AU2017101256A4 - An apparatus, system and method for harvesting energy from flowing water - Google Patents

Abstract

An energy harvesting apparatus (100) for harvesting wave or tidal energy, the apparatus (100) includes a first body (101) adapted for being a float in a body of water and a second body (102) coupled to the first body (101) adapted for harnessing the wave or tidal energy by relative movement of the first and second body (101, 102), wherein the apparatus (100) is adapted to extract the energy from movement of the water to produce electrical power.

Description

AN APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HARVESTING ENERGY FROM

FLOWING WATER

Field of the Invention [001] The present invention relates in general to power production, and in particular it relates to an apparatus, system and method for harvesting energy from flowing water. And more particularly, it relates to an apparatus, system and method of converting wave or tidal motion into electrical energy.

[002] The invention has been developed primarily in the use for harnessing or harvesting energy from the flowing water and converting it electrical energy, and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background of the Invention [003] There is only finite supply of coals or fossil fuels available throughout the world, and burning of these as energy source release undesirable gases into the atmosphere. One approach in sustaining current global energy consumption rate and accounting for future increases in energy consumption is to research and develop novel methods for generation of energy from renewable energy or sources that is commercially viable.

[004] Many forms of renewable energy or sources have been investigated, and wave, tidal or ocean energy resources have been recognized as one of the potential source of energy to provide clean renewable energy source. It has been understood that ocean tidal or waves contain immense amount of energy in light of the vast areas available for harvesting and a great variety of approaches in harvesting or generate energy from the ocean is possible.

[005] As described above, one of the common obstacles at harvesting the energy from the ocean is that many of the proposed methods are not commercially viable due to tremendous economic costs associated with implementation, installation, operation and maintaining the energy harvesting methods.

[006] Further, existing methods of harvesting the energy from the ocean is inefficient and are inadequate to capture the potential energy that could be harvested or harnessed from the ocean due to profiles of the ocean or geographical limitations.

[007] Furthermore, there are great difficulties and limitations with monitoring or adjusting the efficiencies of the existing energy harvesting methods to reflect changing conditions or profiles of the ocean.

[008] The present invention seeks to provide an energy harvesting apparatus, system and method for harvesting wave or tidal or ocean energy, that will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least one or more of the deficiencies of a prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[009] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention [0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an energy harvesting apparatus for harvesting wave or tidal energy, the apparatus includes a first body adapted for being a float in a body of water and a second body coupled to the first body adapted for harnessing the wave or tidal energy by relative movements of the first and second body, wherein the apparatus is adapted to extract the energy from movement of the water to produce electrical power.

[0011] Preferably, at least one of the first or second body is at least partially immersed in the body of water and is adapted to rise and fall with wave motions.

[0012] Preferably, the first or second body comprises an energy conversion means.

[0013] Preferably, the energy conversion means is selected from one or more of the following: an electricity generating apparatus or a mechanical apparatus.

[0014] Preferably, the electricity generating apparatus or mechanical apparatus is a power generator driven by the wave or tidal motions or environment.

[0015] Preferably, the power generator is an electromechanical generator, in which the electromechanical generator is configured to allow oscillating motion in at least one of the first or second body.

[0016] Preferably, the electricity generating apparatus is driven by the movement of water or wave or tidal motions via a turbine.

[0017] Preferably, the apparatus further includes a gearbox for adjusting the rotational speed of the turbine.

[0018] Preferably, the apparatus further includes a controller for controlling the gearbox.

[0019] Preferably, the controller is operable via a communication means.

[0020] Preferably, the communication means is adapted to analyse and monitor data exchanged from the apparatus.

[0021] Preferably, the controller is set to activate in reference to a programmed schedule dependent on factors including selected time, time interval, turbine rotational speed, electricity generation, profile of the environment or other variants.

[0022] Preferably, the apparatus further includes a brake for stopping the turbine.

[0023] Preferably, the apparatus further includes a light or warning device for identification of malfunction of the apparatus or alert of the apparatus to seafarers.

[0024] Preferably, the apparatus further includes a rudder at an end of the apparatus to orient the apparatus in reference to direction of flow of the water.

[0025] Preferably, the apparatus further includes a housing adapted for concentrating or directing a pathway for flow of the water.

[0026] Preferably, a portion of the body of the housing is tapered.

[0027] Preferably, a portion of the body of the housing is convexly or concavely shaped.

[0028] Preferably, the housing further comprises a portion of smooth surfaces adapted for minimizing interruption of the flow of the water.

[0029] Preferably, an edge of the housing is round for minimizing interruption of the flow of the water.

[0030] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an energy harvesting apparatus for harvesting wave or tidal energy, the apparatus includes a first body adapted for being a float in a body of water, a second body coupled to the first body adapted for harnessing the wave or tidal energy by relative movements of the first and second body, at least two generators adapted to generate electrical power, wherein at least one of the generator comprise an electrical coil and a magnet having magnetic fields in at least one of the first or second body, at least one of the generators is a turbine attached to one the of bodies and operable below the water, a communication means functionally connected to the first or second body adapted to analyse and monitor data exchanged from the apparatus and a light or warning device functionally connected to the first or second body for identification of malfunction of the apparatus or alert of the apparatus to seafarers, wherein the apparatus is adapted to extract the energy from movement of the water to produce electrical power.

[0031] In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an energy harvesting system for harvesting wave or tidal energy, comprising a plurality of energy harvesting apparatus that is configured for harvesting the wave or tidal energy in a body of water and a fastening means releasably tethering the system to a seabed or mooring point, wherein the system is adapted to extract the energy from movement of the water to produce electrical power.

[0032] Preferably, at least one of the energy harvesting apparatus is functionally and releasably coupled with another energy harvesting apparatus via a connecting means in the body of water, enabling the plurality of the apparatus to be configured horizontally, vertically or diagonally lined against the flowing water for harnessing the wave or tidal energy.

[0033] Preferably, at least one of the energy harvesting apparatus is rotatably mounted on the connecting means in the body of water adapted for orient a face of the energy harvesting apparatus towards the flowing water.

[0034] Preferably, the system is modular and enables addition or removing of one or more of the apparatus without interrupting of operation of the system.

[0035] Preferably, the system further includes a communication means for exchange of data or information or control of the system.

[0036] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for harvesting wave or energy tidal energy, the method comprising the steps of providing an apparatus for harvesting wave or tidal energy, deploying the apparatus in a body of water, using a communication means connected to the apparatus for communicating to a remote server in exchanging of information and adjusting the apparatus according to at least one programmed schedules, wherein at least one of the programmed schedule is dependent on factors including selected time, time interval, turbine rotational speed, electricity generation, profile of the environment or other variants.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0037] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, a number of preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a transparent side view of an apparatus according to one of the embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a transparent front view of the apparatus according to one of the embodiments of the present invention, unveiling an electrical energy generator with plurality of blades of a turbine;

Figure 3 shows a transparent side view of the apparatus according to one of the embodiments of the present invention, showing a spherical-shaped float;

Figure 4 shows a transparent side view of the apparatus according to one of the embodiments of the present invention, showing an ellipse-shaped float;

Figure 5 shows a transparent side view of the apparatus according to one of the embodiments of the present invention, showing an ellipse-shaped float with a light or warning device;

Figure 6 shows a transparent side view of the apparatus according to one of the embodiments of the present invention, showing a spherical-shaped float with a rudder attached to the turbine generator;

Figure 7 shows a transparent side view of the apparatus according to one of the embodiments of the present invention, showing a spherical-shaped float with 3 turbine generators functionally connected to the float;

Figure 8 shows an aerial view of arrangements of the apparatus according to the one of the preferred embodiments of the system;

Figure 9 shows a side view of arrangements of the apparatus according to the one of the preferred embodiments of the system; and

Figure 10 shows a side view of multi-planar arrangement of the apparatus on a horizontal plane and vertically downwards towards a seabed or mooring point according to the one of the preferred embodiments of the system.

Description of Preferred Embodiments [0038] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[0039] According to one of the preferred embodiments of the invention and referring to Figure 1, which shows an energy harvesting apparatus 100 for harvesting wave or tidal energy, the apparatus 100 includes a first body 101 adapted for being a float in a body of water and a second body 102 coupled to the first body 101 adapted for harnessing the wave or tidal energy by relative movement of the first and second body 101, 102, wherein the apparatus 100 is adapted to extract the energy from movement of the water to produce electrical power. The second body 102 can be a turbine 102 that is rotated by the flow of seawater, wherein the float 101 that supports the turbine 102 also houses a power generation unit 103 that generates power using the rotation of the turbine 102.

[0040] Conventional wave or ocean energy harvesting apparatus are exposed effects of turbulence, passing waves, velocity share (e.g. variation in velocity with depth) and vortex shedding, which will impose fluctuating fatigue on the apparatus, and adequate structural integrity of the apparatus is required. Further, many of the existing wave or ocean energy harvesting apparatus are required to be supported by a support (e.g. a column or pylon) and fixed to a position by a rigorous platform at the bottom of the seabed or on top of the ocean or water with adequate reserves of strength to resist the static and also the dynamic forces imposed on.

[0041] As such, these wave or energy harvesting apparatus are not practical and cost-effective because its limited to where it can be placed or installed at a particular purpose-built location or platform (e.g. geographical or landscape limitations and restraints). Moreover, costs associated in building, fixing and installing these apparatus and problems associated with future necessities of the apparatus such as maintenance, repair and replacements where ease of access to the apparatus is imperative are overlooked or considered by the conventional wave or ocean energy harvesting apparatus.

[0042] Accordingly, in order to solve the above-described problem and in reference to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, a related aspect of the present disclosure with reference to figure 2, the apparatus 200 is configured such that at least one of the first or second body 201, 202 is at least partially immersed in the body of water and is adapted to rise and fall with wave motion wherein at least one the first or second body 201, 202 comprises an energy conversion means 203. The apparatus 200 generates electricity power from the rise and fall of water, whereby tides or flow of water drives the energy conversion means 203. The apparatus 200 captures energy from the fastest-flowing water, which may be just 10 meters below surface of the ocean or the body of the water, or 600 to 1,000 meters below the surface of the ocean.

[0043] In contrast, convention or existing wave or ocean energy harvesting apparatus which are directed to harvest energy from the waters at the bottom of the ocean where the water bumps against the seabed, such that things slow down and the flow is less smooth and thus less energy could be harvested and therefore less efficient. Therefore, with references to Figures 1 to 7, the apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 is configured to permit harvesting the energy at a desired depth below surface of the ocean, ranging from 0.1 meters to 3000 meters, and/or deeper below, depending on the profiles of the environment, landscape, flow of seawater generated by the ocean current or surroundings. By configuring and/or modifications of the apparatus that is suited in reference to the profiles of the ocean or flow of seawater generated by the ocean current, the apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 could harvest significantly more energy compared to the conventional or existing apparatus that are stuck to the seabed and therefore more efficient.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, the energy conversion means 301, 302 can be selected from either an electricity generating apparatus, a mechanical apparatus, or a combination of the both if desired to enable and/or facilitate energy conversion or harvesting from the ocean by the present invention. According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the electricity generating apparatus or mechanical apparatus is a power generator driven by the wave or tidal motions or environment, and more preferably wherein the power generator include an electromechanical generator, in which the electromechanical generator is configured to allow oscillating motion in at least one of the first or second body in the body of water and with reference to Figures 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7.

[0045] In this manner, tides or waves of the ocean will result changes in heights or the water level of the ocean, thereby causing the apparatus 300 to move up and down with respect to a point where the apparatus 300 is deployed or installed. Such motion will thereby be transported to the electromechanical generator of the apparatus 300 (e.g. a fixed magnet and a moveable coil 302, or vice-versa) driving its magnetic fields to move up and down inducing an electrical current flow in a coil for generating or harvesting the electrical power. The motion of the magnet is oscillatory and therefore the inducted current in the coil alternates with a frequency related to the frequency of the tides or waves.

[0046] With reference to Figure 4 of the specification and as one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus 400 with an eclipsed shaped float 402 is disclosed. The eclipsed shaped float 402 is designed to capture longer or higher wave profiles of the ocean. Waves with greater differences in height fluctuation and where the float and power generation unit of the apparatus have greater masses can have greater changes in potential energy, and thus generally, harvest more energy by the apparatus 400. The apparatus 400 is adapted to be freely positioned at a location of where the fastest and most uniform and turbulence-free flows, and shapings of the float 402 is to be configured and determined subject to the wave or tidal profiles of the ocean making the apparatus 400 more efficient in harvesting energy from the ocean under certain conditions.

[0047] More advantageously, the apparatus 400 can further include an electricity generating apparatus 401 which is driven by the movement of water or tidal motions via a turbine 40IB. There can be at least one turbine functionally connected to the electricity generating apparatus 401A on the same face of the apparatus 400, or different. As such, the present invention may comprise of two or more power generators 401 A, 402A for generating the electrical power, wherein at least one set of the power generator harvests or captures energy via oscillating motion of the waves 402A, and at least one set of the power generator harvests or captures energy via the tidal currents 401A, 401B with further reference to Figures 3 & 4. As the tide changes, the flow of seawater push through the turbine 40IB and rotates the turbine 40IB to generate electricity. One of the benefits of this embodiment is that the power generators 401 A, 40IB further enhance capability and efficiency of the apparatus 400 at harvesting the potential energies in the ocean or body of water.

[0048] Even more advantageously and with reference to Figure 5, the turbines 501 may be configured with a housing 503. The housing 503 may be configured with different shapings, wherein a portion of the body of the housing 503 is tapered (e.g. with tapered channeled body from one end to another) for concentrating tide currents or water flows in driving the turbines 501 harder to increase thrust and rotation speed and therefore strength of the apparatus 500 at harvesting the energies from the ocean or the flow of water. Alternatively, a portion of the body of the housing 501 may be configured convexly or concavely to achieve similar desired effects of tapered housing.

[0049] Another advantage or benefits of this embodiment is that not only does it result in more uniform and less turbulence in the flow of water through the turbines 501, but also there is significant acceleration of the flow which allows more power to be gained for turbines 501 with smaller dimensions or configurations.

[0050] Tidal currents shift direction periodically (e.g. roughly every six hours), therefore an ideal configuration of the energy harvesting apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 is to take advantage of these two-way flows. As such, one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has at least two turbines adapted to harvest the energy in the changing tide, eliminating the need for costly and complex mechanical yawing systems used by conventional turbine energy harvesting apparatus with further references to Figure 5.

[0051] Alternatively, the apparatus 600 further includes a rudder 603 at an end of the apparatus 600 to orient the apparatus 600 in reference to a direction of the seawater or flow of the water wherein the energy harvesting apparatus 600 is rotatably mounted on a connecting means 604 in the body of water adapted for orientate a face of the energy harvesting apparatus 600 towards the flowing water. In this manner, the apparatus 600 enhance capability of capturing the potential energy that could be harvested or harnessed from the ocean over the conventional energy harvesting apparatus with reference to Figure 6.

[0052] In a preferred feature of the invention, regardless the shaping of the first or second body or the float of the apparatus, so as to harvest the energy from the flow of water passing through beneath the surface of water the turbine is mounted on a bottom surface of the float such that the turbine is located below the surface of the water, where the current velocity is greatest, and is retained in that location by the float and mooring point that rise and fall with the body of water with references to Figures 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7.

[0053] More particularly and with further references to Figures 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7, the embodiments provide several advantages at harvesting energy from the ocean. With harvesting ocean or seawater energy, the tides energy is more reliable in comparison to waves energy. The tides are based on gravitational pull of the moon and thus are more predictable in comparison to waves which may be subject to many other factors such as wind, geographical profile, landscape, or location limitations.

[0054] The turbines 605 are capable of unidirectional or bidirectional rotation under flow of seawater or flow of fluids. The blades are mounted to extend radially from the rotatable shaft 606 and rotate in a plane perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow. In a preferred feature of invention, the blades are configured 25 to 85 degrees, or more preferably 35- 55 degrees to the direction of the fluid flow.

[0055] Alternatively, a helical turbine assembly may be installed to provide high speed rotation under a slow or low fluid flow. One of the benefits of the helical turbine configuration ensures that a portion of the blades are always positioned optimally with respect to the fluid flow, thereby creating maximum thrust to spin the turbine.

[0056] In reference to the above, preferred features of the present invention and/or the apparatus may further include a gearbox for adjusting the rotational speed of the turbine 501, 605 and a controller 505, 607 for controlling the gearbox and the precise amount of gearing needed depends on various factors including the speed of the flowing water.

[0057] The controller 505, 607 is operable via a communication means 504, 607 and is adapted to analyse and monitor data exchanged from the apparatus 500, 600 and is set to activate in reference to a programed schedule dependent on factors including selected time, time interval, turbine rotational speed, electricity generation, profile of the environment or other variants with references to Figures 5 & 6. The apparatus 500, 600 may further include a brake for stopping the turbine 501, 605 should the apparatus 500, 600 experiences fierce or unusual operation conditions.

[0058] There is at least one lighting or warning device 506, 608, 708 attached to the apparatus 500, 600, 700 for identification of malfunction of the apparatus 500, 600, 700 or alert of the apparatus 500, 600, 700 to seafarers, and at least one siren or speaker functionally connected to the communication means 504, 607, 707 to facilitate maintenance or repairing process for the apparatus 500, 600, 700 by saving time to locate the malfunction apparatus 500, 600, 700, and to enable real-time monitoring of the apparatus 500, 600, 700. Alternatively, the apparatus 500, 600, 700 can be programmed with data and/or analysis in reference to benchmarking of the geographical location, ocean profiles or optimal operational mode to provide feedback to the user allowing better monitoring and replace and/or exchange of the apparatus 500, 600, 700 with references to Figures 5, 6, & 7.

[0059] Accordingly, in a related aspect of the present invention, there is provided an energy harvesting apparatus 500 for harvesting wave or tidal energy, the apparatus 500 includes a first body 502 adapted for being a float in a body of water, a second body 507 coupled to the first body 502 adapted for harnessing the wave or tidal energy, at least two generators 503A, 508 adapted to generate electrical power, wherein at least one of the generator comprise an electrical coil and a magnet having magnetic fields in at least one of the first or second body 502, 507, at least one of the generators 503A, 508 is a turbine 501 attached to one the of bodies and operable below the water, a communication means 504 functionally connected to the first or second body 502, 507 adapted to analyse and monitor data exchanged from the apparatus and a light or warning device 506 functionally connected to the first or second body 502, 507 for identification of malfunction of the apparatus 500 or alert of the apparatus 500 to seafarers, wherein the apparatus 500 is adapted to extract the energy from movement of the water or flow of seawater to produce electrical power with reference to Figure 5.

[0060] In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an energy harvesting system 800 for harvesting wave or tidal energy, comprising a plurality of energy harvesting apparatus 400, 500, 600, 700 that is configured for harvesting the wave or tidal energy in a body of water and a connecting means or fastening means 801, 802 connecting the apparatus 400, 500, 600, 700 and releasably tethering the system 800 to a seabed or mooring point, wherein the system 800 is adapted to extract the energy from movement of the water or flow of seawater to produce electrical power with references to Figures 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8.

[0061] The floating nature of system replaced requirement of conventional apparatus which need to be held in position by a fixed structure which required adequate reserves of strength to resist the static and dynamic forces imposed on the fixed structures. The convenience of the system 800 enables connecting the apparatus 400, 500, 600, 700 by sharing at least one or more mooring points.

[0062] Now referring to Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9 The energy harvesting apparatus 400, 500, 600, 700 of the system 800, 900 is functionally and releasably coupled with another energy harvesting apparatus 400, 500, 600, 700 via a connecting means 801 in the body of water, enabling the plurality of the apparatus 400, 500, 600, 700 to be configured horizontally, vertically or diagonally lined against the flowing water for harnessing the wave or tidal energy. The system 800, 900 may be anchored to the bottom of the body of water or a mooring point by using any suitable flexible attachment such as a cable, chain or a length of rope. Once the energy or electrical power is generated or harvested, it is delivered via a cable or other suitable transmitting means to a shore where it is stored and used to power a device, or delivered to a power distribution grid.

[0063] With further references to Figures 8 & 9, these Figures shows an aerial and side and view of the system 800 respectively showing the major features of a preferred embodiment of a float and turbine of the apparatus 803 arranged in a row normal to the direction of flow of the tires or current in the body of water. The Figures illustrate the use of multiple energy harvesting apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 wherein different numbers and configurations of the apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 may be used.

[0064] Now refereeing to Figure 10, the system 900 can be arranged in one, two or multiple planar surfaces on a horizontal plane across the flow of the current in a "biplane" or "triplane" arrangement. The system 900 is connected by a connecting means 901 and one of the advantages of multiple planar arrangement of the system 900 is to enhance energy harvesting in the body of water.

[0065] The system 800, 900 is adapted for a variety of site conditions, depth and flow speed of the water. A preferred feature of the invention, the system 800, 900 is modular and enables addition or removing of one or more of the apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 without interrupting of operation of the system 800, 900 in continuing at harvesting the energy or generating powers.

[0066] The modular concept of the system 800, 900 also allows thorough tests prior to system 800, 900 assembly, increasing the reliability of the operations of the apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 or system 800, 900. Alternatively, a similar or different apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 unit could be used to replaced or substitute the malfunctioned apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700. The system 800, 900 is scalable in that both the size and number of the generators may be varied to provide the desired amount of electricity required or output.

[0067] This in contrast to the conventional wave or ocean energy harvesting apparatus where deploying large, heavy turbines on the seabed which requires extensive resources or costs with maintenance or repair (e.g. using expensive specialized vessels and docks for access). Whereas the system 800, 900 can be positioned below or above the body of water to allow instant access and minimal waterproofing costs.

[0068] The system 800, 900 also provides the advantage of reduced operational costs for routine inspection, maintenance or repair because the apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 of the system 800, 900 has at least one lighting or warning device 506, 608, 708 attached to the apparatus 500, 600, 700 for identification of malfunction of the apparatus 500, 600, 700, and at least one siren or speaker functionally connected to the communication means 504, 607, 707 to facilitate maintenance or repairing process for the apparatus 500, 600, 700 by saving time and effort to locate the malfunction apparatus 500, 600, 700, and to enable real-time monitoring of the apparatus 500, 600, 700.

[0069] Therefore, the apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 of the system 800, 900 can be removed individually or separately to one another to a site for repair and re-installed back very quickly or for the purpose of enhancing energy extraction by making adjustment in respect to the flow of seawater or tides. The system 800, 900 may be further equipped with line-replaceable plug-and-play units that allows the plurality of the energy harvesting apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 of the system 800, 900 to interchange for faster assembly and service.

[0070] Furthermore, one of many advantages of the present invention is that the system 800, 900 may also serve as a breakwater for the shoreline structures, harbors or marinas when a large quantity or coverage area of the energy harvesting apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 are spread in the ocean to harvest the energy, though the effectiveness of the such benefit may be subject to volume and dimensions of the apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700.

[0071] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for harvesting wave or energy tidal energy, the method comprises the steps of providing an apparatus adapted to float in a body of water for harvesting wave or tidal energy, deploying the apparatus in the body of water, using a communication means connected to the apparatus for communicating to a remote server in exchanging of information and adjusting the apparatus according to at least one programmed schedules, wherein at least one of the programed schedule is dependent on factors including selected time, time interval, turbine rotational speed, electricity generation, profile of the environment or other variants.

[0072] The exchange of information or communication from the apparatus or system can be achieved via means such as a wireless network for updating of information and/or data for harvesting the energy, and in response to the analysis or information, the microprocessor provides an output signal to the turbine gearbox to which it is coupled for adjusting the rotational speed to a value that corresponds to the output signal from the microprocessor. The frequency of adjustment of the system from a first set point to a second set point is fixed in a day, or between 1 to 100 times in a day.

[0073] The method further includes arranging the plurality of energy harvesting apparatus horizontally, vertically or diagonally lined against the flowing water for harnessing the wave or tidal energy. The arrangement being such that a significant increase in the mean flow velocity through the turbine is obtained, thereby improving their power output and with appropriate design (e.g. the turbines may be configured with at least one tapered housing channel for concentrating tides or water flows and driving the turbines harder to increase the capability of the apparatus to harvest the energies from the ocean) it will also reduce velocity shear to give a more uniform and less turbulent flow through the turbine rotors, which will also enhance efficiency of energy capture and tend to reduce fatigue loads on the turbine rotors.

[0074] The present invention therefore provides an apparatus, system and method of enhanced degree of efficiency, reliability, ease of maintenance or repair at harvesting or harnessing energy from the ocean or flow of water.

[0075] In light of the aforesaid, the present invention includes several different aspects which addresses or substantially ameliorate one or more of the problems disclosed in the specification. Other variations will be understood and are included within the scope of this invention.

Interpretation [0076] It should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects.

Different Instances of Objects [0077] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details [0078] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0079] The term “wave energy”, or “ocean energy” refers to energy harnessed from oceanic waves and/or currents.

[0080] The term “Tidal energy” includes, but not limited to kinetic energy obtained from the currents of changing tides, and potential energy obtained from changing heights between the high and low tide.

[0081] As used herein, except in the claims, the words “and” and “or” are each defined to also carry the meaning of “and/or”.

[0082] The term “data” or “information” refers to data and data sets that may be analyzed computationally to reveal patterns, trends and associations.

[0083] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any data transmission referred to above could be in the form of telecom or Datacom, and could be sent via wire-based (optical fibre, cable, etc) or wireless services.

Comprising and Including [0084] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0085] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention [0086] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention.

[0087] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability [0048] It is apparent from the above, that the apparatus, system and method described are applicable to green technology industries, which offers a friendly and environmentally approach for harvesting energy from ocean and/or tidal currents.

Claims (5)

1. Claims

   1. An energy harvesting apparatus for harvesting wave or tidal energy, the apparatus includes: a first body adapted for being a float in a body of water; and a second body coupled to the first body adapted for harnessing the wave or tidal energy by relative movements of the first and second body, wherein the apparatus is adapted to extract the energy from movement of the water to produce electrical power.
2. 2. An energy harvesting apparatus for harvesting wave or tidal energy, the apparatus includes: a first body adapted for being a float in a body of water; a second body coupled to the first body adapted for harnessing the wave or tidal energy; at least two generators adapted to generate electrical power, wherein at least one of the generator comprise an electrical coil and a magnet having magnetic fields in at least one of the first or second body; at least one of the generators is a turbine attached to one the of bodies and operable below the water; a communication means functionally connected to the first or second body adapted to analyse and monitor data exchanged from the apparatus; and a light or warning device functionally connected to the first or second body for identification of malfunction of the apparatus or alert of the apparatus to seafarers, wherein the apparatus is adapted to extract the energy from movement of the water to produce electrical power.
3. 3. An energy harvesting system for harvesting wave or tidal energy, comprising: a plurality of energy harvesting apparatus that is configured for harvesting the wave or tidal energy in a body of water; and a fastening means releasably tethering the system to a seabed or mooring point, wherein the system is adapted to extract the energy from movement of the water to produce electrical power.
4. 4. The system according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the energy harvesting apparatus is functionally and releasably coupled with another energy harvesting apparatus via a connecting means in the body of water, enabling the plurality of the apparatus to be configured horizontally, vertically or diagonally lined against the flowing water for harnessing the wave or tidal energy, wherein at least one of the energy harvesting apparatus is rotatably mounted on the connecting means in the body of water adapted for orientate a face of the energy harvesting apparatus towards the flowing water; and a communication means for exchange of data or information or control of the system.
5. 5. A method for harvesting wave or energy tidal energy, the method comprising the steps of: providing an apparatus for harvesting wave or tidal energy; deploying the apparatus in a body of water; using a communication means connected to the apparatus for communicating to a remote server in exchanging of information; and adjusting the apparatus according to at least one programmed schedules, wherein at least one of the programed schedule is dependent on factors including selected time, time interval, turbine rotational speed, electricity generation, profile of the environment or other variants.