Tide And Wave Motors Patents (Class 290/53)
  • Publication number: 20130140824
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wave power unit having a submerged station anchored on the sea bottom, a floating body floating on the sea surface and flexible connection means (3) connecting these. The submerged station has a linear generator with a reciprocating translator. According to the invention, the station includes a guiding device (9) for the flexible connection means (3). The guiding device (9) has a plurality of rotatable rollers (15a-18c). The rollers (15a-18c) form a passage for the flexible connection means (3). The invention also relates to use of the wave power unit and to a method for producing electric power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventors: Mats Leijon, Andrej Savin, Robert Leandersson, Rafael Waters, Magnus Rahm
  • Publication number: 20130140821
    Abstract: A wave energy generation system. A boom element having a float element on a terminal end is reciprocatably mounted on a rotatable turret element on a watercraft. The boom element is configured to drive a linkage element which in turn drives an energy generation element. The float element rises and falls due to marine swells, the boom element reciprocates upwardly and downwardly, driving the energy generation device or element. The energy element may be an electrical generator or air compressor. One or more energy storage elements may be provided such as a battery element or air pressure storage element. The energy generator element or energy storage means or both may be used to drive a propulsion element which may be in the form of an electric motor or air motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: ISC8 Inc.
    Inventor: Itzhak Sapir
  • Patent number: 8456030
    Abstract: A wave energy converter (WEC) includes a float which moves generally in phase with the waves and whose up and down motion is guided by and along a spar having an upper portion and a lower portion. A power take off (PTO) device is coupled between the float and the spar for converting their relative motion into useful energy. In some embodiments, the PTO includes (a) a drum having an axis of rotation rotatably mounted within one of the float and spar; and (b) cabling means connected between the drum and the other one of the float and spar for causing the drum to rotate as a function of the up and down motion of the float. In other embodiments, the PTO system is formed using a pre-tensioned roller chain wound around sprocket wheels located within one of the spar and float with the opposite ends of the chain connected to the other one of the spar and float to cause rotation of the sprocket wheels in response to movement of the float relative to the spar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Ocean Power Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Wei-Ming Chi
  • Publication number: 20130134714
    Abstract: A tidal energy storage, power generation method is disclosed. During one tidal period, the method includes the following steps: during the early stage, forming a float into an enclosed hollow float; during the flood tide stage, converting the ascending potential energy of the float into the gravity potential energy of an energy storage assembly; during the slack water stage, charging the float with water; and during the tide ebbing stage, forming the float into an enclosed body filled with water, and converting the descending potential energy of the float into the gravity potential energy of the energy storage assembly. A tidal energy storage, power generation system is also disclosed. The system can improve the utilization rate of the tidal energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: Chen Daqian
  • Patent number: 8450869
    Abstract: An ocean wave power device, including a floating body, an electric generator, multiple water wheels, and a hydraulic accelerator, the electric generator is fixed on the floating body, the rotating shaft is disposed between the hydraulic accelerator and the floating body, and capable of rotating with respect to the floating body and the hydraulic accelerator, the top of the rotating shaft passes through the floating body and is connected to a rotor of the electric generator, the bottom of the rotating shaft passes through the hydraulic accelerator and is fixedly connected to the water wheel, a water channel is disposed on the hydraulic accelerator, and operates to form high-speed flow whereby driving the water wheels to rotate in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Zhongshan Fantasy Model Design Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhihui Deng
  • Publication number: 20130127168
    Abstract: An ocean wave power plant provided for by respective interconnected functional units comprising a support structure (1a, 1b) is disclosed. The support structure (1a, 1b) is terminated in a lower end with a fastening bracket (9c) which can be anchored in a single point to a mass (9e) when deployed in the sea. A submergible uplift floating body (2) is providing buoyancy for the ocean wave power plant when deployed in the sea. The a uplift floating body (2) is attached to the support structure (1a, 1b), an electric power generating subsystem (A) supported by a platform (8) is terminating the support structure (1a, 1b) in an upper end of the support structure. A transmission member (4, 4a, 18) is attached in one end to a floating body (3) and in another end to the power generating subsystem (A) transferring wave motion from the floating body (3) to the power generating subsystem (A).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Mile Dragic
  • Publication number: 20130127167
    Abstract: The invention relates to a linear generator for submerged use. It has a linearly reciprocating translator (6) which is attached to connection means (3, 7) arranged to connect the translator (6) to a floating body (1) on the sea surface. The generator has a sealed housing (4) forming a water-tight chamber, in which the translator (6) is located. The connection means is arrange to pass through a sealed (12) opening in a wall portion (18) of the housing (4). According to the invention, at operation, the wall portion (18) with the sealed (12) opening is located at a level that is below the level of the upper end of the translator (6) at least during a part of the movement of the translator (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Erik Doré, Rafael Waters, Fredrik Axelsson
  • Patent number: 8446030
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the general art of energy storage and power generation, and in particular to systems for capturing and storing energy, for instance, offshore floating ocean energy systems. In various embodiments, such systems may include a pneumatically stabilized platform base coupled to a power generator and a potential energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Float Incorporated
    Inventors: Neal A. Brown, Donald A. Innis
  • Patent number: 8446027
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Huntington Ingalls, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Laz, Todd L. Sedler, Mohamed Belkhayat
  • Patent number: 8446031
    Abstract: Apparatus for generating electricity using tidal, wave or current flow in a body of water, comprising: an arrangement of first (10) and second (11) pipes, each first pipe (10) being provided with a series of holes (12a, 12b, 13a, 13b) spaced along its length, and the first pipes being arranged relative to the second pipes such that a venturi is defined between the walls of adjacent first and second pipes near the holes; a flow conduit having an inlet and an outlet; an impeller located in the flow conduit; and a generator connected to the impeller; wherein water from the body can enter the flow conduit via the inlet, and the first pipes are connected to the outlet of the flow conduit such that flow of water past the arrangement of first (10) and second (11) pipes causes the first pipes (10) to act as venturi pumps inducing flow from the inside of the first pipes through the holes (12, 13) so as to draw water through the flow conduit and drive the impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Verderg Ltd
    Inventor: Peter Roberts
  • Publication number: 20130119668
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wave power generator, and more specifically, to a wave power generator that can promote more aggressive investment and research activities by overcoming the uncertainties of natural environment through the relatively high energy conversion efficiency thereof, and enhance the practicality and the value thereof as a clean energy source by increasing the investment-to-efficiency rate. To this end, the present invention comprises: one or more raft vessels, each having in a central point thereof a node that moves freely according to wave height and leads a flow of fluid inside of the raft vessel with a constant water level; and an energy generating unit connected in series to a vertical axis C on a cross section of the node of each raft vessel and configured to generate energy using kinetic energy of the raft vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Chang-Hui Jo
  • Patent number: 8441139
    Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide an apparatus for harnessing a wave energy, solar energy and wind energy. The apparatus comprises a floating frame, a base portion connected to the floating frame and at least two linkage units. The two linkage units are a basic linkage unit and a medium linkage unit. The apparatus includes a plurality of floating flaps and at least one power extraction means. A connecting pivot is provided in the linkage units and the base portion. The floating flaps are pivoted vertically on the basic linkage unit and the base portion. The flaps associated with the floating flaps are placed under water against prevailing waves and floats associated with the floating flaps are placed on surface of the water, for absorbing the wave energy from projected portions present at edges and middle portion of the flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Reza Karimi
  • Publication number: 20130113214
    Abstract: An apparatus for converting wave energy into electrical energy comprising a first floating hull (201) interconnected to a second floating hull (202). A winch mechanism for use in raising a weight suspended on a cable (14). The winch mechanism is operated in response to movement of the first hull (201) relative to the second hull (202), and a generator driven by the downward movement of the weight. Moreover, a method for converting wave energy into electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Ocean Renewables Limited
    Inventor: Ocean Renewables Limited
  • Publication number: 20130113211
    Abstract: An ocean wave energy converter uses one or more buoyant elongated float(s) self orienting toward oncoming wave fronts and movably affixed to a motion stabilized controlled buoyancy frame by down sloping tracks constraining the wave induced motion of the float(s) to an upward and rearward motion as oncoming wave crests impact and lift the barrier(s) and downward and forward as subsequent wave troughs return it. Motion between the barrier(s) and the frame is resisted and energy captured by a programmable electric or hydraulic power take off system. Capture efficiency is further enhanced by adjusting float mass and buoyancy by controlling water entering or exiting cavities in the float(s), use of wave shoaling and focusing means, and adjusting the submerged depth and slope angle of the device with adjustable frame air-water ballast tanks which also allow total float submergence during severe sea states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Rohrer Techologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John Rohrer
  • Publication number: 20130106111
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical machine for submerged applications and an energy conversion system for conversion of mechanical energy of unidirectional or reciprocating linear or rotational motion into electric energy and vice versa. The electric energy may be in the form of DC or AC current and voltage. The system is totally submerged in pure or salt water. The enabling element of the invention is multi-pole permanent magnet synchronous machine with separately encapsulated stator and rotor, integrated with mechanical system and power electronics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: SMARTMOTOR AS
    Inventors: Stig Ove Stornes, Alexey Matveev, Jörg Höyland, Sigurd Övrebö
  • Patent number: 8424300
    Abstract: Sea Electrical Energy Production (SEEP”) unit (12) is disclosed for using the rise and fall of ocean waves to drive a hydraulic pump (18) which draws water through a turbine (14) to drive an electric generator (16). The crests and troughs of the ocean waves drive the hydraulic pump (18) which both draws suction on and pressurizes a reservoir (50) that receives water discharged from the turbine (14). A suction stroke of the hydraulic pump (18) draws water from the ocean through the turbine (14), through a first one-way valve (54) and into a pressure reservoir (50). A pressure stroke of the hydraulic pump (18) pushes water from the pressure reservoir (50), through the second one-way valve (56) and back into the sea. The turbine (14) is preferably directly connected to the electric generator (16) by gears to increases the rate of rotation of applied to the electric generator (16) when low pressure heads are applied across the turbine (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Richard M. Navarro
  • Publication number: 20130093190
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Huntington Ingalls, Inc.
    Inventor: Huntington Ingalls, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8418453
    Abstract: A float for use in capturing energy from waves, said float comprising: a central body providing buoyancy, said float further comprising: a leading part which has a leading surface which, in use of the float, is inclined upwards from horizontal such that the top of said leading surface projects further from said central body than the bottom of said leading surface and/or a trailing part which, in use of said float, extends downwards from said central body and presents a trailing surface which is inclined downwards from horizontal such that the top of said trailing surface is closer to said body than the bottom of said trailing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Trident Energy Ltd
    Inventor: Hugh-Peter Granville Kelly
  • Patent number: 8421259
    Abstract: A wave-power unit for extracting in an efficient way energy from waves on a water surface in different offshore conditions, including a main buoyant structure moored to the seabed with taut mooring lines and placed at a submerged, wave active depth, a linear generator placed within the buoyant structure and activated via a taut mooring line. The unit also includes a power take off cable connected to the linear generator and leading via the seabed to shore, and is characterized in that the buoyant structure is provided with fixed buoyancy and with elements to vary the surface of the buoyant structure that is exposed to the dynamic pressure of the wave, to optimize the surface for an efficient power take-off for more than one wave frequency and to control the tension in the taut mooring lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings Inc.
    Inventors: Guillaume André Jean-Louis Ardoise, Philippe François Michel Georges Jean
  • Patent number: 8415819
    Abstract: An energy-harvesting buoy is provided comprising an air-pressure generator, such as a piezo-electric generator, or any other generator that can harvest energy from an air pressure. The energy harvesting buoy consists of a first float and a second float. An air pressure is created when relative vertical motion occurs between the first float and the second float which drives an air pressurization means such as a piston driven air pump using a linkage member pivotably mounted between the respective floats. The generator uses the air pressure from the air pressurization means to drive the generator to generate electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: ISC8 Inc.
    Inventors: Itzhak Sapir, W. Eric Boyd
  • Publication number: 20130082465
    Abstract: A wave responsive electrical generator device having a buoyant member connected to an anchor by a tether line member, the line member passing through a sheave mounted within the buoyant member and descending to a counterweight, whereby vertical motion of the buoyant member results in rotation of the sheave, which in turn operates hydraulic cylinders to deliver hydraulic fluid under pressure to an hydraulic motor, which drives an electrical generator, wherein the line member is a plurality of belts mechanically interlocking with the sheave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: WAVE ELECTRIC INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventor: Mark R. Frich
  • Publication number: 20130076039
    Abstract: A wave power plant is configured to convert energy from a wave motion in a fluid, particularly sea water, into a rotation or rotational energy. The particles of the fluid describe a circulating orbital flow beneath the wave surface, and the kinetic energy of which is converted, at least partially, into rotational energy of one or several crankshafts. At least one resistance element and at least one buoyancy element are arranged on each crankshaft so that various coupling elements are combined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Benjamin Hagemann, Nik Scharmann
  • Patent number: 8405241
    Abstract: A seesaw-type wave power generating device (1) includes: a first buoy (10); a second buoy (20) disposed on one side of the first buoy (10); an impeller generator (30) disposed between the first buoy (10) and the second buoy (20); a first connecting pipe (42) having both ends communicated with the first buoy (10) and the impeller generator (30); and a second connecting pipe (42) having both ends communicated with the second buoy (20) and the impeller generator (30). A liquid (2) is filled in the first buoy (10) and the second buoy (20). The first buoy (10) and the second buoy (20) bob on the water and water waves (4) causes the liquid (2) to flow back and forth between the first connecting pipe (41) and the second connecting pipe (42), thereby driving the impeller generator (30) to generate electricity. The present invention is easy for implementation and maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventors: Shih-Hsiung Chen, Cheng-Shi Weng
  • Publication number: 20130069368
    Abstract: Provided is a wave power generating apparatus and method. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wave power generating apparatus comprising: a housing; a bellows shaped like a corrugated hose having an open end, disposed in the housing, and extended or contracted by an external force; a weight disposed on the bellows; a rotor disposed on the weight and moving according to the extension or contraction of the bellows and the movement of the weight; and a generator converting kinetic energy of the rotor into electric energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, Yonsei University
    Inventors: Jin Bae PARK, Jae Man KIM, Hwa Chang SUNG, Min Kook SONG, Geun Bum KOO, Seung Kwan SONG
  • Publication number: 20130069370
    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: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: P. Foerd Ames
  • Publication number: 20130069371
    Abstract: An impulse air turbine arrangement for use with a reversing bi-directional air flow in a wave power plant comprises an axial flow turbine rotor with volutes mounted one each side of the turbine rotor to direct the reversing air flow to and from the turbine rotor. Each volute extends circumferentially with respect to the turbine axis between a radially outer opening and a radially inner opening. The radially outer opening is oriented for input/output of the air in a tangential direction and the radially inner opening is oriented axially to impinge/receive swirling air flow onto/from the turbine rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: ALSTOM HYDRO FRANCE
    Inventor: Lucy Littlewood
  • Publication number: 20130068629
    Abstract: Improvements in an ocean wave energy conversion unit that converts kinetic energy from oceanic waves into useable form of energy that will benefit society called and Aqua-tamer. The unit is designed to be modular in nature where the units can be deployed to function individually or assembled into groups where units will rely on each other and function together as a whole. Each individual unit has an electrical output. As a group (Colony) during deep sea surface applications, the electrical output of each Aqua-Tamer unit will be consolidated and used to operate a water-electrolysis operation that produces Oxygen Gas (O2) and Hydrogen Gas (H2). This production of O2 and H2, instead of electrical output, is designed to eliminate the requirements of an Ocean-wide electrical grid system and still facilitate an economic logistically efficient) method of energy transportation (energy in a gas state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Anthony Lim BULACLAC, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130069369
    Abstract: Disclosed is a renewable energy extraction device and methods for producing renewable energy from flowing air or water. The renewable energy extraction device captures a relatively large amount of flowing water or atmospheric air and increases speed of the captured water or air by decreasing flow cross sectional area in the flow direction. An energy extraction component is used to extract energy of the high-speed water or air and convert it to rotational mechanical energy on a power shaft. A rotation direction control mechanism is used to make the power shaft always rotate in one direction, without coming to a stop, for ocean applications. The mechanical energy of the power shaft is transmitted to an electric generator, pump, compressor, or any other rotary equipment. After extraction of its energy, the captured air or water is released to its original source at a downstream location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Karim Salehpoor
  • Patent number: 8397497
    Abstract: System for multiple harnessing and complemented conversion of energy from sea waves, which includes a structure of vertical guides (12) along which a floating body (1) moves, and a first submerged tank (2) of captive gas (3), held up by said floating body (1), characterized in that it includes a second submerged tank (5) with captive gas (3), attached to said floating body (1), with said first tank (2) and second tank (5) being connected to each other, in such a way that they exchange their respective volumes of gas (3) due to the effect of changes of pressure of water column (4) caused by the waves. Improves the energy harnessing performance of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Pipo Systems, S.L.
    Inventor: Abel Cucurella Ripoli
  • Publication number: 20130056988
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of movement of a body of water to generate electricity using apparatus which includes at least one rack member in connection with at least one rotatable means. One of the rack or rotatable means are mounted in a relatively fixed position while the other of the rack or rotatable member is mounted so as to be influenced by the movement of the body of water in which the same is located to achieve the relative movement. Means are described to allow efficient transfer of the relative movement into electricity and also to prevent damage being caused to the apparatus by excessive movement of the body of water in storm conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: David Hunt, James Mccague
  • Publication number: 20130049369
    Abstract: A system for converting marine surface wave energy into electric energy includes a barrier disposed generally vertically and having at least a portion thereof disposed above a surface of a body of water. The portion has a substantially planar surface disposed generally transverse to direction of marine surface waves. Bottom edge of the barrier is pivotally connected to one of a floor bed, a rigid formation and a rigid structure. At least one linear electric generator is coupled to storage of electric energy and is operable by a pivotal movement of the barrier. One type of electric generator is disposed external to the barrier while another type is mounted within a barrier chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Juan Andujar
  • Publication number: 20130043682
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for converting wave energy using the relative rotational movement between two interconnected float assemblies and the relative rotational movement between each of the float assemblies and a spar which extends from a connection with the float assemblies at the water surface into the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: COLUMBIA POWER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Columbia Power Technologies, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8378511
    Abstract: A device that converts kinetic energy of waves of a body of water into electricity comprising a structure responsive to the kinetic energy, a rod extending through the structure; and an electromagnet positioned in the structure, and at least partially surrounding a portion of the rod. The electricity is generated in the rod when the electromagnet rises and falls along the rod in response to the kinetic energy. A magnetic field generated by the electromagnet has a varying strength that is modified according to the amount of kinetic energy to maximize the electricity generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventors: Gary Steven Sichau, Zigmunt Michna
  • Patent number: 8378512
    Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting electrical power from hydrodynamic energy, the apparatus including a buoy or other water flotation device connected to an anchor by a tether and a magnetostrictive component having an internal pre-stressed magnetostrictive core that experiences at least a part of load changes experienced by the tether. The magnetic property of the magnetostrictive core is configured to change with changes in stress within the magnetostrictive core along at least one direction within the magnetostrictive component. The hydrodynamic energy acting on the buoy or other water flotation device results in changes in force within the tether, which in turn changes the stress within the magnetostrictive core and consequently changes a magnetic property. The magnetostrictive component is also configured such that the change in the magnetic property will result in a change in magnetic flux, which change can be used to generate electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Oscilla Power Inc.
    Inventors: Balakrishnan Nair, Jesse Alan Nachlas, Andrew Joseph Gill, Zachary Murphree
  • Patent number: 8378513
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Oscilla Power Inc.
    Inventor: Balakrishnan Nair
  • Publication number: 20130038064
    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: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Francisco Azpiroz Villar
  • Publication number: 20130038063
    Abstract: An apparatus for inhibiting the formation of tropical cyclones, comprising an elongated rigid tube through which cooler water is pumped from below to the near-ocean surface, thereby depriving incipient tropical cyclones of the heat energy they require for further development. The tube contains a pump comprising a fixed flap valve and a movable flap valve. The movable flap valve is attached to a drive disk encircling the tube at a depth where ambient waters have little vertical motion. The wave-driven vertical motion of the elongated tube causes the movable flap valve to oscillate with respect to the fixed flap valve, thereby pumping seawater upward onto the near-ocean surface. The apparatus also can navigate to alternative locations by means of a propulsion/steering system, and it can submerge to a safe depth to avoid oncoming vessels and potentially damaging seas. A fleet of apparatuses is required to provide the necessary cooling effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Jack Joseph Tawil
  • Publication number: 20130038065
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for converting rotational energy from a slow moving rotary input shaft, like the shaft of a wind turbine, into electrical energy to be supplied to a grid. The system comprises a support structure for supporting a main bearing for the input shaft, a generator coupled to the input shaft and arranged on the support structure, and a power converter that is electrically coupled between the generator and the grid. This converter is arranged on the support structure, and may further be structurally integrated with the generator. The generator may be an induction generator comprising a removable cage type rotor. The generator may comprise a stator which includes heat pipes connected to a lubricating and/or cooling system for a transmission, and the stator may be removably mounted on free ends of the heat pipes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: SYNERVISIE B.V.
    Inventor: Willem Marinus Versteeg
  • Patent number: 8373296
    Abstract: A system for converting the tidal variations of water to electrical energy. The system has a stabilizing column, a platform configured to float at least partially above the water surface moving relative to the at least one stabilizing column, and an electrical generating system configured to transform the movement of the platform relative to the at least one stabilizing column into electrical energy. The platform can have a top side and floating retail structures and can be configured for constructional development.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: James Walter Weber
  • Patent number: 8373290
    Abstract: A system for generation of power using an apparatus in deep water is disclosed. The system includes a ballast buoy configured to achieve a desired depth in the deep water, a substantially vertical hollow tube attached to the ballast buoy that is submerged under water when the ballast buoy achieves the desired depth in the deep water, and a converter for converting the physical environment created in the substantially vertical hollow tube by placement of the ballast buoy at the desired depth in the deep water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventors: Ryan Steelberg, Chad Steelberg
  • Publication number: 20130033130
    Abstract: An apparatus harvests electrical power from mechanical energy. The apparatus includes first and second load-bearing structures, a plurality of magnetostrictive elements, and an electrical circuit or coil. The load-bearing structures experience a force from an external source. The magnetostrictive elements are arranged between the load-bearing structures. The load-bearing structures transfer at least a portion of the force to at least one of the magnetostrictive elements. In this way, at least one of the magnetostrictive elements experiences the force transferred from the load-bearing structures. The force on the magnetostrictive element causes a change in magnetic flux of the magnetostrictive element. The electrical circuit or coil is disposed within a vicinity of the magnetostrictive element which experiences the force. The electrical circuit or coil generates electric power in response to the change in the magnetic flux of the magnetostrictive element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: OSCILLA POWER INC.
    Inventors: Balakrishnan Nair, Andrew Joseph Gill, Zachary Murphree
  • Patent number: 8365524
    Abstract: A method for generating energy from low-density fluids is provided. The method includes placing a first object in a first portion of fluid having a first density, injecting low-density fluids into the first portion of fluid in order to reduce the density thereof to a second density less than the density of the first object and thereby induce buoyancy-dependent translation of the first object in response thereto, and generating energy based upon buoyancy-dependent translation of the first object. Related apparatuses and systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Hopper Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Dorozenski, Leon Hopper, Jeffrey Barnett
  • Patent number: 8366410
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a way to adapt a wave transducer to the actual amplitude of incident waves, so as to improve the efficiency of energy conversion. The adaptation includes a variable-energy piston assembly and a tapered float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventors: Joseph D. Sieber, Steve A. Sieber
  • Patent number: 8359855
    Abstract: The apparatus for converting the motions of waves or sea swells into mechanical motion and then into usable energy. A energy transfer medium (101) situated within the unobstructed internal cavity of a containing enclosure (102) in order to recreate the magnitude and direction of a wave or sea swell inside the containing enclosure. The recreated wave consequently generates an imbalance in the mass distribution of the containing enclosure. This allows a pivoting rotating element (103) joint situated at a central point between a base (104) and the containing enclosure to take advantage of the mass imbalance in order to produce movement. A series of energy collecting devices (128) situated on the base harvests this movement and transforms it into usable energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Marcel Fagan
  • Publication number: 20130020809
    Abstract: Small AC power plant device comprises of three long parallel rigid arms. Primary function the rigid power arms is, ratcheting and reciprocating uniformly to turn a gearbox continuously, reduce torque and maintain rpm. Longer the rigid power arms, less torque required to turn the generator. One end of each rigid power arm is the attached with two sets of ratchet mechanisms on both sides along with one way clutch bearing on a common shaft. All three rigid power arms are attached to the same said shaft. Positive movement of the each rigid arm individually turns the said common shaft that is coupled to a gearbox whereby the generator continuously. Other end of the rigid power arms are attached to crankshaft or upright conveyer or ball screw assembly type of mechanism. This devices advantage is it maintains the required 50 Hz/60 Hz. and produces energy at zero pollution and low consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Arvind A. Daya
  • Patent number: 8358025
    Abstract: A wave-powered electrical generation apparatus including an array of buoyant bodies and at least one energy-generator connected to one or more moveable links and forming a part of each link, each link being configured as a hinge with a first hinge part constituted by or connected to a stator, a second hinge part constituted by or connected to a rotor, and a hinge link shaft pivotly connecting the first and second hinge parts. At least one connection element is provided between adjacent links, wherein each link includes or is coupled to at least one of the array of buoyant bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventor: Jørgen Høgmoe
  • Publication number: 20130015664
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved wave activated power generator. The power generator includes a pile, a chain secured at opposite ends thereof to the pile and a floating body, respectively, a suction pipe communicating at one end thereof with an interior of the pile and secured at the other end thereof to the floating body to be exposed from a sea surface, and an air supply pipe connected at one end thereof to an upper end of the tube to communicate with a tube and secured at the other end thereof to the floating body to be exposed from the sea surface. The chain is sealed and surrounded with the tube filled with air. The suction pipe is disposed to pass through the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: Body for Gyeongju Univ. Education & Industry Cooperation
    Inventors: Hyuck-Min Kweon, Oh-Kyun Kwon, Jung-Lyul Lee, Sang-Shin Park, Il-Hyoung Cho
  • Publication number: 20130009401
    Abstract: A system and a method of electric power generation utilizing sea wave energy is disclosed. The invention consists of an underwater system where seawater flows through an underwater turbine which generates electric power. The waste water that passes through the turbine then flows into underwater tanks on the seabed. According to the invention, simultaneously, water is pumped out of the underwater tanks to the surface by mechanical devices located at the surface utilizing wave motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Alexey BITERYAKOV
  • Publication number: 20130009402
    Abstract: Wave-Energy-Conversion (WEC) systems harness the water motion internal to waves propagating on large bodies of water to produce more readily usable forms of power, such as electricity. The water motion internal to a wave is oscillatory, and power is extracted from it by submerging structures that oscillate with the water, but more slowly. The power extracted from a wave is the product of the speed of the structure and the associated drag force on the structure. Because the structure moves more slowly than the water, increasing its speed reduces its speed relative to the water and with it the drag force. This tradeoff is optimized by maximizing the drag force for a given relative speed. The disclosed WEC systems exploit, in a variety of ways, the greater drag force provided by WEC structures of concave shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Arthur R. Williams
  • Patent number: 8350395
    Abstract: An energy accumulator and rectifier equipment for converting and generating renewable energy from ocean waves and winds, which includes a storage tank or compressed air accumulator, a series of vertical tubes filled with non-compressible fluid so that it can displace movable elements, forming a group, wherein each group is in connection with another similar group at both the upper level and the lower level by means of a fluid circulation pipes and by means of a pipe of smaller diameter, at the upper and lower portion, for air circulation, and wherein the fluid circulation pipes of every group are attached to a common pipe at the upper level which conveys the fluid toward a turbine-generator to produce electricity and a common pipe at the lower level to recirculate fluid toward the cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Jorge Alfonso Martinez Mardones