Working Member Actuated By The Rise And Fall Of A Surface Of A Body Of Fluid Patents (Class 60/497)
  • Patent number: 8511078
    Abstract: The innovation herein proposed describes a plant to produce electricity by the sea waves. The plant is designed to be installed on shore, near shore and offshore scenarios: on the coast line, in shallow waters and in deep waters. The plant is operated by action of the sea waves on a series of floaters (A). The resultant force on each floater (A) acts on a mechanical load amplifier (B) which moves two vertical high pressure piston pumps (C). These pumps (C) send pressurized fresh water to a hyperbaric system (E). The hyperbaric system (E) supplies an outflow water jet through a controlled valve that moves a conventional turbine (G). This turbine (G) connected to the electric generator (H) produce electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Seahorse Wave Energy—Energia das Ondas S/A
    Inventor: Paulo Roberto Da Costa
  • Patent number: 8499554
    Abstract: A stable power-output device driven by waves includes buoys and a scaffold with the buoys, guiding tracks and rotating shafts installed. The scaffold floats on the waves, and wheels are installed at two sides of the buoys. Each two of the roller wheels are sandwiched between the related guiding track and the related side of each buoy, so that the roller wheels and the guiding tracks can work together. Guiding devices are installed on top of the buoys, and rotating shafts are connected to the guiding devices and float horizontally on the waves. Ratchets are installed on the short shafts in contact with the guiding devices. A shaft connector is adapted to connect each two of the rotating shafts together and form a long shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Xuefeng Ye
  • Patent number: 8484964
    Abstract: A wave energy collecting device comprises an array of modules, each including three pairs of buoyant members arranged in a circular configuration, a tubular shaft connector interconnecting each pair of buoyant members, and a trilateral radial plank member comprising three identical equidistantly spaced members located centrally within the circular configuration. Each of the three members of the plank member is linearly connected to a member of the plank member of an adjacent module through a spring assembly and perpendicularly connected with a pivotally hinged shaft of a corresponding tubular shaft connector. A working fluid medium flows within a pipe network lined along sequential members. An array of pumps mounted onto each buoyant member, another array of pumps mounted adjacently each spring assembly and another array of pumps mounted adjacently each shaft, impart wave induced pressure pulses into the working fluid medium, which is subsequently converted into energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventors: Georgios Preftitsis, Dimitrios Mavrommatakis
  • Publication number: 20130167523
    Abstract: This invention relates to an arrangement for a surface area adjustment of a reciprocating wing system in a wave energy recovery system where the wave energy recovery system comprises at least a body, a set of wings fastened to a support means that is hinged at its lower ends onto the body to make a reciprocating motion in response to kinetic energy of waves or tidal currents, and a power-take-off means. The arrangement comprises at least adjustment means capable to adjust the total effective surface area of the wings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: AW-ENERGY OY
    Inventors: Arvo Järvinen, Rauno Koivusaari
  • Publication number: 20130160444
    Abstract: A subsurface reaction body arranged for use in apparatus for converting wave motion in a body of water to useful energy is provided. The subsurface reaction body is arranged to be selectively filled with air to a maximum buoyancy configuration and to be filled with water to a minimum buoyancy configuration. The subsurface reaction body has an arrangement of chambers therein to inhibit free flow of water through the reaction body and to define at least one further preset buoyancy configuration between the respective maximum and minimum configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: MARINE POWER SYSTEMS LTD
    Inventors: Graham David Foster, Gareth Ian Stockman, John Christopher Chapman
  • Patent number: 8464527
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Ocean Power Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Gerber, Christopher Thomas Phelan, Wei Qiu, Donald Smith Spencer
  • Patent number: 8429910
    Abstract: A wave energy converter includes a flexible pipe and an inlet. The flexible pipe floats on the water surface, following the wave form. Slugs of water and air enter, one after the other, through the inlet. Because the flexible pipe follows the shape of the wave, water is transported through a manifold to a pressure chamber connected to a generator. The inlet consists of a hollow, inflexible pipe attached to the throat of the flexible pipe. The inflexible pipe is fixedly attached to a buoyancy tank or plurality thereof. The buoyancy tanks are arranged in a vertical plane or in tandem, with the inflexible pipe passing along the plane vertical to the fore and aft axis of the buoyancy tank and the frontward portion projecting sufficiently ahead of the buoyancy tank with the flexible pipe terminating at a singular outlet. The entire apparatus is facing towards the oncoming waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Syed Mohammed Ghouse
  • 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: 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: 20130067902
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to wave actuated devices for converting wave energy from waves passing through water into mechanical work, the wave actuated devices including primary buoys floating in the water and configured to rise and fall with the waves as they pass through the water between lower position and upper positions, carriages coupled to the primary buoy by a linkage and moving between first and second positions, carriage magnetically interactive materials mounted to the carriages, a support structure extending from a support surface and including a pivot spaced from the support surface, and an arm pivotally supported on the pivot and extending from the pivot to a first end proximate the carriage magnetically interactive material. Some examples of wave actuated devices implement buoy force to return the system to a state of potential energy as a wave triggers the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Aaron Todd Overman
  • 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: 20130034454
    Abstract: A self priming gravity wave water pump, double acting, vertically self adjusting incorporating a submerged column platform as shown in FIG. 4A, the submerged column platform (22) can be tethered (28) or secured by a pivot to a weight (29) or fixed into the water bed (31). The column (22) can be incorporated into an additional submerged water filled column chamber (23), to operate as a hydraulic tidal adjustable column platform. The gravity wave pump (9) is a wave energy converter using wave energy in the form of wave motion to displace a float (2), to lift the pumps reciprocating piston (12) and uses gravity, causing a weight (3) to push a piston down as the wave passes. The pump could pressurise piped water to a head of up to 100 metres or more and could pump pressures in excess of 150 pounds per square inch when adjusted accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: DARTMOUTH WAVE ENERGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Dartmouth Wave Energy Limited
  • 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: 20130008157
    Abstract: An energy generating device utilizing mechanical vibration power is provided. The energy generating device includes a first body for reciprocating according to vibration motions; an anchored second body; a rack coupled to one of the first body and the anchored second body; a gear assembly engaged with the rack and coupled to the other one of the first body and the anchored second body such that the gear assembly drives a generator via a rotational movement in a single direction according to each of upward and downward movement of the rack relative to the gear assembly; and the generator engaged with the gear assembly for receiving the rotational movement output from the gear assembly and outputting a direct current according to the rotational input from the gear assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: The Research Foundation of State University of New York
    Inventors: Lei ZUO, Gopinath Reddy Penamalli, John Wang, Rui He Zheng, Xiao Hui Lei, Jorge F. Lam-Ki, Zhongjie Li, Teng Lin
  • Patent number: 8342818
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for an improved float type wave powered pump that uses the continuous rising and falling wave action in a body of water to pump a fluid. The pump includes piston and cylinder assemblies that are configured for relative reciprocal movement therebetween. One of the assemblies is anchored to the floor of the body of water and the other is vertically moveable in response to a drive float riding on a wave. The pump selectively includes a tide compensating device to reduce the ratio of vertical travel of the drive float to vertical travel of the moveable assembly. The pump also selectively includes a fluid inlet check valve incorporating a support plate of the piston assembly with openings therein and a cover for the same. The pump further selectively includes a directional pressure-activated seal at the point of sliding connection between the piston rod and the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Tommy J. Windle
  • Patent number: 8333070
    Abstract: Provided is an energy storage system configured to accumulate energy for subsequent discharge. One embodiment includes an indirect energy storage assembly configured to accept energy input from a direct storage assembly. The indirect energy storage assembly includes a converter for lifting a mass, a speed reducer coupled to the converter for increasing torque provided, and a mass coupled to the speed reducer for generating potential energy when raised. In one embodiment, the direct energy storage assembly produces energy based on descent of a mass, the descent controlled by operation of a speed increaser coupled to a generator. In one example, the speed increaser provides an input:output ratio of at least 1:100. The speed increaser can be configured based on parameters of the generator (e.g., speed and torque). The mass of the direct energy storage assembly can include a float for lifting the mass responsive to water level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventors: Henry C. Huang, Jane Huang
  • Publication number: 20120285160
    Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a) a first component which is a float that travels on or near the water surface; b) a second component which is wave actuated and travels below the first component; and c) a means whereby the first component engages the second component and/or the second component engages the first component; wherein the engagement means provides lateral support of one component for the other, and thereby minimizes lateral movement of one against the other when the components are fitted together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: LIQUID ROBOTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine
  • Patent number: 8291701
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a device and method for generation of electrical power from sea waves, with either simultaneous or no desalination of seawater. The device comprises a seaborne portion and a shore-side portion. The seaborne portion of the device comprises a float, an anchor and a pumping mechanism. Seawater and air are drawn in and pumped through pipes and respectively to a shore-side compressor system. The compressor system is adapted to provide pressurized water of constant pressure to the next stage, which is either the desalination assembly through which potable water is produced using the reverse-osmosis method or the water-motor, which drives a generator that provides electrical power or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Eocean Renewables Limited
    Inventor: Christos F. Papadopoulos
  • Publication number: 20120247097
    Abstract: An apparatus utilizing wave energy to capture ocean water and send it to shore for hydroelectricity, hydrodynamic energy conversion or desalination. The submerged device is located offshore and is preferably oriented orthogonal to the shoreline or the incoming water surges. Responding to underwater wave surges, a deformable bladder filled with sea water is compressed and the seawater contained therein is expelled and sent to shore. A one-way valve responds to the differential in water pressure inside the empty bladder as compared to outside the bladder and permits seawater to enter and refill the bladder. The bladder may have any of several forms including that of a bellows. The present invention discusses several ways by which the bladder may be compressed and several ways by which it can sense and respond to underwater wave surges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Gary Ross
  • Publication number: 20120227395
    Abstract: A pump comprises a flexible container (11) filled with a fluid and having a fluid inlet (104) and a fluid outlet (105), and a constricting device (12), preferably in the form of a braid tube, conforming the container (11) to a generally circular cross-section and operable cyclically to reduce the diameter of the container (11) to expel fluid from the outlet and then allow the diameter to increase with fluid entering the inlet to refill the container (11). Such a pump can be suspended in the sea between an anchor and means for converting energy from the sea into a force acting on said constricting device, for example, a float, to cause the constricting device to reduce the diameter of the container (11) to expel fluid from the outlet (105), and then passing the expelled fluid to do work such as drive a generator (121).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Safety Technical Services Limited
    Inventor: Peter Cronin Gordon
  • Publication number: 20120186244
    Abstract: Invention for extraction and accumulation of energy from displacement of an agitated fluid includes buoyant body, camshaft, flywheel, and platforms. Buoyant body floats upon agitated fluid surface and is constrained to vertical translation. Buoyant body translation is converted to flywheel rotation via bearings which engage helical cam tracks of a camshaft. Camshaft is torsionally engaged with flywheel. Buoyant body and camshaft are fitted with unidirectional rotary clutches. Upon action of rising wave, buoyant force is exerted upon buoyant body, displacing body vertically and causing bearings to apply torsion to camshaft, driving camshaft and flywheel into rotation. Upon wave recession, buoyant body descends under self weight via freewheeling action of unidirectional clutches. Flywheel may be filled with or emptied of fluid to adjust its rotary inertia during operation. Buoyant body has a tapered shape and may be filled with or emptied of fluid to adjust its interface with agitated fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: STEVEN R. PEDERSEN
  • Publication number: 20120096847
    Abstract: A water wave-based energy conversion system comprising: at least one buoyant body capable of floating on or below the surface of a body of water; at least one redirection device located at a stationary position; an energy converter; and at least one elongate connector operatively coupling the at least one buoyant body to the energy converter through the at least one redirection device. In use, the elongate connector transfers motion of the at least one buoyant body resulting from waves in the body of water to the energy converter for conversion into useful energy forms or products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: AQUAGEN TECHNOLOGIES PTY LTD
    Inventors: Nicholas Boyd, Martin George Buden
  • Publication number: 20120096846
    Abstract: A wave energy conversion system which includes a wave absorber that moves in response to passing waves. A power take off (PTO) is provided which comprises a plurality of individually selectable actuators. The wave absorber is operable coupled to the actuators for facilitating driving the actuators. Each actuator has an associated damping characteristic. A combination of the damping characteristics of each actuator defines a PTO damping characteristic. A controller is operable to determine a desired PTO damping characteristic in response to a sensed parameter of the wave absorber. The controller is further operable for selectively activating one or more actuators to provide the desired PTO damping characteristic in response to the sensed parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: Wavebob Limited
    Inventor: Vladimir Kalinin
  • Patent number: 8134245
    Abstract: A device for generating substantially vertically-reciprocating motion uses a plurality of chambers in substantial vertical alignment. Each chamber has an air pocket and a buoyant member which floats at the air/water interface, and such air pockets expand and contract upon receipt of additional amounts of air from below and release of some of the air, usually to a chamber above. As the air pockets expand and contract, the interfaces are raised and lowered, and the buoyant elements are raised and lowered with the interfaces. A method uses such device to generate such reciprocating motion, which optionally may be used to drive electric generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: Michael J. Rangel
  • Patent number: 8125097
    Abstract: A power generator has a mass that is capable of moving vertically up and down. A generator has a rotor and a stator. A shaft couples the mass to the rotor, with the shaft allowing the mass to move vertically up and down. The shaft has spirals that produce relative rotation between the shaft and the rotor. The mass can float on a body of water that is subject to fluctuating water levels, such as a tidal body or a lock, or the mass can be used on dry land. The mass has an interior cavity. When the cavity contains gas, the mass rises in the water. When the cavity contains water, the mass sinks in the water. When the mass has sunk, gas is introduced into the cavity. When the mass has risen, the gas is vented from the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventors: Robert B. Lomerson, Sr., Robert B. Lomerson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8118569
    Abstract: A hydraulic power device is provided. The hydraulic power device includes: a first cylinder with a cylindrical chamber, a first fluid inlet, a first fluid outlet, and a weight unit having a first piston. The first piston hermetically fits into the first cylinder and moves upwards and downwards within the first cylinder. When the first piston moves downwards within the first cylinder, the fluid in the cylindrical chamber flows out through the first fluid outlet under the pressure from the first piston, and thereby generates hydraulic power. When the first piston moves upwards within the first cylinder, the fluid flows into the cylindrical chamber through the first fluid inlet, to get prepared for subsequent hydraulic power output. The hydraulic power device in the present invention is designed to lift a weight unit with a small initial power and then generate hydraulic power utilizing the gravity of the weight unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Chun Kwan Yu
  • Patent number: 8105052
    Abstract: A pumping mechanism that utilizes wave and tidal energy to operate. The mechanism relies on the depth of the fluid or sea and the length of the pump cylinder to accommodate shifting wave and tide patterns. Alternatively, the mechanism is imbedded or placed in an excavation in the fluid or ocean bed of sufficient depth and width to accommodate the piston cylinder, its' easing and the shifting wave and tide conditions. The invention relies on a buoy or float for the lift of a ballast weighted piston and the ballast weighted piston, when descending, provides the means of creating pressure on the water entrapped in the cylinder, thus causing a pumping action. The pump may be used individually or in concert with other pumps. The pump is intended to move large or small volumes of water at high or low pressures, singularly or in concert with other pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Newton Hill, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8099955
    Abstract: The invention herein proposed describes a plant operated by the movement of floaters (A) connected to horizontal arms (B). These arms (B) move hydraulic pumps (C), which inject water into the hyperbaric chamber (E). This chamber (E) supplies water through an outflow control valve, to set in motion a conventional turbine (G) that connected to electric generator supplies electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: COPPE/UFRJ—Coordenacao dos Programas de Pos Graduacao de Engenharia da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
    Inventors: Segen Farid Estefen, Paulo Roberto Da Costa, Marcelo Martins Pinheiro
  • Patent number: 8097150
    Abstract: A wave energy conversion system includes a barge support frame having a frame superstructure and a plurality of frame support legs selectively extendable from the frame superstructure, a barge carried by the barge support frame and at least one wave energy conversion pump comprising a water transfer conduit carried by the barge support frame and having a filter port and an inner water transfer space disposed in fluid communication with the filter port, a pressure conduit mounted for displacement on the water transfer conduit and having an outer water transfer space disposed in fluid communication with the inner water transfer space and a buoyancy vessel carried by the pressure conduit. Also disclosed are a power generation pumping system and a river or stream fed system having tanks to contain and pressurize water to a force sufficient to drive turbine generators for electric power production and potable water use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventors: Dwight Francis Houser, Dwight F. Houser, II, Mattew J. Houser
  • Publication number: 20110304145
    Abstract: The invention discloses devices and methods for converting wave energy to rotational energy. Specifically, the invention allows for two or more flotation elements to move in opposite directions in response to a wave contacting a wave energy transducer according to embodiments of the present invention. Motion of the flotation elements leads to rotation of associated wheel assemblies, thus allowing for generation of rotational energy and by extension, electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: NETANEL RAISCH
  • Publication number: 20110258997
    Abstract: A wave energy converter comprising: a linear generator comprising an armature and a stator; a float connected by a linkage to the armature; wherein the weight of the armature and the linkage bear downwards upon the float and one of the armature and stator comprises electrical coils and the other of the armature and stator comprises a stack of permanent magnets, the arrangement being such that during the ascending portion of a passing wave, the buoyancy of the float causes the armature to rise, and as the wave falls away, the combined weight of the float, linkage and armature causes the armature to fall, electricity thereby being generated upon the upstroke and the downstroke, the stack of permanent magnets or electrical coils of the armature being sufficiently sized in terms of deadweight to procure that the combined weight of the armature, linkage and float and any other travelling components act sufficiently against the electromotive force being generated by the linear generator upon the downward stroke to
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: TRIDENT ENERGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Hugh-Peter Granville Kelly
  • Publication number: 20110248503
    Abstract: A piston pump is anchored to the ocean floor with the piston rod connected to a float that rides on the surface waves. The pump connects to a sparge line that discharges a spray of water through the float to indicate proper pump function. The float is formed with a conical upper portion and a conical lower portion and has an annular resilient rim. An array of pumps sends water under pressure through an aquaduct to an onshore electric power generation station, optionally including a reservoir. Water is returned from the generation station to the vicinity from which it was pumped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: George A. Ventz
  • Patent number: 8035243
    Abstract: A system to harness energy from water waves, comprising a frame assembly, first and second hydraulic systems, at least one float assembly, and an electrical assembly. The float assembly comprises front, rear, bottom, top, and first and second lateral faces. The float assembly further comprises a trailing face. The trailing face and the rear face merge to define an edge. The float assembly is mounted onto the mounting plate. The float assembly is placed in a body of water that comprises wave forces. The electrical system comprises a generator. The generator produces electricity when driven by the hydraulic motor when hydraulic fluid is displaced and pressurized within a hydraulic system when the wave forces cause the float assembly to move when in the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Matter Wave Technologies, LLC.
    Inventor: Manuel Constanzo Mesa
  • Publication number: 20110225964
    Abstract: A system for generating electricity includes a pump operable to convert wave motion from a body of water into mechanical energy. The pump includes an input port through which an operating fluid can enter the pump and an output port through which the operating fluid can exit the pump. A first outlet line and a second outlet line are fluidly coupled to the output port of the pump. A first reservoir is fluidly connected to the first outlet line, and a second reservoir is fluidly connected to the second outlet line, both reservoirs being selectively capable of receiving operating fluid driven through the output port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Welch, JR., Curtis J. Rothi, Harold L. Rothi
  • Publication number: 20110225965
    Abstract: A wave energy convertor (1) is provided comprising an elongate construction (2), typically a breakwater or harbour wall, located in a body of water having wave action associated with it with the waves moving generally in a dominant wave direction (10) and having a generally constant wavelength. A plurality of equally spaced chambers (20) extends along the length of the construction internally thereof with each chamber extending generally upwardly and having at or near its lowermost end (28) an opening (24) into the body of water. Each chamber communicates through a unidirectional valve (40, 42) respectively with each of a high pressure conduit (44) and a low pressure conduit (46) with the high pressure conduit feeding into an inlet to a turbine (56) and the low pressure conduit communicating with an outlet from the turbine. The length of the construction is approximately equal to an integral number of said generally constant wavelengths in the dominant wave direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Johannes Lodewikus Van Niekerk, Gideon de Fallaux Retief
  • Publication number: 20110204643
    Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to present a device for utilisation of the horizontal component of wave motions in which there is no proportionality between the installed power and the initial costs of the device. According to the invention, this is obtained with a device which contains at least one oblong supporting structure and three or more independently movable resistance elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: WAVEPISTON APS
    Inventors: Martin Von Bulow, Kristian Glejbol, Frank Daniel Mersebach
  • Publication number: 20110198849
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the utilisation of wave energy, with an increased efficiency. Thereto, the device according to the invention comprises a Darrieus rotor having at least two Darrieus rotor blades, wherein the Darrieus rotor has a solidity ?D, and a Wells rotor having at least two Wells rotor blades, wherein the Wells rotor has a solidity ?W, wherein the Darrieus rotor and the Wells rotor are rotatable about a common axis of rotation A, and ?W is larger than or equal to ?D. The invention also relates to a method for harnessing wave energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Cornelis Scheijgrond
  • Publication number: 20110197578
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydropower plant including a water turbine submerged in a water current, A grating is located adjacent the water turbine. According to the invention the grating is arranged to guide the water flow in the water current such that the velocity of the water between the grating and the water turbine becomes non-uniform. The invention also relates to a use of the hydropower plant for generating electric energy for supply to an electric network. Further the invention relates to a method for operating a hydropower plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Mats Leijon
  • Publication number: 20110192159
    Abstract: A wave-powered energy generation apparatus (10) comprises a plurality of pontoons (12) articulatingly connected to each other. A centre pontoon (12.2) is substantially curved. The apparatus (10) has a mooring point (19) for mooring the apparatus (10) in a body of water. The apparatus (10) also has a power generation system which is powered by articulating movement between the pontoons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: PROTEUS WAVE POWER PTY LTD.
    Inventors: Matthew Morgan, Andrew Horton
  • Publication number: 20110185720
    Abstract: A reciprocating water displacement gravity engine is shown and described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Brian J. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20110185719
    Abstract: A system and method for generating energy from tuning the natural frequency of masses relative to a ground plane and an external force. In some embodiments the external force is the action of the waves. The system has a first mass movable relative to the ground plane, wherein the external force induces an oscillation in the first mass relative to the ground plane. A second movable mass is carried by and movable relative to the first movable mass. The second movable mass creates kinetic energy as the result of varying the position of the second movable mass relative to the first mass. The system adjusts or tunes the frequency of various components in relation to the natural frequency of the waves. The energy created by the relative motion can be converted to various forms of energy including electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Glenn L. Beane
  • Publication number: 20110173967
    Abstract: An electrical power generation device (10) utilising movement of the ocean comprising an elongate column (12) journalled in a support structure (14) for universal movement relative thereto. The support structure is adapted to be secured to the sea bed so that the column is disposed for at least partially submerged universal motion relative to the support structure automatically in response to force transmitted by movement of the ocean in which the support structure and the column reside. The support structure may contain an array of piston and cylinder assemblies (32) in such a construction the supported end (26) of the column is adapted to actuate one or more of the piston and cylinder assemblies in random sequence as a result of movement of the column relative to the support structure. The piston and cylinder assemblies are operatively connected to drive electrical power generators (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Ivan Patrick Williams, John Malcolm Hepworth, David Homfray Slater
  • Patent number: 7975476
    Abstract: A power plant using sea waves comprising a float, a horizontal shaft. The float (1/1) of a spherical or cylindrical shape made with plastic or metal material, empty filled with ballast, floats half emerged and transfers the wave vertical motions to a vertical metal beam (1/2) which can be increased or decreased in order to deal with the tidal changes of the sea level. The vertical beam is attached with knuckle joins, at one end with the float and at the other with horizontal beam of rectangular metal triangle which transfers the vertical motions at the horizontally moving forwards and backwards saw (1/5) with the two chains (1/6) and (3/20) which rotate two pairs of gears each gear of a pair to the diametrically opposite side, so that with every movement one gear produces action while the other gear of the pair moves freely. The gears rotate the horizontal shaft which is fitted on them (3/8) and the shaft gives motion to the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Constantinos A. Hatzilakos
  • Patent number: 7969033
    Abstract: A device for the generation of energy and in particular electrical energy includes a cell or chamber which moves upwardly and downwardly in a body of water. Cog wheels are connected to the cell. The cog wheels are connected to the shafts of generators. Rotation of the cog wheels operates the generators which produce energy. The cog wheels engage anchor chains or vertical supports. One end of each anchor chain is secured to an anchor located at the bottom of the body of water. The other end of the anchor chain is secured to a float which floats at or near the surface of the body of water. The up and down movement of the cell causes the cog wheels to move upwardly and downwardly along the anchor chains and thereby rotate. This rotation drives the energy generator and generates energy, preferably electricity. The cog wheels are permitted to rotate upon the receipt of a request for energy. This results in a highly efficient source of energy or electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: James Ryan
  • Publication number: 20110146263
    Abstract: An improvement for a wave energy converter comprises a substantially rigid skirt adapted to be suspended from a wave energy converter below the surface of the water. The skirt includes an elongate substantially cylindrical structure extending vertically so as to form a flow path for water particles over a surface of the structure. The cylindrical structure has a series of rings of substantially equal diameter arranged concentrically at spaced vertical intervals. The curved surfaces formed by the circular cross-section of the rings, form an undulating flow path for water particles travelling in a vertical direction. In this way the vertical component of the wave energy extracted from the wave's circular water particle motion can be maximized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: PROTEAN POWER PTY LTD
    Inventor: Sean Derek MOORE
  • Patent number: 7963112
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a portable wave-swash & coastal-wind energy harvester, once placed on a sea coast in the swash zone captures the mechanical energy contained in: (a) waves in the swash-zone, and (b) coastal-wind. Energy is extracted through: (a) wave turbines, (b) wind turbines, and (c) wave floats. A rotational transmission system with one-way clutches transmits torque to an alternator, while flywheels attached to the axles maintain steady rotation of axles. A wave funnel faces the waves and causes the wave uprush to converge toward wave turbines. A buoyancy chamber at the bottom produces reduction of weight of the portable wave-swash & coastal-wind energy harvester when water in the chamber is emptied and thereby enhances maneuverability of the unit on land and in water, while a stabilization tank at the top when filled with water provides extra weight and stability of the unit in its operating location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Erat S. Joseph
  • Patent number: 7963111
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for generating energy from an undulating movement of a medium such as seawater, comprising of following the movement of the medium, wherein a direction of movement of the movement changes at a point in time, converting the followed movement into energy, interrupting the following of the movement for an interruption period close to the point in time, wherein conversion of energy comprises of pumping a fluid with the followed movement by feeding and discharging said fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventors: Zakaria Khalil Doleh, Rany Zakaria Doleh, John Douglas Lock
  • Publication number: 20110131970
    Abstract: A power generating apparatus (10) comprising a first arrangement (14) comprising a first buoyancy vessel configured to float at a surface of a body of water, the first arrangement comprising at least one energy conversion apparatus operable to be driven by the environment. The power generating apparatus (10) also comprises a second arrangement (16) permanently moored to the bed of the body of water, the second arrangement comprising: a second buoyancy vessel configured to be neutrally buoyant at a location in the body of water spaced apart from the bed of the body of water; and an electrical cable (18). The first and second arrangements (14, 16) are configured for releasable attachment to each other and such that electricity is conveyed through the electrical cable (18) in dependence upon operation of the energy conversion apparatus when the first and second arrangements are attached to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Barry Johnston, Mark Hamilton, William Annal, Robert Spence
  • Publication number: 20110120109
    Abstract: A power generator is provided having one or more reservoirs. Each reservoir has an inlet and an outlet. A float is disposed in each reservoir. A shaft is connected to each float. Controls are provided for actuating each inlets and outlet to cause water to flow into and out of each reservoir via its corresponding inlet and outlet, respectively. As a result, the flowing water moves each float in a vertically oscillating manner to rotate the shaft at an output a rate suitable to generate usable power. Also provided are a method for generating electricity and an energy converter that converts vertical float movement into rotational energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Jack Alexander McGillis
  • Patent number: 7946113
    Abstract: An electricity generating or other power distributing device that utilizes the energy stored in ocean waves as they approach the shoreline. A series of buoys, which are thus struck by said waves are thrust upward and outward, operating hydraulic pumps. Fluid is pumped into a rotator that lifts a plurality of weights contained in deep silos within the earth. The cable devices connected to these weights are threaded around, and thus rotate a series of clutches, transmissions and flywheels, which provide a constant rotational output. This output can be attached to an A/C generator, or any other device requiring a constant force and rotation to operate properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: Wayne Leonard Bishop