IE20070757U1 - A floatable wave energy converter and a method for improving the efficiency of a floatable wave energy converter - Google Patents

A floatable wave energy converter and a method for improving the efficiency of a floatable wave energy converter

Info

Publication number
IE20070757U1
IE20070757U1 IE2007/0757A IE20070757A IE20070757U1 IE 20070757 U1 IE20070757 U1 IE 20070757U1 IE 2007/0757 A IE2007/0757 A IE 2007/0757A IE 20070757 A IE20070757 A IE 20070757A IE 20070757 U1 IE20070757 U1 IE 20070757U1
Authority
IE
Ireland
Prior art keywords
housing
wave energy
energy converter
floatable wave
floatable
Prior art date
Application number
IE2007/0757A
Other versions
IES85112Y1 (en
Inventor
John Martin Mccarthy Michael
Martin Whelan Michael
Original Assignee
Maritime Technologies Limited
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Maritime Technologies Limited filed Critical Maritime Technologies Limited
Publication of IE20070757U1 publication Critical patent/IE20070757U1/en
Publication of IES85112Y1 publication Critical patent/IES85112Y1/en

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • F03B13/141—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 with a static energy collector
    • F03B13/142—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 with a static energy collector which creates an oscillating water column
    • 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
    • F03B13/24—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 to produce a flow of air, e.g. to drive an air turbine

Abstract

ABSTRACT A wave energy converter (1) comprises a housing (2) extending between a forward end (3) and an aft end (4). Three upstanding air chambers (15) are located in the housing (2) and three corresponding water accommodating ducts (16) extend aft from the air chambers (15) and terminate in aft water accommodating openings (17) for accommodating water into and out of the air chambers (15) as the housing (2) oscillates by pitching in response to passing waves. An air accommodating duct (21) communicates with the air chambers (15) through a manifold (20) for accommodating air into and out of the air chambers (15) as the water level (19a) falls and rises within the air chambers as the housing (2) oscillates. A self-rectifying turbine (22) located in the air accommodating duct (21) powers an electrical generator (24) for generating electricity. A buoyancy tank (31) is located on the housing (2) above the water accommodating ducts (16) aft of the air chambers (15) for maintaining the housing (2) floating in the water. A first stabilising plate (28) extending in a generally forwardly downwardly direction extends from a lower sloping portion (27) at the forward end (3) of the housing (2) for controlling the pitching oscillating motion of the housing (2) relative to wave motion for in turn enhancing the power output produced by the converter(l). A forward ballast tank (31) and a pair of second stabilising plates (30) extending upwardly from the housing (2) enhance the stability of the converter (1).

Claims (91)

Claims
1. A floatable wave energy converter for converting wave energy to electricity, the wave energy converter comprising a housing adapted to oscillate in response to wave motion and extending between a forward end and an aft end with the forward end thereof adapted to face into the waves in use, an air chamber formed in the housing, a water accommodating duct formed in the housing for accommodating water into and out of the air chamber as the housing oscillates in response to wave motion for varying the water level in the air chamber, the water accommodating duct terminating in a water accommodating opening aft of the air chamber, an air accommodating duct for accommodating air into and out of the air chamber in response to the varying water level therein, a converting means for converting energy in air being urged through the air accommodating duct in response to the varying water level in the air chamber to mechanical rotational energy, and a first stabilising plate extending below a waterline of the housing in a generally forward downward direction from the forward end of the housing for controlling the heaving and pitching motion of the housing to maximise the efficiency of conversion of the movement of the housing in water to useable energy.
2. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 1 in which the first stabilising plate extends from the housing at a level below the waterline.
3. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the first stabilising plate extends generally transversely of the fon/vard/aft direction of the housing.
4. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any preceding claim in which the first stabilising plate extends from the forward end of the housing at an angle to the vertical in the range of 30° to 60° when the housing is floating with the water accommodating duct lying substantially horizontally.
5. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any preceding claim in which the first stabilising plate extends from the forward end of the housing at an angle to EE@i075Z the vertical in the range of 40° to 50° when the housing is floating with the water accommodating duct lying substantially horizontally.
6. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any preceding claim in which the first stabilising plate extends from the forward end of the housing at an angle to the vertical of approximately 45° when the housing is floating with the water accommodating duct lying substantially horizontally.
7. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any preceding claim in which the first stabilising plate extends substantially the full transverse width of the housing adjacent the forward end thereof.
8. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any preceding claim in which a forwardly facing portion of the housing adjacent the forward end thereof slopes in a generally downward aft direction.
9. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 8 in which the forwardly facing sloping portion of the housing is formed by a lower portion of the housing.
10. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 8 or 9 in which the fon/vardly facing sloping portion of the housing is located below the waterline.
11. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 10 in which the forwardly facing sloping portion of the housing is inclined to the vertical at an angle in the range of 30° to 60° when the housing is floating with the water accommodating duct lying substantially horizontally.
12. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 11 in which the fon/vardly facing sloping portion of the housing is inclined to the vertical at an angle in the range of 40° to 50° when the housing is floating with the water accommodating duct lying substantially horizontally. 83583975]
13. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 12 in which the forwardly facing sloping portion of the housing is inclined to the vertical at an angle of approximately 45° when the housing is floating with the water accommodating duct lying substantially horizontally.
14. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 13 in which the first stabilising plate extends from the forwardly facing sloping portion of the housing.
15. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 14 in which the first stabilising plate extends from the forwardly facing sloping portion of the housing at an angle thereto.
16. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 15 in which the first stabilising plate extends from the forwardly facing sloping portion of the housing at an angle of approximately 90° thereto.
17. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any preceding claim in which the first stabilising plate is reinforced by at least one gusset plate extending between the first stabilising plate and the housing.
18. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 17 in which the first stabilising plate is reinforced by a plurality of spaced apart gusset plates extending between the first stabilising plate and the housing.
19. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any preceding claim in which a forward ballast means is provided adjacent the forward end of the housing for stabilising the housing.
20. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 19 in which the forward ballast means is located forward of the air chamber. iEo7o7
21. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 19 or 20 in which the fomrard ballast means is located above the level of the first stabilising plate.
22. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claims 19 to 21 in which the forward ballast means extends upwardly from a level at which the first stabilising plate extends from the forward end of the housing.
23. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 19 to 22 in which the forward ballast means is adjustable for selectively adjusting the weight thereof.
24. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 19 to 23 in which the forward ballast means comprises a ballast tank for accommodating ballast therein.
25. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 24 in which the ballast tank is adapted for accommodating water ballast.
26. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any preceding claim in which at least one second stabilising plate extends from the housing and is responsive to wave motion passing the housing for maintaining the housing oriented with the forward end thereof facing into the waves.
27. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 26 in which the at least one second stabilising plate extends in a generally forward/aft direction of the housing.
28. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 26 or 27 in which the at least one second stabilising plate extends upwardly from the housing.
29. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of the Claims 26 to 28 in liorcrgz which the at least one second stabilising plate is located towards the aft end of the housing.
30. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 26 to 29 in which a pair of spaced apart second stabilising plates extend from the housing.
31. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any preceding claim in which the air chamber is formed in the housing adjacent the forward end thereof.
32. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any preceding claim in which the water accommodating duct extends aft from the air chamber.
33. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any preceding claim in which the water accommodating opening from the water accommodating duct is located in the aft end of the housing.
34. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any preceding claim in which the air chamber extends upwardly from the water accommodating duct adjacent the forward end thereof.
35. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any preceding claim in which a buoyancy means is provided for maintaining the housing floating on the water.
36. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 35 in which the buoyancy means is located aft of the air chamber.
37. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 35 or 36 in which the buoyancy means is located above the water accommodating duct.
38. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 35 to 37 in which the buoyancy means extends from a location aft of the air chamber and terminates at an aft end intermediate the air chamber and the aft end of the housing. i£o7o7 27
39. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 38 in which the buoyancy means terminates at its aft end closer to the air chamber on respective opposite side edges of the housing than at a location intermediate the side edges thereof.
40. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 39 in which the buoyancy means terminates at its aft end closest to the aft end of the housing at a location midway between the opposite side edges of the housing.
41. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 38 to 40 in which the aft end of the buoyancy means is substantially arcuate when viewed in plan.
42. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 38 to 41 in which the aft end of the buoyancy means is substantially semicircular when viewed in plan.
43. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 35 to 42 in which the buoyancy means is located adjacent the air chamber.
44. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 35 to 43 in which the buoyancy means comprises a buoyancy tank.
45. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 44 in which the buoyancy tank is adapted for filling with air.
46. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 44 or 45 in which the buoyancy tank is adapted for filling with an expanded plastics buoyant material.
47. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any preceding claim in which the converting means for converting air being urged through the air accommodating l£o7o7 30 duct to rotational motion comprises a turbine.
48. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 47 in which the turbine is a self-rectifying turbine so that irrespective of the direction of air flow past the turbine, the turbine rotates in one direction only.
49. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any preceding claim in which the converting means is located in the duct.
50. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any preceding claims in which the converting means is coupled to an electrical generator.
51. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 50 in which the converting means is coupled inline to the generator.
52. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 50 or 51 in which the generator is located in the air accommodating duct.
53. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any preceding claim in which at least two air accommodating ducts are provided.
54. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 52 in which a converting means is located in each air accommodating duct.
55. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any preceding claim in which a plurality of parallel water accommodating ducts are formed in the housing.
56. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 55 in which a plurality of air chambers are formed in the housing.
57. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 56 in which one air chamber is provided corresponding to each water accommodating duct. tEo7o75z 29
58. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 56 or 57 in which a manifold is provided for communicating the air chambers with the one or more air accommodating duct.
59. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any preceding claim in which a coupling means is provided on the housing for coupling the housing to a mooring system with the forward end of the housing facing into the waves.
60. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 59 in which the coupling means for coupling the housing to the mooring system comprises a fon/vard coupling means located at the forward end of the housing.
61. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 60 in which a pair of forward coupling means are provided on respective opposite sides of the fon/vard end of the housing for coupling the housing to the mooring system.
62. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 59 to 61 in which the coupling means for coupling the housing to the mooring system comprises an aft coupling means located at the aft end of the housing.
63. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 62 in which a pair of spaced apart aft coupling means are provided.
64. A floatable energy converter for converting wave energy to electricity, the wave energy converter comprising a housing adapted to oscillate in response to wave motion and extending between a forward end and an aft end with the forward end thereof adapted to face into the waves in use, an air chamber formed in the housing, a water accommodating duct formed in the housing for accommodating water into and out of the air chamber as the housing oscillates in response to wave motion for varying the water level in the air chamber, the water accommodating duct terminating in a water accommodating opening aft of the air chamber, an air tEa7o7s7 accommodating duct for accommodating air into and out of the air chamber in response to the varying water level therein, a converting means for converting energy in air being urged through the air accommodating duct in response to the varying water level in the air chamber to mechanical rotational energy, and a forward ballast means provided adjacent the fon/vard end of the housing for stabilising the housing.
65. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 64 in which the forward ballast means is located fom/ard of the air chamber.
66. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 64 or 65 in which the fon/vard ballast means is adjustable for selectively adjusting the weight thereof.
67. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 64 to 66 in which the fon/vard ballast means comprises a ballast tank for accommodating ballast therein.
68. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 67 in which the ballast tank is adapted for accommodating water ballast.
69. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 64 to 68 in which a forwardly facing portion of the housing adjacent the forward end thereof slopes in a generally downward aft direction.
70. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 69 in which the forwardly facing sloping portion of the housing is formed by a lower portion of the housing.
71. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 69 or 70 in which the forwardly facing sloping portion of the housing is located below the waterline.
72. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 69 to 71 in ”§070j’v'57 U: which the forwardly facing sloping portion of the housing is inclined to the vertical at an angle in the range of 30° to 60° when the housing is floating with the water accommodating duct lying substantially horizontally.
73. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 69 to 72 in which the forwardly facing sloping portion of the housing is inclined to the vertical at an angle in the range of 40° to 50° when the housing is floating with the water accommodating duct lying substantially horizontally.
74. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 69 to 73 in which the fon/vardly facing sloping portion of the housing is inclined to the vertical at an angle of approximately 45° when the housing is floating with the water accommodating duct lying substantially horizontally.
75. A floatable energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 69 to 74 in which the forward ballast means is partly defined by a portion of the forwardly facing sloping portion of the housing.
76. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 64 to 75 in which at least one second stabilising plate extends from the housing and is responsive to wave motion passing the housing for maintaining the housing oriented with the forward end thereof facing into the waves.
77. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 64 to 76 in which the air chamber is formed in the housing adjacent the forward end thereof.
78. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 64 to 77 in which the water accommodating duct extends aft from the air chamber.
79. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 64 to 78 in which the water accommodating opening from the water accommodating duct is located in the aft end of the housing. ‘E07075?
80. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 64 to 79 in which the air chamber extends upwardly from the water accommodating duct adjacent the fon/vard end thereof.
81. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 64 to 80 in which a buoyancy means is provided for maintaining the housing floating on the water.
82. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 81 in which the buoyancy means is located aft of the air chamber.
83. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 81 or 82 in which the buoyancy means is located above the water accommodating duct.
84. A floatable wave energy converter for converting wave energy to electricity, the wave energy converter comprising a housing adapted to oscillate in response to wave motion and extending between a forward end and an aft end with the forward end thereof adapted to face into the waves in use, an air chamber formed in the housing, a water accommodating duct formed in the housing for accommodating water into and out of the air chamber as the housing oscillates in response to wave motion for varying the water level in the air chamber, the water accommodating duct terminating in a water accommodating opening aft of the air chamber, an air accommodating duct for accommodating air into and out of the air chamber in response to the varying water level therein, a converting means for converting energy in air being urged through the air accommodating duct in response to the varying water level in the air chamber to mechanical rotational energy, and a fon/vardly facing portion of the housing adjacent the forward end thereof sloping in a generally downward aft direction.
85. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 83 in which the forwardly facing sloping portion of the housing is formed by a lower portion of the 33 housing.
86. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in Claim 84 or 85 in which the forwardly facing sloping portion of the housing is located below the waterline.
87. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 83 to 85 in which the forwardly facing sloping portion of the housing is inclined to the vertical at an angle in the range of 30° to 60° when the housing is floating with the water accommodating duct lying substantially horizontally.
88. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 83 to 86 in which the forwardly facing sloping portion of the housing is inclined to the vertical at an angle in the range of 40° to 50° when the housing is floating with the water accommodating duct lying substantially horizontally.
89. A floatable wave energy converter as claimed in any of Claims 83 to 87 in which the forwardly facing sloping portion of the housing is inclined to the vertical at an angle of approximately 45° when the housing is floating with the water accommodating duct lying substantially horizontally.
90. A method for improving the efficiency of a floatable wave energy converter for converting wave energy to mechanical rotational energy, wherein the wave energy converter is of the type comprising a housing adapted to oscillate in response to wave motion and extending between a forward end and an aft end with the forward end thereof adapted to face into the waves in use, an air chamber formed in the housing, a water accommodating duct formed in the housing for accommodating water into and out of the air chamber as the housing oscillates in response to wave motion for varying the water level in the air chamber, the water accommodating duct terminating in a water accommodating opening aft of the air chamber, an air accommodating duct for accommodating air into and out of the air chamber in response to the varying water level therein. a converting means for converting energy in air being urged through the air accommodating duct in response to the 34 varying water level in the air chamber to mechanical rotational energy, the method comprising providing a first stabilising plate extending below a waterline of the housing in a generally forward downward direction from the forward end of the housing for controlling the heaving and pitching motions of the housing to maximise the efficiency of conversion of the movement of the housing in water to useable energy.
91. from the housing at a level below the waterline. A method as claimed in Claim 90 in which the first stabilising plate extends
IE2007/0757A 2007-10-18 A floatable wave energy converter and a method for improving the efficiency of a floatable wave energy converter IES85112Y1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IEIRELAND20/10/2006S2006/0770

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
IE20070757U1 true IE20070757U1 (en) 2008-06-11
IES85112Y1 IES85112Y1 (en) 2009-01-21

Family

ID=

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2666792C (en) A floatable wave energy converter and a method for improving the efficiency of a floatable wave energy converter
JP2010507041A5 (en)
US8536724B2 (en) Ocean wave energy converter
US8686582B2 (en) Wave energy converter
US10788010B2 (en) High capture efficiency wave energy converter with improved heave, surge and pitch stability
NZ566247A (en) Free floating wave energy converter with flexible pipe connected to inflexible inlet pipe with bouyancy tank
US20100132353A1 (en) Float for Sea Wave Energy Conversion Plant
CN113586318A (en) Single-column floating type offshore comprehensive power platform
IE20070757U1 (en) A floatable wave energy converter and a method for improving the efficiency of a floatable wave energy converter
KR101774442B1 (en) Ship with Electric Power Generation Device using Wave Force
CN100410529C (en) Rotary pontoon type soft-drive sea-wave hydraulic power generation unit
JP2001020844A (en) Tidal wave power generating method
CN220267858U (en) Multi-float and yaw plate wave power generation equipment
CN221257011U (en) Floating type offshore wind power foundation with negative damping inhibition function
CN209621515U (en) A kind of floating generating device using ship tail water
IES85112Y1 (en) A floatable wave energy converter and a method for improving the efficiency of a floatable wave energy converter
RU2362044C1 (en) Wave energy plant
TW202319638A (en) Ocean current power generation device with which the center of gravity adjustment module is free of marine bio-fouling, so as to greatly improve the reliability of the mechanism action and reduce the need for maintenance
WO2021141496A1 (en) Wave-powered power plant
WO2018014499A1 (en) Wave energy power generation apparatus
CA2841913A1 (en) Wave energy absorber unit