Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wave energy converter that uses a flexible and inflatable chamber to absorb wave energy and convert it to electrical energy through the varying hydrostatic and hydrodynamic pressure at or below the water surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the utilization of wave energy and its conversion into operating motion of an electrical energy generating system. The system for generation of electrical energy through the conversion of aquatic wave motion includes floating bodies and a constant rotation mechanism, which converts the two-way linear motion of an inflexible transmission shaft or a flexible transmission shafts into one-way rotation of an output shaft of the constant rotation mechanism. This mechanism allows utilization of wave energy in two directions caused by the rise and fall of waves. The output shaft of the constant rotation mechanism is coupled to a force multiplier that is further coupled to a generator which generates electrical energy. Constant rotation mechanism can be driven by inflexible transmission shaft pivotally coupled to the floating bodies at one end, and the other end to an input gear of the constant rotation mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly platform of a large tidal current energy generating device. The assembly platform is internally provided with at least one horizontal axis hydro-generator. The assembly platform includes supports, at least four fixed piles, at least two sleeving members and at least two force-bearing supports. The fixed piles are connected through the supports to form an installation space. The hydro-generator is installed inside the installation space, one end of each fixed pile is driven to be fixed to a seabed and the other end extends to be above a water surface. Ends of the at least two force-bearing supports are respectively mounted on the left and right sides of the horizontal axis hydro-generator along the water flow direction and the other ends are respectively provided with corresponding sleeving members so as to resist an impact force of a water flow on the horizontal axis hydro-generator.

Abstract: A vortex generator apparatus including a fluid intake duct, a fluid tank including: a first fluid inlet port, a second fluid inlet port, and a fluid outlet port. A turbine is provided outside of the fluid tank in fluid communication with the fluid outlet port.

Abstract: A wave energy conversion (WEC) system includes a float body, a heave plate, a tether, and a controller. The tether couples the heave plate to the float body. The controller controls the tether between survivability modes. Each survivability mode adjusts a tension and/or length of the tether.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve hydraulic systems and methods for altering a flow of a body of water, such as a river, channel, and/or other flowing or uncontained bodies of water. In one aspect, a hydraulic system provides a velocity barrier for the impedance of aquatic organism migration. More particularly, the velocity barrier may be adapted based on the swimming capabilities of one or more aquatic organisms to impede migration. The aquatic organism may be one or more species of fish, such as species sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus). The example implementations shown and described herein reference the restriction of the sea lamprey. However, it will be appreciated that other aquatic organisms could be restricted by the presently disclosed technology, for example, with different hydraulic targets depending on swimming capabilities.

Abstract: A Tidal Electricity Generator device and system providing a simple and effective way to generate electricity by harnessing tidal motion. The device has no parts to churn up the water, and does not actively force water through blades or screens. The device works passively to extract energy from the water by capturing the buoyancy of a bobber which rises and falls with the tides and/or gravity. Thus the kinetic energy of the tides is converted into mechanical energy which can then be transferred through a series of gears and other components to power an electric generator or other electric power grid. With this system, there is nothing to harm the environment or any sea life.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tidal wave powered device and a method thereof for producing potential energy from the movement of tidal waves in a water mass, the device comprising a cylinder (18) anchored to the bed (22) of the water mass with a piston (16) located in the cylinder to define a pumping chamber (25) therein. A storage tank (23) is located at an elevated height for storage of water delivered from the cylinder pumping chamber (25). A docking unit (30) anchored to the bed of the water mass is connected to a floater (10) such that when the floater (10) attains an optimal height, the docking unit (30) is locked in to hold the floater (10) in an elevated position. The docking unit (30) is opened to release the floater (10) from the elevated position so that the weight of the floater pushes the piston (16) downwards to deliver water from the pumping chamber (25) of the cylinder (18) into the storage tank (23).

Abstract: Described herein are wave energy conversion systems including actuated geometry components. An example system may include at least one body portion configured to transfer wave energy to a power take off device, and at least one actuated geometry component that is connected to the at least one body portion, the at least one actuated geometry component operable to modify a geometric profile of the system.

Abstract: A convertible pump formed of wound flexible tubing having an inlet communicating water to an outlet at an opposite end of the tubing. A paddle wheel with collapsible fins provides power to rotate the pump when in a vertical position. A planar surface of the wound tubing forms a table when pivoted on a stand to a horizontal disposition with the support surface for the stand.

Abstract: A system for generating electricity in a moving water environment, including a single point of contact securing mechanism in contact with a floor of the moving water environment, the securing mechanism comprising a weight and a cable, a pump including a bottom section mechanically coupled to the securing mechanism via the cable, the bottom section comprising a water input valve and a bottom water conduit, a top section slidably coupled to the bottom section, the top portion comprising a water output valve and a top water conduit receiving water from the bottom water conduit, a spring mechanism coupled to the bottom section and the top section, and a buoyancy device coupled to the top pump section.

Abstract: An air-blower dual-energy-extraction wave and tidal power generation device includes an air blower mechanism, a first conduit, a second conduit, four check valves, a bracket, and a power generation mechanism, wherein waves and tides boost a push member of the air blower mechanism to drive a piston of the air blower mechanism to operate for drawing in gas or liquid, dual energies, by the first conduit and the second conduit to gain double efficiency, and the gas or liquid is stored in a gas accumulation, constant-pressure, and pressure-regulating barrel for subsequent release of the gas or liquid, in a stable and constant manner, to drive a vane wheel power generator to rotate for generation of electrical energy. Furthermore, the invention provides an air-blower dual-energy-extraction wave and tidal power generation system, which includes a plurality of air-blower dual-energy-extraction wave and tidal power generation device for generation of electrical energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating energy from the action of waves in a body of water is provided, the apparatus comprising a flexible planar member for extending across the surface of the body of water, the flexible member having a lower surface which, in use, is in contact with the surface of the water; an energy generating system coupled to a portion of the flexible member, the energy generating system operable to generating energy from the movement of the portion of the flexible member.

Abstract: Disclosed is an energy-accumulation apparatus including an accumulator body assembly defining a pneumatically-pressurizable chamber. The pneumatically-pressurizable chamber is configured to communicate with a pneumatic-pressure source. The pneumatic-pressure source is positioned on a shore and being located away from a body of water. The energy-accumulation apparatus also includes an outer surface extending from the accumulator body assembly. The outer surface is configured to securely contact a sloped floor zone of a body of water at a position being spaced apart from a shore.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a new method and system for producing electricity from tidal energy. In one embodiment the system employs at least one underground region for collecting water percolating at a higher tide level and at least another underground region capable of fluid communication with the first underground region. The system is configured to release water at separate times from the underground regions to operate hydro turbines and generators to produce electricity.

Abstract: The Wave Energy Conversion System is a fresh or salt water wave induced land based system to convert wave action into circular power for compressed air, water pump, hydraulic oil pump and/or by attaching same to one or more high voltage generators. The system is capable of extracting tremendous power from minimal water movement, transferring same into a rotation system, with multiple high speed storage controlled regulatory loading systems utilizing the intense power. Having a greater reliability and longer range of stored and smooth power time, it does not rely on direct sun or wind but the longer lasting term effects of same on water. The system has the flexibility to be protected from periodic damaging waves, quick disconnects in the eventuality of hurricanes, ease of maintenance/repairs, for when assembled in a series or battery of cylinder systems, will be capable of producing rotation power rivaling any solar power system to date.

Abstract: This invention is a floating docking port that allows ships to dock within the port structure and be loaded, unloaded, and refueled, while converting the energy generated from wave motion into a usable source of power. The docking port isolates the vessels from waves and adverse sea currents, which allows for more effective cargo transfer. The docking port is extremely large and functions as a storage and distribution center for naval vessels. The loading and unloading of cargo and containers is accomplished by a container handling system that utilizes hoists, railed carriages, and cargo elevators to facilitate efficient loading and unloading of containers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tidal power plant, comprising a turbine, which rotates on a carrying element; a foundation structure, on which the carrying element is supported on at least one coupling device, an upper part of the coupling device that is part of the carrying element being detachably operatively connected to a lower part of the coupling device that is part of the foundation structure in the installed state, wherein the invention is characterized in that the carrying element is individually adapted to the orientation of the lower part of the coupling device existing after the foundation structure has been created.

Abstract: A filter-anchor for placement on a sea floor is provided. It includes a filter housing for filtering sea water prior to entry into a water desalinization system. The filter housing has an exterior, an interior chamber, at least one inlet for providing the sea water to the interior chamber, and at least one outlet for enabling filtered water to be pumped from the interior chamber. A sand filter is disposed in the filter housing. The filter housing has at least one water conduction outlet conduit for filtered water to be pumped to the desalinization system. A wave energy conversion system utilizing the filter anchor is also provided to effect the pumping of the filtered water to the desalinization system. A method of anchoring a wave energy conversion system and providing filtered water to a desalinization system is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of installing a hydroelectric turbine onto the seabed or the like while ensuring that a pre-laid electrical cable connected to the turbine prior to lowering to the seabed is not damaged during installation of the turbine, the method involving lowering the turbine towards the seabed while simultaneously displacing the turbine in order to maintain tension in the electrical cable.

Abstract: A potable water producing system for disposition at a body of salt water and a method of producing potable water is provided. The system includes a wave energy conversion system (AWECS) and a portable filtration-anchor system. The AWECS is in the form of a floating articulated barge housing a desalination system including a reverse osmosis membrane. The filtration-anchor system is submerged in the body of salt water and includes a sand filter to filter the adjacent salt water and to provide the filtered salt water to the desalination system on the articulated barge. The action of the waves on the articulated barge provides energy to pump the filtered salt water from the sand filter to the reverse osmosis member to produce potable water. Moreover, the action of the waves on the articulated barge effects the shaking of the reverse osmosis filter, thereby rendering it self-cleaning.

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.

Abstract: A system for altering water properties in an outdoor body of water includes a holding vessel configured to hold water. The holding vessel has at least one wall extending above a mean surface water level. The system also includes at least one conduit extending downward from the holding vessel. The at least one conduit has a length extending to a depth at which at least one property of water at the depth differs substantially from that of water at the surface. The system further includes at least one aperture formed in at least one of the holding vessel or the at least one conduit and located at a distance below the mean surface water level. Further still, the system includes at least one one way valve coupled to the at least one aperture and allowing flow of water in only one direction.

Abstract: A system is described generally for providing a structure or structures for altering water surface temperature. The system includes a holding vessel configured to hold water. The holding vessel has at least one wall coupled to a lowermost portion. The at least one wall extends above the water level and the lowermost portion is configured to be submerged. At least one conduit extends from the lower side of the holding vessel. The at least one conduit has a length extending to a depth at which a property of water at the depth is substantially different from that of the water at the surface.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for generating energy. According to one representative embodiment, a main housing includes an air chamber having an open bottom, and a paddlewheel is attached to the main housing so that the paddlewheel is free to rotate and thereby generate kinetic energy. An anchor is attached to the main housing, and an electrical generator which converts the kinetic energy of the paddlewheel into electrical energy is coupled to the paddlewheel. An upper portion of the paddlewheel is enclosed by the air chamber. When the main housing is submerged underwater and maintained in a level orientation, air within the air chamber remains trapped within the air chamber, thereby reducing resistance to rotation of the paddlewheel.

Abstract: A method is generally described which includes environmental alteration. The method includes determining a placement of at least one vessel capable of moving water to lower depths in the water via wave induced downwelling. The method also includes placing the at least one vessel in the determined placement. Further, the method includes generating movement of the water adjacent the surface of the water in response to the placing.

Abstract: A structure described generally for altering one or more properties within a body of water includes a vessel configured to hold water. The vessel may have at least one wall. The at least one wall extends at least above a mean surface water level. At least one conduit extends downward from the holding vessel. The at least one conduit has a length that extends below the surface of the water. A propulsion system may be coupled to at least one of the vessel or the conduit and may be configured to provide forces to the vessel.

Abstract: A water based renewable energy system is shown which uses tidal flow and an associated water wheel/weir assembly to provide pumping power for the system. A water wheel powered pump and associated piping are used to raise water from a lower lake reservoir to a higher storage lake reservoir. The water which is pumped to the higher storage lake can be released to a generator located at a lower elevation and then returned to the lower storage lake. The cycle can then be repeated by again pumping water from the lower lake to the upper lake. The pumped storage provides flow and head to generate electric power through the turbine generator.

Abstract: A structure for a tidal flow energy generation system is fabricated from tubular framework having tubular modules with mounts for respective tidal flow turbine nacelles. The node modules include tubular limbs extending in transverse directions and elongate tubes and provided to interconnect with the tube limbs of the node modules. The structure can be pre-fabricated and transported to a location for deployment. The structure can be deployed by means of hovering the assembled structure to the seabed, for example by means of flooding the structure.

Abstract: A tidal energy generation structure for sea bed mounting includes sea bed penetrating support foot structures pre-assembled with the structure and deployed with the structure when setting on the sea-bed. The sea bed penetrating support foot structures are assembled in fixed position relative to one another and on a rigid frame and including a respective a penetrating tip which is arranged to penetrate into the sea bed surface under the weight of the tidal energy generation structure, when deployed on the sea bed.

Abstract: A system and method for clearing an approaching floating ice mass comprising locating a hydrocarbon development platform in a marine environment, and determining a direction from which the ice mass is approaching the hydrocarbon development platform. The method also includes providing an intervention vessel having a water-agitating mechanism associated therewith for propagating artificially generated waves towards a leading edge of the approaching ice mass to fracture the ice mass along the leading edge, thereby causing small ice pieces to separate from the ice mass.

Abstract: A biomechanical structure for coastline remediation includes one or more structural assemblies. The structural assemblies include a distribution of one or more members; one or more anchors connected to each of one or more members; and one or more connection members. The anchors employed by the biomechanical structure may be fixed, floating, or a combination of fixed and floating anchors. The structural assemblies may be staggered, inline, or semi-random in configuration. The biomechanical structure may include metals, composites, polymers, biodegradable materials, or combinations thereof in its components. The biomechanical structures may incorporate one or more components for mechanical or material power generation. The biomechanical structures may include one or more seed capture devices, such as baskets or mesh. A biomechanical system for coastline remediation includes one or more biomechanical structures.

Abstract: A system is described generally for a water capture structure that is configured to capture wave water lapping over at least one wall of the water capture structure. The at least one wall extends at least above a nominal surface water level and at least one conduit extends downward from the water capture structure. The at least one conduit has a length extending to a depth at which at least one property of water at the depth differs substantially from that of water at the surface. The at least one conduit is configured to provide thermal energy to water outside of the at least one conduit. The at least one conduit has at least one conduit wall.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes and systems that use wave energy to drive one or more air turbines associated with an offshore facility, wherein such turbines can generate electrical power for use on the offshore facility and/or adjacent facilities and equipment. The offshore facility can be an offshore platform or a floating vessel. The turbine can be housed within a structural member of the facility or a tubular member suspended from the facility. The turbine can also be housed within a tubular member connected to a structural member of the facility.

Abstract: Protective flood barrier system on the base of mobile protective flood barriers is offered. Each of these barriers comprises two or more filled elongate sleeves, a web, connecting theirs web and forming means. Envelops of said sleeves and said web are made from flexible impermeable material. These barriers are convenient for protection of separate houses, the extensive areas, as walls of a water basin. They allow reducing wind-induced waves and can be used for repair of earthen dams. The high-efficiency means accelerating installation of barriers are provided.

Abstract: An improved wave energy collecting apparatus comprising a frame (1) including at least one hinged (2) vertically tilting or rotating surface (3), such as a barrier in the form of a panel or a sail, for collecting energy from passing wave pressure fronts via a tilting or rotating motion within the frame (1), wherein the hinge (2) is positioned below the surface of the fluid at the trough of the passing waves, said barrier (3) being connected to a device capable of transforming the tilting or rotating motion into different types of energy, wherein the apparatus is located at a depth such that the tilting or rotating barrier (3) breaks the surface of passing waves at the crest of the waves. Such an apparatus may also include vertically positioned side walls (4) for directing the pressure fronts from passing waves towards the tilting barrier (3).

Abstract: Disclosed is a double wall dam with a reservoir between the walls with opening doors mounted on the front wall to allow oncoming waves to open the doors and fill the reservoir. A hole with a turbine and generator is mounted in the bottom of the front wall to allow the water in the reservoir to flow out and spin the turbine and generator to create electricity. The dam can collect the entire wave and stack the water in a column that can be higher than the wave. This dam can produce many times the power than other over the top wave energy converters.

Abstract: A Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system guides navigation of a vessel enabled to extract energy from wind and/or water currents primarily in offshore marine environments. An exemplary SCADA system could embody server and client software applications running on microprocessor systems at a remote control central service logging and energy distribution facility, and the vessel itself. The remote control service facility runs Human Machine Interface (HMI) software in the form of a Graphical User Interface (GUI) allowing choices to maximize system performance. The central server accesses information to control vessel position based on transmitted Global Position Satellite (GPS) data from the vessel, and weather information from the Geographic Information System (GIS) provided by multiple spatial temporal data sources.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device (10) for capturing energy from ocean waves. The device (10) comprises a base (12) adapted for stationary mounting relative to a fluid flow generated by the ocean waves. A drive member (14) is movably connected relative to the base (12) and adapted to be driven in oscillatory rotational motion relative to the base (12). An array of paddles (14c) extend from the drive member (14), such that forces applied to the paddles by the ocean waves drive the drive member in oscillatory rotational motion relative to the base (12), A plurality of removable modular energy transfer mechanisms (20) are associated with the drive member (14) and adapted to be driven by the oscillation of the drive member.

Abstract: A buoyant actuator (10) is used in apparatus (11) for harnessing wave energy in a body of water such as the ocean. The buoyant actuator (10) is deployed within the body of water (12) and is responsive to wave motion in the body of water. The buoyant actuator (10) includes a body (101) incorporating a flow path along which water can flow, and a gate means (115) for controlling flow along the flow path. The gate (115) includes closure elements configured as flaps (221) providing a barrier (222) across the flow path through the body (101). Each flap (221) is moveable into and out of a condition in which it cooperates with the other flaps (221) to provide the barrier (222). A latch mechanism (231) is provided for releasably retaining each flap (221) in the condition providing the barrier (222). The latch mechanism (231) has a magnetic coupling.

Abstract: This invention is a greatly simplified device for transforming the energy of water waves into useable energy. The invention is a device for transforming the energy of water waves into useable energy comprising two or more buoys or buoys, and structural members connecting buoys, whereby motions of buoys relative to one another generates torque, and a means for transferring torque to one or more generators, and a means by which to enable all generator currents to flow in a single beneficial direction. Novel systems for interconnecting such devices are also described herein.

Abstract: Tide change apparatus and methodology for converting tidal energy into usable mechanical and electrical energy using wedge-hinge assemblies. Electricity is generated by transfer of mechanical energy from both incoming and outgoing tidewaters to an electrical generator. A pair of wedge-hinge assemblies mounted atop semi-submersible barges to enable water to alternately flow into and out of a retention pond relative to a corresponding main body of water in accordance with natural tidal flow.

Abstract: A system for generating energy from sea or ocean waves flowing toward a shore, comprises a channel or a container and a slanting structure constructed above the surface of the sea. The slanting structure is located in the way of waves toward the channel or container so the waves are lifted along the slanting structure wherein the wave energy is transformed into a generally homogenous flow. The water flow enters the channel or container to fill it to a level higher than sea level. Preferably, the slanting structure is placed in a location where the horizontal distance between adjacent waves is twice the depth (vertical distance) between the adjacent waves.

Abstract: The invention provides a floating device, system and method for channeling, elevating, conducting and retaining up to the sea shore the higher hydraulic head of the ocean surface waves, which comprises a pontoon-like lower body protected externally by vertical walls, a bottom slab and a top slab, the latter slab may be the bottom or floor of the device; an upper body with lateral walls mounted on both sides of the pontoon-like lower body constitutes a wave canal, where the floor or bottom of the device on its seaward end has an entrance ramp, which together with the vertical walls on the seaward end of the pontoon, bank and elevate the waves collected from the flotation level of the device (1) whereas on its inland end, the bottom or floor of the device has a vertical gate that has the same height of the lateral walls mounted on both sides of the pontoon-like inferior body.

Abstract: A Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system guides navigation of a vessel enabled to extract energy from wind and/or water currents primarily in offshore marine environments. An exemplary SCADA system could embody server and client software applications running on microprocessor systems at a remote control central service logging and energy distribution facility, and the vessel itself. The remote control service facility runs Human Machine Interface (HMI) software in the form of a Graphical User Interface (GUI) allowing choices to maximize system performance. The central server accesses information to control vessel position based on transmitted Global Position Satellite (GPS) data from the vessel, and weather information from the Geographic Information System (GIS) provided by multiple spatial temporal data sources.

Abstract: A structure for supporting wave energy conversion mechanisms driven by—floats (24, 25) placed in the sea, said structure comprising: an open sided lattice framework (15); at least one leg (16) for supporting said open sided lattice framework; members (20) which are supported by said lattice framework (15) for providing a platform, in use, above sea level for said wave energy conversion mechanisms; and a plurality of discrete protective containers (21, 22) affixed to said members (20) and each for housing at least part of a wave energy conversion mechanism (23).

Abstract: A point absorber wave energy apparatus is provided. The point absorber wave energy apparatus includes first and second devices. The first device being a surface float. The second device a submerged body. Linkages are provided between the first and second devices so that energy resulting from relative motion between the two devices is extracted. The apparatus may be tuned to the prevailing sea conditions.

Abstract: Systems are disclosed for generating electricity from sea waves, that include a float (12) that lies at the sea surface (14) and moves up and down with the waves. A motion resist element (30) moves horizontally with the float but resists vertical movement. Electricity-generating apparatus (52, 54) is coupled to the float and resist element for generating electricity as the float moves vertically relative to the resist element.

Abstract: Apparatus embodying the invention include a damping plate attached to the submerged end of a spar-like element floating in a body of water. The spar like element tends to move up and down in a vertical direction in response to passing waves. The damping plate has a pair of oppositely facing surfaces extending transversely to the vertical direction of the movement of the spar-like element and vertical structures (“lips”) mounted on the oppositely facing surfaces for increasing the effective mass of water pushed during movement of the damping plate through the water. Damping plates with lips, as per the invention, may be used in wave energy converters to control the relative motion between the spar-like element and a float to increase the energy produced.

Abstract: A device for recovering the energy of sea waves, which comprises at least one floating structure intended to float on the surface of the water. Said floating structure carries at least one member (2) suspended above the surface of the water, the structure of which is designed to generate recoverable energy through the variation in height of the surface of the water relative to said member, under the effect of the ascending and descending movement of the waves. Application to recovering wave energy.