Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for harnessing wave energy. In one embodiment, a wave energy conversion device comprises a buoyant component connected to a generator such that wave energy is transferable from the buoyant component to the generator. A restricting mechanism connected with the buoyant component, is configured to selectively restrict the buoyant component from rising strictly along with passing waves. The restricting mechanism may be selectively released at an optimal time during a passing wave. In some embodiments, a system may include an array of wave energy conversion devices and a communications network. The communications network may allow for each of the buoyant components in the array to be released at an optimal time in sequential fashion.

Abstract: A bridge includes a pier, and a hooked collar at least formed on upstream surface of the pier. The anti-scour structure includes at least one hook extending upwardly. The hook configured for guiding water flow or downflow to move upwardly thereby protect river bed from being scoured.

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

Abstract: A float structure for a WEC is designed to have a tapered underside to reduce the impact due to wave slam and bending moments while providing little reduction in the surface area responding to the wave surface in order to maintain the beneficial power generating capability of a “flat” float. The underside of the float presents an inverted wedge section to decrease loads associated with wave slamming. The float may have a generally toroidal or elliptical configuration at and about the “still” water line with the generally submerged underside of the float having a cross section shaped to have one or more inverted triangular sections extending between the outer perimeter of the float and its center to reduce impact loading due to wave slamming while maintaining power producing capability.

Abstract: A connector system is described which is useful in coupling two bodies of a wave energy converter. The system includes at least one cable that is coupled to each of the two bodies and on which are threaded a number of discs. The cable and disc combination provide a stack that allows for a flexing of the two bodies relative to one another yet maintains the two bodies substantially co-linear.

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: 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 wave energy conversion apparatus is described. It comprises at least two devices, each comprising a surface float, at least one of the surface floats being rigidly attached to a submerged body. The movement of the two devices in response to a passing wave may be used to effect an energy transfer.

Abstract: Systems are provided for obtaining electrical energy from sea waves using deflectable material, especially EAP (electro-active polymers) type SSM (stretchable synthetic material) that generates electricity when an electrostatic charge is applied to the polymer and it is stretched. In one system (10), a buoyant element (12) has upper and lower parts (14, 22) connected by a quantity (36) of SSM, with the lower part anchored at a fixed height above the sea floor (24) and with the upper part movable vertically to stretch and relax the SSM as waves pass over. In another system (50) the buoy is rigid, but is anchored to the sea floor by at least one line (60) that includes, or is connected to at least a length (64) of SSM material. In still another system (160) a plurality of rigid buoys (162) that float on the sea surface, are connected in tandem by SMM (166, 172) that is stretched and relaxed as the buoys pivot relative to each other in following the waves.

Abstract: The apparatus may include a space frame on which is mounted at least one hydrofoil for generating positive or negative lift. The frame is attachable to underwater equipment such as a turbine. The hydrofoils are adapted to produce negative lift when a flow of liquid passes over them and so in use cause the apparatus and attached equipment to sink to the seabed. The flow of water over the hydrofoils continue to produce negative life and so maintain the apparatus on the seabed. In certain embodiments, the hydrofoils can typically be set to a passive configuration in which they flip over when the current flow changes direction. Furthermore, the hydrofoils are selectively rotatable to provide an angle of attack such that they may be adapted to provide positive lift when it is necessary to remove the apparatus from the water.

Abstract: A device for converting the energy of water waves or flowing water into electrical or mechanical energy. The device includes a body or collection chamber with a hydro-turbine located opposite the water entrance and, preferably, a water clear out channel flange located beneath the hydro-turbine and at or upstream of the water exhaust from the device. As the water is channeled by wave facing directional blades and a wave leveler through and exits the hydro-turbine or pump, it has free exit into a water void area which is produced by the deep water, with its own flotation apparatus or moorings, or near shore, held by supports secured to the seabed or other structures. The device also exhibits a “tip up, tip down” synchronous motion as wave fronts advance through and passed the device, which increases the efficiency of the device by accelerating the flow of water therethrough.

Abstract: A wave power plant arranged to be placed on or in the sea or a lake in order to produce energy, comprising a fixed or floating structure and at least one floating body (1) that moves vertically relative to the floating structure and is connected to the structure via energy transmission devices (11). The floating body (1) is designed to be held in a fixed position during part of the wave induced motion of the body (1), thus to increase the recovery of energy from the waves. A method is also disclosed, in which the body (1) is held in a fixed position during part of the time it takes for a wave crest or trough to pass the body (1).

Abstract: A point absorber wave energy apparatus includes first and second devices, the first device being a surface float and the second a submerged body. Linkages are provided between the two devices so that energy resulting from relative motion between the two devices can be extracted. The apparatus may be tuned to the prevailing conditions by enabling the submerged body to trap volumes of the surrounding liquid.

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: 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: The invention relates to a method and a device for recovering energy contained by waves. The collecting device (8) comprises a float (7) coupled by means of one or more support bars (10, 11) to an actuator (12). At least one support bar is rigidly coupled to the float (7) or to a support member (62) in the float. In addition, the float (7) is arranged substantially entirely below water level.

Abstract: A wave-dissipating block has a body and a turbine generator assembly. The body has an airway and an overhang. The airway is formed in the body, is substantially J-shape and has an opening communicating with a front of the body and substantially facing upward. The overhang hangs over the airway and has an air window formed in the overhang and communicating with the airway. The turbine generator assembly has a housing mounted on the overhang and has an air channel communicating with the air window, a turbine fan mounted in the air channel and a generator connected to the turbinate fan. Waves can directly pour into the airway with minimized loss of kinetic energy and forms a water column in the airway to effectively suck or push air to passing through the air channel to rotate the turbinate fan to drive the generator to efficiently generate electric power.

Abstract: A submersible and remotely-operable platform system for carrying out repeated operations in a submarine position, and producing electrical energy as either a primary or secondary purpose by means of one or more energy-conversion payload devices installed thereon. The platform and payload devices may be periodically brought to the surface and thence, if necessary, to a shore-based facility for maintenance or refit. In deployment, the platform is preferably engaged to its mooring lines and electrical cables while still on the surface. Simultaneous with controlled flooding of certain of its volumes, the platform is guided to an operational depth and attitude by the action of its winch assemblies upon their engaged mooring lines. Subsea currents energize the platform's payload of energy conversion devices, the electrical output being preferably conveyed via one or more surface-attached cables to an off-board facility for further processing, distribution, or consumption.

Abstract: Systems are provided for obtaining electrical energy from sea waves using deflectable material, especially EAP (electro-active polymers) type SSM (stretchable synthetic material) that generates electricity when an electrostatic charge is applied to the polymer and it is stretched. In one system (10), a buoyant element (12) has upper and lower parts (14, 22) connected by a quantity (36) of SSM, with the lower part anchored at a fixed height above the sea floor (24) and with the upper part movable vertically to stretch and relax the SSM as waves pass over. In another system (50) the buoy is rigid, but is anchored to the sea floor by at least one line (60) that includes, or is connected to at least a length (64) of SSM material. In still another system (160) a plurality of rigid buoys (162) that float on the sea surface, are connected in tandem by SMM (166, 172) that is stretched and relaxed as the buoys pivot relative to each other in following the waves.

Abstract: The invention relates to an energy generation System for obtaining electric energy from an ocean current. Said System comprises a drive train comprising an input shaft and an Output shaft, the input shaft being driven at least indirectly by a water turbine and the Output shaft at least indirectly driving an electric generator, which is connected to an electric network. The electric network has an essentially constant network frequency and the drive train comprises an Output branching gear with a first Output branch and at least one second Output branch. The first Output branch and the second Output branch are interconnected by means of the Output branching gear and a hydrodynamic component.

Abstract: A system for harvesting energy from wave oscillation includes an energy harvesting vessel and, possibly, a transport vessel. The energy harvesting vessel can have multiple hulls disposed in parallel with wave channels therebetween for receiving incoming waves. Multiple bobber devices can be disposed in series within each wave channel to absorb energy from incoming waves. Reciprocating movement of buoyant float heads of the bobber devices can be converted to electrical energy by a hydraulic engine and a generator. The electrical energy can power an electrolyzer to separate supplied water into hydrogen and oxygen. Once harvested, the hydrogen and oxygen can be transferred between storage tanks on the energy harvesting vessel and the transport vessel for transport and usage. A horizontal movement sea anchor can resist undesired horizontal movement, and a vertical movement sea anchor can resist undesired vertical movement.

Abstract: This project uses the class #2 simple lever machine principal in a simple and unique way to harvest and transport energy from the bottom of an ocean or lake from the action of water waves beyond the shore and up on land. The fulcrum for this lever is an anchor on the seafloor, at the opposite end of this lever, the force, or energy, is an attached water container that rises and falls with water wave action. A water pump anchored to the seafloor and reaching the underside of the water container receives the energy and pumps water continually and harmoniously with the vertical movements of this water container to shore and into a fresh water reservoir. After the water has lost its energy to do work from its loss of elevation below the reservoir it can be recycled back to the water pump.

Abstract: The apparatus may include a space frame on which is mounted at least one hydrofoil for generating positive or negative lift. The frame is attachable to underwater equipment such as a turbine. The hydrofoils are adapted to produce negative lift when a flow of liquid passes over them and so in use cause the apparatus and attached equipment to sink to the seabed. The flow of water over the hydrofoils continue to produce negative life and so maintain the apparatus on the seabed. In certain embodiments, the hydrofoils can typically be set to a passive configuration in which they flip over when the current flow changes direction. Furthermore, the hydrofoils are selectively rotatable to provide an angle of attack such that they may be adapted to provide positive lift when it is necessary to remove the apparatus from the water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a variable floor (1) for a body of water, the variable floor (1) including a base portion (2) for location on or within a fixed floor (106) of the body of water and means to adjust the slope of the upper surface of the variable floor (1) relative to the fixed floor (106) or base portion (2) in one or both of a first direction transverse to the direction of travel of waves and in a second direction transverse to the first direction. A wavepool (100) incorporating the variable floor (1) and including variable converging side walls, a kit of parts for the variable floor (1) and a method of controlling wave characteristics is also described.

Abstract: A hydraulic power generating system designed to minimize equipment costs by simplifying the configuration thereof, to maximize efficiency of power generation by reducing loss in hydraulic power, and to allow economical and convenient maintenance of the system. The system comprises a power generator, a buoy floating the power generator on the surface of the water, and a fixing apparatus restricting movement of the buoy and the power generator. The power generator comprises a looped rail, a plurality of pulleys moving along the rail, a coupler to join the plurality of pulleys, a plurality of wings, each being installed to each of the pulleys to move the pulley by absorbing flow energy of water, and a generator installed in the rail to generate electricity after receiving kinetic energy of the pulleys through power transmission gears.

Abstract: A tidal-powered desalinization system is mounted on a barge that oscillates about fixed pier structures, generating a two-way pumping action. The two-way pumping action is changed to a single direction flow of seawater. The sea water is directed into an on-board desalinization system. Fresh water is produced and collected in reservoirs, without an intervening generation of electricity.

Abstract: A system for converting the kinetic energy of the ocean into electrical energy. There is presented a water-filled pipe extending from the shore into the ocean. The sunken end opens into a water-filled piston sleeve standing upright on the ocean floor. The sleeve contains a buoyant piston extending either to the ocean surface or into an internal wave field. Since the end of the pipe located ashore ends into either a Bourdon Tube or Cartesian Diver then passing waves or tide action will vary the pressure of the water in the Bourdon Tube or Cartesian Diver. Machinery is presented that can convert the elastic potential energy of a Bourdon Tube and Cartesian Diver into kinetic energy to operate an electric generator. There is no complicated and expensive electrical machinery offshore, there is no significant movement of mechanical or hydraulic parts offshore and there are no significant friction losses in bringing the energy ashore.

Abstract: A floating platform is fixed to the sea bottom, provided with a lathe in that a cable is rolled up by a recoverable spring, they allow to transform the kinetic energy of the waves in electricity by connecting the axis of the lathe to an electricity generators, the electricity generators to a rectifier circuit, and the rectifier circuit to an electric accumulator.

Abstract: A system converts energy of waves into rotational energy, friction, heat, hydrodynamic lift, and drag to extract energy from waves to reduce their amplitudes and increase their periods to reduce destructive effects on shorelines. This also allows sand to move toward land while capturing and depositing land-ward sand and particulate matter from eroding away from the beach. A plurality of cylindrical-shaped turbines or hydro-foils are stacked in water to rotate in response to energy from waves to dissipate wave energy and renourish beaches and shorelines with sand and other particulate matter. Rounded bearing surfaces are in contact with one another for frictionally engaging one another, and a pair of elongate anchoring members embedded in the sea floor hold the turbines or hydro-foils above the sea floor in an aligned stacked relationship via end portions to assure their frictional engagement.

Abstract: A pair of articulated rods connect between a float and a pair of shafts through a one-way clutch on the respectively shafts. When a float rises an “up” connecting rod causes the “up” shaft to rotate as its clutch is engaged, and when the float falls, that clutch disengages, allowing that shaft to freewheel. Likewise when the float falls a “down” connecting rod causes the “down” clutch to engage and the “down” shaft to rotate, typically rotating opposite the rotation of the “up” shaft. When the float reverses and begins to rise again, the “down” clutch disengages and the “up” clutch reengages. A connecting rod hand member connected pivotably to the forearm at a wrist joint is adjustable in length. The wrist joint adjusts the effective length of the hand member to change the stroke of the machine to match wave amplitude through a computer-controlled pneumatic actuator.

Abstract: Floating platform fixed to sea bottom, provided with a lathe in that an anchorage cable is rolled by a recoverable spring, they allow to transform the kinetic energy of the waves in electricity by connecting the axis of lathe to electricity generators, electricity generators to rectifiers circuits, and rectifiers circuits to electric accumulators.

Abstract: A caisson (1) provided with at least one air pocket (5), and at least one vertical duct or conduit (2) extending transversally along the whole portion of the caisson (1) where the respective air pocket (5) is present. The lower portion of the caisson (1) is filled with water (6), and the vertical duct (2) extends upwards, and communicates with the outside without reaching the sea surface. The height of the air pocket (5), starting from the ceiling of the caisson (1) towards its base, being adjusted so as to obtain the resonance condition, in which the period of the detected pressure fluctuations, at the upper opening (3) of the vertical duct (2), is equal to the period of detected pressure fluctuations of the air pocket (5). Inside the vertical duct (2) turbines may be installed in order to obtain energy conversion.

Abstract: A floating modular system for the protection of harbours and the transformation of energy, consisting of: a plurality of modules (1) made of metal and/or reinforced marine concrete box-structure, comprising internal air spaces (2) for determining the floating thereof and a lower flooded room (4) for the stabilization, under the impact of the sea waves against the level surfaces (6) for their reflection, for the protection of the opposed harbour environment (AP), provided with floating quays (7); a series of floats (8) applied to the wave front of the modules (1), operated by the wave motion for absorbing their energy by double effect pumps (9) with the successive transformation into electric energy; a self-levelling system for the anchorage of each of the modules (1), with self-distributed traction; a system for balancing the tide variations and for levelling the modules (1); a system of joints for coupling the modules (1) according to the extension.

Abstract: A system for protecting a coastal land from a rise of the surface of the sea, wherein offshore dams and caissons containing pump-turbines are provided in such a manner that the caissons and dams extend in parallel with the coastline of the land. Partition dams are provided so as to connect the offshore dams and the coastline together to make ponds. The water level of each pond is kept lower than a preset level, which is several meters lower than an average level of the surface of the ocean, by an operation of the pump-turbines and avoiding not only the submergence of the coastal land due to the rise in the sea level caused by global warming, but also expanding the area of offshore land.

Abstract: A tide-operated driving system including a variable air chamber having a broad bottom opening put under the water of the sea and a small top opening disposed above the seaside, and a motor having a center shaft and a plurality of centrifugal type vanes spaced around the center shaft, wherein the movement of the tide induces a reciprocating flow of air to rotate the vanes, causing the center shaft to turn an external mechanism.

Abstract: A wave motion power generator comprising a frame, including ballast members and buoyancy members, first cross members extending between opposed buoyancy members, a plurality of pairs of cylinders, a hollow piston rod associated with each cylinder, support bars extending upwardly from the second cross members, a buoyancy plate having elongate openings through which the support bars extend, the buoyancy plate being connected to the piston rods associated with a pair of the cylinders, a pressure reservoir, a manifold connected with the reservoir, a flexible conduit connected between each piston rod and the manifold and an electricity generator driven by liquid discharged from the reservoir.

Abstract: A gravitational window shutter in a water gate for a system for harnessing power from current flow or tidal movement in a of water is disclosed. The gate is formed with a door for closing the port through which the water may flow. The door has a window in an upper portion thereof which is closed by a rotatable shutter. The shutter opens before the door, allowing a flow of water through the window, which reduces the drag on the door. The door is then able to open more rapidly. A gravitational closure causes the shutter and door to close. The gravitational closure is formed by a counter weight on the shutter. An improved configuration of the chambers is also disclosed. The chambers have an upper portion of a rectangular configuration with a larger volume to increase the volume of air flowing through the system and a lower portion of a cylindrical configuration to reduce the hydraulic losses due to vortices during water inflow and outflow.

Abstract: A dynamic breakwater system pumps water from a body of water in response to wave action or underwater currents. A submerged stationary base is fixed to a solid subsurface. A breakwater protrudes upwardly through the surface of the water. Wheels support the breakwater for displacement on the base along a generally horizontal displacement axis. Springs acting against opposing sides of the breakwater urge it to a rest position between two horizontally extreme positions, and wave action and underwater currents against either side of the breakwater produce a reciprocating movement of the breakwater along its displacement axis. A pump pumps water in response to the reciprocating movement. The pump has a large piston spaced from the pump housing by roller assemblies. A door permits access to the pump interior for removal of debris or for repair, and a locking mechanism fixes the breakwater to the base to arrest pumping action for such purposes.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed, for lifting up water to a predetermined level where it can be useful, using the inexhaustible and non-polluting source of energy of the ocean tides to do so. The apparatus comprises a water chamber positioned to be filled with water following a rise in tide. Rising on the tide causes some air to be trapped and pressurized on top of the chamber. This pressurized air in turn is used to push some water up to the predetermined level.

Abstract: The invention, which provides a system for harnessing power from current flow or tidal movement in a body of water, comprises first and second hydro-pneumatic chambers each having ingress and egress below the water surface near the river or ocean floor and water gates operative to open or seal the ports to the passage of water. In an exemplary embodiment, the gates are sychronized by shafts so that the ingress ports of each chamber are connected to the egress ports of each other chamber. Thus, one set of gates is closed, while the other is open, thereby allowing water to flow into one chamber and build air pressure therein and allowing water to flow out of the other chamber and create a partial vacuum therein. A pipe connects the chambers, and an air turbine harnesses the air movement within the pipe. When water levels are equilibrated, the open set of gates is closed by a counterweight, and the other set is allowed to open by natural force of the water differential.

Abstract: A floating structure to support maritime operations is constituted by a metallic platform, in the shape of an internally open square (10) floating in the ocean being moored to the bottom of the ocean by a cable system (C.sub.1, C.sub.2, C.sub.3 . . . C.sub.n) tied to a pile system (E.sub.1, E.sub.2, E.sub.3 . . . E.sub.n). It retains in its interior a portion of the sea which is communicated to the outside ocean through an opening (11) in the walls of the said metallic platform (10) in such a way that, in that confined part of the ocean, the support boats to the sea work, may be moored due to the fact the interior of the open square is calm in respect to the rough sea outside the structure (10).

Abstract: A plurality of unidirectional valved intake gate units are essentially horizontally disposed, operate independently, and are located upstream of an input penstock. They are adapted to intercept waves and convert their kinetic energy to drive a turbine. Each gate unit comprises a movable gate that is horizontally hinged and adapted to permit the incoming waves to slide over the upper surfaces of the gates and into the penstock. They are constructed so that the back pressure of the penstock pushes the gates upward directing the remaining forward moving wave energy to higher elevations increasing the water level height in the penstock.

Abstract: A method of building a sea wave power plant of the type in which the power plant (11) must be installed near a steep rock wall (1). The installation site is determined inside the rock formation (F), at a distance from the open rock surface (1). A power plant well which is also serving as a building site (3) is blasted out from the rock formation with a natural rock wall (4) separating the well from the sea. After the plant is completed, the well is filled with water and the partition wall is removed by blasting, opening the well to the sea.

Abstract: A tide-operated turbine is located in a holding tank having communication with a tide-fed reservoir so as to supply the turbine with operating water. To provide continuous, around-the-clock operation of the turbine by insuring a positive operating head throughout tidal cycles, a control system causes the turbine to discharge into the ocean through a turbine discharge port in an ocean-fronting wall of the holding tank at times during each tide cycle when the tidal level is below the discharge port, but closes the discharge port and causes the turbine to discharge into the holding tank at times when the tidal level is above the discharge port. The control system also provides drainage of the holding tank during each tide cycle.

Abstract: A system for utilizing the energy of waves in the ocean, comprising a wall having a plurality of compartments separated by vertical and horizontal partitions. The water of a wave covers the entrance of a compartment and then enters the compartment, and the wave advance forces the air in that compartment through a conduit, past a non-return valve and into a storage tank, from which the compressed air may then be supplied to a turbine, or the like. The partitions between compartments assure that while the entrance to one compartment may be covered with water, whereby the air therein is forced to the storage tank, the air does not escape through other compartments which are not then covered.

Abstract: A submersible jet stream device having inlet apertures and an outlet nozzle which creates a jet stream which can be located either in a first position at the water surface or a second position at a pool bottom. The device may be hinged about a horizontal position for movement between the two positions. An embodiment may include two nozzles, one at each end of a housing and two propellers on a reversible motor disposed within the housing whereby the nozzle used for the flow is determined by the direction of motor rotation.

Abstract: A system for recovering wave energy and its conversion into mechanical and electrical energy, comprising a pickup member kept in a submerged position and one or more resilient lines (extensible flexible hoses) connected mechanically at one end to the pickup member and at the other end to an anchor fixed to the sea or lake bed. The interior of the resilient lines are in communication at one end with a gas-filled accumulator vessel and are blind at the other end, and are also filled with an incompressible fluid. One or more turbines and displacement engines convert the pressure and kinetic energy of the incompressible fluid into mechanical energy. The turbines are coupled to an electric generator for generating electrical energy utilizing the mechanical energy.

Abstract: Apparatus permitting the utilization of large volumes of water in the harnessing and extracting of a portion of the power generated by the rise and fall of ocean tides, ocean currents, or flowing rivers includes the provision of a dam, and a specialized single cavity chamber of limited size as compared wth the water head enclosed by the dam, and an extremely high volume gating system in which all or nearly all of the water between the high and low levels on either side of the dam is cyclically gated through the single chamber from one side of the dam to the other so as to alternately provide positive air pressure and a partial vacuum within the single chamber.

Abstract: A wave energy absorber comprising a caisson mountable on the seaside surface of an existing breakwater or coastal embankment, which caisson has a water chamber with an open side and a rear wall facing the open side. The distance from the open side to the rear wall is longer than one quarter of a wavelength L.sub.c in the water chamber so as to generate a standing wave in the water chamber with a node of the standing wave at a distance L.sub.c /4 from the rear wall toward the open side. A wave-power turbine impeller is pivotally supported in the caisson at the node position, the impeller rotating in only one direction, whereby wave energy is absorbed by the impeller for further conversion into electric or thermal energy. The caisson itself can also be utilized as a breakwater or an embankment.

Abstract: An arrangement for concentrating sea waves, includes a grid-like structure of stopping and/or delaying elements adapted to influence the amplitude and/or phase of the waves and located in such positions in the water that the elements in interaction with the incident sea waves form an interference pattern which gives a concentration of the wave energy in a limited area (concentration area). When the wave energy is to be utilized for power production, the grid-like element structure is designed to give a concentration of the wave energy in a concentration area located in the short-range field of the element structure. Preferably the elements in the structure are mainly situated in front of the concentration area with respect to the dominant wave incident directions. Moreover, the element structure may have an extension (aperture) which is substantially larger than the wave length of the dominant waves at the location.