CA2286545A1 - Owc energy center - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to buoyant energy stations or energy centers and particularly those stations which combine air and gravity feed to drive turbines for electricity produced aboard the stations. The present invention also relates to apparatus employing oscillating water column (OWC) type features to generate electricity.
The present invention, also known as the HOTSPUR~, is of a - r construction which has the following objects.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a buoyant fluid energy capture apparatus which provides electricity from water and air flow concurrently.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which is of a shape and profile conducive to use in the heavy seas, such as those found in the ocean waters in the higher latitudes.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus having a central core with an access trunk to provide for the maintenance and repair of water and air turbine assemblies.
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference may be had to the description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings, of which:
FIG. 1 is a view from the top of the apparatus according to the present invention, a portion thereof being broken away to disclose elements therein;
FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a side of the apparatus;
FIG. 3 is a view taken along section A-A of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an air turbine assembly according to the present invention taken along view A-A of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a view of a water turbine used in the apparatus according to the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a plurality of views of another embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention and elements thereof; and

2 FIG. 7 is a top view partially in section of another embodiment according to the present invention.
Referring in particular to FIGS. 1,2, the apparatus according to the present invention is shown generally at 10, and resembles an octagonal shaped disc-like structure for use, in particular, in ocean environments.
The apparatus 10 includes a plurality of segments 12-16, preferably eight in number, which extend from their respective apexes to radiate outward from a central core 28.
A removable cover 30 is provided at the core 28 to provide access to a maintenance trunk 32 at the core 28.
Referring to FIG. ~,, a matrix of cross pieces 34 and support members 36 provide for angled separation between the segments 12-26 and the underlying surface platform 38.
As shown in FIGS. 1,2 a plurality of buoyant floats 40 are positioned as indicated with respect to the apparatus 10. Each one of the floats 40 is adjustable to position the device in the water depending upon the wave activity at that region. Cables 42 extend to sea anchors mounted to the ocean floor.

3 Referring to FIG.-1, and in particular the segment 12 used by way of example, each one of the segments 12-26 includes a wind turbine and a pair of water turbines disposed between the segment 12 and._the underlying base 38. Referring to FIGS. 1,34, the construction of the wind turbine assembly and use with respect to the apparatus 10 is as follows.
The apparatus is provided'with a water collection chamber 44 in which the water is permitted to enter and proceed to a certain level within the chamber 44. A certain amount of the chamber 44 shown generally at 46 remains free of water so that air can remain in this portion of the chamber. Water activity where the apparatus 10 is anchored, causes the water level within the chamber 44 to alternatively compress and rarefy the air within the region 46 causing an oscillating flow of the air. Air exits the region 46 through an isolation gate valve 48, which may be closed for emergencies, and a radial vane valve 50 which may be used for either control or isolation purposes. The air flow then passes into an annular chamber 52 formed between the segment 12 and the base 38 to pass over a turbine, preferably a pair of monoplane wells turbines 54. These turbines are self-rectifying, in that for an airflow substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the turbine, they are driven in the same direction irrespective of the direction of the airflow. Each one of the two turbines is mounted on a common shaft of an induction generator and flywheel. The flywheels provide short-term energy storage to maintain a

4 substantially constant C ~,v~.2ci54 ~u~9 u~°- from the ~ generator during individual wave cycles.
On, exiting the turbine air, shown generally at 56, the process air 58 is discharged to the atmosphere through an exit port 59 between the central core and the cover 30. The flow of air is reversed when the internal water column motion causes rarefaction of the internal atmosphere. That is, as the water level falls in the chamber 44, a vacuum is created drawing new air in through the port 59 to again pass over the turbine 54. Therefore, the rise and fall of the water Level will provide a column of air to be introduced into the chamber 52 to actuate the turbine 54.
As mentioned above,' the device also provides a pair of water turbines which can operate simultaneously with the air turbine.
Referring in particular~to FIGS. 1,3,5, the arrangement of the water turbine elements in coaction therebetween is shown.
Using segment 12 as an example, the exterior surface of the segment 12 is preferably set at a 10° angle with respect to the base 38. Waves therefore flow up this segment, or ramp, toward the central core 28. As shown in FIG. 5, the water movement indicated by the arrow 60 proceeds up the ramp 12 riding over baffles 62,64 to fall through an aperture 66 near the central core 28. The water falls downward between the segment 12 and the core 28 into another chamber 68 which is bifurcated into separate channels 70, 72 leading

5 to a corresponding turbine 74,76. The water exhausted from the turbine 74, as well as the other turbine's, passes through an exhaust port 78 back into the ocean beneath the apparatus 10.
Each one of the pairs of slits 12~.a,b-26a,b is provided with a corresponding baffle 62,64. That is, each one of the slits 12a-26a is provided with a baffle 62, while each one of the slits 12b-26b is provided with a corresponding baffle 64. The arrangement is shown in particular with respect to FIG. 1 and 5.
Referring to FIG. 5, and using segment 12 as an example, the arrangement of the baffle 62,64 with respect to the slits 12a,12b are shown.
After the initial surge of the water 60 running up the ramp 12 to the inlet 66 under the effect of gravity and friction, not all of the water will reach the inlet 66. The water that is unable to do so, will flow backward under the effect of gravity down the segment 12 and be guided by the baffles 62 and 64 into the slits 12a,12b to be directed through a channel 70,72 to a respective one of turbines 74,76.
It will be understood that the description with respect to the segment 12 is by way of example only, and that the other segments 14-26 and the corresponding elements used in association therewith are of similar construction and arrangement so that each one of the

6 segments 12 through 26-operates similarly.
The dual-fluid energy capture system is particular well suited for the rough seas. Its low profile faciliates the "hugging"
action the device maintains with respect to the water surface so that it is tremendously responsive to the rise and fall, as well as surge, of the ocean waves to ram air through the air turbine and dump a tremendous amount of 'water onto the water turbines to generate the necessary power.
By way of example, the HOTSPURT~ apparatus 20 according to the present invention can have dimensions of approximately 106' in diameter; and be 12' high. All energy generation facilities are internally situated, and'completely waterproof. The central core 32 can have a 12' diameter extending to the maintenance trunk for work on the apparatus 20~.
FIG. 6 discloses another embodiment of the present invention.
This embodiment is shown generally at 80.
The apparatus 80 consists of a plurality of segments 82 arranged to form an octagonal shape redially extending from a central core 84 . Proj ecting upward through the central 84 is a tower 86. A cover 88 provides access to a maintenance trunk 90 at an interior of the tower 86.

7 Mounted within the tower at a position :~clcw the central core 84 is a plurality of turbine assemblies 92. The turbine assemblies 92 are each arranged beneath the opening formed where the tower 86 projects through the core 84.
Water flow shown generally at arrow 94 proceeds up the segments 82, preferably at a 10° angle with respect to the underlying water surface 96,~ toward the tower 86. Prior to contacting the tower 86, the water flows downward through the space between the apex of each of the segments 82 and the tower 86 to impact the respective turbine assembly 92 to provide the necessary power.
A plurality of fhoats 98 provide the buoyancy for the apparatus 80 and are adjustable with respect to the prevailing sea condition:
In FIG. 7 there is shown another embodiment of the present invention having similar characteristics to that shown with respect to the embodiment of FIG. fi. This embodiment, shown generally at 280, has a similar platform segment 282 and turbine 292 arrangement with respect to the tower 286. In this embodiment, the floats 298,300 are arranged on each one of the segments 282 in a similar manner. The result is that the arrangement of the floats 298,300 provides for a pair of octagonally shaped buoyant flotation regions encircling the apparatus 280. The flotation region provided by floats 300 has_a diameter less than the flotation region provided by the floats 298.
_ 8 The Hotspur an octagonal energy center combines air and gravity feed systems, for electrical generation. ~ ~ .
Hotspur is approximately 106' in Dia 12' high with all generation facilities internally situated, completely waterproof.

8 pie shaped segments joined together by bolted flanges "fins" leaving a 12' Diameter octagonal inlet in the center Each se h8s inserted in it a 2 directional OWC air turbine gear box and generator set. Below the waterline a capture chamber is aff xed. As wave passGS into chamber water level rises forcing an air pocket to rise and enter a turbine. Air passes through turbine and exits through a vent stack. As water level falls in chamber a vacuum is created sucking new air through the exit stack and passes through the turbine.
Blades in turbine rotate in same direction regardless of air flow direction.
The outside face of the pie segment is set at a 10-degree angle from ocean level, water flows up this angle and drops into the octagonal center. Dropping onto an internal pyramid shaped ramp 12ft above water level water flows from this height by gravity to 16 spherical turbines set approximately 3 ft from water level along the base of the internal pyramid. Each turbine has its own generator and geared rpm.
So that no water is wasted, on the outside face of each segment a slit is provided to allow water that cannot enter the octagonal center due to friction a direct route to the turbine.
This second shot will allow the water turbine to maintain constant rotation As a wave rides up the outside of the segment and enters the octagonal center it's remnants which cannot attain the octagonal center flow back down the outside face.
The first strike on the water turbine comes from 12ft up as that water exhausts itself in the turbine, water that was running down the outside face of the device erners and strikes the blades increasing the duration of initial spin. Then the process repeats with the next wave.
Water leaves turbines through center shaft exiting underneath unit.
The top of the device has a tower to insulate Air Turbine exhaust from sea, and guide additional water to octagonal center.

9 A spherical turbine used in conju~tion with Hotspur 8c Merrimack.
Central shaft and hub become nexus for 8 outvvardly radiating spokes that form the outline of a sphere and are also blades.
Spokes are attached to central hub by means of dovetail or flange bolt arrangement In each of these spokelbtades, slits are made and through which pass two concave plates reaching out towards the perimeter of the sphere. These plates form additional blades and add to the ability of the turbine to ingest fluid 2/3rds of the sphere is enclosed with thin shoot, exposing one third of the blades to water.
This allows the turbine to retain water as the blades are struck and sphere rotates. Water collects on each flank of the exposed center. This water comparimernalimd adds to the momentum of the wheel increasing the duration of spin (acting as flywheel).
The spherical shape allows water that has collected on the forward stroke to be~ejected .
efficiently on the return stroke.
to

Claims