GB172078A - Improvements in and relating to apparatus for utilizing the energy of waves - Google Patents

Abstract

172,078. Beldimano, A. Aug. 23, 1920. Wave energy, utilizing.-A floating pontoon a, Figs. 1 and 3, adapted to be acted on by the waves has mounted thereon a liquid pump j, actuated by the drag of the mooring-cable d. The pump j discharges to the chamber and from thence to a Pelton wheel or similar motor m, which may be used to drive a dynamo p. The pontoon is of substantially circular form provided with a tapering nose b and a vane c for keeping the nose pointing down the wind; it is shaped below water as shown in Fig. 3. The cable d passes around a pulley e and is attached to a sheave f as shown. Coaxial with the sheave f is a second sheave f<1> having attached to it a cable h. This cable is attached to the plunger rod of the pump j. The sheaves f, and f<1> are coupled by a device comprising a worm h<1>, Figs. 4 and 5, driven by an electric motor i<1> attached to the sheave f' bv an electric motor i<1> at tached to the sheave f<1> arrangement being such that the effective length of the cable h can be varied according to the state of the tide. For this purpose a float is disposed outside the pontoon in a hollow tower communicating through a restricted aperture with the sea water, so that its level is not affected by the waves. This float actuates an electric controller in which there are a series of contacts, the successive closing of each of which causes the motor i<1> to rotate and alter the relative angular position of the sheaves f, f<1> according to the level of the tide. The plunger of the pump j actuated by the pull of the cable h is returned by air pressure from a tank supplied by an air compressor t driven by bevel gearing from the sheave f. When the current from the dynamo q is used for electrolyzing water, the connection to the cells is regulated according to the water pressure in the chamber l by mechanism shown in Figs. 6 and 7. A switch mechanism mounted on the pontoon comprises a switch arm 22, Fig. 6, actuated by a belt from a pressure gauge 20 connected with the reservoir l. In its normal position this arm rests on an insulated block 23 which separates contact segments 24, 25 on the face of a rotary disc, normally locked by a spring-pressed dog 26, engaging teeth on its circumference. Fixed to the disc is a toothed wheel 28 engaging pinions 29, 30 which may be clutched by magnetic clutches to pinions 31, 32 continuously driven by an electric motor through the pinion 33. On a change of pressure in the chamber l, the arm 22 is moved on to the conducting segment 24 or 25, thus closing an electric circuit which energizes the electromagnet 27 to cause the withdrawal of the dog 26, and at the same time to clutch one o the pinions 31, 32 to the pinion 29 or 30 and thus to rotate the disc 28. At the same time, a current is sent to the shore which similarly rotates a controlled drum 40, Fig. 7, having contact studs for closing the circuits of the electrolytic apparatus. The controller drum is normally locked by a catch 40<a> similar to the catch 26. For regulating the amount of air in the chamber l, a float in a smaller vessel connected thereto through a restricted opening, actuates a rotary arm which makes contact with a series of studs. Each of these studs is connected to an electromagnet 53, Fig. 9, which actuates a spring lever having a contact roller 54 at the end. These rollers contact either with the contact bar 55, the contact bar 56, or the insulating plate 57, according to the position of the slidable bar 56 which moves over but is insulated from the bar 55. The bar 56 is moved by a pressure gauge actuated by the pressure in the tank. If the pressure in the tank is suited to the level of liquid, the cortact will strike the plate 57; but if the pressure is incorrect, it will strike either the bar 56 or the bar 55 and close a circuit either to operate an air compressor or to cause air to escape from the tank.