direction, The air flow will change the pitch of the blade, because the blade is mounted on a shaft through ball bearings. Because the blade is acting like a flag on a pole that has a long tail and also the blade has a long tail and will always change its direction in accord to the direction of the air flow.

Abstract: A miniature hydro-power generation system includes a hydro-power generator, a processor and an energy storage device. A flow of liquid may be used to rotate the hydro-generator to generate electric power. The processor is configured to monitor a level of the electric power generated by the hydro-power generator and a level of charge stored in the energy storage device. The processor is further configured to selectively charge and discharge the energy storage device based on the level of charge of the energy storage device, and the level of electric power generated by the hydro-power generator. The electric power generated by the hydro-power generator is selectively used to charge the energy storage device, and the energy storage device is selectively discharged to supply a load.

Abstract: The apparatus defined herein comprises a platform, isolated stabilization floats, bobbing floats, and linear drive converters, in order to transform the energy represented by the bobbing motion of ocean waves/swells into a rotating mechanical motion.

Abstract: A valve that controls the speed of a turbine that is moved by an oscillating air column. This turbine's speed is constantly being compared with the constant output of a digital oscillator. The deference between this two is an error voltage that is amplified and applied to the servomotor. That will increase or decrease the air flow to meantime the speed of the turbine constant and in phase with the digital oscillator. This valve is placed between the input of the turbine and the output of the pressure chamber or the oscillating air column.

Abstract: An electrical system for generating electrical energy from the wave motion in a body of water includes a lower tower disposed in a body in a body of water and an adjustable upper portion rising upwardly above the surface of the body of water. A rotateable fuselage includes a floating base fixed to the upper portion of the tower and rotateable about a vertical axis for facing into the wind. A downwardly extending arm is fastened to the fuselage and moves back and forth in response to wave motion. The system also includes a mechanism for raising and lowering the fuselage to accommodate tidal changes. In addition, the forward and backward motion of the downwardly projecting arm rotates a pair of generators for generating electrical energy and transmitting it to a land station.

Abstract: A method and device for generating electric power from ocean waves is described. The device includes at least one magnetostrictive element and at least one buoy. When the buoy is deployed in a body of liquid subject to wave motion, the buoy remains partially submerged during normal wave motion. The buoy is coupled to the magnetostrictive element to continuously exert a varying force on the magnetostrictive element during the normal wave motion.

Abstract: A modular converter 30 for converting the electric power produced by aerogenerators, designed to be used within a wind-power plant, which is equipped with: input terminals 30a designed to be connected to an electric-power generator 3 of a single-phase or multiphase type; output terminals 30b; and control devices 36 for controlling the power of the electric-power generator 3. The modular converter has multiple modules 31 designed to receive on their inputs 31.1 alternating electric current and to produce on the respective outputs 31.2a, 31.2b direct electric current to be distributed within the wind-power plant, and, moreover, the control devices 36 receive a signal from the modules 31 and act on the electric-power generator 3.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting energy from wind and wave motion using a common floating platform comprising a ship hull (10) which is moored in an offshore location and which supports wind turbines (27) for extracting energy from wind and wave energy extraction devices (12) positioned at least at one side of the hull (10) for extracting energy from wave motion relative to the hull (10). The method and apparatus may also use water current energy extraction devices. The hull (10) may also support a desalination plant (45) which uses the energy generated from the wind, wave and water current energy extraction devices.

Abstract: A wave energy converter has a shell, a pendulum pivotally positioned in the shell, a pump linked to the pendulum and operable by a movement of the pendulum so as to pump a hydraulic fluid outwardly therefrom, a motor interconnected to the pump such that the hydraulic fluid from the pump causes a rotation of the motor, and an electrical generator connected to the motor such that the rotation of the motor causes the electrical generator to produce electrical energy. A pendulum adjuster can be operatively connected to the pendulum so as to change a center of gravity of the pendulum.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the use of buoyancy force as a prime mover that converts the potential energy of a compressed gas transmitted to a buoy device within a liquid into rotating mechanical energy which is mechanically connected to a electric generator, wherein said prime mover comprises a shaft and several extended arms with a buoy device at each distal end to generate the rotational motion at the electric generator.

Abstract: Devices and methods for capturing electrical energy from ocean and other waves at improved cost and efficiency are presented. The major innovations include capturing energy in two vectors simultaneously and connectedly, new applications of Bernoulli's principle, and an application of the breaker effect. The invention presents devices using related principles for use in surface and subsurface waves, and the placing of the devices in the water and wave farms. The full system of wave capture includes many connected parts and power generators.

Abstract: Nautical torque tidal movement technology provides systems, apparatus and methods for producing nautical torque tidal movement electrical power generation from tidal movement. A system provides for producing electrical power utilizing an arrangement of power generating devices electrically interconnected and operating independently to receive kinetic energy from the movement of water, and to convert energy utilizing a plurality of 1800 RPM accelerator gear boxes mechanically coupled to a large particle of mass traveling at a rate of substantially 1 foot per hour in a substantially vertical direction coupled to one or more torque conversion units. Apparatus and methods further include various configurations of power generating devices, torque conversion units, accelerator gearing boxes, and drive arms that are coupled to a large particle of mass that is a minimum of 200 million tons. Systems and methods also include a nautical torque landlocked design.

Abstract: A tide activated power system has a plurality of horizontally oriented cylinders that each have a pair of chambers. The cylinders are carried on float/weight barges that are located in a lagoon. A plurality of float/weight barges each have at least two cylinders in series. Each cylinder has a chamber holding a piston movable in the chamber defining a pair of variable size chambers: a flood variable size chamber and an ebb variable size chamber. As the float/weight barge rises and falls on the tide in the lagoon, the variable size chambers vary in size and force a working fluid to a turbine generator to create electrical energy. The piston of each of the multiple cylinders of the multiple barges forces combined to move the working fluid above the turbine generator where the flow drives the turbine generator prior to returning to the cylinder. In alternative embodiments, other mechanisms convert the energy from the rising and falling of the flow/weight barges to a non-uniform motion in one direction.

Abstract: A device for generating substantially vertically-reciprocating motion uses a plurality of chambers in substantial vertical alignment. Each chamber has an air pocket and a buoyant member which floats at the air/water interface, and such air pockets expand and contract upon receipt of additional amounts of air from below and release of some of the air, usually to a chamber above. As the air pockets expand and contract, the interfaces are raised and lowered, and the buoyant elements are raised and lowered with the interfaces. A method uses such device to generate such reciprocating motion, which optionally may be used to drive electric generators.

Abstract: An ocean wave energy extractor includes a first flotation device that contains a second flotation device and a mechanism for extracting energy. The wave energy extractor floats in seawater and extracts energy from waves. A propagating wave rotates the first flotation device relative to the second flotation device. The mechanism is connected to both flotation devices and generates energy from this relative rotation. In one example, a first flotation device includes a spherical chamber with a flotation collar, and a second flotation device supported by a joint at a center of the chamber. A wave approaching from any direction rotates the first flotation device relative to the second flotation device, and a mechanism for extracting energy generates electrical energy from the relative rotation. The chamber shields inner components from seawater and adverse ocean conditions. The wave energy extractor need not be moored to a location to extract energy from waves.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting wave energy into electrical energy includes a wave power generation unit including a frame and float guides. A wave power generation float is joined to the float guides for vertical motion in response to the wave energy. The wave power generation float includes at least one wave power conversion module. The wave power conversion module includes a module case and an air sealing tube formed in the module case for generally preventing fluids from entering the module case. A power transmission cable transmits electrical energy where one end of the power transmission cable passes through the air sealing tube and is joined to the frame. A cable reel winds and unwinds the power transmission cable. A power transmission drive translates a bidirectional rotation of an input shaft into a unidirectional rotation. A generator generates electrical energy in response to the unidirectional rotation.

Abstract: A wave energy capturing device (10) comprising a base (12) adapted for fixed connection to a submerged surface (14). At least one elongate buoyant paddle (26) is pivotally mounted to the base (12) about a first pivotal axis (22), for angular oscillation through an angle range when wave motion applies a force to the paddle (26). The paddle (26) has a longitudinal axis (27), an upper end portion and a lower end portion. An energy transfer member is attached to the paddle (26) and is adapted to be driven by the angular oscillation of the paddle (26). A paddle adjustment assembly is associated with the paddle (26) and is adapted to adjust the angle range of the paddle (26) in magnitude and/or angular position relative to the first pivotal axis (22).

Abstract: A wave energy converter has a shell, a pendulum pivotally positioned in the shell, a magnet thereon, a variable inductor positioned in the shell, a pendulum adjustor for changing a center of gravity of the pendulum, a motion sensor positioned in the shell, a position sensor connected to the pendulum, a rotation sensor connected to the pendulum, and a controller connected to the motion sensor and the position sensor and the rotation sensor. The pendulum has a magnet thereon. The magnet of the pendulum oscillates adjacent the variable inductor. The variable inductor can adjust the inductive capacity.

Abstract: A buoyant hydro turbine(31) for capturing and utilizing energy in the currents of flowing water. A driven component(33) produces electricity or other energy is coupled to and supported by a buoyant rotor(64), increasing efficiency and eliminating the need for an independent supporting structure. Tethered in flowing water, the current(71) rotates the rotors(32) and transfers rotatable energy to the central driven component(33) where electricity or other mechanical work is produced. A number of embodiments are adapted for optimizing and maintaining positioning in a stream of moving water. Additional embodiments optimizing the efficiency and effectiveness of the turbine in capturing and utilizing the current's kinetic energy as well as hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: The invention herein proposed describes a plant operated by the movement of floaters (A) connected to horizontal arms (B). These arms (B) move hydraulic pumps (C), which inject water into the hyperbaric chamber (E). This chamber (E) supplies water through an outflow control valve, to set in motion a conventional turbine (G) that connected to electric generator supplies electricity.

Abstract: A wave energy conversion system includes a barge support frame having a frame superstructure and a plurality of frame support legs selectively extendable from the frame superstructure, a barge carried by the barge support frame and at least one wave energy conversion pump comprising a water transfer conduit carried by the barge support frame and having a filter port and an inner water transfer space disposed in fluid communication with the filter port, a pressure conduit mounted for displacement on the water transfer conduit and having an outer water transfer space disposed in fluid communication with the inner water transfer space and a buoyancy vessel carried by the pressure conduit. Also disclosed are a power generation pumping system and a river or stream fed system having tanks to contain and pressurize water to a force sufficient to drive turbine generators for electric power production and potable water use.

Abstract: For reducing the number of anchors required for mooring a plurality of WECs in a body of water, the WECs are arrayed in two patterns enabling the sharing of anchors among the WECs. One pattern comprises pluralities of WECs disposed in polygonal shaped cells with an anchor disposed beneath each cell connected to all the WECs in the cell. A second pattern comprises a tessellated pattern of contiguous cells with WECs at the interface between contiguous pairs of cells being common to both cells of the pairs.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic device having a water surface float tethered to a submerged buoyant housing is provided with mechanisms for optimizing the amount of wave energy extracted from the waves by the device. Based on wave conditions, the optimization functionalities include controlling the depth of the housing to produce wave shoaling or storm avoidance, as well as to perform continuous phase control and load control for the purpose of matching the response frequency of the device to the frequency of the incident waves.

Abstract: A power generation system that converts energy associated with ocean waves into electrical energy includes a plurality of floats positioned on a body of water. Each float includes an actuator arm that, when reciprocated, drives an oil piston positioned within an oil chamber. Each piston pumps oil into a supply header that fills a load cylinder with pressurized oil. Each load cylinder includes a weighted member superimposed on a plunger that is lifted by the pressurized oil; automated control valves release the oil causing the weighted member to fall rapidly. A geared rack at a lower end of the plunger engages a pinion that drives a generator. Accordingly, the rapid descent of the heavy member drives the pinion and thus the generator thereby producing electrical power.

Abstract: A method and device for generating electricity from ocean waves. The device includes at least one magnetostrictive element and one or more electrically conductive coils or circuits. When the magnetostrictive element is deployed in a body of water, the motion of the body of water, including wave motion, causes changes in the strain of the magnetostrictive element. The electrically conductive coil or circuit is within the vicinity of the magnetostrictive element. A corresponding change in magnetic field around the magnetostrictive element generates an electric voltage and/or electric current in the electrically conductive coil or circuit.

Abstract: A wave power capture system, comprises a fluid transfer conduit for connection to a wave energy conversion device such that, in operation, the wave energy conversion device pressurizes fluid in the fluid transfer conduit in response to wave motion; a turbine apparatus arranged to receive fluid from the fluid transfer conduit; at least one sensor for sensing pressure and/or flow rate of the fluid; a variable opening valve for controlling the rate of flow of fluid from the fluid transfer conduit to the turbine apparatus; a controller for controlling operation of the variable opening valve in dependence upon the pressure and/or flow rate of the fluid sensed by the sensor and/or the speed of rotation of the turbine apparatus; and an electrical power generation system for obtaining electrical power from operation of the turbine apparatus.

Abstract: A wave energy conversion device that employs a submerged horizontally-aligned structure provided with a central opening formed in a horizontally extending surface, focuses wave induced water-particle motion, resulting in a flow into and away from the central opening, and a turbine is mounted in the central opening to be driven by this flow of water. Preferably the operation of this device occurs in a structural submerged depth of less than one-half wavelength of waves in the region. In a preferred embodiment, the flow through the central opening is bidirectional, and a self-rectifying turbine is used for unidirectional rotation. In an alternative embodiment, unidirectional check valves are used to direct water flow to a unidirectional turbine. Guide vanes are used to direct the flow inward towards the opening and can also be used to induce swirl in the flow field. When constructed axisymmetrically, the device can generate power from waves coming from any direction.