EP2539580A1

EP2539580A1 - Device for recovering swell energy

Info

Publication number: EP2539580A1
Application number: EP11704796A
Authority: EP
Inventors: José-Antonio Ruiz-Diez
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-02-26
Filing date: 2011-02-24
Publication date: 2013-01-02
Also published as: KR20120132633A; CN102834604A; FR2956879A1; FR2956879B1; US20130055707A1; WO2011104294A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for recovering swell energy at sea, wherein said device consists of a floating structure including: a rigid structural member (1) that is maintained at a floating state using at least one buoy or so-called structural float (2, 2'); and at least one float (3, 3') that is mobile relative to the structural member and is capable of interaction with a means for generating power (4; 14, 15, 16) from the swell movement, said means (4; 14, 15, 16) being attached to the structural member. According to the invention, at least one mobile float (3, 3') is connected to the structural member by at least one rigid arm (5, 5') rotatably mounted about an axis substantially parallel to the surface of the sea, and said power generation means (4; 14, 15, 16) is directly or indirectly connected to said rigid arm.

Description

DEVICE FOR RECOVERING THE ENERGY OF THE WAVE

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of energy recovery and more particularly the energy of the sea swell.

[0002] At present, energy consumption is mainly based on non-renewable energies such as oil, gas, coal and nuclear power. In view of the depletion of the reserves in these energies and / or the pollution generated by their use, we seek to diversify the sources of en erg ies, by continu ing to link them to the en renewable energies. In this context, a solution is to use the energy from the sea, more precisely at the level of currents, the swell or the tide.

[0004] Thus, wave energy is never anything but a particular form of sola ire energy. The sun heats unevenly the different atmospheric layers which causes air currents (winds) themselves responsible by friction of the movements that animate the surface of the sea (currents, waves, waves). The waves created by the wind on the surface of the seas and oceans carry energy. When they arrive on a floating or coastal obstacle, they can give up some of this energy, which can be transformed into electric current. This is where the winds are the strongest, between 40 ° and 60 ° of latitude, that the power of the waves is maximum.

[0005] Therefore, the wave energy has a very high power potential. Thus, the average power transported by the waves is given in kW per linear meter. It is proportional to the wave period (the time between the arrival of two successive wave peaks) and the square of the height of the wave (distance between the trough and the ridge). By For example, this potential is 63 kW / m off Ushant, 50 kW / m on the Atlantic coast and 8 kW / m in the Mediterranean.

However, this total resource can not be fully exploited especially given technical limitations and natural or legal limitations that reduce the usable area.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

[0007] Thus, document EP 1 295 031 discloses a device based on the movement of a buoy, the device comprising an outer round float surrounding an inner float, these two floats being connected to one another by means of l yaison including hydraulic cylinders allowing the recovery of energy movement between the two floats and further having a body immersed.

Also known is a mobile cyl indre (the float) filled with air that slides on a cylinder attached to the bottom of the sea. In the absence of wave the float is in equ ilibre. When the top of the wave passes over the float the overpressure depresses the float. In the hollow of the wave the depression makes the float rise. The comings and goings of the float relative to the fixed cylinder causes a linear dynamo producing electric current. This device however has the disadvantage of having to be fixed in part at the bottom of the sea. [0009] WO 2008/068390 still discloses a device for recovering wave energy whose structure is simple. which facilitates its use and implementation. This device comprises at least one floating structure, intended to float on the surface of the water, which carries at least one member suspended above the surface of the water whose structure is arranged to generate a recoverable energy during the variation of the height of the surface of the water relative to said body, under the effect of the upward and downward movement of the swell.

[0010] However, in this system, the recovery of the energy is not optimal because there are moments (dead times) where no energy is available. provided by the system, when the suspended member is disposed at the end of travel. It is easy to understand that these dead times limit the efficiency of the system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention aims to overcome the disadvantages of the state of the art and in particular to provide a system capable of recovering the wave energy continuously, with further optimization of the yield.

To do this is proposed a device for recovering the energy of the offshore swell consists of a floating structure comprising: - a rigid structural element, kept floating at sea level with at least one buoy or float said structural, and at least one movable float vis-à-vis the structural element and cooperating with a means of generating energy recoverable under the effect of the movement of the wave, said means being fixed on the structural element. According to a first aspect of the invention, the at least one mobile float is connected to the structural element by at least one rigid arm rotatably mounted about an axis of the structural element substantially parallel to the surface of the sea, and said energy generating means is directly or indirectly linked to said rigid arm. In addition, according to one embodiment of the invention, the energy generating means comprises a linear generator having a piston connected to at least one of said mobile floats, and that i coul isse in a cyl indre l ied to the structural element.

According to another possibility, the energy generating means comprises at least one pump having a cylinder and a rod, one end of which is articulated on a rigid arm of at least one of the mobile floats, and of which the other end is related to the structural element. The skilled person will choose one or the other of these alternatives depending on the case, costs or skills available to him.

Advantageously, the d ispositif according to the invention may comprise several movable floats whose connecting arms with the structural element have different lengths.

[0018] Preferably, and for reasons which will be set out in more detail below, the shortest arm or arms will be arranged "at the exit" of the waves, that is to say close to an extremity the device placed opposite the end that receives directly (front) waves. According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one structural float is fixed relative to the structural element, disposed at the level of flotation so that the structural element is mainly disposed above the sea surface.

If it is desired to further improve the energy efficiency of the invention, it is conceivable to provide at least one structural float articulated with respect to the structural element.

More specifically, according to one embodiment of the invention at least one of said articulated structural floats is disposed at one end of an oscillating arm l ié to the structural element by at least one prem articulation, said arm having at its extremity a second articulation associated with the rod of a piston of a jack fixed on the structural element above the floatation level, said piston being intended to actuate said means of energy generation.

According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one of said articulated structural floats is traversed by an oscillating arm connected to the structural element by two joints the first disposed below the floatation level consists in a pivot connection, the second link comprises a joint associated with the rod of a piston of a jack fixed on the element structural structure above the floatation level, said piston being adapted to actuate said energy generating means.

Furthermore, the structural element comprises at least one frame disposed in a so-called lateral plane and which cooperates with at least one structural float and a mobile float. The so-called lateral plane is a plane parallel to the direction of the plane, according to which the structure will spontaneously orient itself.

Interestingly, the structural element may comprise two frames arranged in a first and a second plane parallel to each other, said frames being interconnected by at least one frame disposed in at least one plane perpendicular to said first and second planes , the assembly substantially defining a parallelogram whose face disposed above sea level is provided with means for supporting the joint or joints, the mobile float or floats and / or the means for generating energy and / or structural floats. Of course the "face disposed above the sea level" only makes sense when the device is placed in a situation that is to say when it floats on the sea or on a medium generating waves.

[0025] Interestingly, the oscillating arm of at least one of said structural floats is movable in led it first and / or led it second planes of the frames said lateral plane.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least a first rigid arm is articulated on a first longitudinal end of the structural element and a second rigid arm is articulated on a second longitudinal end of the structural element. said first and second arms extending longitudinally out of the structural member.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the structural element comprises a main element which extends along a longitudinal axis XX; said structural floats are arranged symmetrically vis-à-vis the axis XX and said structural floats carry, in flotation situation, arms structural planes belonging to planes perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis XX.

More specifically, at least one structural arm is rotatably mounted about an axis YY perpendicular to the axis XX.

In addition, at least one structural arm comprises a first element which extends substantially parallel to the surface of the sea, and a second element which extends substantially perpendicularly to the first element and which is carried by a structural float in situ of flotation.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a rotatable link can be provided between the main element and at least one structural arm.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a rotary connection can be provided between the first and the second element of a structural arm and a means of energy generation can then recover the energy generated by the relative movement between the first and the second element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other features, details and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the description which follows, with reference to the appended figures, which illustrate: FIG. 1, a diagrammatic and sectional view of the device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of the device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of a third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4A is a section along AA of Figure 3, for one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4B is a section along BB of FIG. 3, for one embodiment of the invention: Figure 5A is a section AA of Figure 3, for an alternative embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5B is a section along BB of Figure 3, for an alternative embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 a schematic sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7A is a section AA of Figure 6 for this embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7B is a section along BB of Figure 6, for this embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8A is a section AA of Figure 6 for the fourth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8B is a section along BB of Figure 6, for the fourth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 10 is an illustrative diagram of a fifth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 11 is a schematic side view of the fifth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged view of the connection between a structural float and the structural member of the fifth embodiment of the invention; Fig. 13 is an illustrative diagram of a sixth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 14 is a schematic side view of the sixth embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of the connection between a structural float and the structural member of the fifth embodiment of the invention.

For the sake of clarity, identical or similar elements are marked with identical reference signs throughout the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

According to the representation of Figure 1, the invention comprises a rigid structural element 1 as a whole, which floats at sea level 0 with at least one buoy or so-called structural float 2. [0034] The element structural may consist of beams that extend substantially parallel to the waves, and beams perpendicular to them; many solutions are possible; assuming that the swell is oriented along the arrow H, a spacing between two structural floats 2 2 'of the order of a wavelength of wave will preferably be chosen, as illustrated in FIG. This is a known arrangement that can best recover the energy of the swell. According to the configuration shown, 2 is a forward float, while 2 'is a back float; the terms "forward" and "rear" refer to the direction of wave propagation of the swell.

Furthermore, at least one float 3, 3 'is provided, movable with respect to the structural element 1. The float or float 3 cooperates with an energy generating means 4 which can be in various forms. In any case, the energy generating means 4 is fixed on the structural element 1.

Preferably, the mobile float 3 is connected to the structural element 1 by at least one rigid arm 5 mounted rotatably about an axis 50 substantially parallel to the surface of the sea. Thus the mobile float or 3 are connected reliably to the structural element 1 and their relative movement vis-à-vis the structural element 1 is fully integrated. The rigid arm (s) 5 guide and hold the movable floats 3 opposite the structural element.

By "arm" is meant any type of support means such as one or more rods, an apron, chains ...

Furthermore, the or each float 3 is connected directly or indirectly to a means 4 of energy generation; more specifically according to Figure 1 the float 3 is connected to the cylinder 7 of a pump which comprises a rod 6 of a piston which slides in said cylinder 7 fixed on the structure and serves as a means of energy generation. Indeed, under the effect of wave movement, the piston slides in the cylinder and compresses or relaxes the fluid present inside the closed chamber of the pump.

[0039] Thus, the energy of the swell can be transmitted by pistons, cylinders, linear generators or any other technically equivalent means.

By dimensioning the device as illustrated in FIG. 1, its energy efficiency is optimized: more precisely, a spacing between two structural floats 2, 2 'substantially equal to an average wave wave length is chosen, and it is positioned the means 4 substantially in the middle of said length so that when the floats 2, 2 'are for example in wave recesses (solid line in Figure 1), the means 4 is at a wave crest so that the water level in the closed chamber of the pump is at a maximum, which i generates the reduction of the vol ume A and thus the compression of the fluid (air) present inside. This compression induces a recoverable energy. Then, when the structural float 3 is in the hollow of a wave (in dashed lines in FIG. 1), the level of the water drops down and the rod 6, so that the pressure of the fluid in the chamber Decreases. With such an arrangement we obtain a relatively large piston stroke and therefore an optimized efficiency. It should be noted that the wavelength of the waves is generally a known and characteristic value of a given place. The dimensioning of the device according to the invention will advantageously take account of this parameter.

It will be understood that in a device as described above, there is a "top" dead center and a "low" dead point for which no energy is created; this is why the present invention proposes to add at least one additional mobile float 3 'associated with at least one means 4' for generating energy.

The right part of Figure 1 schematically shows the additional mobile float 3 'connected by an additional rigid arm 5' articulated on the element structural 1. Preferably the rigid arm 5 'is mounted as the first rigid arm 5 that is to say rotating about an axis substantially parallel to the surface of the sea, the hinge point 50' on the structural element 1 being here chosen at the opposite end of the hinge point 50 relative to the direction of propagation of the swell (arrow H).

An additional means 4 'of energy recovery is coupled to the float 3', here via the rigid arm 5 '. The movement of the additional float 3 'is thus used by the energy recovery means 4', in the same way as explained above with respect to the mobile float 3. The distance between the two floats 3, 3 'makes it possible to recover from the energy induced by the additional float 3 'when the float 3 is for example at top dead center or bottom dead center, that is to say when it produces no energy.

Any suitable structure may be provided on the structural element 1 to support the additional means 3 ', 4', 5 'which have just been described. In addition the rigid arms 5, 5 'of connection and support between a float 3, 3' and the structural element 1 preferably have different lengths; it will be possible advantageously to choose a longer length for the arm 5 disposed as close as possible to the inlet of the swell on the device, and a shorter length for the arm 5 'situated at the outlet of the device. "Entrance" means the area of the device that is affected by the swell before any other area. "Exit" is the area at the other end of the structure relative to the direction of wave propagation.

And the arm 5 and the associated float 3, arranged at the entrance of the device, are subject to the most important efforts; while the arms 5 'and additional floats 3' are subjected to less effort because the energy of the wave has been attenuated between these two points.

In addition to the efficiency of stroke cylinders according to the invention are less important than in the prior art. FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the invention which differs from that of FIG. 1 essentially by means of energy generation which here comprises a hydraulic pump 14 associated with an accumulator 15 and with a hydraulic motor 16 with a generator. The skilled person will choose according to needs, costs, desired performance, etc.. one embodiment or the other.

In both cases at least one buoy 2 or structural float is provided, fixed vis-à-vis the structural element 1 and disposed at the floating level. Any means known per se can be provided to achieve this float function which therefore will not be further detailed.

The structural float or floats 2, 2 'thus maintain the structure 1 at a given level vis-à-vis the level of flotation; moreover they are subject to the efforts generated by the waves.

[0053] FIG. 3 illustrates an improved mode of realisation of the invention. The improvement consists in particular in providing at least one structural float 2 articulated vis-à-vis the structural element 1 (or frame).

According to this embodiment of the invention, the structural element 1 is partially immersed as shown in this figure.

Furthermore at least one of the structural floats 2 is connected by an oscillating arm 8 connected to the structural element 1 via at least a first hinge 81 disposed above the buoyancy level 0. The float 2 in him -Even can be placed substantially at the end of the oscillating arm 8, and there is provided a first hinged connection 81 which cooperates with a second articulated end 83 itself connected to a cylinder 84, or more precisely with the rod 82 of the cylinder 84 attached to the structural element 1. Thus the or each arm 8 oscillates around the hinge 81 in a plane substantially perpendicular to the surface of the sea. The end 83 of the arm 8 opposite to that carrying the float 2 provides a movement back and forth at cylinder 84 or to any other element of recovery of energy, which is therefore added to the energy created by the movement of the float or mobile floats 3, 3 ".

The cylinder 84 associated with the movement of the arm 8 allows energy production, for example via a battery 15 or any other equivalent means such as an electric generator for example fixed on the structure, not far from the cylinder or cylinders 84 .

In energy terms, this embodiment is interesting because the energy provided by the movement of the structural floats 2, 2 'is added to that provided by the movement of the float or floats 3, 3'. Of course depending on the needs, several oscillating floats 2 can be mounted on the structure 1 which itself may have several variants. Figure 3 shows two floats (or set of floats) structural 2, 2 'but of course this is only a non-limiting example. Figures 4A and 4B illustrate an embodiment according to which the structure (or structural element) 1 consists of a frame substantially disposed in a plane. The means of the invention such as the structural float (s) 2, 2 ', the mobile float (s) 3, 3' and the associated arms 8, 8 ', 5, 5' as well as the joints and cylinders are here borne by such a framework. The skilled person will select and size the support elements and others according to his general knowledge.

FIG. 4A, which is a simplified sectional view along AA of FIG. 3, shows a cylindrical mobile float 3 'disposed at the end of a double arm 5' articulated on the structure 1. FIG. 4B is a simplified sectional view along BB of FIG. 3, in which a structural float 2 at the end of the arm 8 is articulated and cooperates with the structure 1 at the articulation 81; the arm 8 is rotatable about the hinge 81 in a single plane; its end 83 opposite that carrying the float 2 cooperates with the rod 82 as explained above. In addition, FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate, by simplified cross-sections, an embodiment of the invention according to which the structural element 1 comprises two first frames 1 1, 12, which are said to be lateral, respectively arranged in a first and a second parallel plane. between them, and which are interconnected by at least one transverse frame (not referenced) arranged in a plane perpendicular to the first frames 1 1, 1 2. The assembly thus defines a parallelogram of which a face 1 0 is placed above sea level and is provided with support means for the various means constituting the invention. In addition to each of the lateral frames 1 1, 1 2 may be provided the hinges 81 for the arms 8 of the structural floats 2, and guiding means 85 for the upper ends of the arms 8 which are associated with the cylinders 84.

According to this embodiment, the energy is thus provided both by the movement of the mobile floats 3, 3 'that being different from each other, allow a regulation of the puissance of the energy supply, and by the movement of the structural floats 2, 2 'whose spacing relative to the direction of the swell allows and improves the regulation of the power of the energy supplied. According to an alternative embodiment illustrated in Figures 6, 7 and 8 at least one of the structural floats 2 is traversed by an oscillating arm 8 l ié to the structural member 1 by a first hinge 80 arranged below the level of flotation. Link 80 is preferably a pivot type link; the float 2 itself can be placed substantially in the middle of the swing arm 8; near the opposite end of the arm 8 carrying the pivot connection 80, there is provided an articulated connection 81 with a jack 84, or more precisely with the rod 82 of the cylinder 84 which itself is fixed on the structural element 1 .L the end itself of the arm 8 is guided in a suitable groove of the structural element 1.

Thus the or each arm 8 oscillates in a plane around the hinge 80 (as indicated by the arrows), and its opposite end can provide a movement back and forth to a cylinder or any other element of energy recovery, which is therefore added to the energy created by the movement of the float or floats 2, 2 '.

The cylinder 84 associated with the movement of an arm 8 allows energy production, for example via an accumulator or any other equivalent means such as an electric generator.

In terms of energy, this embodiment is interesting because the energy provided by the movement of the structural floats is added to that provided by the movement of the or mobile floats 3, 3 '. Of course depending on the needs, several oscillating floats 2, 2 'can be mounted on the structure 1 which itself may have several variants.

Thus, Figures 7A and 7B illustrate an embodiment in which the structure (or structural element) 1 consists of a frame substantially disposed in a plane. The means of the invention such as the structural float (s) 2, 2 ', the mobile float (s) 3, 3' and the associated arms 8, 8 ', 5, 5' as well as the joints and cylinders are here borne by such a framework that extends sensibly over a year. The manufacturer will select and size the support and other elements according to his general knowledge.

The arms 5, 5 'may have the same length or not.

In addition, FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate, by simplified cross-sections, an embodiment of the invention corresponding to the embodiment of FIG. 6, according to which the structural element 1 comprises two first frames 1 1, 12 which are said to be lateral arranged. in a first and a second plane, and are relésed between el l by at least u ossatu re (not referenced) d ite transverse disposed in a plane perpendicular to the first frames 1 1, 1 2. The set thus defines a parallelogram of which a face 1 0 is intended to be placed above the sea level and is provided with means for supporting the various constituent means of the invention (not shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B).

In addition to each of the lateral frames 1 1, 1 2 may be provided pivot type joints 80, 80 'for the structural floats 2, 2', as well as guides 85 for the upper ends of the arms 8, 8 'and associated cylinders 84.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the invention having a structural element of parallelepipedal general shape, and comprising two movable floats 3, 3 'and four structural floats 2, 2' fixed with respect to the structural element 1. This view substantially corresponds to the embodiment of the invention according to FIG.

According to this embodiment, the energy is only provided by the movement of the mobile floats 3, 3 'which, being distant from each other, allow a regulation in time of the power of the energy supplied. Figure 10 shows an embodiment of the invention according to which the device comprises a structural element 10 in particular consisting of a said main element 13 which extends along a longitudinal axis XX. This main element 13 may consist of a platform on which are fixed or installed various components, connections or tools necessary for the operation of the device; in particular the means 4, 4 'of energy recoveries.

At least one of the longitudinal ends of the main element 13 is articulated, for example by a pivot connection, a rigid arm 5, 5 '; Interestingly, the rigid arm or arms 5, 5 'are arranged outside the structural element 1. Figures 10 and 1 1 illustrate a main element 13, each longitudinal end is provided with a hinged connection with a rigid arm 5, 5 '. The rigid arms may have the same length or be of different length. Each rigid arm 5, 5 'carries at least one mobile float 3, 3' as defined above. The articulated connection is more specifically illustrated in FIG. 12 where it is seen that on the end of the main element 13 in addition, energy recovery means 4 are provided due to the relative movement of the element 13 and the arm 5.

Additional rigid arms may further be provided, articulated at the distal ends of the rigid arms 5, 5 'as visible in Figures 10 and following. A kind of chain formed of arms articulated at their respective ends can thus be formed.

At the level of the various joints, the seal (relative because these joints are disposed above the sea level) is ensured by the overlapping contact ends of the arms 1 3, 5, 5 '. They are essentially cylindrical walls that overlap as well.

Similarly, each constituent element present inside the main element 13 is sealed in itself, in a manner known per se.

Without departing from the scope of the invention the structural element may comprise a plurality of elements 13 preferably arranged in the extension of each other along the longitudinal axis XX; the elements 13 can be articulated to each other by pivot links.

Furthermore, the main structural element 1 3 is worn (in a flotation situation) by at least one structural float 2, 2 'disposed symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis XX. Figures 1 0 and 1 1 show two pairs of floats 2, 2 '; each float 2, 2 'is disposed at the end of an arm 800, 810 belonging to a plane perpendicular to the axis XX; more precisely according to this embodiment of the invention each arm consists of a first element 800, 800 'which extends substantially parallel to the surface of the sea and a second element 81 0, 81 0' which extends perpendicularly or substantially perpendicular to the first element. A float is disposed at each end of the second element 810, 810 '. A symmetrical structure vis-à-vis the longitudinal axis XX is thus formed. Each first element 800, 800 'extends substantially along an axis YY perpendicular to the axis XX. [0082] FIGS. 13 to 15 illustrate an embodiment which differs from that described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 1 2 in that there is an additional articulated connection between the structural element 1 3 and at least one structural arm 800, 810. This connection allows the structural floats 2, 2 'to better follow the movement of the swell H; in addition the energy created by the relative movement between each structural arm 800, 810 and the structural element 13 itself can be recovered by a specific means 4 "as visible in Figure 15. Similarly the floats 3, 3 ' The form and dimensions of the floats will of course be chosen by those skilled in the art and adapted to the conditions of use, and the dimensions of the floats may be linked to the rigid arms 5, 5 'by an articulated connection. In particular, the rigid arms 5, 5 'are determined as a function of the uses and the places of implantation.The arms 5, 5', when they consist of solid cylindrical walls, may have diameters of a few meters so that a man can move indoors, their length can reach several tens of meters.

Without departing from the scope of the invention the rigid arms 5, 5 'and the structural arms 13, 800, 800' may consist of non-solid walls, for example meshed. Each part of the structure can be isolated electrically, partially or totally, in order to allow safety for the users.

The present invention makes it possible to recover the energy related to the height of the waves as well as their inclination: only one electric circuit can be provided, or several. Energy recovery can be achieved with one or more systems.

A volume necessary for maintenance operations is thus created in the system according to the present invention.

Many combinations can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention; the person skilled in the art will choose one or the other according to the economic, ergonomic, dimensional or other constraints that must be respected.

Claims

Device for the recovery of wave energy at sea consisting of a floating structure comprising: a rigid structural element (1) kept floating at sea level by means of at least one buoy or so-called structural float (2, 2 ') ), and - at least one movable float (3, 3 ') with respect to the structural element and cooperating with a power generating means (4; 14, 1 5, 16) recoverable under the effect of the movement of the swell, said energy generating means being fixed on the structural element (1), characterized in that the at least one movable float (3, 3 ') is connected to the structural element (1) by at least one rigid arm (5, 5 ') rotatably mounted about an axis substantially parallel to the sea surface and in that said energy generating means (4; 14,15,16) is directly connected or indirectly to said rigid arm (5, 5 ').

Energy recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that the energy generating means (4; 14,15,16) comprises a linear generator (4) having a piston connected to at least one of said mobile floats (3, 3 '), and which slides in a cylinder (7) connected to the structural element (1).

Energy recovery device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the energy generating means comprises at least one pump (14) having a cylinder and a rod, one end of which is articulated on a rigid arm (5) of the at least one of said movable floats (2), and whose other end is connected to the structural element (1).

Energy recovery device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of movable floats (3, 3 '), the connecting arms (5, 5') of which with structural element (1) have different lengths.

Energy recovery device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one structural float (2, 2 ') is fixed with respect to the structural element, disposed at floatation level so that the structural element (1) is predominantly disposed above the floatation level.

Energy recovery device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one structural float (2, 2 ') is articulated with respect to the structural element.

Energy recovery device according to the preceding claim characterized in that at least one of said articulated structural floats is disposed at one end of an oscillating arm (8, 8 ') connected to the structural element by at least one first hinge (81), said arm (8) having at its other end a second hinge (83) associated with the rod (82) of a piston of a jack (84) fixed on the structural member at above the floatation level, said piston being intended to actuate said energy generating means (4; 14,15,16).

Energy recovery device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that at least one of said articulated structural floats (2, 2 ') is traversed by an oscillating arm (8, 8') connected to the structural element by two joints (80, 83) the first (80) disposed below the floatation level consists of a pivot connection, the second link (83) comprises a joint associated with the rod (82) of a piston of a jack (84) fixed on the structural member above the floatation level, said piston being adapted to actuate said energy generating means (4; 14,15,16).

Energy recovery device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the structural element comprises at least one framework (11, 12) arranged in a so-called lateral plane and which supports at least one structural float (2) and a mobile float (3).

Energy recovery device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the structural element comprises two frames (11, 12) arranged in a first and a second plane parallel to each other, said frameworks being connected to each other by means of least one frame disposed in at least one plane perpendicular to said first and second planes, the assembly substantially defining a parallelogram whose face (10) disposed above the sea level is provided with means for supporting the joint or joints, the mobile float or floats and / or the generating means of energy and / or structural floats.

11. Energy recovery device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one first rigid arm (5) is articulated on a first longitudinal end of the structural element (1) and in that a second rigid arm (5 ') is articulated on a second longitudinal end of the structural element, said first and said second arm (5, 5') extending longitudinally outside the structural element (1).

12. Energy recovery device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the structural element (1) comprises a main element (13) which extends along a longitudinal axis XX, in that said structural floats (2, 2 ') are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis XX and in that at least a first and a second structural float carry, in a flotation situation, structural arms (8, 8' ) belonging to a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis XX.

13. Device according to claim 12 characterized in that at least one structural arm is rotatably mounted about an axis YY perpendicular to the axis XX.

14. Device according to any one of claims 12 or 13 characterized in that at least one structural arm comprises a first element (800, 800 ') which extends substantially parallel to the surface of the sea, and a second element ( 810, 810 ') extending substantially perpendicularly to the first member and carrying a structural float (2, 2').

15. Device according to any one of claims 13 or 14 characterized in that a rotatable connection is provided between the main element (13) and at least one structural arm.

16. Device according to any one of claims 14 or 15 characterized in that a rotatable connection is provided between the first and the second element of a structural arm and in that at least one means of energy generation allows to recover the energy generated by the relative movement of the first and second element.