GB2579640A - Relative buoyancy marine wave energy recovery system - Google Patents

Relative buoyancy marine wave energy recovery system Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2579640A
GB2579640A GB1820032.9A GB201820032A GB2579640A GB 2579640 A GB2579640 A GB 2579640A GB 201820032 A GB201820032 A GB 201820032A GB 2579640 A GB2579640 A GB 2579640A
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Prior art keywords
buoy
electrical power
jacks
hydraulic
submerged buoy
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GB1820032.9A
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GB2579640B (en
GB201820032D0 (en
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James Hawke Henry
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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B9/00—Water-power plants; Layout, construction or equipment, methods of, or apparatus for, making same
    • E02B9/08—Tide or wave power plants
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
    • F03B13/14—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy
    • F03B13/16—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem"
    • F03B13/20—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem" wherein both members, i.e. wom and rem are movable relative to the sea bed or shore
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2260/00—Function
    • F05B2260/40—Transmission of power
    • F05B2260/406—Transmission of power through hydraulic systems
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
    • Y02A20/124—Water desalination
    • Y02A20/138—Water desalination using renewable energy
    • Y02A20/144—Wave energy
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/30—Energy from the sea, e.g. using wave energy or salinity gradient

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)

Abstract

A marine buoy system to recover wave energy and to convert to electrical power from a travelling wave at a location tethered to the seabed, comprises an upper flotation buoy 3 and a neutral or negatively buoyant lower submerged buoy 10 containing a variable geometry heave plate 12, free sliding on one or more central guide shafts 7. The upper and lower buoys may be attached to hydraulic cylinder jacks 9, sea water jacks or pneumatic jacks so that the induced movement between the two buoys, due to their differing buoyancy characteristics, is resisted by the cylinder jacks resulting in an increase in pressure. The pressure is employed to drive a hydraulic motor and generator providing electrical power for cable 14 transmission to a grid connector. Compartments 2 contain the machinery for hydraulic pressure to electrical power conversion. Alternatively, the system may be used to desalinate sea water.

Description

RELATIVE BUOYANCY MARINE WAVE ENERGY RECOVERY SYSTEM Title This invention provides a marine buoy system, tethered to a sea bed anchor, to recover the energy in sea waves for conversion to electrical power output, or alternatively to drive a reverse osmosis process to desalinate sea water.
Introduction and background to the invention
The energy contained in travelling marine waves is a vast source of energy which is largely untapped for use. This invention provides a marine buoy system which is tethered to a seabed anchor to capture and recover wave energy for conversion to electrical power output for transmission by cable to a grid connector. Alternatively, the energy recovered can be used to drive a reverse osmosis membrane process to desalinate sea water where the output is purified low salinity water pumped by hose. The invention is described herein as a marine buoy system with a number of component configuration options for the wave energy recovery process.
The application specially does not require civil works installation to the seabed and the marine buoy system is free floating. The design can contend with coastal application close to shore, where water depths tend to be shallow and wave heights increased, with transmission by cable to shore grid locations. The design can also contend with offshore application in deeper waters but with grid connections to marine hub installations or offshore wind farms.
Summary of the Invention
A marine buoy system comprising a process to capture and recover wave energy and a subsequent energy conversion process to provide electrical power output or alternatively to drive a reverse osmosis membrane process to provide desalinated water. The marine buoy system is tethered to a seabed anchor and is positioned in an area prone to large travelling waves.
The marine buoy system includes an Upper Flotation Buoy containing weatherproof machinery compartments for hydraulic pressure to electrical power conversion and a neutral or negatively buoyant Lower Submerged Buoy containing a variable geometry Heave Plate, free sliding on one or more Central Guide Shafts which spatially aligns the upper and lower Buoys.
The upper and lower Buoys are attached by hydraulic cylinder jacks such that the induced vertical force/movement which occurs within a travelling marine wave between the two Buoys, due to their differing buoyancy characteristics, is resisted by the fluid in the jack cylinders resulting in an increase in pressure, which is employed to drive a hydraulic motor and an electrical generator, providing electrical power output for cable transmission to a grid connector. The variable geometry Heave Plate is a means to change the resistance offered by the Lower Submerged Buoy to the induced force/movement.
The energy conversion process passes pulsed hydraulic high-pressure fluid to charge a hydraulic accumulator. This in turn drives at a lower steady pressure, a hydraulic motor turning a generator producing electrical power output for conditioning and transmission.
Alternative Features The wave energy capture and recovery process has alternative configurations to generate high-pressure fluid these being a closed hydraulic system described above, an open sea water system or a closed high-pressure pneumatic system. Each of these has the appropriate machinery for the conversion to electrical power.
The high-pressure open sea water wave energy capture and recovery process can alternatively be used to drive a reverse osmosis membrane process to provide desalinated water and concentrated brine as separate outputs.
Introduction to the Detailed Description
The invention will be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. For convenience the invention is termed here as the marine buoy system. For the purpose of illustration, the configuration employing a closed hydraulic fluid system to capture and recover wave energy will be used in conjunction with the conversion to electrical power output. Alternative features and configurations are described separately in the following section.
List of Figures Figure 1 shows the marine buoy system with an Upper Flotation Buoy aligned to a Lower Submerged Buoy by a single tubular Central Guide Shaft and connected by double acting hydraulic cylinder jacks, with sea level and upper and lower limits of the Lower Submerged Buoy travel illustrated.
Figure 2 shows the marine buoy system with an Upper Flotation Buoy aligned to a Lower Submerged Buoy by twin Central Guide Shafts and connected by double acting hydraulic cylinder jacks, with sea level and upper and lower limits of the Lower Submerged Buoy travel illustrated. This configuration is favoured when greater loads are resisted by the Lower Submerged Buoy.
Figure 3 shows the marine buoy system with an Upper Flotation Buoy aligned to a Lower Submerged Buoy by twin Central Guide Shafts and connected by paired sets of double acting hydraulic cylinder jacks, with sea level and upper and lower limits of the Lower Submerged Buoy travel illustrated. This configuration is favoured when greater loads are resisted by the Lower Submerged Buoy and output is optimised by switching a larger number of smaller jacks.
Figure 4 shows the Lower Submerged Buoy design with a single Central Guide Shaft, the load frame, the asymmetric hydrodynamic shaping of the upper and lower surfaces and an illustration of the anti-twist splined sliding arrangement over the Central Guide Shaft.
Figure 5 shows the variable geometry Heave Plates for the Lower Submerged Buoy design with a single Central Guide Shaft showing a fixed upper plate and a partially rotating lower plate by jack activation to offer or close a water path through the Lower Submerged Buoy.
Figure 6 shows the Lower Submerged Buoy design with twin Central Guide Shafts, the load frame, the asymmetric hydrodynamic shaping of the upper and lower surfaces and an illustration of the sliding arrangement over the Central Guide Shafts.
Figure 7 shows the variable geometry Heave Plates for the Lower Submerged Buoy design with twin Central Guide Shafts showing a fixed upper plate and a linear sliding movement lower plate by jack activation to offer or close a water path through the Lower Submerged Buoy.
Figure 8 is a flow diagram to illustrate the wave energy recovery process from marine wave energy to high-pressure fluid delivery.
Figure 9 is a flow diagram to illustrate the energy conversion process from high-pressure fluid delivery to electrical power conditioning and transmission by cable output. The alternative open sea water, closed pneumatic features and configurations are illustrated as well as the sea water reverse osmosis process.
Figure 10 is a flow diagram showing the principal control inputs and the principal means of providing system control.
The nomenclature of reference numbers pertaining to the drawing list is as follows.
SL Sea Level UL Upper limit of Lower Submerged Buoy Travel LL Lower Limit of Lower Submerged Buoy Travel 1 Weatherproof Compartment for Controls, Communication 2 Machinery, Electrical Generation, Reverse Osmosis Compartment 3 Upper Flotation Buoy 4 Additional Flotation Collar Upper Buoy Load Frame 6 Cylinder Jacks Feed Pressure and High-Pressure Outlet Hoses 7 Central Guide Shafts 8 Limit of Travel Stops, Jack Position Sensor and Shock Damper Device 9 Cylinder Jacks Lower Submerged Buoy 11 Lower Buoy End Plates 12 Variable Geometry Heave Plate 12A Heave Plate Upper Fixed 12B Heave Plate Lower Variable Position 13 Lower Buoy Load Frame 14 Tether Line to Sea Bed Anchor Power Output Transmission Cable (or Hose) 16 Stability Ballast 17 Splined Shaft 18 Sliding Splined Hub 19 Jack to Load Frame Attachments Heave Plate Activation Jacks 21 Free Sliding Hub
Detailed Description
Wave Energy Recovery Process -Essential Features The first section of the detailed description covers the wave energy recovery process and design and shows the essential features of the invention. Figure 1 shows the marine buoy system with an Upper Flotation Buoy {3} aligned to a Lower Submerged Buoy {10} by a single tubular Central Guide Shaft {7} and connected by double acting hydraulic Cylinder Jacks {9} in a closed hydraulic system. The Upper Flotation Buoy {3} is highly buoyant (by means of example but not confined to polyurethane filled with polyurethane foam) and is fixed to the Central Guide Shaft {7}. The Lower Submerged Buoy {10} is of neutral of negative buoyancy and is free moving vertically along the Central Guide Shaft {7} with limits of travel.
The sea level {SL} relative to the Upper Flotation Buoy {3} is illustrated and Upper Limit {UL} and Lower Limit {LL} of the Lower Submerged Buoy {10} travel up and down the Central Guide Shaft {7} is illustrated. For the purpose of illustration and context only the practical diameter of the Upper Flotation Buoy exceeds 3 metres.
The Upper Flotation Buoy {3} will provide a lifting stroke on a rising wave due to buoyancy and in a wave trough a falling stroke due to gravity. An Upper Buoy Load Frame {5} is used to carry forces across the Upper Flotation Buoy {3}. To increase the buoyancy of the Upper Flotation Buoy {3} an Additional Flotation Collar {4} may be added with a defined design height which significantly improves the submergence factor of the buoy and adds reserve buoyancy for dealing with a storm situation.
A weatherproof Machinery, Electrical Generation, Reverse Osmosis Compartment {2} is mounted on top of the Upper Flotation Buoy {3} above Sea Level {SL} to contain the machinery of electrical power conversion or sea water reverse osmosis. A Weatherproof Compartment for Controls and Communication {1} for the marine buoy system is located on top of the buoy for ease of access for maintenance.
The Lower Submerged Buoy {10} is of neutral of negative buoyancy (by means of example but not confined to a material similar to rubber). A Lower Buoy Load Frame {13} is used to carry forces across the Lower Submerged Buoy {10}. This buoy will provide high resistance to forces applied to it. A characteristic of this configuration is the up-stroke force may in some cases be larger than the down stroke force. This effect can be offset by offering a different hydrodynamic profile for the Lower Submerged Buoy {10} for the up and down stoke. Lower Buoy End Plates {11} are added to the upper surface to produce a high viscous drag coefficient while the lower surface is hydrodynamically smooth with a low viscous drag coefficient.
The Lower Submerged Buoy {10} embodies a Variable Geometry Heave Plate {12} attached to the Lower Buoy Load Frame {13}. The Variable Geometry Heave Plate {12} is in two parts (described later in Figures 4 and 5) and allows a path for water flow through the buoy to be opened or closed. This is a means to vary the resistance of the Lower Submerged Buoy {10}.
The Lower Submerged Buoy {10} slides on the Central Guide Shaft {7} which carries a Splined Shaft {17} to prevent twist of the Lower Submerged Buoy {10} relative to the Upper Flotation Buoy {3} and the associated stroking of the Cylinder Jacks {9}.
At the base of the Central Guide Shaft {7} is a Stability Ballast {16} to add vertical stability to the design, particularly on a falling wave. In addition, at the base of the Central Guide Shaft {7} is located the fixture for a Tether Line to a Sea Bed Anchor {14}. The Tether Line to a Sea Bed Anchor {14} is also used as the guide line for the Power Output Transmission Cable {15} to eliminate tangle. The Power Output Transmission Cable {15} connects to a grid collector either ashore or at sea.
A set of double action hydraulic Cylinder Jacks {9} is attached to the Upper Buoy Load Frame {5} and the Lower Buoy Load Frame {13}. The Cylinder Jacks {9} will be compressed or extended by forces and movement induced by the rise and fall of the Upper Flotation Buoy {3} relative to the Lower Submerged Buoy {10} as the system is exposed to a marine travelling wave of energy. The Lower Submerged Buoy {10} will move along the Central Guide Shaft {7} with the Upper Limit {UL} and Lower Limit {LL} of travel being limited by Limit of Travel Stops {8} incorporating a shock damper device to prevent shock loads, for example but not confined to a rubber buffer, coil spring or shock absorber.
The fluid output from and feed to the Cylinder Jacks {9} is through the Cylinder Jacks Feed Pressure and High-Pressure Outlet Hoses {6} which pass through the Central Guide Shaft {7} for overall protection to the Machinery, Electrical Generation, Reverse Osmosis Compartment {2}.
Figure 4 illustrates the design of the Lower Submerged Buoy {10} and Lower Buoy Load Frame {13} as a section view and plan view. The Lower Submerged Buoy {10} made of neutral or negative buoyancy material slides on the Central Guide Shaft {7}, the lower section being a Splined Shaft {17} to counter twist. The Variable Geometry Heave Plate {12} is located in the centre of the buoy and is attached to the Lower Buoy Load Frame {13} as are the Lower Buoy End Plates {11}. The Jack to Load Frame Attachments {19} are also illustrated. The plan view illustrates the sliding Splined Hub {18} attached to the Lower Buoy Load Frame {13}. The Splined Hub {18} slides on a matching Splined Shaft {17} to remove twist between the Lower Submerged Buoy {10} and the Upper Flotation Buoy {3}. The lower section of the Lower Buoy Load Frame {13} is similar to the shown plan view of the upper section.
Figure 5 illustrates the Variable Geometry Heave Plate {12} design. The purpose of this is to provide or close a water flow path through the Lower Submerged Buoy {10} to reduce or increase resistance to vertical forces when required. In a storm condition the flow paths would be fully open. The top Heave Plate Upper Fixed {12A} is fixed. The lower Heave Plate Lower Variable Position {12B} is capable of partial rotation through the activation of Heave Plate Activation Jacks {20} attached to the Lower Buoy Load Frame {13}. The relative positioning of the slots in these two plates closes or opens a flow path vertically through the Lower Submerged Buoy {10}.
Figure 8 illustrates through a flow diagram the wave energy recovery process from the travelling marine wave to the delivery of high-pressure fluid to an energy conversion process.
Wave Energy Recovery Process -Optional Features and Alternative Configurations Figure 2 shows a variation on the configuration shown in Figure 1 by using two Central Guide Shafts {7} for an application that places higher forces on the Lower Submerged Buoy {10}. Typically, in this configuration the Upper Flotation Buoy {3} will be larger and may comprise more than one individual flotation sections and not requiring an Additional Flotation Collar {4} as the reserve buoyancy may be sufficient.
Twist between the Upper Flotation Buoy {3} and the Lower Submerged Buoy {10} will be countered by the use of the twin Central Guide Shafts {7} such that there is no requirement for a Splined Shaft {17} on the Central Guide Shafts {7} nor a matching Splined Hub {18}.
In all other respects the description pertaining to Figure 1 is applicable to Figure 2.
For the two Central Guide Shafts {7} configuration, Figure 6 shows the design of the Lower Submerged Buoy {10} and Lower Buoy Load Frame {13} as a section view and plan view. The Lower Submerged Buoy {10} made of neutral or negative buoyancy material slides on the Central Guide Shafts {7}. The Variable Geometry Heave Plate {12} is located in the centre of the buoy and is attached to the Lower Buoy Load Frame {13} as are the Lower Buoy End Plates {11}. The Jack to Load Frame Attachments {19} are also illustrated. The plan view illustrates the Sliding Hub {21} attached to the Lower Buoy Load Frame {13}. The lower section of the Lower Buoy Load Frame {13} is similar to the shown plan view of the upper section.
For the two Central Guide Shafts {7} configuration Figure 7 illustrates the Variable Geometry Heave Plate {12} design. The purpose of this is to provide or close a water flow path through the Lower Submerged Buoy {10) to reduce or increase resistance to vertical forces when required. In a storm condition the flow paths would be fully open. The top Heave Plate Upper Fixed {12A} is fixed. The lower Heave Plate Lower Variable Position {12B} is capable of partial lateral movement through the activation of Heave Plate Activation Jacks {20} attached to the Lower Buoy Load Frame {13}. The relative positioning of the slots in these plates closes or opens a flow path vertically through the Lower Submerged Buoy {10}.
Figure 3 shows a variation on the configuration shown in Figure 2 using two Central Guide Shafts {7} but using a different arrangement of paired hydraulic Cylinder Jacks {9} for situations where a double number of smaller jacks is a more effective solution, for example, changing the number of jacks in use according to wave conditions or balancing upstroke and down stroke forces. In all other respects the description pertaining to Figure 2 is applicable to Figure 3.
The Cylinder Jacks {9} described in Figures 1,2 and 3 as closed circuit hydraulic double action jacks can be replaced with a high-pressure closed pneumatic system to the same effect.
The Cylinder Jacks {9} described in Figures 1,2 and 3 as closed circuit hydraulic double action jacks can be replaced with open system sea water jacks to the same effect with water for the jacks drawn through filters from the sea and returned to the sea.
Energy Conversion Process Figure 9 illustrates through a flow diagram the energy conversion process on delivery of high-pressure fluid from the wave energy recovery process.
For the configuration using closed circuit hydraulic double action Cylinder Jacks {9}, pulses of high-pressure hydraulic fluid produced by the wave upstroke and downstroke is fed through pressure set non-return valves to charge a hydraulic accumulator. The hydraulic accumulator drives a hydraulic motor at a steady lower pressure which in turn drives an electrical generator. The electrical output power is conditioned for transfer by transmission cable. The spent hydraulic fluid passes to a reservoir to replenish under lower pressure the unpressurised side of the Cylinder Jacks {9}. The retained pressure in the hydraulic accumulator can be used to operate the Heave Plate Activation Jacks {20} and to park the Cylinder Jacks {9} in a central no-wave idle position.
For the configuration using an open sea water double action Cylinder Jacks {9}, pulses of high-pressure sea water produced by the wave upstroke and downstroke is fed through pressure set non-return valves to drive a water turbine which in turn drives a flywheel and electrical generator. The electrical output power is conditioned for transfer by transmission cable. The unpressurised side of the Cylinder Jacks {9} is fed by filtered sea water. The retained pressure can be used to operate the Heave Plate Activation Jacks {20} and to park the Cylinder Jacks {9} in a central no-wave idle position.
For the configuration using closed pneumatic double action Cylinder Jacks {9}, pulses of high-pressure gas produced by the wave upstroke and downstroke is fed through pressure set non-return valves to charge a bank of pressure cylinders. The pressure cylinders drive an air turbine at a steady lower pressure which in turn drives an electrical generator. The electrical output power is conditioned for transfer by transmission cable. The spent pneumatic gas passes to replenish under lower pressure the unpressurised side of the Cylinder Jacks {9}. The retained pressure in the pressure cylinders can be used to operate the Heave Plate Activation Jacks {20} and to park the Cylinder Jacks {9} in a central no-wave idle position.
For the configuration using an open sea water double action Cylinder Jacks {9}, pulses of very high-pressure sea water produced by the wave upstroke and downstroke is fed through a semi permeable membrane in a reverse osmosis process to produce a flow of purified desalinated water for pumping by hose to a collection point. Concentrated brine can be collected or discarded as a secondary output. The unpressurised side of the Cylinder Jacks {9} is fed by filtered sea water. The retained pressure can be used to operate the Heave Plate Activation Jacks {20} and to park the Cylinder Jacks {9} in a central no-wave idle position.
Principal Means of Control.
The marine buoy system possesses control and remote communication functions housed in a Weatherproof Compartment {1}. Figure 10 illustrates the principal control inputs and principal means of control. The control system will operate within pre-set parameters with onboard Jack Positioning Sensors {8}, wave height sensor and generator output sensor providing real time inputs to the control system. According to the wave conditions encountered, the number of Cylinder Jacks {9} in use can be controlled by electro-servo valves, the number of generators in use and the resistance of the Lower Submerged Buoy {10} through control of the Variable Geometry Heave Plate {12}.
In a storm condition the marine buoy is made safe by the tether to the sea bed, reduced resistance offered by the Lower Submerged Buoy {10} through control of the Variable Geometry Heave Plate {12} and the reserve buoyancy factor of the Upper Flotation Buoy {3}.

Claims (8)

  1. Claims 1. A highly buoyant upper flotation buoy containing weatherproof machinery compartments for hydraulic pressure to electrical power conversion and a neutral or negatively buoyant lower submerged buoy containing a variable geometry heave plate, free sliding on one or more central guide shafts, with the upper and lower buoys connected by single or double action closed system hydraulic cylinder jacks, such that the induced movement between the two buoys which occurs when subjected to a travelling marine wave, is resisted by the fluid in the hydraulic jacks resulting in an increase in hydraulic pressure, which is transferred to a hydraulic accumulator to simultaneously drive a hydraulic motor and generator providing electrical power output for cable transmission to a grid connector.
  2. 2. The hydraulic cylinder jacks according to claim 1 can be substituted by open system sea water jacks to produce the same effect, with the hydraulic to electrical power conversion replaced by a hydro to electrical power conversion using a water turbine to drive a generator to provide electrical power output.
  3. 3. The hydraulic cylinder jacks according to claim 1 can be substituted by a closed system high-pressure pneumatic jacks to produce the same effect, with the hydraulic to electrical power conversion replaced by a pneumatic to electrical power conversion using an air turbine to drive a generator to provide electrical power output.
  4. 4. The hydro to electrical power conversion machinery according to claim 2 can be substituted by a high to low pressure reverse osmosis membrane process to reduce the salinity of sea water and the power output transmission cable replaced by a hose for low salinity water flow.
  5. 5. The variable geometry heave plate according to claim 1 varies the resistance of the lower submerged buoy to upward and downward forces by controlling the flow of water passing through the lower submerged buoy, with this being achieved by a cylinder jack (of the type referred to in claim 1) sliding or rotating one slotted plate relative to another slotted plate to close or open channels through the lower submerged buoy, which on the occurrence of a storm situation reduces the lower submerged buoy resistance within the submergence tolerance of the upper flotation buoy.
  6. 6. The variable geometry heave plate according to claim 5 together with the activation and deactivation of individual hydraulic cylinder jack sets according to claim 1, the input of wave height sensors and hydraulic arm extension sensors can be used to optimise the power output of the device with differing wave heights.
  7. 7. The lower submerged buoy according to claim 1 has a hydrodynamically cleaner lower surface and lower viscous drag coefficient compared with the upper surface of the lower submerged buoy to compensate for the upper stroke being more powerful than the downstroke in higher wave conditions to counteract a tendency for the Lower Submerged Buoy to ride upwards.
  8. 8. The central guide shafts according to claim 1 maintain spatial alignment between the upper and lower buoys, are ballasted at the lowest point to increase vertical stability and are tethered to a sea bed anchor, the tether also providing the guide and support for the power output transmission cable to a grid collector or water hose according to claim 4.
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WO2023105098A3 (en) * 2021-12-06 2023-07-27 Istvan Lakos Wave energy converter

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CN110425077B (en) * 2019-07-22 2024-04-09 山东大学 Float type wave energy power generation device
CN112359428B (en) * 2020-11-19 2022-09-13 广西桂华丝绸有限公司 Vacuum humidifying device for filament sheets

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CN103939270A (en) * 2013-01-23 2014-07-23 李滨 Floating type wave energy power generation device by using piston to pressurize water turbine to generate electricity
CN103939269A (en) * 2013-01-18 2014-07-23 王维俊 Large piston pressurizing type wave energy generation device
WO2016120599A1 (en) * 2015-01-27 2016-08-04 Aqua Power Technologies Limited Wave energy converter with submerged element

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
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