Tide And Wave Motors Patents (Class 290/53)
  • Patent number: 8901766
    Abstract: A wave action electric generating system comprises a platform floating on water, the platform being subject to rocking from side to side from wave action; an electric generator disposed on the platform; a pulley engagable with the generator in a first direction to power the generator, and free-wheeling with the generator in a second direction opposite the first direction; a spring to rewind the cable; an arm extending over the water, the arm including a far end that moves substantially up and down over the water as the platform rocks from side to side; a cable operably connected to the pulley and supported by the far end, the cable pulling on the pulley in the first direction and rewinding around the pulley in the second direction; a member disposed in the water and connected to another end of the cable, the member resisting lifting as the far end moves upwardly from wave action thereby to unwind the cable and drive the generator, the member resisting sinking as the far end moves downwardly, thereby to rewind
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Alexander K. Werjefelt
  • Patent number: 8887501
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wave power plant, comprising at least one float or pontoon (1) or a plurality of interconnected floats or pontoons (2). The float or pontoon (1) is shaped or the interconnected floats or pontoons (2) are disposed asymmetrically relative to the advancing direction of waves, such that the float or pontoon (1) or a member (3) linking the interconnected floats or pontoons is set in a gyrating motion in response to the buoyancy of a succession of waves advancing in said direction. The wave power plant includes elements (5, 6, 7; 9, 10) for converting the gyrating motion into a rotational motion for power take-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Wello Oy
    Inventor: Heikki Paakkinen
  • Patent number: 8884455
    Abstract: A wave energy converter comprises a rotor, which is designed to convert a wave movement of a body of water, in which the wave energy converter is arranged, into a rotational movement of the rotor, wherein a mean density of at least one rotating component of the rotor can be adjusted and/or is lower than the mean density of the fluid surrounding the rotor in the body of water. The disclosure likewise relates to a corresponding control device and an operating method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Reimer, Nicolas Houis, Nik Scharmann, Benjamin Hagemann, Markus Perschall, Alexander Poddey, Yukio Kamizuru, Michael Hilsch, Johannes Nitzsche, Jasper Behrendt
  • Patent number: 8878381
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a device for converting wave motion into electricity, and methods of using the devices for generating electricity. The disclosure also provides a power generation device that includes a water blanket having a plurality of pods arranged in a grid for floating on the surface of a body of water. In one example, ball joints and hydraulic cylinders couple each of the pods to adjacent pods. Motors are coupled to the hydraulic cylinders such that a flow of hydraulic fluid created by expansion and compression of the cylinders due to movement of the pods causes rotational motion in the motor. Generators are coupled to respective motors to generate electricity from the rotational motion of the motors. Power from the ocean blanket can be supplemental with wind turbines, water paddles, water turbines, and solar cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Global Perpetual Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry Wayne Henry
  • Publication number: 20140319839
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wave power plant, comprising a floating body (1) and means for converting the wave energy received by the body into electric power. The front side of the cross-section of the body (1) opposite to the main incoming direction (A) of the waves is designed to slant forward and upwards in its upper part (11) and to slant backwards and downwards in its lower part (12), in such a way that the propagating wave meets the upper and lower part wave at different stages, whereby the lower part tends to move mainly in the opposite direction with respect to the upper part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Heikki Paakkinen
  • Patent number: 8869524
    Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a power cable to a marine vessel which is subject to pitch, heave, roll and yaw motion includes a ball and socket device for decreasing the twisting and bending of the power cable. The socket is attached to the vessel and the ball can rotate freely Within the socket but its up down motion is restricted. The power cable's outer protective sheath is attached to the ball while its conductors pass through the ball and are connected to an internal connector. A flexible cable (wire) is connected between the internal connector and electrical equipment internal to the marine vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Ocean Power Technologies, Inc
    Inventors: David B. Stewart, William B. Powers
  • Patent number: 8866327
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the utilization of wave energy, with an increased efficiency. Thereto, the device according to the invention comprises a Darrieus rotor having at least two Darrieus rotor blades, wherein the Darrieus rotor has a solidity ?D, and a Wells rotor having at least two Wells rotor blades, wherein the Wells rotor has a solidity ?W, wherein the Darrieus rotor and the Wells rotor are rotatable about a common axis of rotation A, and ?W is larger than or equal to ?D. The invention also relates to a method for harnessing wave energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: IHC Holland IE B.V.
    Inventor: Peter Cornelis Scheijgrond
  • Patent number: 8866321
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating electricity from ocean wave energy by using a floating device having a first portion that is movably coupled to a second portion. A hydraulic pump is coupled between these portions such that when the floating device is exposed to ocean wave energy, the hydraulic fluid within the pump is displaced. A flow rectifier is used to create a unidirectional hydraulic fluid flow that is dispensed through a rotary-vane pump which, in turn, is coupled to an electrical generator. Thus, as the rotary-vane pump is activated by the unidirectional hydraulic fluid flow, the rotary-vane pump turns the electrical generator for generating electricity. A plurality of hydraulic pumps and associated flow rectifiers, rotary-vane pumps and electrical generators can be coupled between the first and second portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Murtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. McCormick, Robert Murtha
  • Patent number: 8866328
    Abstract: Wave energy conversion systems are provided utilizing a mass of water entrained in a collapsible water mass enclosure that is suspended beneath a float (e.g., a vehicle, buoy, platform, etc.) to provide an inertial force in opposition to the rising heave-induced acceleration of the float. The water mass enclosure is in communication with a generator, such as by tethering one end of a tethering component to the generator and the other to the enclosure. The enclosure may be placed in communication with an intermediary hydraulic system, which is also in communication with the generator. In certain embodiments, the system will include a reel system for deploying and retrieving the water masse enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Leidos, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Hench, Charles R. Fralick, Christopher J. Eckert
  • Patent number: 8866320
    Abstract: An energy generator for generating energy from renewable alternative sources, includes: a flotable platform adapted to be partially immersed in a fluid; a tower element arranged on the platform and including at least one wind generator for collecting wind energy and converting the same into electric energy, at least one first energy accumulator and at least one inverter. The energy generator further includes at least one system for storing and converting mechanical energy; the system for storing and converting mechanical energy including at least one charge mechanical accumulator, at least one flywheel balance coupled with the charge mechanical accumulator and a device for converting mechanical energy into electric energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Vittorio Perregrini
  • Patent number: 8863511
    Abstract: This is a low-cost, ingenious, high-efficiency energy producing system from hydrokinetic energy in water waves, currents and tides. Cost advantages are due to the use of existing bridge structures to mount the water energy converter to withstand fierce wind and water forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Paul M Swamidass
  • Publication number: 20140306455
    Abstract: A system and method comprising a first, second and third hull. An arm extending from the first hull to the second hull where the arm is coupled to a power take off module in the second hull for transferring relative motion between the second hull and the arm into electrical energy. A second arm extending from the second hull to the third hull. The second arm coupled to another power take off device in the third hull for transferring relative motion between the third hull and the second arm into electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: GREY ISLAND ENERGY INC.
    Inventors: Brian LUNDRIGAN, Tim GARDINER
  • Publication number: 20140306454
    Abstract: The present invention provides an ocean energy generating device and a built-in module thereof. The built-in module of an ocean energy generating device includes an inner frame, a rotating shaft, a driving unit, at least one horizontal-axis generator, and at least one water flow deflector. The rotating shaft is rotatably disposed at the inner frame. The driving unit is connected with the rotating shaft to drive the rotating shaft to rotate. At least one horizontal-axis generator is fixed to the rotating shaft and a direction of an axis of the horizontal-axis generator is parallel to a horizontal plane. The water flow deflector is fixed to the inner frame. The ocean energy generating device includes at least one built-in module of the ocean energy generating device and an outer frame. The inner frame is detachably disposed in the outer frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Hangzhou LHD Institute of New Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Dong LIN, Changzheng HUANG, Zhenghan CHEN
  • Publication number: 20140300110
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a wave energy gathering and enhancing device disposed in a setting area of the sea-bed. A seawater wave approaches the wave energy gathering and enhancing device with a wave vector. The wave energy gathering and enhancing device comprises a plurality of structures. The plurality of structures are arranged below the sea surface in a two-dimensional symmetric discrete group. Each of the structures has a top surface and the top surface is located below the sea surface with a predetermined depth. A lattice with a definte lattice constant is formed by the plurality of structures. The lattice plane formed by the structures and the wave vector of the seawater wave form an angle. The structures enhance the amplitude of the seawater wave when the seawater wave interacts with and passes through the structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: SHENG DER CHAO, SHUO FENG CHIU, YAO HUNG HUANG, CHUN CHIEH WANG, SSU CHE WANG, CHIN-CHOU CHU
  • Publication number: 20140290233
    Abstract: This disclosure provides improved nautical craft that can travel and navigate on their own. A hybrid vessel is described that converts wave motion to locomotive thrust by mechanical means, and also converts wave motion to electrical power for storage in a battery. The electrical power can then be tapped to provide locomotive power during periods where wave motion is inadequate and during deployment. The electrical power can also be tapped to even out the undulating thrust that is created when locomotion of the vessel is powered by wave motion alone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine
  • Patent number: 8847420
    Abstract: A device for generating electrical energy by harnessing the energy of waves includes an enveloping housing (1) divided into: a lower air chamber (23) containing a generator (14) and a high tonnage weight (12), suspended from an upper axle (10) mechanically connected to a lower axle (16); an intermediate chamber (24) that includes water inlets/outlets (22) and is open at the top by means of an air outlet (29); and an upper chamber (25) including a compressor (6), a turbine (4) and a generator (5). The compressor (6) is mechanically actuated by an electric motor or by mechanical transmission by a chain (7) connecting the upper axle (10) of the lower chamber (23) and the axle of the compressor (6), and generates pressurized air for removing the water from the intermediate chamber (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventors: Diego Garrido García, Carlos Santos Gutierrez, Ruben Ferrero Castro
  • Patent number: 8841788
    Abstract: A Wave Energy Converter (WEC) (70) to be applied in water vehicles (100, 200) and floating bodies (300) is described. The WEC (70) involves a mass-spring-damper system comprising at least one oscillating mass (12), springs (14) at the rate of at least two springs (14) for each oscillating mass (12), said springs (14) being arranged radially to said oscillating mass (12), and at least two power take-off (PTO) devices (13) having different degrees of freedom (DOF). WEC (70) is applied in the motoring and concomitant or alternative energy generation in water vehicles (100, 200) and floating bodies (300). Energy generation is consequent to external disturbances including waves, currents and conventional motoring which results in oscillations in the system containing said WEC (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Marcelo Regattieri Sampaio
  • Patent number: 8841792
    Abstract: A system for producing an output from wave energy for use on an offshore, nearshore or onshore facility includes a support structure having a columnar volume with a first opening and a second opening and a movable piston plate housed therein; and a buoyant system surrounding the support structure, wherein the buoyant system is coupled to the piston plate by a linkage system, wherein the piston plate shifts in response to an oscillation of water level causing the buoyant system to shift, wherein air flow within the columnar volume varies in response to the oscillation of water level, and wherein such oscillation is realized at a prescribed rate controlled by a variable tuning orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: Jesse W. Teichman
  • Publication number: 20140265341
    Abstract: Gravitational potential energy of a weight raised to a height is converted into kinetic energy and then into electricity, as the weight falls from the height. An apparatus includes a buoyant weight, a gravity fall chamber including a chain, a buoyancy chamber including a liquid, and a receiving portion connecting the gravity fall chamber and buoyancy chamber. The buoyant weight is raised to the height near a top of the gravity fall chamber and then allowed to fall from the height. The fall of the weight moves the chain which in turn operates a generator for producing electricity from the potential energy. After falling from the height, the weight is submerged in the liquid in the receiving portion and rises to a surface level of the liquid inside the buoyancy chamber before being positioned in a predetermined position for another fall in the gravity fall chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Gyu Eob Hwang, Si Dae Kim
  • Publication number: 20140265340
    Abstract: A system and method for harnessing power associated with ocean waves and converting that power into electricity. The apparatus houses a vertically oriented central shaft, a pendulum, a generator, and other components that operate to optimize power output of the generator. Various operating parameters may be initially set and later changed to effectuate a restoring force applied to the apparatus against wave motion so that generator output is maximized. The optimum restoring force may vary according to changing environmental conditions. A library of environmental data and associated parameter values, tuning responses, and the like is stored at a central location or local to the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Neptune Wave Power LLC
    Inventor: Steven C. Hench
  • Publication number: 20140265338
    Abstract: A wave energy converter (WEC) includes a prismatic float having a quadrilateral-like cross section including a front plate, for facing incoming waves, a top plate, a bottom plate and a back plate. The front plate is connected at its top edge to the front end of the top plate which is disposed to be generally parallel to the surface of the water and at its bottom edge to the front end of the bottom plate. The plates are interconnected such that the sides of the top and front plates define an acute angle and the sides of the front and bottom plates define an obtuse angle. The back panel is connected between the back end of the top plate and the back end of the bottom plate. The exterior angle between the back panel and the top plate is generally less than 90 degrees. An extension plate may be added to the bottom plate which extends rearward of the float.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: JAMES G. BRETL, JAMES EDER
  • Publication number: 20140265339
    Abstract: The invention is a wave energy device which optimizes energy conversion from waves with a stable submerged platform coupled to compliant chain of floats (“pods”) which are connected to the platform by piston pumps. Wave action drives pumps to deliver pressurized water to a hydro turbine coupled to an electric generator for delivery of electric power to shore via a submarine cable. Alternatively, the pressurized water may be delivered to shore through pipes on the ocean floor, to generate electric power, also as input flow for reverse osmosis potable water production and for cooling applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: James G.P. Dehlsen
  • Patent number: 8836155
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic array comprises multiple hydrodynamic elements, including a tidal modulator, for producing electricity by the motion of ocean tides or river currents and forces acting on the hydrodynamic array, which is immersed in ocean tides or river currents and which is in motion relative to the ocean tides or river currents. A viaduct with mass transit tunnels sits atop the hydrodynamic array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Blue Energy Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Burger
  • Patent number: 8836152
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Miles Hobdy
  • Patent number: 8834115
    Abstract: This girder (8) for supporting a tidal turbine fairing has a parallelogram-shaped cross-section (S), taken perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis (A8) of the girder (8). It includes at least one slot (86a, 86b) extending generally parallel with the longitudinal axis (A8) of the girder (8). a cross-section (S) taken perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (A8) of the girder (8), the traces of the surfaces bordering the slot (86a, 86b) extend from one of the long sides (801, 803) of the cross-section (S) to an adjacent short side (802, 804) of the cross-section (S).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Alstom Renewable Technologies
    Inventors: Nicolas Pot, Thibault Thouvenin
  • Patent number: 8836153
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wave-power aggregate and a method of extracting energy from wave motion in a liquid by means of a wave-power aggregate. The wave-power aggregate comprises a container which is situated at least partially in the liquid and also comprises an inflow and an outflow. The container is arranged to, under the influence of said wave motion, to let a first part of the container arrange itself in a first position and a second part of the container in a second position, where the first and second position corresponds to different potential energy states. The method comprises the steps of: alternately supplying the container with at least a first and a second fluid respectively via the inflow, where the density of the fluids differs. at least during an initial stage of the method controlling a flow resistance in at least one of the first and second fluids through the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Vigor Wave Energy AB
    Inventor: Daniel Ehrnberg
  • Publication number: 20140252766
    Abstract: A wave energy converter is described that can change shape to mechanically tune itself to change the amount of water that the converter pushes up and down. In effect, the wave energy converter employs variable virtual added mass to tune the wave energy converter to the waves, thereby increasing the energy extraction from the waves. The shape change or variable virtual added mass type system can be employed on any type of wave energy converter including, but not limited to, point absorber wave energy converters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard P. CLARK, Floria E. CLEMENTS
  • Patent number: 8829703
    Abstract: A wave power plant, including a floating body and a rotator capable of rotating in response to the body's floating motion, characterized in that two or more bodies are elastically moored at a distance varying from each other according to wave conditions, said distance in the traveling direction of waves being unequal to a half of the wave length or a multiple thereof, and that rotation of the rotators present in various bodies is synchronized so as to provide a desired phase shift between the rotational angles of rotators present in various bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Wello Oy
    Inventor: Heikki Paakkinen
  • Patent number: 8823196
    Abstract: An apparatus of wave generators and a mooring system is used to generate electricity includes a floating hull and an anti-drift mooring system. The floating hull that functions as the floating member is tensionably coupled with a subsurface environment by the anti-drift mooring system, where the anti-drift mooring system can include different embodiments depending on the subsurface environment. Articulated pulley systems of the floating hull allow the anti-drift mooring system to efficiently maximize the power output of wave generator units of the floating hull as the articulated pulley systems and the wave generator units are positioned within the floating hull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Donald H Gehring
  • Publication number: 20140239643
    Abstract: A system for generating electrical energy from sea waves comprising a floating body and a gyroscope structure (4) set thereon and comprising: —a first frame (6) mounted so that it can turn with respect to the floating body about a first axis of rotation (E); and —a rotor (8), which is mounted so that it can turn about a second axis of rotation (?), is carried by said first frame, and is substantially orthogonal to said first axis; said system further comprising electric-generator means (14) operatively connected to said first frame for generating electrical energy as a result of rotation of said first frame about said first axis (E). The system comprises actuator means (22, 24, 26; 14, 32, 34) designed to control rotation of said first frame about said first axis, as a function of the angular position of said first frame in such a way that in operation said first frame will perform complete rotations through 360° about said first axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Wave for Energy S.R. L.
    Inventor: Vincenzo Orlando
  • Publication number: 20140239642
    Abstract: A wave-driven power generation system that uses a motor reducer to turn a rocker bar in moving wave-making barrels alternatively up and down, causing creation of water waves in a water reservoir so that a float board in the water reservoir is moved by created water waves to rotate transmission mechanisms that are coupled to respective power generators through inertia wheel sets, and thus, the power generators are driven to generate electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Sheng-Po Peng, Sheng-Da Peng, Kevin Peng
  • Patent number: 8814515
    Abstract: A floating turbine, including a vertical substantially fixed structure such as a pile or cable, a hydroelectric turbine, a connecting piece between the turbine and the structure that is operative to enable vertical motion of the turbine on the surface of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel Farb
  • Publication number: 20140232115
    Abstract: A funnel jet electric generator includes at least one funnel jet each having a funnel body defining a channel, a funnel extension tube connected to a first end portion of the funnel body for capturing a wave crest, and a nozzle connected to a second end portion of the funnel body, wherein the wave crest is guided into the funnel body along the channel and projects out through the nozzle to produce a water jet. The kinetic energy of the water jet is transmitted to the electric generator for producing electricity through the power transmission system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Kam Chu LO, Raymond LO
  • Publication number: 20140232116
    Abstract: Apparatuses and associated methods for converting wave energy into electrical energy are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a surface-based buoy can be connected to a magnetostrictive element that changes its output voltage when subjected to the in tension. To keep the heave plate under tension, a tether with a heave plate can be attached to the magnetostrictive element. Since the magnetostrictive element can be sensitive to zero tension (e.g., a slack in the tether) followed by a sudden increase in the tension, in at least some embodiments it is preferred to keep the magnetostrictive element tensioned at all times. In some embodiments of the present technology, an inertia-dominated heave plate may be designed to sink faster than the buoy falls in the trough of the wave, therefore keeping the tether tensioned at all times. For example, the design (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: University of Washington through its Center for Commercialization
    Inventors: James M. Thomson, Joseph L. Talbert, Alex deKlerk, Curtis Rusch, Zachary Murphree
  • Patent number: 8807963
    Abstract: A wave powered energy conversion system operable to convert the motion of ocean waves into a usable form of energy such as electricity. The wave powered energy conversion system includes a storage tank operable to store air pressurized to a pressure greater than that of atmospheric air. A frame assembly circumferentially surrounds the storage tank and consists of sub-frame assemblies organized into quadrants. The frame assembly is movable and has operably coupled thereto a plurality of buoyant objects. A plurality of air pumps are present that are connected to the frame assembly and further connected to an air delivery pipe network. The buoyant objects are operable to move at least a portion of the frame assembly so as to operate at least a portion of the plurality of air pumps so as to produce pressurized air to be distributed to the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Sudhir Pandit
  • Patent number: 8810054
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wave-power unit for the production of electric power. It comprises a floating body (1) arranged for floating on the sea and an electric linear generator (2) having a stator (5) and a translator (8) reciprocating along a center axis. The stator (5) is arranged to be anchored in the bed of the sea and the translator (8) is connected to the floating body (1) by connection means (3, 7). According to the invention the generator (2) is enclosed in a water-tight encapsulation (4) having an upper end wall with an opening through which the connection means (7) extends. The opening has a seal (12) that seals against the connection means (7). The seal (12) is flexibly mounted. The invention also relates to the use of the wave-power unit and to a method for producing electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Seabased AB
    Inventors: Erland Strömstedt, Stefan Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 8810056
    Abstract: An apparatus for converting the kinetic energy of ocean waves into electricity is disclosed. The apparatus includes a main body member. A generator is located within the main body member. The generator includes a axle having a positive direction and a negative direction. An inner rotor is driven by the axle, wherein the inner rotor is driven only in the negative direction of the axle. An outer rotor surrounds the inner rotor and is also being driven by the axle, wherein the outer rotor is driven only in the positive direction of the driveshaft. A stationary ring is located between the inner rotor and the outer rotor. A drive rod, having a buoy attached to one end, is configured to freely move between an upstroke position and a downstroke position. The drive rod drives the generator as it reciprocates between the upstroke position and the downstroke position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: P. Foerd Ames
  • Publication number: 20140225371
    Abstract: The device generates electrical energy from mechanical motion. The device includes at least one magnetostrictive element and at least one force modifier. The force modifier is coupled to the magnetostrictive element. The force modifier receives an input force and applies a modified force to the magnetostrictive element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Oscilla Power Inc.
    Inventors: Balakrishnan Nair, Jesse Alan Nachlas, Zachary Murphree
  • Publication number: 20140217737
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wave-power system for generating electricity, in which a pendular buoy captures the wave energy and transfers the movement unidirectionally to a flywheel inside a pressurised box. The shaft of the flywheel transmits the energy to a hydraulic pump and the hydraulic flow travels through flexible tubes into a Pelton turbine. The shaft of the turbine moves a variable-weight flywheel which transmits its movement to a transmission shaft to which multiple reduction gearboxes are connected in series. A high-pressure air compressor is connected for each gearbox, the compressors being placed in parallel and joined to a steel matrix that is in turn connected to a large-volume hyperbaric tank for storing pneumatic energy. A throttling control the speed and power thereof, and the mechanical force of the pneumatic motor is transferred to the electric generators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Eduardo Javier Egaña Castillo
  • Publication number: 20140217736
    Abstract: A wave-driven power generation system that uses a motor reducer to turn a rocker bar in moving wave-making barrels alternatively up and down, causing creation of water waves in water reservoirs so that float boards in the water reservoirs are moved by created water waves to rotate a transmission gearbox that is coupled to a power generating unit through an inertia wheel set, and thus, the power generating unit is driven to generate electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Sheng-Po Peng
  • Publication number: 20140217733
    Abstract: This is a system of kinetic power generating stations including a plurality of opposing units needed to generate electrical power from the constant motion of waves. Utilizing mixed gas inside the flexible membrane component of the piston to maximize the effects of the changing weight of the passing waves is being employed to assure continuity and uninterrupted movement of the piston assemblies. These “lollipop” pistons are required for electricity generation from waves. The entire system is designed with limited maintenance requirements and allowing for ease of accessibility, either while submerged or while being surfaced for review and repair. Connected as a field of generators offshore from a shore side inter-connect these units will be virtually out-of-site, out-of-mind, preserving the visual environment of a pristine beachside location. The units can be programmed to provide an underwater light show while serving as a beacon to passing vessels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Stephan Vincent Kroecker
  • Publication number: 20140217734
    Abstract: A wave-making and power-generating system uses a motor reducer to move a wave-making drum up and down in a water reservoir via a rocker arm, causing a float to rotate a power generator for generating electricity by a transmission mechanism via an inertial wheel set. A small amount of electricity can move the wave-making drum to drive the power generator to generate electricity. Multiple floats can be used with a respective transmission mechanism and a respective inertial wheel set to drive one power generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Sheng-Po Peng
  • Publication number: 20140217735
    Abstract: An ocean wave generator device, comprising: a first buoy, a first flared opening, a second flared opening, and a generator component, wherein said first flared opening and second flared opening are respectively disposed on two sides of said generator component and are, along with said generator component, fixed to said first buoy; ocean wave water passes via one flared opening to said generator component, and then flows via said generator component to the other flared opening. The present invention also provides an ocean wave generator system comprising the ocean wave generator device and a position fixing device. The ocean wave generator system fully utilizes the lateral kinetic and potential energy as well as the undulating vertical kinetic and potential energy of ocean waves. By using the diffraction principles of waves, the present invention allows for the large-scale harnessing of the ocean waves that rush inward along the coastline, and allows for greatly reduced implementation costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: He Chen
  • Patent number: 8786122
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic water turbine system includes a frame structure, a horizontally-disposed rotor shaft supported by the frame structure, and a rotor secured to the rotor shaft. The rotor has a plurality of spaced-apart blades so that the flowing stream of water revolves the rotor. The flowing stream of water rotates the rotor shaft, which drives a liquid pump, which pumps a liquid to a desired location. Such as, for example, pumping water from the flowing stream to an irrigations system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: DLZ Corporation
    Inventors: Vikram V. Rajadhyaksha, Roger Sam Huff, Mookencheril P. Cherian
  • Patent number: 8786121
    Abstract: A wave-making and power-generating system uses a motor reducer to move a wave-making drum up and down in a water reservoir via a rocker arm, causing a float to rotate a power generator for generating electricity by a transmission mechanism via an inertial wheel set. A small amount of electricity can move the wave-making drum to drive the power generator to generate electricity. Multiple floats can be used with a respective transmission mechanism and a respective inertial wheel set to drive one power generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Sheng-Po Peng
  • Patent number: 8779613
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for generating energy from ocean wave movement, comprising at least: one vessel (2) having at least one rotor shaft (3) that acts on an electricity generator; at least one tank (5) which is joined and solidly connected to the vessel (2) and which is full of sea water such that it remains at the water line (f); at least one float (1) joined to the vessel (2) by means of a boom (11); and mechanical means for transmitting the movement of the float (1) to the corresponding rotor shaft (3). In addition, the vessel (2) is attached to a float frame (4). A plurality of vessels (2) can be connected to a float frame (4) and/or a plurality of float frames (4) can be connected to one another. Furthermore, one or more tanks (5) can be attached to said float frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Francisco Azpiroz Villar
  • Patent number: 8777555
    Abstract: A tidal turbine system includes yaw drive for rotating the turbine between a first position associated with tidal flow and a second position associated with tidal ebbs. The yaw drive is capable of moving the tidal turbine to a position where the tidal turbine is pointed substantially directly into the tidal flow in the first position and substantially into the tidal ebb in a second position. A method for harvesting tidal energy includes rotating the tidal turbine between one of the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin Balbir, Richard J. Handwerg, Tejbir Arora, Richard P. Clark
  • Publication number: 20140191508
    Abstract: A rotary joint for use in a system for generating energy from water power, the joint comprising a first rotationally symmetrical connecting element and a second rotationally symmetrical connecting element disposed concentrically with the first connecting element and rotatable relative thereto, an annular gap between the two connecting elements, and a row of rolling elements rolling along a race on each of the connecting elements, wherein provided to seal the annular gap is a sealing device having a sealing ring fixed to the first connecting element, and a circumferential sealing lip, or sealing surface, extends along a lead-in surface, wherein the second connecting element is divided into a race ring, with at least one race, and a lead-in ring with a lead-in surface for at least one sealing ring, the lead-in ring being removably connected to at least one race ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: IMO Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Schröppel, Hubertus Frank, Georg Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20140183868
    Abstract: The present invention provides a power conversion mechanism incorporated as part of a wave energy converter device which utilises the kinetic energy of an incident wave field experienced through the relative motion of a body or any other similar means connected to a reactive structure resulting in the localisation of mechanical forces towards a central nodal point for subsequent exploitation via conversion to a useful form. It comprises a mechanical coupling connectable between a reactive body and a wave actuated body with a first body connectable to the reactive body and a second body connectable to the wave actuated body, the first body and the second body being rotatably coupled together about an axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: ALBATERN LIMITED
    Inventor: David Findlay
  • Patent number: 8766470
    Abstract: A system and method for generating energy from tuning the natural frequency of masses relative to a ground plane and an external three. In some embodiments the external three is the action of the waves. The system has a first mass movable relative to the ground plane, wherein the external force induces an oscillation in the first mass relative to the ground plane. A second movable mass is carried by and movable relative to the first movable mass. The second movable mass creates kinetic energy as the result of varying the position of the second movable mass relative to the first mass. The system adjusts or tunes the frequency of various components in relation to the natural frequency of the waves. The energy created by the relative motion can be converted to various forms of energy including electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Gwave LLC
    Inventor: Glenn L. Beane