US20050084333A1 - Wave energy converter - Google Patents
Wave energy converter Download PDFInfo
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- US20050084333A1 US20050084333A1 US10/956,805 US95680504A US2005084333A1 US 20050084333 A1 US20050084333 A1 US 20050084333A1 US 95680504 A US95680504 A US 95680504A US 2005084333 A1 US2005084333 A1 US 2005084333A1
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- wave
- power generator
- energy converter
- support structure
- wave energy
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- 238000010248 power generation Methods 0.000 abstract description 18
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 abstract description 7
- 238000010612 desalination reaction Methods 0.000 description 5
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B17/00—Pumps characterised by combination with, or adaptation to, specific driving engines or motors
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
- F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
- F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
- F03B13/14—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy
- F03B13/16—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem"
- F03B13/18—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem" where the other member, i.e. rem is fixed, at least at one point, with respect to the sea bed or shore
- F03B13/1845—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem" where the other member, i.e. rem is fixed, at least at one point, with respect to the sea bed or shore and the wom slides relative to the rem
- F03B13/187—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem" where the other member, i.e. rem is fixed, at least at one point, with respect to the sea bed or shore and the wom slides relative to the rem and the wom directly actuates the piston of a pump
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B5/00—Machines or pumps with differential-surface pistons
- F04B5/02—Machines or pumps with differential-surface pistons with double-acting pistons
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
- Y02A20/124—Water desalination
- Y02A20/138—Water desalination using renewable energy
- Y02A20/144—Wave energy
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/30—Energy from the sea, e.g. using wave energy or salinity gradient
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)
Abstract
An improved wave energy converter for use in offshore and deep-sea locations. The wave energy converter is adapted for secure attachment to the bottom of a body of water (e.g., the ocean floor), preferably beyond the breaker zone. The wave energy converter is selectively adjustable in length. A hydraulic power generation system is used to convert the energy present in the waves into hydraulic power that can be use to generate electricity and for other purposes, such as desalinization. The system may include a hydraulic piston assembly, a floatation device that is connected to the piston assembly, high and low pressure hydraulic reservoirs, and a hydraulically driven power generator. The floatation device moves upward in response to rising waves, and downward under the force of gravity in response to falling waves. The system utilizes this downward gravitational force to discharge fluid from the piston assembly, which in turn, drives the power generator. A control system is used to detect water conditions and to selectively adjust the length of the support structure and the fluid flow characteristics to dynamically optimize power generation based on changing water conditions.
Description
- This invention generally relates to a wave energy converter and more particularly, to a wave power generator that utilizes gravity as a primary component in the generation of hydraulic energy, which can be used to generate electrical power, and that is selectively adjustable to optimize power generation based upon water conditions.
- Waves contain a large amount of energy, which if converted into electricity, can help serve the world's increasing demands for electrical power. Many attempts have been made to harness the energy contained in waves and convert that energy into electrical power. These attempts include shoreline type generators, which are constructed at or near the shoreline, and offshore generators, which are constructed beyond the breaker zone and/or in the deep sea. Shoreline generators are generally easier to construct, but produce less energy than offshore generators, which are able to capture the greater amount of energy available in deeper water.
- Although offshore generators may provide a greater amount of energy, they suffer from some drawbacks. For instance, because of the increased size and power of offshore waves, the construction of these devices is more difficult and complex. Furthermore, these devices are typically unable to dynamically adjust their operation to optimize power generation based upon water conditions. Additionally, these devices typically rely only on the rising crests of waves and/or in the resulting changes in pressure to generate electricity, and do not utilize the force of gravity.
- It would be desirable to provide an improved wave energy converter that utilizes gravity as a primary component for generating hydraulic energy and is dynamically adjustable to optimize power generation based on current water conditions. The hydraulic power can be used to generate electricity and for other purposes, such as desalination.
- The present invention provides an improved wave energy converter for use in offshore and deep-sea locations. The wave energy converter is adapted for secure attachment to the bottom of a body of water (e.g., the ocean floor), preferably beyond the breaker zone. The wave energy converter is selectively adjustable in length. A hydraulic power generation system is used to convert the energy present in the waves into hydraulic power that can be use to generate electricity and for other purposes, such as desalinization. The system may include a hydraulic piston assembly, a floatation device that is connected to the piston assembly, high and low pressure hydraulic reservoirs, and a hydraulically driven power generator. The floatation device moves upward in response to rising waves, and downward under the force of gravity in response to falling waves. The system utilizes this downward gravitational force to discharge fluid from the piston assembly, which in turn drives the power generator. A control system is used to detect water conditions and to selectively adjust the length of the support structure and the fluid flow characteristics to dynamically optimize power generation based on changing water conditions. The hydraulic energy that is produced can also be used to power other systems and devices, such as a desalination system.
- One advantage of the invention is that it provides a wave energy converter that is designed to utilize the force of gravity as a primary component of power generation.
- Another advantage of the invention is that it provides a wave energy converter that is selectively and dynamically adjustable to optimize the generation of power based on the current status of wave and/or swell activity.
- According to a first aspect of the present invention, a wave energy converter is provided and includes a support structure fixed to a floor of a body of water; a piston assembly including a housing that forms a chamber containing an amount of pressurized fluid and having a first end attached to the support structure and a second end, a piston that is slidably disposed within the chamber, and a piston rod that is attached to the piston and that extends from the second end of the housing; a buoyant floatation device that is attached to the piston rod and that is adapted to cause the piston to move upward in the chamber in response to a rising wave, and to move downward by the force of gravity in response to a falling wave, the downward motion and gravitational force being effective to discharge the pressurized fluid from the chamber; and a hydraulically driven power generator that receives the discharged pressurized fluid from the chamber, and utilizes the pressurized fluid to generate electrical power or for other applications, such as desalination.
- According to a second aspect of the present invention, a wave power generator is provided and includes a support structure fixed to a floor of a body of water, the support structure including a pair of telescoping members that are movable relative to each other, effective to adjust a length of the support structure; a hydraulic assembly that is operatively coupled to the support structure and adapted to cause the telescoping members to move relative to each other, thereby adjusting the length of the support structure; a hydraulic piston assembly that is attached to the support structure and that contains an amount of pressurized fluid; a buoyant floatation device that is attached to the hydraulic piston assembly and that is adapted to move upward in response to a rising wave and downward under the force of gravity in response to a falling wave, the downward motion being effective to discharge pressurized fluid from the hydraulic piston assembly; a hydraulically driven power generator that receives the discharged pressurized fluid from the chamber, and utilizes the pressurized fluid to generate electrical power; and a control system that is communicatively coupled to the hydraulic assembly and that is adapted to monitor water conditions and to cause the hydraulic assembly to dynamically adjust the length of the support structure based on the monitored water conditions.
- According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method for converting energy from waves formed in a body of water is provided. The method includes steps of: providing a floatation device that is adapted to move upward in response to a rising wave and downward under the force of gravity in response to a falling wave; and utilizing the downward motion and gravitational force of the floatation device to drive fluid through a hydraulically driven power generator, thereby generating electrical power. The floatation device may be attached to a hydraulic piston assembly containing fluid, such that the downward motion of the floatation device actuates the piston assembly, thereby driving the fluid through the hydraulically driven power generator. The piston assembly may be supported at a certain height above a bottom of the body of water. The method may further include the steps of monitoring water conditions; and selectively adjusting the certain height based upon the monitored water conditions; and/or controlling the flow of fluid through the hydraulically driven power generator based upon the monitored water conditions.
- These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following specification and the attached drawings.
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FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a wave power generator, according to the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a top view of an embodiment of the wave power generator, showing the general shape of the foundation. -
FIG. 3 is a side view of one embodiment of a locking device for use with the wave power generator shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a side view of one embodiment of a pivot and damper assembly for connecting a piston to the platform of the generator shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a side view of one embodiment of a pivot and damper assembly for connecting a float to the piston assembly of the generator shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a float for use with the generator shown inFIG. 1 . - The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples of the invention so as to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Where certain elements of the present invention can be partially or fully implemented using known components, only those portions of such known components that are necessary for an understanding of the present invention will be described, and detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components will be omitted so as not to obscure the invention. Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the Figures, like numerals being used to refer to like and corresponding parts of various drawings.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , there is shown one embodiment of awave power generator 10 that is made in accordance with present invention and that is adapted for use in offshore and deep-sea locations.Wave power generator 10 is adapted for secure attachment to the bottom or “floor” 12 of a body of water, such as an ocean or sea. Thewave power generator 10 is effective to convert the energy present in the waves or swells 14 into electrical power. More specifically, the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 is used to generate hydraulic power, which in turn, runs an electrical power generator. However, in other embodiments, the generated hydraulic power can be used to run other systems or devices, such as a desalination system. It should be appreciated that a power generation system or facility may utilize severalwave power generators 10 to collectively generate power in a selected location. - As shown,
wave power generator 10 includes a dynamicallyadjustable support structure 16, apower generation system 15 having ahydraulic piston assembly 18, afloatation device 20, high and low pressurehydraulic reservoirs power generator 26, and acontrol system 28. -
Support structure 16 is secured to theocean floor 12 by use of afoundation 30.Foundation 30 preferably extends a substantial depth below theocean floor 12 sufficient to holdgenerator 10 in a fixed position.Foundation 30 may be formed from a conventional durable and dense material, such as reinforced concrete.FIG. 2 is a top view of thegenerator 10 and illustrates the shape of one embodiment of thefoundation 30. Particularly, in theFIG. 2 embodiment, thefoundation 30 is generally elliptical in shape and is positioned with itslongitudinal axis 110 substantially parallel to the direction of the wave swells 120. This type of shape and positioning will minimize bottom disturbance. However, in other embodiments, the foundation can be made designed to be wider in order to create wave height amplification in areas of lower wave energy. As shown inFIG. 2 , additionalwave power generators 10 may be grouped in the same general proximity and positioned in the same general direction. In alternate embodiments,structure 16 may be anchored to other structures that are fixedly anchored to the ocean floor, such as drill platforms, piers and other suitable, stable structures.Support structure 16 includes a pair of generally elongated, telescopingmembers Telescoping members structure 16 above the ocean floor 12) to be selectively adjusted to optimize the power generation process of thegenerator 10. In the preferred embodiment,member 34 is selectively moved relative tomember 32 by use of hydraulic force, as described below. However, in alternate embodiments, the length (L) of thesupport structure 16 may be adjusted in any other suitable manner. -
Member 32 includes a generally solidlower portion 36, which is fixedly attached tofoundation 30, and a generally hollowupper portion 38, which slidably receivesmember 34.Upper portion 38 ofmember 32 forms aninner chamber 40 that may be filled with pressurized hydraulic fluid, in order to selectively and dynamically raise andlower member 34 relative tomember 32. Particularly, a conventionalhydraulic assembly 42 may be fluidly coupled tochamber 40 by way of one ormore conduits 44.Hydraulic assembly 42 may include one or more reservoirs and electronically actuatable valves (not shown) that cooperate to selectively communicate pressurized hydraulic fluid to and fromchamber 40 in a known manner by way of conduit(s) 44.Hydraulic assembly 42 operates under control ofcontrol system 28, as discussed more fully and completely below. -
Member 34 may include one or moreconventional seals 46 that are disposed around the outer circumference of thelower end 48 ofmember 34.Seals 46 engage the inner surface ofmember 32 and prevent hydraulic fluid from escaping fromchamber 40. Aplatform 52 may be fixedly attached to theupper end 50 ofmember 34.Platform 52 may be used to secure various components of thegenerator 10, such as high and lowpressure fluid reservoirs power generator 26, andcontrol system 28. -
FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of asupport structure 16′ including a selectivelyactuatable locking mechanism 130. In this embodiment,member 34′ includes severalconcave grooves 132 formed on one side of its outer surface. Thelocking mechanism 130 includes a lockingbar 134 and a spring-loaded hydraulic actuator 136, which is fixedly attached tomember 36 and operates by receiving hydraulic pressure fromassembly 42. Preferably, the locking mechanism is in a normally closed state (i.e., it is in a fail safe locked position when no pressure is applied to actuator 136), and opens in response to receiving hydraulic pressure. When themechanism 130 is locked, thebar 134 engages one ofgrooves 132, thereby preventing the movement ofmember 34′ relative tomember 36. When themechanism 130 is unlocked,bar 134 is clear ofmember 34′, thereby allowing the member to move freely in response to hydraulic pressure. -
Hydraulic piston assembly 18 includes a generallycylindrical housing 54 having an interior fluid-containingchamber 56, and apiston 62, which is slidably contained withinchamber 56 and which operatively divideschamber 56 into an upper or “charging”chamber 58 and a lower or high pressure chamber 60. Apiston rod 64 is attached to and extends downward frompiston 62. -
Housing 54 is preferably made from a relatively strong durable material, such as a metal material.Housing 54 includes a closedtop end 74, which is fixedly attached to the bottom side ofplatform 52 in a conventional manner.Housing 54 further includes abottom end 76 having acentral aperture 78 through whichpiston rod 64 slidably moves. Aseal 80 is disposed within theaperture 78.Seal 80 sealingly engages the outer surface ofpiston rod 64, thereby preventing the escape of fluid fromchamber 56 throughaperture 78.Housing 54 further includesports 82, which allowchamber 56 to fluidly communicate withconduits -
Conduits chamber 56.Conduit 68 fluidly couples theupper chamber 58 to the lower chamber 60.Conduit 70 fluidly couples the lower chamber 60 to thehigh pressure reservoir 22.Conduit 72 fluidly couples thelow pressure reservoir 24 to theupper chamber 58. Each of the conduits may include conventional check and/or flow valves that are designed to control the flow of fluid throughout the system and to prevent backflow. -
Piston 62 is generally cylindrical in shape and has a diameter that is substantially identical to the diameter of theinterior chamber 56.Piston 62 further includes one or more o-rings 86 that sealingly engage the interior surface ofhousing portion 54 that defineschamber 56, thereby substantially preventing fluid from flowing “through” or aroundpiston 62. Therefore, whenpiston 62 moves withinchamber 56 in the directions ofarrows 88 and 90, all fluid which is transferred betweenchambers 58 and 60 must flow throughconduits Piston rod 64 includes abottom end 84, which is fixedly attached tofloatation device 20 in a conventional manner, such that the upward and downward movement offloatation device 20 is effective to actuate thepiston assembly 18. - In some embodiments, the piston assembly may be pivotally connected to the main platform and/or to the
floatation device 20.FIG. 4 depicts one embodiment where atop end 75 of apiston assembly 18′ is pivotally coupled to abottom portion 53 ofplatform 52, thereby allowing theassembly 18′ to move in the directions ofarrows 142. This embodiment further includes a spring-loadeddamper 140, which is coupled toplatform 52 and to the central area ofpiston housing 54.Damper 140 may be a conventional preloaded shock absorber device, which is adapted to prepositionpiston 18′ andfloatation device 20 in the direction of the oncoming waves, such thatpiston assembly 18′ forms anacute angle 144 withplatform 52 toward the oncoming waves. Thedamper 140 allowspiston assembly 18′ to pivot in a controlled manner as the wave passes through thegenerator 10. In this manner, thedamper 140 and pivotingpiston assembly 18′ operate to optimize energy transfer between the wave andgenerator 10 during the upstroke. -
FIG. 5 depicts one embodiment where afloatation device 20′ is pivotally connected to thebottom end 84 ofpiston rod 64, thereby allowing thefloat 20′ to pivot in the directions ofarrows 152. This embodiment further includes a spring-loadeddamper 150, which is coupled to float 20′ and to a bracket which is fixedly attached topiston shaft 64.Damper 150 may be a conventional preloaded shock absorber device, which is adapted to minimize the swing of the float to protect shock impacts on the device and assembly. Thedamper 150 may also preposition the bottom surface offloatation device 20′ so that large percentage of the bottom surface area of the device contacts the oncoming waves. Thedamper 150 will allowfloat 20′ to pivot in a controlled manner as the wave passes through thegenerator 10. In this manner, thedamper 150 and pivotingfloat 20′ operate to optimize energy transfer between the wave andgenerator 10 during the upstroke. -
Floatation device 20 may be generally semi-spherical in shape.Floatation device 20 is made from a buoyant but relatively heavy material. Preferably,floatation device 20 is made as heavy as possible while retaining buoyancy. The rounded orbottom surface 92 of thefloatation device 20 engages the surface of the water or waves 14.Floatation device 20 has a preferably large diameter “D”, which may be optimized based on the wave shape and height. It should be appreciated that both float size and shape can be optimized by scientific experimentation based on the types of wave fronts typically encountered. The relatively large, roundedsurface 92 allows a rising wave front to liftfloatation device 20 relatively easily. The relatively heavy weight offloatation device 20 provides a strong gravitational force that pullsfloatation device 20 downward and forces pressurized fluid out of chamber 60 during a falling wave. -
FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a variableweight floatation device 20″ for use withgenerator 10.Float 20″ is generally hollow with aninner chamber 150. Several substantiallyparallel baffles 154 which extend across thechamber 150 and minimize fluid shifting with thechamber 150. The lower ends of thebaffles 154 include apertures or vents 156 which allow water to be relatively evenly distributed withinchamber 150. The bottom of thefloat 20″ includes an electrically or hydraulically actuatedvalve 152, which allows water to be selectively added to and removed from thefloat 20″. Thefloat 20″ further includes a vent 158 on its top surface that allows for air to be released fromchamber 150 to balance the pressure within thefloat 20″ when water is removed or added. In the preferred embodiment,valve 152 is communicatively coupled to a hydraulic or electrical power source (e.g.,hydraulic assembly 42 or controller 98), which controls the actuation of thevalve 152. By opening thevalve 152 whenfloat 20″ is in contact with water, water will fill thechamber 150, thereby increasing the weight of thefloat 20″ (e.g., when a heavier float is desirable in certain wave conditions). Furthermore, when thefloat 20″ is raised out of the water, thevalve 152 may be opened to release water from thechamber 150, thereby reducing the weight of thefloat 20″ (e.g., when a lighter float is desirable, such as when making a height adjustment in support 16). - In one embodiment,
wave power generator 10 may include severalhydraulic piston assemblies 18 and floats 20, which are collectively coupled toreservoirs high pressure reservoir 22, thereby collectively drivinggenerator 26. -
High pressure reservoir 22 andlow pressure reservoir 24 are conventional hydraulic reservoirs, which are adapted to selectively receive, hold and discharge hydraulic fluid.High pressure reservoir 22 is fluidly coupled to lower chamber 60 by way ofconduit 70, and tohydraulic power generator 26 by way ofconduit 94.Low pressure reservoir 24 is fluidly coupled toupper chamber 58 by way ofconduit 72, and tohydraulic power generator 26 by way ofconduit 96.Reservoirs discharge valve 95, which selectively controls the rate of flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid fromhigh pressure reservoir 22 togenerator 26. Such valves may be communicatively coupled tocontroller 98, and controlled in a conventional manner by use ofcontrol system 28. -
Power generator 26 is a conventional hydraulically driven electric machine.Power generator 26 includes one or more conventional turbines (not shown), which are adapted to rotate in response to receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid fromreservoir 22. The rotating turbine(s) is used to generate electricity in a known and conventional manner. For example, the turbine(s) may be coupled to and/or form a portion of a magnetic rotor assembly having a plurality of poles (e.g., north and south permanent and/or soft magnetic members). The rotor may rotate within or near a conventional stator assembly to produce electrical power. The electrical output ofgenerator 26 may be selectively controlled in a known manner (e.g., by use of one or more field coils, which may be communicatively coupled to control system 28), in order to provide a relatively consistent output voltage or power over a range of operating speeds and temperatures. In alternate embodiments, thepower generator 26 may be replaced with other devices that can be driven by pressurized fluid and/or rotary motion, such as a pump, desalination system and/or other mechanical, electrical or electromechanical devices. - In the preferred embodiment,
control system 28 includes acontroller 98 and a plurality ofsensors 100.Controller 98 is communicatively coupled tosensors 100 and tohydraulic assembly 42.Control system 28 may further include an antenna/receiver assembly 102 for receiving electromagnetic transmissions, which may provide information for controlling the operation ofwave power generator 10. In the preferred embodiment,controller 98 may comprise a conventional microprocessor-based controller operating under stored program control. As discussed in greater detail below,controller 98 receives signals generated bysensors 100 and antenna/receiver 102 and utilizes the received signals to determine the optimal fluid flow characteristics for thepower generation system 15 and an optimal length (L) for thesupport structure 16 in order to provide for optimal power generation. Based upon these determinations,controller 98 may generate command signals to selectively activate the flow valves within power generation system 15 (e.g., valve 95) and thehydraulic assembly 42 to causesupport structure 16 to adjust to the optimal length (L).Controller 98 may also be adapted to detect when wave conditions are such that continued operation may damage thepower generation system 15.Controller 98 may causesupport structure 16 to rise so thatpiston assembly 18 andfloatation device 20 are not impacted by the waves. -
Sensors 100 comprise conventional and commercially available sensors, which are adapted to sense wave and water level conditions. For example,sensors 100 may comprise one or more pressure sensors that are attached to supportstructure 16 at some point below the water surface. The pressure sensors may be adapted to sense changes in pressure based on the water level (e.g., when the water level is high, the sensors will sense an increased pressure).Sensors 100 may alternatively comprise an array of moisture sensors. The moisture sensors may be adapted to detect when locations alongsupport structure 16 become submerged. In either case, the data provided bysensors 100 allowscontroller 98 to determine water conditions such as tidal levels or conditions (e.g., average depth of water), wave/swell height (e.g., the distance from wave peak to trough), and wave frequency. - Antenna/
receiver unit 102 comprises a conventional antenna 104 for receiving electromagnetic signals and areceiver 106 for amplifying and/or processing the signals, and communicating the signals tocontroller 98. The signals may include conventional weather broadcasts and marine advisories which may provide data describing weather, water, wave and tidal conditions. The data may be processed in a conventional manner bycontroller 98 and used to determine an optimal length (L) forstructure 16 and/or optimal fluid flow characteristics for thehydraulic assembly 15, based on expected water conditions. - In operation, the
wave power generator 10 is preferably disposed in an offshore location where ocean waves/swells carry substantially more energy. For instance, thewave power generator 10 may be operatively disposed beyond the just beyond breaker zone and/or in the deep sea at a relatively high latitude location. However, it should be appreciated that thewave power generator 10 can also function and produce desirable levels of electricity in other locations. As theflotation device 20 rides an upward wave swell, fluid is exchanged with low resistance between theupper charging chamber 58 and the lower charging chamber 60 throughconduit 68. As thewave 14 begins to fall, the force of gravity acts on the relativelyheavy floatation device 20, pulling thepiston 62 downward. The downward motion and gravitational force causes the piston 66 to pressurize the fluid within chamber 60 and to displace the pressurized fluid intohigh pressure reservoir 22 by way ofconduit 70. In one embodiment, the displacement pressure created by the downward movingpiston 62 may be approximately 1,000-1,500 psi. This pressure may be adjusted based on the size, weight and shapes of the components of thepiston assembly 18 andfloatation device 20. During the down stroke, substantially all of the fluid is displaced into thehigh pressure reservoir 22. Pressurized fluid is then discharged fromreservoir 22 into the hydraulically drivenpower generator 26, where it is channeled through one or more turbines. The resulting rotation of the turbine(s) is used to create electrical power, in the manner described above.Controller 98 may selectively control thedischarge vale 95 to ensure that fluid is discharged from thereservoir 22 to thepower generator 26 at a rate and pressure that allows the turbine to rotate continuously between swells. After the fluid passes throughgenerator 26, it is communicated to thelow pressure reservoir 24 by way ofconduit 96.Low pressure reservoir 24 holds the charging fluid during the down stroke and allows for pressure bleed off. -
Controller 98 may monitorsensors 100 and/or data from antenna/receiver unit 102 to determine the optimal amount of fluid pressure and/or discharge rate to be provided to thegenerator 26.Controller 98 may communicate control signals tovalve 95, effective to control the rate at which fluid is discharged fromreservoir 22 togenerator 26. For example, in relatively strong wave conditions (e.g., whensensors 100 detect a relatively large wave peak to trough distance),controller 98 andvalve 95 may cooperatively cause a higher rate of fluid discharge to thepower generator 26, since the compression stroke of thepiston assembly 18 will be larger and provide a greater amount of displaced pressurized fluid. At relatively low wave conditions (e.g., whensensors 100 detect a relatively small wave peak to trough distance),controller 98 andvalve 95 cooperatively may cause a lower rate of fuel discharge to thepower generator 26 in order to keep the turbine(s) within thepower generator 26 continuously rotating, since a lesser amount of fluid may be displaced in the system. Additionally, thecontroller 98 may control other valves within thehydraulic assembly 15 in order to selectively increase and decrease the ability of fluid to flow throughout theassembly 15 based on water conditions to achieve certain electrical output characteristics. -
Controller 98 will also monitorsensors 100 and/orunit 102 for tidal levels, swell heights and wave frequency to determine an optimal length (L) for thesupport structure 16. Particularly,controller 98monitors sensors 100 and/or data fromunit 102 over predetermined periods of time to determine the average water levels during wave peaks and troughs. Based on these average “high” and “low” water levels,controller 98 will communicate signals tohydraulic assembly 42, effective to adjust the length (L) ofsupport structure 16 so that thepiston assembly 18 will have a full range of stroke. For example, during a wave peak, thepiston 62 should preferably reach near the top of thecylinder 54, and during a wave trough, thepiston 62 should preferably reach near the bottom of thecylinder 54, such that substantially all fluid in the cylinder is displaced. These “preferred” positions, and consequently length (L), may change based on wave height and frequency. Additionally, different positions may be chosen based on water conditions in to achieve different operational characteristics. -
Controller 98 may also detect when water conditions are such that continued operation may damage the power generation system 15 (e.g., during heavy waves, storms or violent weather occurrences) by monitoringsensors 100 and/or weather data fromunit 102. In these situations,controller 98 signalshydraulic assembly 42 to causesupport structure 16 to rise so thatpiston assembly 18 andfloatation device 20 are at a safe height (e.g., not impacted by waves). - It should therefore be appreciated that the
wave power generator 10 provides an improved wave power generator that utilizes gravitational force (e.g., the substantial gravitational force produced by the falling floatation device 20) as a primary component in a power generation process. Furthermore, thecontrol system 28 allows the operation ofwave power generator 10 to be selectively and dynamically adjusted to optimize the power generation process based on the current status of wave and/or swell activity. - It is understood that the invention is not limited by the exact construction or method illustrated and described above but that various changes and/or modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and/or the scope of Applicants' inventions.
Claims (34)
1. A wave energy converter comprising:
a support structure fixed to a floor of a body of water;
a piston assembly including a housing that forms a chamber containing an amount of pressurized fluid and having a first end attached to the support structure and a second end, a piston that is slidably disposed within the chamber, and a piston rod that is attached to the piston and that extends from the second end of the housing;
a floatation device that is attached to the piston rod and that is adapted to cause the piston to move upward in the chamber in response to a rising wave, and to move downward by the force of gravity in response to a falling wave, the downward motion and gravitational force being effective to discharge the pressurized fluid from the chamber; and
at least one reservoir that is fluidly coupled to the piston assembly and that receives and stores the pressurized fluid.
2. The wave energy converter of claim 1 further comprising:
a hydraulically driven power generator that is fluidly coupled to the at least one reservoir and that receives and utilizes the pressurized fluid to generate electrical power.
3. The wave energy converter of claim 2 wherein the at least one reservoir comprises:
a high pressure reservoir that is adapted to receive fluid from the piston assembly, and to communicate the fluid to the hydraulically driven power generator at a certain flow rate.
4. The wave energy converter of claim 3 wherein the high pressure reservoir includes an adjustable valve that-is adapted to control the certain flow rate.
5. The wave energy converter of claim 3 further comprising:
a low pressure reservoir that is fluidly coupled to the hydraulically driven power generator and to the piston assembly, the low pressure reservoir being adapted to receive fluid from the hydraulically driven power generator.
6. The wave energy converter of claim 5 wherein the piston divides the chamber into a charging chamber and a high pressure chamber, and wherein the piston assembly further comprises a conduit which fluidly couples the charging chamber to the high pressure chamber, thereby allowing fluid to be communicated from the charging chamber to the high pressure chamber as the piston moves upward in the chamber.
7. The wave energy converter of claim 5 wherein the support structure selectively adjustable in length.
8. The wave energy converter of claim 7 further comprising:
a control system that is adapted to monitor water conditions and to control operation of the wave energy converter based upon the monitored water conditions.
9. The wave energy converter of claim 8 wherein the control system is adapted to selectively adjust a length of the support structure based upon the monitored water conditions.
10. The wave energy converter of claim 9 wherein the control system is adapted to control the flow of pressurized fluid through the hydraulically driven power generator based upon water conditions.
11. The wave energy converter of claim 8 wherein the control system is adapted to monitor water conditions by use of at least one sensor that is attached to the support structure.
12. The wave energy converter of claim 11 wherein the at least one sensor comprises a pressure sensor.
13. The wave energy converter of claim 11 wherein the at least one sensor comprises a moisture sensor.
14. The wave energy converter of claim 8 wherein the control system is adapted to monitor wave conditions by use of an antenna/receiver unit that is adapted to receive whether data and provide the received weather data to the control system.
15. The wave energy converter of claim 9 wherein the control system comprises a hydraulic assembly adapted to selectively adjust the length of the support structure.
16. The wave energy converter of claim 15 wherein the support structure comprises first and second telescoping members that are selectively moved relative to one another by use of the hydraulic assembly.
17. The wave energy converter of claim 1 wherein the first end of the piston assembly is pivotally attached to the support structure.
18. The wave energy converter of claim 17 further comprising a damper that is coupled to the piston assembly and to the support structure and that is effective to damp pivoting movement of the piston assembly relative to the support structure.
19. The wave energy converter of claim 1 wherein the floatation device is pivotally attached to the piston rod.
20. The wave energy converter of claim 19 further comprising a damper that is coupled to the piston rod and to the floatation device and that is effective to damp pivoting movement of the floatation device relative to the piston rod.
21. The wave energy converter of claim 1 wherein the support structure includes a generally elliptical foundation having a longitudinal axis positioned substantially parallel to the direction of wave fronts.
22. A wave power generator comprising:
a support structure fixed to a floor of a body of water, the support structure including a pair of telescoping members that are movable relative to each other, effective to adjust a length of the support structure;
a hydraulic assembly that is operatively coupled to the support structure and adapted to cause the telescoping members to move relative to one another, thereby adjusting the length of the support structure;
a hydraulic piston assembly that is attached to the support structure and that contains an amount of pressurized fluid;
a floatation device that is attached to the hydraulic piston assembly and that is adapted to move upward in response to a rising wave and downward under the force of gravity in response to a falling wave, the downward motion being effective to discharge pressurized fluid from the hydraulic piston assembly;
a hydraulically driven power generator that receives the discharged pressurized fluid from the chamber, and utilizes the pressurized fluid to generate electrical power; and
a control system that is communicatively coupled to the hydraulic assembly and that is adapted to monitor water conditions and to cause the hydraulic assembly to dynamically adjust the length of the support structure based on the monitored water conditions.
23. The wave power generator of claim 22 further comprising:
a high pressure reservoir that is fluidly coupled to the piston assembly and to the hydraulically driven power generator, the high pressure reservoir being adapted to receive fluid from the piston assembly, and to communicate the fluid to the hydraulically driven power generator at a certain flow rate.
24. The wave power generator of claim 23 wherein the high pressure reservoir includes an adjustable valve that is communicatively coupled to the control system, wherein the control system is further adapted to communicate signals to the valve, effective to control the flow of pressurized fluid through the hydraulically driven power generator based upon the monitored water conditions.
25. The wave power generator of claim 23 further comprising:
a low pressure reservoir that is fluidly coupled to the hydraulically driven power generator and to the piston assembly, the low pressure reservoir being adapted to receive fluid from the hydraulically driven power generator
26. The wave power generator of claim 25 wherein the piston divides the chamber into a charging chamber and a high pressure chamber, and wherein the piston assembly further comprises a conduit which fluidly couples the charging chamber to the high pressure chamber, thereby allowing fluid to be communicated from the charging chamber to the high pressure chamber as the piston moves upward in the chamber.
27. The wave power generator of claim 22 wherein the control system is adapted to monitor water conditions by use of at least one sensor that is attached to the support structure.
28. The wave power generator of claim 27 wherein the at least one sensor comprises a pressure sensor.
29. The wave power generator of claim 27 wherein the at least one sensor comprises a moisture sensor.
30. The wave power generator of claim 27 wherein the control system is adapted to monitor wave conditions by use of an antenna/receiver unit that is adapted to receive whether data and provide the received weather data to the control system.
31. A method for generating electrical power from waves in a body of water, comprising:
providing a floatation device that is adapted to move upward in response to a rising wave and downward under the force of gravity in response to a falling wave; and
utilizing the downward motion and gravitational force of the floatation device to drive fluid through a hydraulically driven power generator, thereby generating electrical power.
32. The method of claim 31 further comprising:
providing a hydraulic piston assembly containing fluid;
supporting the hydraulic piston assembly at a certain height above a bottom of the body of water; and
attaching the floatation device to the piston assembly, such that the downward motion of the floatation device actuates the piston assembly, thereby driving the fluid through the hydraulically driven power generator.
33. The method of claim 32 further comprising:
monitoring water conditions; and
selectively adjusting the certain height based upon the monitored water conditions.
34. The method of claim 32 further comprising:
monitoring water conditions; and
controlling the flow of fluid through the hydraulically driven power generator based upon the monitored water conditions.
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