GB2067246A - Wave Energy Converter - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for converting the energy of waves on the surface of water into another more useful form of energy, e.g. electricity, comprises a hollow body having a flat undersurface 1, supported partially immersed such that a narrowing gap is presented to approaching waves, 3. Wave travel compresses the pocket of air 4 which is then delivered, (arrows 7) via apertures 6 to chamber 8, the air in which is thus maintained at a pressure above that of the surrounding atmosphere by a virtually continuous unidirectional flow of air being conveyed to the apertures by successive waves. The air is returned to atmosphere via an energy extraction device such as a turbine or 'windmill'. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Wave Energy Converter A Device for Converting Wave Energy into Another More Useful Form of Energy The subject of this patent is a means for converting the energy of wave motion on the surface of water, the seas and oceans in particular, into another more useful form of energy.

The Essence of the Invention is Illustrated in Figures 1 s 2 The fundamental or unique feature is an extensive surface or plate, 1, located above the static water level, 2, at a slight angle to the horizontal such that a narrowing gap is presented to waves approaching from the prevailing direction, arrows 3.

A crest is shown as having just made contact with surface 1 near its leading edge and between this crest and that of the preceeding wave a pocket of air, 4, is trapped. The confinement of this pocket of air is completed by vertical walls or plates, 5 in figs. 2 t 3 which extend a significant distance down below the static water level.

As the waves continue beneath the surface, 1, the air, 4, between them is compressed. At a suitable point apertures, 6, in the surface, 1, allow the air to escape (arrows 7) to a chamber or duct 8, from whence it may return to atmosphere via an energy extraction device (or devices) such as a turbine or 'windmill'. The apertures, 6 and the trailing edge, 9 of the device are designed so as to achieve the best possible separation of air and water.

Advantages of the Invention Over Others Devised for a Similar Purpose 1. Extensive cyclical movement or rotation of the body or frame of the device is not an essential feature of its action or performance.

2.The function of the device does not depend upon reversal of flow nor upon reciprocation of any kind. Non return and other valves, doors, or flaps would only be incorporated for purposes of control or performance modification.

3. The body or frame of the device is essentially static which is a preferred situation from all points of view, e.g. anchorage, maintenance, energy transport to remote consuming areas, attachment and installation of auxiliary functions (e.g. human habitation, other productive systems).

Advantages 1 and 2 mean that: 4. Energy has only to be extracted from air tending to flow in one diretion.

5. Fatigue due to reversal of movement and of loading will be less of a problem than in devices involving predominantly oscillating components.

Embodiments Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 together present an illustrative arrangement of the complete device.

Fig. 3 is a front elevation as seen from an approaching wave. Fig. 4 is a plan view. Fig. 1 is a vertical section through the elevated air inlet portion of the device and Fig. 2 a vertical section through a 'generating' air outlet portion.

Surface 1 is the bottom of a complete shell or body 10. The mass of the complete device is supported by the boyancy of floats or chambers, 11 and the wall/end plate zones 5. The device is maintained in its lateral position by anchor or restraining cables, 12 or by a propulsion system.

Purely by way of illustration an air turbine 13 coupled to an alternator or dynamo, is shown as the energy extraction device and the air is shown as exhausting, arrow 14, to atmosphere via a louvred orifice 1 5. In addition to conventional controls over component/s 13 control over the wave energy extraction system could be exercised by: a) Variations in total boyancy and therefore altitude of the device.

b) Variations in boyancy distribution and therefore attitude of the device.

c) variations to the size, shape, profile etc. of the orifice 6.

Claims

Claim 1 A device for extracting energy from sea or ocean surface waves comprising a body adapted to rest partially immersed in the water, the body having a surface extending horizontally in a direction parallel to the waves and being inclined at right-angles to that direction to present a sloping undersurface to the oncoming waves so that an oncoming wave will meet the surface and trap a body of air between the water, the said surface and vertical walls extending in the direction of wave travel, the air being compressed and conveyed to openings in the said surface, from whence it is led to an apparatus for extracting its potential and or kinetic energy.

Claim 2 A device as claim 1 but incorporating a submerged surface some distance below the sloping undersurface described in claim 1, extending, as the said surface, horizontally in a direction parallel to the waves and being inclined at right-angles to that direction to present a rising surface for the purpose of influencing in a favourable way the form and behaviour of the waves.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (6)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Wave Energy Converter A Device for Converting Wave Energy into Another More Useful Form of Energy The subject of this patent is a means for converting the energy of wave motion on the surface of water, the seas and oceans in particular, into another more useful form of energy. The Essence of the Invention is Illustrated in Figures 1 s 2 The fundamental or unique feature is an extensive surface or plate, 1, located above the static water level, 2, at a slight angle to the horizontal such that a narrowing gap is presented to waves approaching from the prevailing direction, arrows 3. A crest is shown as having just made contact with surface 1 near its leading edge and between this crest and that of the preceeding wave a pocket of air, 4, is trapped. The confinement of this pocket of air is completed by vertical walls or plates, 5 in figs. 2 t 3 which extend a significant distance down below the static water level. As the waves continue beneath the surface, 1, the air, 4, between them is compressed. At a suitable point apertures, 6, in the surface, 1, allow the air to escape (arrows 7) to a chamber or duct 8, from whence it may return to atmosphere via an energy extraction device (or devices) such as a turbine or 'windmill'. The apertures, 6 and the trailing edge, 9 of the device are designed so as to achieve the best possible separation of air and water. Advantages of the Invention Over Others Devised for a Similar Purpose

1. Extensive cyclical movement or rotation of the body or frame of the device is not an essential feature of its action or performance.

2.The function of the device does not depend upon reversal of flow nor upon reciprocation of any kind. Non return and other valves, doors, or flaps would only be incorporated for purposes of control or performance modification.

3. The body or frame of the device is essentially static which is a preferred situation from all points of view, e.g. anchorage, maintenance, energy transport to remote consuming areas, attachment and installation of auxiliary functions (e.g. human habitation, other productive systems).

Advantages 1 and 2 mean that:

4. Energy has only to be extracted from air tending to flow in one diretion.

5. Fatigue due to reversal of movement and of loading will be less of a problem than in devices involving predominantly oscillating components.

Embodiments Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 together present an illustrative arrangement of the complete device.

Fig. 3 is a front elevation as seen from an approaching wave. Fig. 4 is a plan view. Fig. 1 is a vertical section through the elevated air inlet portion of the device and Fig. 2 a vertical section through a 'generating' air outlet portion.

Surface 1 is the bottom of a complete shell or body 10. The mass of the complete device is supported by the boyancy of floats or chambers, 11 and the wall/end plate zones 5. The device is maintained in its lateral position by anchor or restraining cables, 12 or by a propulsion system.

Purely by way of illustration an air turbine 13 coupled to an alternator or dynamo, is shown as the energy extraction device and the air is shown as exhausting, arrow 14, to atmosphere via a louvred orifice 1 5. In addition to conventional controls over component/s 13 control over the wave energy extraction system could be exercised by: a) Variations in total boyancy and therefore altitude of the device.

b) Variations in boyancy distribution and therefore attitude of the device.

c) variations to the size, shape, profile etc. of the orifice

6.

Claims

Claim 1 A device for extracting energy from sea or ocean surface waves comprising a body adapted to rest partially immersed in the water, the body having a surface extending horizontally in a direction parallel to the waves and being inclined at right-angles to that direction to present a sloping undersurface to the oncoming waves so that an oncoming wave will meet the surface and trap a body of air between the water, the said surface and vertical walls extending in the direction of wave travel, the air being compressed and conveyed to openings in the said surface, from whence it is led to an apparatus for extracting its potential and or kinetic energy.

Claim 2 A device as claim 1 but incorporating a submerged surface some distance below the sloping undersurface described in claim 1, extending, as the said surface, horizontally in a direction parallel to the waves and being inclined at right-angles to that direction to present a rising surface for the purpose of influencing in a favourable way the form and behaviour of the waves.