IE20180213A2

IE20180213A2 - A wave-lock marine energy converter

Info

Publication number: IE20180213A2
Application number: IE2018/0213A
Authority: IE
Inventors: Wall Brian
Original assignee: Wall Brian
Filing date: 2018-07-09
Publication date: 2020-06-24

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for extracting energy from aquatic waves and to an apparatus for utilizing that process. According to the invention a buoyant moving component can be connected to a submerged ﬂoatation component only by means of a shaft and buoyant guides. A latching mechanism that detects the crest and trough of each wave can halt the buoyant moving component at both the crest and the trough of a wave and can release the buoyant moving component so that the buoyant moving component descends and ascends the maximum distance and captures the maximum amount of energy without making direct contact with the submerged ﬂoatation component. In particular, the invention utilizes buoyant guides to control a rotating cylinder around a compressor unit to control the movement the buoyant moving component in accordance with the waves.

Description

Title A Wave~Lock Marine Enerciv Converter Field of invention The present invention relates to the use of marine devices to exploit the energy in aquatic waves.

The invention provides a new process and apparatus for optimizing the energy that can be captured from waves that further extends the range of waves that a device can exploit and increases the amount of energy that can be captured from each wave while at the same time further reducing the risk of damage to the device.

According to the invention a Buoyant Moving Component, which is rising and falling with the waves in relation to a Submerged Floatation Component, can be temporarily locked in position at both the crest and the trough of a wave and can be delayed from descending and ascending until the Buoyant Moving Component can travel the maximum distance and capture the maximum amount of energy from waves and do so without making contact with the Submerged Floatation Component other than via a moving shaft and buoyant guides.

The present invention provides a novel and inventive means of achieving this objective.

Backctround to the invention Waves are a clean, renewable source of energy that is exploitable in most ocean environments using mechanical devices designed to extract energy from the movement of the waves and exploit that energy for various uses. However, so far wave energy devices have failed to exploit the full potential energy available for several reasons.

Most wave energy devices are limited to exploiting the movement of the wave only, generating power through the upward and downward movement of one component in relation to another component or the seabed. This process fails to exploit the full gravitational potential energy available in each wave as a volume of water is raised and lowered in relation to the seabed or in relation to a stable floating component within the column of water. While the buoyant moving component in such a device can capture energy from the movement of the wave, if the buoyant moving component of a device always ascends or descends supported by the wave much of the potentiai energy is dissipated into the surrounding water. Furthermore, if the buoyant moving component of a device must come into contact with the ﬂoatation component then damage will reduce the viability of the device and shorten the working life of the device.

Accordingly there is a need for a simple robust mechanism that allows the buoyant moving component of a marine energy capturing device to operate in relation to a floatation component, which is at all times submerged beneath the surface so that the two parts do not incur damage through contact and so that the buoyant moving component can capture the maximum amount of energy from all waves.

To achieve this, the movement of the buoyant moving component must be controlled by the waves and must be delayed at the crest and trough of each wave so as to descend and ascend the maximum distance in response to each individual wave regardless of the variations in each wave so as to maximize energy extraction from the sea.

Applicant's own patent, Number 86608, granted 4/12/2015, discloses a process for extracting greater potential energy from aquatic waves in this manner and an apparatus for utilizing that process. However, it is desirable to further refine and improve upon the ideas introduced in that patent and in the subsequent innovations described in patent application Number 2016/0195, filed on the 29/07/2016, patent application Number 2017/051 filed on 24/7/17 and Patent Application Number 2017/0169 filed on 10/08/2017.

Statement of invention The invention described herein addresses the challenges inherent in extracting the maximum energy from waves and provides a process and apparatus for doing so in a novel, inventive and more efficient manner. In particular this present invention provides for a process and apparatus that can achieve this greater energy capture and allow the main body of a marine energy capture device, the floatation component, to remain at all times below the sea surface in order to avoid potentially damaging contact between the floatation component and the buoyant moving component so that the device can exploit the full range of waves.

To do so the invention provides for a process and apparatus, in which fluid is trapped in a compressor chamber inside a stable, submerged floatation component when a buoyant moving component has ascended to the crest of a wave or descended to the trough of a wave. The trapped ﬂuid in the said compressor chamber in turn prevents the buoyant moving component from moving until the buoyant moving component can travel the maximum distance to maximize energy capture. A latching mechanism ‘detects when a wave has reached it’s crest or trough and then releases the trapped fluid from the compressor chamber. Once the fluid is free to leave the said compressor chamber the buoyant moving component is also free to move. The movement of the buoyant moving component expels the fluid from one part of the compressor chamber while drawing fluid into the other. The fluid is expelled at the maximum level of compression to be exploited for the maximum amount of work or, alternatively, delivered into storage to be exploited for later work. in particular, the present invention provides for a simpler and more robust mechanism for achieving this goal, using simple floats to rotate a cylinder around a compressor chamber so as to trap and release fluid and to control the movement of a buoyant moving component relative to a stable floatation component and thereby compress and transmit fluid forthe purpose of carrying out work.

Consequently, the invention described herein provides a simpler means of increasing the overall energy capture from each wave while also reducing the likelihood of damage andprolonging the lifetime of a device, thereby magnifying the operational range and efficiency of the prior art: the mechanism described in applicant's previous patent: lrish Patent Number 86608 and patent application No. 2016/0195, filed on the 29/07/2016 and patent application No. 2017/051 ﬁled on 24/7/17 and Patent Application Number 2017/0169 filed on 10/08/2017.

According to one aspect of the invention there is a process as set out in the appended claims for extracting the full potential energy available from aquatic waves in a simple way and an apparatus for utilizing that process.

The process is comprised of the foliowirgg steps: a) a ﬂoatation component is maintained in a stable position relative to the sea surface, only being free to rise and fall with the tides; b) a buoyant moving component, iinked to, and in communication with, the top of a floatation component, is free to move in a vertical direction in relation to the floatation component; c) the buoyant moving component is free to rise and fall as a result of the movements of the waves; d) the buoyant moving component captures energy from the rise and fall of waves as the buoyant moving component rises and falls relative to the floatation component; e) a latching mechanism inside the floatation component responds to the wave crest and wave trough to halt the ascent or descent of the buoyant moving component relative to the floatation component as the sea surface rises and falls and the latching mechanism also release the buoyant moving component in response to the next wave crest or wave trough so that the buoyant moving component ascends after being submerged by a rising wave and descends without the support of the receding wave, with the result that the maximum energy available from the wave can be harnessed to carry out useful work, including the generation of electricity or the compression of a fluid that can be stored for later exploitation. t The apparatus is a device designed to utilize this process.

In one embodiment of the invention the floatation component of the apparatus can be fitted with stabilization components that keep the floatation component in a stable position in relation to the sea surface. in one embodiment of the invention an apparatus for carrying out the process can be linked to anchors on the bed of the body of water by means of mooring ropes or cables in such a way as to keep the apparatus in position, to dampen vertical movement of the apparatus and to prevent lateral movement of the apparatus. _ According to another embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for carrying out the process can comprise a floatation component made up of one or more floatation units. A floatation unit can contain adjustable buoyancy chambers so that the buoyancy of a ﬂoatation unit can be changed through the alteration of fluid levels within the adjustable buoyancy chambers for the purpose of maintaining the top of the floatation component ata fixed level in relation to the sea surface. in one embodiment of the invention the buoyancy adjustment can be achieved through the adjustment of fluid levels in one or more adjustable buoyancy chambers via adjustable buoyancy chamber apertures or fluid inlet pipes through which fluid can be inserted and removed. in another embodiment of the invention various mechanisms can be employed to maintain the floatation component at a ﬁxed level below the sea surface at all times to minimize impact from waves and maximize the energy output. in another embodiment of the invention a stability component can be attached to the ﬂoatation component to control vertical movement of the floatation component in the water column. in one embodiment the stabilitycomponent can take the shape of a plate, constructed to extend horizontally and at right angles to the vertical movement of the ﬂoatation component so that any vertical movement of the floatation component in the water column must displace a volume of water large enough to prevent any substantial vertical movement. in another embodiment the stability plate can be shaped to resist upward ’ movement of the ﬂoatation component in the water column while at the same time facilitating downward movement in the water column so as to maintain the uppermost part of the floatation component in a ﬁxed position in relation to the sea surface at all times. in another embodiment of the invention the stability component can be connected to the floatation component at a suitable depth below the ﬂoatation component by means of stability component cables so that the stability component is positioned ‘below the base of the average wave, or below the zone of water most stirred by the average wave, so as to maintain the uppermost part of the floatation component at a fixed position in relation to the sea surface at all times. in another embodiment of the invention the stability component can be connected to the floatation component at a suitable depth below the ﬂoatation component by means of stability component cables so that the stability component is positioned below the base of the average wave and can be shaped to act as a stabilization drag, or sea anchor, which restricts upward movement of the floatation component in the water column while at the same time facilitating downward vertical movement of the floatation component in the water column so as to maintain the uppermost part of the floatation component at a fixed position in relation to the sea surface at all times. in one embodiment of the invention the ﬂoatation component can be stabilized by means of vertical ﬁns attached to the bodyof the ﬂoatation component in order to prevent lateral rocking of the ﬂoatation component either at the top or the base of the ﬂoatation component. i In another embodiment of the invention the floatation component can be stabilized at a fixed position in relation to the sea surface at all times by mooring ropes being ﬁxed to the uppermost part of the floatation component and also to the lowest part of the floatation component so as to reduce rocking motion at the top of the device. i : in another embodiment of the invention the buoyant moving component can be shaped to incorporate a float, which is sufficiently buoyant, and suitably situated, to raise the entire buoyant moving component on a rising wave so that the movement of the buoyant moving component will do work within the submerged floatation component. in another embodiment of the invention the buoyant moving component can be shaped to include a shaft, which protrudes into the submerged floatation component, and is directly connected to, but free to move within, the submerged floatation component to do work within the submerged floatation component. in another embodiment of the invention the buoyant moving component shaft can be shaped to transmit fluids while rising and falling with each wave in relation to the submerged ﬂoatation componentf the said buoyant moving component being directly connected to, but free to move within, the submerged floatation component. in one embodiment of the present invention an apparatus can include a buoyant component that is free to ‘rise and fall with the waves in a way that ensures that various mechanisms of the apparatus can operate in accordance with the position of the waves regardless of the relative position of the submerged floatation component and the buoyant moving component, so that the submerged floatation component can remain below the sea surface at all times and the apparatus can capture energy from waves of all sizes.

In one embodiment of the invention the buoyant moving component can incorporate a guiding structure that is shaped to control the movement of the said buoyant moving component, the buoyant moving component being free to move vertically within the guiding structure. . in another embodiment of the invention the guiding structure can comprise a plurality of individual guides that can be supported from within the submerged floatation component and can be positioned and shaped to conﬁne the buoyant moving component to vertical movement only. in one embodiment of the invention the said guides can be supported from within the submerged ﬂoatation component and can be positioned to protrude through the body of the buoyant moving component. in another embodiment of the present invention the said buoyant guides can be supported from within the floatation component and can be housed in floatation component guide shafts situated within the submerged floatation component.

In another embodiment of the invention the said guides can be buoyant guides that are designed to float. in another embodiment of the present invention the said buoyant guides can be free to rise and fall in a vertical direction while supported in floatation component guide shafts, and thus be able to rise and fall with the waves and therefore able to guide the said buoyant moving component regardless of the position of the floatation component in relation to the sea surface.

In another embodiment of the present invention the floatation component guide shafts can be shaped so that the buoyant guides pump ﬂuid to and draw fluid from components within the floatation component as the buoyant guides rise and fall with the waves.

In another embodiment of the present invention some of the said guides can be static structures supported from within the ﬂoatation component and which can protrude through the body of the said buoyant moving component while also acting as reservoirs for fluid being pumped into and drawn from components within the said floatation component. in another embodiment of the present invention the said reservoirs can supply fluid to the floatation component guide shafts and can be shaped into the form of a latch control chamber fluid pipe loop in which a fluid can freely circulate in and out of the floatation comppnent guide shafts with the movement of the buoyant guides. in another embodiment of the invention the; submerged ﬂoatation component can be stabilized at a fixed position in relation’ to the sea surface at all times by the inclusion of a damper mechanism which can be connected to the mooring ropes and also, if necessary, to the above mentioned stabilization drag or sea anchor. in another embodiment of the present invention the ﬂoatation component can be stabilized by the inclusion of a damper mechanism that facilitates the descent of the floatation component and resists the ascent of the floatation component in response to waves so as to counteract_the buoyancy of the submerged ﬂoatation component and maintain the upper part‘ of the submerged floatation component at a fixed position in relation to the sea surface at all times. in another embodiment of the present invention the submerged ﬂoatation component can be stabilized by the inclusion of a damper mechanism that facilitates the descent of the floatation component and resists the ascent of the floatation component while at the same time allowing the floatation component to rise gradually and fall gradually with the tides -so as to maintain the upper part of the ﬂoatationcomponent at a fixed position in relation to the sea surface or at all times.

In another embodiment of the invention the damper mechanism can consist of a damper chamber connected to, or contained within, the floatation component. The damper chamber can contain a fluid and also contain a buoyant damper float connected to the mooring ropes and, ifvnecessary, to the aforementioned stabilization drag or sea anchor, the damper float being shaped to fit exactly within the walls of the damper chamber and be shaped to rise through the chamber fluid with ease, so as to tighten the mooring ropes. The damper float can also be shaped to descend through the chamber ﬂuid with difficulty so as to maintain the tightness of the mooring ropes and so as to restrict any sudden upward movement of the floatation component in the water column and to facilitate any downward movement of the floatation component in the water column for the purpose of maintaining the uppermost part of the floatation component at a fixed position in relation to the sea surface at all times. in another embodiment of the present invention the damper float and the damper chamber can be shaped to include a ﬂoating damper chamber piston that rises and falls in response to the sea surface and extends into the damper chamber in order to pump water from the upper part of the damper chamber into the lower part of the damper chamber in order to raise the damper float and tighten the mooring ropes whenever the ﬂoatation component rises above a set level in relation to the sea surface so the position of the floatation component can be kept in a ﬁxed position in relation to the sea surface at all times. in another embodiment of the present invention the floating damper chamber piston within the damper chamber mechanism can also be shaped to protrude through the buoyant moving component and serve as a guide preventing any lateral movement of the buoyant moving component in response to the waves. in another embodiment of the invention the buoyant moving component ﬂoat can be shaped to be a hollow float. in another embodiment of the invention the buoyant moving component hollow float can be shaped into the form of a vessel which can be filled with water and can retain and release water at various stages in the wave cycle. in anotheriembodiment of the invention the buoyant moving component hollow float can be shaped to include water inlet and water outlet valves shaped to admit and retain water at various stages in the wave cycle and to release water at different stages in the wave cycle. in another embodiment of the invention the buoyant moving component can be shaped to rise with the wave, lifted by the buoyant moving component hollow float in order to capture water from a wave through the said inlet valves and retain that captured water for later release through the said outlet valves and apertures when the buoyant moving component has completed its full descent.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there can also be provided a compressor unit, which can be ﬁxed to the ﬂoatation component so that the compressor unit is directly in communication with the buoyant moving component shaft so that the relative movement of the buoyant moving component compresses a fluid inside the compressor unit. in one embodiment of the invention the compressor unit can contain a compressor chamber containing a compressor piston fixed to, or forming part of, the base of the buoyant moving component shaft, the buoyant moving component shaft being of sufficient length to extend above the average wave while also extending into the compressor unit. in one embodiment of the invention the compressor piston can be situated in the said compressor chamber in such a manner that the vertical movement of the buoyant moving component shaft causes the compressor piston to move vertically within the compressor chamber with each rise and fall of the buoyant moving component to which the buoyant moving component shaft is attached. in one embodiment of the invention the compressor chamber can be shaped to form a cylinder, into which the compressor piston fits closely but is free to move in a vertical direction so that the movement of the compressor piston compresses fluid within the compressor chamber.

In one embodiment of the invention the compressor chamber wall can be shaped to include a plurality of apertures. The compressor chamber wall apertures can be shaped to allow the entry and expulsion of a fluid. in another embodiment of the invention the compressor chamber can be contained within an outer housing, which can be shaped to include a plurality of apertures. The compressor chamber outer housing apertures can be shaped to allow the intake and expulsion of a fluid.

In one embodiment of the invention a plurality of compressor chamber fluid inlet valves can be situated in the compressor unit, or in associated inlet pipes, and can be positioned and shaped to allow fluid to enter and be retained within the compressor chamber. in another embodiment of the invention a plurality of compressor chamber ﬂuid outlet valves can be positioned in the compressor unit or in associated outlet pipes to allow fluid in the compressor chamber to escape when a set pressure has been reached.

In one embodiment of the invention compressor chamber fluid inlet valves can be situated in, or connected to, fluid inlet pipes, delivering fluid to the compressor chamber. A in anotherembodiment of the invention compressor chamber fluid outlet valves can be situated in, or connected to, fluid outlet pipes, delivering fluid from the compressor chamber. in one embodiment of the invention fluid inlet pipes and compressor chamber fluid inlet valves can be connected to the upper part of the compressor chamber in order to supply ﬂuid to the compressor chamber on the descent of the compressor piston. in one embodiment of the invention fluid inlet pipes and compressor chamber fluid inlet valves can be connected to the lower part of the compressor chamber in order to supply fluid to the compressor chamber on the ascent of the compressor piston. in one embodiment of the invention fluid outlet pipes and compressor chamber fluid outlet valves can be connected to the lower part of the compressor chamber in order to release fluid from the compressor chamber on the descent of the compressor piston. in one embodiment of the invention fluid outlet pipes and compressor chamber fluid outlet valves can be connected to the upper part of the compressor chamber in order to release fluid from the compressor chamber on the ascent of the compressor piston. in another embodiment of the invention compressed ﬂuid outlet pipes can be positioned to fluidly connect the said fluid outlet valves to devises for the immediate exploitation of the compressed fluid or for the delivery of the compressed fluid to storage tanks for the storage of the compressed fluid for later exploitation. in another embodiment ofthe invention the compressor unit can also be shaped so thatthe compressor chamber fluid inlet valves and the compressed fluid outlet valves can be situated in both the upper and lower parts of the compressor chamber in such a manner that the downward stroke of the compressor piston draws fluid into the upper part of the compressor chamber while at the same time compressing the fluid trapped in the lower part of the compressor chamber. On the upward stroke, the compressor piston can then compress the fluid in the upper part of the compressor chamber while drawing the compressed fluid into the lower part of the compressor chamber.

In another embodiment of the invention the compressed ﬂuid outlet valves in both the upper and lower parts of the compressor chamber can be positioned and adjusted to release the compressed fluid from the compressor chamber when a suitable pressure has been reached.

In another embodiment of the invention the compressor unit can also be shaped so that the compressor chamber ﬂuid inlet valves and the compressor chamber fluid outlet valves can be situated in such a manner that the downward stroke of the compressor piston draws fluid into the upper part of the compressor chamber while at the same time compressing the fluid trapped in the lower part of the compressor chamber while on the upward stroke, the compressor piston compresses the ﬂuid in the upper part of the compressor chamber and forces the compressed ﬂuid through the outlet valves in the upper part of the compressor chamber into the lower part of the compressor chamber where the said compressed fluid is further compressed: by the downward stroke of the compressor piston before being released for storage or immediate exploitation. in a further embodiment of the present invention the compressor unit can be shaped to include a back stop mechanism to absorb, and ultimately halt, the upward and downward movement of the buoyant moving component shaft and compressor piston and thus bring the upwardgand downward movement of the buoyant moving component to a halt at a fixed distance from the floatation component. A ' in another embodiment of the invention the said compressor unit can be shaped so that the upward and downward strokes of the buoyant moving component shaft causes fluid in the upper and lower part of the compressor chamber to be compressed and trapped in back stop buffer zones, where the trapped fluid acts as a buffer, or brake, to absorb, and ultimately halt, the upward and downward movement of the buoyant moving comppnent shaft and compressor piston at a fixed distance from the top and bottom of the compressor chamber so as to halt the buoyant moving component at a ﬁxed distance from the submerged ﬂoatation component.

In another embodiment of the invention the said backstop buffer zones can be shaped to include backstop buffer zone high-pressure release pipes to release fluid when pressure reaches fixed levels to avoid damage.

In one embodiment of the present invention mechanisms can be incorporated in the device so that the buoyant moving component can be momentarily held submerged at the level of the last trough as the sea level ascends and then be released to ascend to the next wave crest in order to travel the maximum distance, and also be momentarily held aloft at the level of the last wave crest as the sea level descends so that the said buoyant, moving component can then be released to descend to the next wave trough in order to travel the maximum distance so that the full buoyancy and weight of the buoyant moving component can be exploited to the maximum degree to carry out work with each wave.

In one embodiment of the invention the compressor unit can be shaped to be part of a latching mechanism that holds the buoyant moving component at the level of the last wave trough as the sea level ascends so that the buoyant moving component can then be released to ascend to the next wave crest, and also holds the buoyant moving component at the level of the last wave crest as the sea level descends so that the buoyant moving component can then be released to descend to the next wave trough, in order to travel the maximum distance in each case. in one embodiment of the invention the compressor unit can be shaped so that as the submerged buoyant moving component ascends, the rising compressor piston in the compressor chamber draws fluid into the lower part of the compressor chamber, where the fluid becomes trapped by a latching mechanism once the upward motion of the buoyant ‘moving component ceases at the crest of the wave so that the trapped ﬂuid can prevent the compressor piston from descending as the sea level fails so as to leave the buoyant moving component halted at the level of the last wave crest until the latching mechanism releases the said trapped fluid, thus allowing the buoyant moving component to descend the maximum distance. in one embodiment of the invention the compressor unit can be shaped so that as the elevated buoyant moving component descends, the descending compressor piston in the compressor chamber draws fluid into the upper part of the compressor chamber, where the ﬂuid can be trapped by a latching mechanism once the downward motion of the buoyant moving component ceases at the trough of the wave so that the trapped fluid can prevent the compressor piston from ascending as the sea level rises, thereby leaving the buoyant moving component halted at the level of the last wave trough until the latching mechanism releases the trapped water, thus allowing the buoyant moving component to ascend the maximum distance. in one embodiment of the invention the compressor unit can be shaped to serve as a simple fluid pump which pumps ﬂuid for energy extraction or for other purposes. in one embodiment of the invention the latching mechanism can comprise a latch sleeve, a latch sleeve being a rotating cylinder, which closely surrounds the compressor chamber wall and also is closely surrounded by the compressor unit outer housing but is free to rotate between the compressor chamber wall and the compressor unit outer housing. in one embodiment of the invention the latch sleeve can be shaped to include apertures positioned to align with aperttires in the compressor chamber wall and also with apertures in the compressor unit outer housing so that when the compressor chamber wall apertures, latch sleeve apertures and the compressor unit outer housing apertures are aligned fluid can travel to or from the compressor chamber. in one embodiment of the invention the latch sleeve can be constructed to respond to pressure from within the compressor chamber by sealing any gap between the outer surface of the said latch sleeve and the inner surface of the compressor unit outer housing. in one embodiment of the invention the said latch sleeve can extend into a latch control chamber .within the submerged floatation component and from which the rotation of the said latch sleeve can be controlled. in another embodiment of the present invention the aforementioned floatation component guide shafts can also extend into the said latch control chamber so that the aforementioned buoyant guides, which can be housed within the floatation component guide shafts, and which can be free to rise and fall in a vertical direction with each wave, can function to force fluid into the said latch control chamber when the buoyant guides fall with a receding wave and draw fluid from the latch control chamber when the said buoyant guides rise with an ascending wave. ' ’ In one embodiment of the invention the said latch control chamber can be shaped to contain latch control blades which can be shaped to rotate within the latch control chamber in one direction when the said buoyant guides fall with a receding and force fluid into the latch control chamber, and can also be shaped to rotate in the opposite direction when the said buoyant moving component guides rise with an ascending wave and drawfluid from the latch control chamber.

In one embodiment of the invention the said latch control blades can be fixed to the said latch sleeve so that the rotation of the said latch control blades will also rotate the said latch sleeve. in one embodiment of the invention the said latch control blades can be positioned within the said latch control chamber in such a way that the rise and fall of the said buoyant guides will cause fluid within the said latch control chamber to rotate the said latch control blades and thus rotate the said latch sleeve so that the aforementioned latch sleeve apertures are no longer aligned with the aforementioned compressor chamber wall apertures, and the aforementioned compressor unit outer housing apertures with the result that ﬂuid inside the aforementioned compressor chamber becomes trapped and the buoyant moving component is unable to rise or fall. L in one embodiment of the invention the said latch sleeve can also be connected to an adjuster chamber, the-‘adjuster chamber being a chamber within which fluid can be contained together with adjuster chamber blades that can be shaped to rotate the said latch sleeve in response to the movement of fluid within the said adjuster chamber.

In one embodiment of the invention the said adjuster chamber blades can be attached to the aforementioned latch sleeve and be positioned within the aforementioned adjuster chamber in such a way that the fluid within the adjuster chamber will always cause the said adjuster chamber blades to return to the same neutral position after the said adjuster chamber blades have been deflected to left or to right by the rotation of the said latch sleeve, the neutral position being a position in which the compressor chamber wall apertures, latch sleeve apertures and the compressor unit outer housing apertures are aligned so that fluid can flow into or out of the aforementioned compressor chamber. in one embodiment of the invention the said adjuster chamber can be fluidly connected to a fluid reservoir in the form of an adjuster chamber ﬂuid pipe loop, which can contain the adjuster chamber fluid and also a less dense fluid. The said adjuster chamber ﬂuid pipe loop can also be so shaped that the rotation of the adjuster chamber blades will raise adjuster chamber fluid on one side of the adjuster chamber fluid pipe loop and lower the adjuster chamber fluid on the other side of the adjuster chamber ﬂuid pipe loop so that when pressure to rotate the said adjuster chamber blades has passed the uneven pressure inside adjuster chamber ﬂuid pipe loop will cause the adjuster chamber ﬂuid to readjust back to a position of equatdistribution and thus cause the said adjuster chamber blades to return to the neutral position in which compressor chamber wall apertures, latch sleeve apertures and the compressor unit outer housing apertures are aligned and fluid inside the aforementioned compressor chamber is no longer trapped.

One particular advantage of the present invention is that the apparatus uses buoyant guides to open and close compressor chamber inlet and outlet apertures.

~ This innovation obviates the need for any rigid connection between the stable floatation component and-the buoyant moving component of an apparatus and ~ thereby provides a very simple way of allowing the floatation component to be stabilized -in the water column below the surface of the water at all times, while allowing the buoyant moving component of the device to operate independently of the position of the ﬂoatation component so that the only contact between the floatation component and the buoyant moving component is the shaft and guides.

As a result, the range of movement of the buoyant moving component is not limited by the position of the floatation component. This allows the buoyant moving component to respond to all wave sizes and therefore capture more energy.

Yet another advantage is that because the invention allows the buoyant moving component to be controlled completely by the waves alone, the buoyant moving component can capture energy from all wave shapes no matter how irregular the waves are.

A further advantage is that because the floatation component can be situated below the sea surface the buoyant moving component does not need to come into direct contact with the ﬂoatationtcomponent other than through the said shaft and guides, consequently the risk of wear and damage from full contact is greatly reduced.

Yet another advantage is that because the ﬂoatation component can be situated below the sea surface the ﬂoatation component can be protected from the full turbulence of the aquatic environment. This allows for greater stability, and consequently, more efficient energy-capture.

Yet another advantage of the invention is that the latching mechanism described in this invention is very simple and uses only three moving parts, all of which are controlled by the position of the sea surface. This simplicity reduces the cost of manufacture, the risk of mechanical breakdown and the loss of operating time and expense incurred by the need for replacement and repairs.

A further advantage of this invention is the use of buoyant guides as the latching control so that the buoyant guides not only halt the movement of the buoyant moving component at appropriate moments but do so while guiding the movement of the buoyant moving component so that it’s movement is restricted to vertical movement only.

A further advantage of this invention is the use of the compressor chamber as the latching chamber so that the compressor chamber serves not just to compress a fluid for energy extraction but does so; while also providing the latching mechanism. This combination of roles in one simple component reduces manufacturing costs and lost time due to damage to parts and thus increases energy capture and the economic benefits of the invention.

Another advantage of the invention is the use of a simple rotating cylinder to halt and release fluid from the compressor chamber and minimize friction between parts and the cost of replacement and repair.

Yet another advantage of this invention is the use of the compressor chamber fluid as the buffer between the floatation component and the buoyant moving component in the event of a wave of such size as to exceed the range of movement of the piston inside the compressor chamber. Thus the fluid inside the compressor chamber can serve as a buffer to prevent contact between the two parts of the device in a way that provides no wear to the buffer material as the fluid provides for a measure of compression and is not subject to wear.

A Brief Description of the‘Drawincis The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of an example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an external side view of one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows an external top—view in one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 shows a cross-section side-view of one embodiment of the invention and depicts the buoyant moving component, shaft, guides, piston, and compressor unit, in relation to the latching mechanism from a North-South perspective.

Figure 4 shows a cross-section close-up in one embodiment of the invention and depicts the latching mechanism and compressor unit from a North-South perspective.

Figure 5 shows a top view in one embodiment of the invention depicting a cross- section through the latching mechanism in relation to the compressor unit at the level of the compressor piston.

Figure 6 shows a top view in one embodiment of the invention that depicts a close up cross-section through the compressor unit at the level of the compressor piston.

Figure 7 shows a top-view in one embodiment of the invention depicting a cross- section through the latch control chamber in relation to the compressor unit when the buoyant moving component is halted at either the crest or the trough of a wave.

Figure 8 shows a cross-section top-view in one embodiment of the invention depicting a cross—section through the adjuster chamber in relation to the compressor unit when the buoyant moving component is halted at either the crest or the trough of a wave.

Figure 9 shows a top-view in one embodiment of the invention depicting a cross- section through the latch control chamber in relation to the compressor unit when the buoyant moving component is ascending towards the crest of a wave.

Figure 10 shows a top-view in one embodiment of the invention depicting a cross- section through the adjuster chamber in relation to the compressor unit when the buoyant moving component is ascending towards the crest of a wave.

Figure 11 shows a top-view in one embodiment of the invention depicting a cross~ section through the latch control chamber in relation to the compressor unit when the buoyant moving component is descending towards the trough of a wave.

Figure 12 shows a top-view in one embodiment of the invention depicting a cross- section through the adjuster chamber in relation to the compressor unit when the buoyant moving component is descending towards the trough of a wave.

FigureA13 shows a cross—section side-view in one embodiment of the invention and depicts the buoyant moving component, shaft, guides, piston, compressor unit, and latching mechanism in relation to the damper mechanism from an East/West perspective.

A Detailed Description of the Drawincis Figure 1 Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated an external side view of one embodiment of the invention depicting the Floatation Component (1), and the Buoyant Moving Component (2).

Also shown are Buoyant Guides (10), which comprise Standard Buoyant Guides, Latch Control Piston Guides, and Damper Chamber Piston Guides, all of which conﬁne the Buoyant Moving Component (2) to vertical movement only. In this embodiment of the invention alt the guides are free to rise and fall with each wave and can remain in the same relationship to the sea surface at all times but are linked by a Buoyant Guides Link (51) so that all the guides rise and fall in unison. In this embodiment of the invention all the Buoyant Guides (10) extend down through Floatation Component Guide Shafts (not shown) in the submerged Floatation Component (1) and extend up through the Buoyant Moving Component (2).

Also shown are: the Buoyant Moving Component Float (9), a float that raises the Buoyant Moving Component (2) with each wave; the Buoyant Moving Component Shaft (8), which is a shaft connecting the Buoyant Moving Component (2) with the Compressor Chamber (not-shown here); Mooring Ropes (7), which are ropes that moor the apparatus to seabed anchors to hold the apparatus in position; the Stability Plate (3), which is a sea anchor that helps to hold the Floatation Component (1) at a fixed level below the trough of the average wave at all times by inhibiting vertical movement in response to waves; Stability Fins (4), which are vertical blades positioned to inhibit horizontal movement of the Floatation Component (1) so as to prevent rocking of the apparatus in response to sea conditions; a Fluid Outlet Pipe (5), which is a flexible pipe that can deliver compressed fluid from the said Compressor Chamber (not shown here) to seabed storage or for immediate exploitation for work; and a Fluid lnlet Pipe (6), which is a pipe that in this embodiment of the invention can deliver seawater to the Compressor Chamber (not shown here). i Figure 2 Referring to ﬁgure 2 there is illustrated according to this same embodiment of the invention an external top-‘view of an apparatus. Depicted are the Stability Plate (3), (described in the description of figure 1); Stability Fins (4), (described in the description of ﬁgure 1); Mooring Ropes (7), (described in the description ofﬁgure 1); and the BuoyantMoving Component Float (9), (described in the description of figure 1). Also shown are the Latch Control Piston Guides (15), which, as well as conﬁning the Buoyant Moving Component (2) to vertical movement only, also control a latching mechanism, which in this embodiment ofthe invention can stop and restart the movement of the Buoyant Moving Component (2). Also shown are the Damper Chamber Piston Guides (16), which control the damper mechanism (not shown here) and also confine the Buoyant Moving Component to vertical movement only. Also shown here are the Standard Buoyant Guides (17) which can, in one embodiment of the invention, allow water to enter and exit the latching mechanism (not shown here), the Standard Buoyant Guides (17) also confine the Buoyant.Moving Component (2) to vertical movement only.

Figure 3 Referring to figure 3 there is illustrated according to this embodiment of the invention a cross—section side-view of an apparatus from a North/South perspective. Depicted are the Floatation Component (1), the Buoyant Moving Component (2), the Stability Plate (3), Stability Fins (4), Fluid Outlet Pipe (5), Fluid lnlet Pipe (6), the Buoyant Moving Component Shaft (8), the Buoyant Moving Component Float (9), and the Buoyant.Guides Link (51), all of which are described above. ; Also shown is the Compressor Piston (13), which compresses fluid on the upward and downward movement of the Buoyant Moving Component Shaft (8) in the Compressor Chamber (14), which in this embodiment of the invention is a cylindrical chamber in which fluid is trapped for the purpose of compression. The said fluid is pumped into the said Compressor Chamber (14) through the Compressor Chamber Down-stroke lnlet Valves (18) or the Compressor Chamber Upstroke lnlet Valves (20) and out of the said Compressor Chamber (14) through the Compressor ‘Chamber Down—stroke Outlet Valves (19) or the Compressor Chamber Upstroke Outlet Valves (21).

Also shown are the Upper and Lower Back Stop Buffer Zones (11) at the top and bottom of the Compressor Chamber (14). The Back Stop Buffer Zones (11) are areas in the Compressor Chamber (14) in which fluid is trapped so as to act as a brake on the movement of the Buoyant Moving Component (2), so that the Buoyant Moving Component (2) is confined to moving within a set range of wave sizes.

Also depicted are the Latch Control Guide Shafts (52) in which the Latch Control Piston Guides (15) are free to rise and fall with the sea surface and in so doing can pump fluid into and out of the Latch Control Chamber (24), which controls the movement of the Buoyant Moving Component (2) by halting the movement of the said Buoyant Moving Component (2).

Also shown isjthe Adjuster Chamber (27), which serves to release the Buoyant Moving Component (2) from the control of the Latch Control Chamber (24) and allows the said Buoyant Moving Component (2) to rise or fall in response to the waves.

Also shown are the Buoyant Moving Component Guide Channels (54) through which the said Latch Control Piston Guides (15) are free to rise and fall. Also shown is the Adjustable Buoyancy Chamber (36), which is an internal seawater ballast tank (or space), into which air and water can be inserted to adjust the buoyancy of the Floatation Component (1). Also shown is the Access Aperture (37), which allows water to move in and out of the Adjustable Buoyancy Chamber (36) and also provides access for maintenance.

Figure 4 Referring to figure 4 there is illustrated according to this embodiment of the invention a cross—section side view Closeup of theinterior of the apparatus also from a North/South perspective.vThere_ is depicted the Stability Plate (3), the Stability Fins (4), Compressor Chamber Fluid Outlet Pipe (5), Compressor Chamber Fluid inlet Pipe (6), Back Stop ‘Buffer Zones High Pressure Release Pipe (12), Compressor Piston (13), Compressor Chamber Down-stroke inlet Valves (18), Compressor Chamber Down—stroke Outlet Valves (19), Compressor Chamber Up-stroke lnletvalves (20), Compressor Chamber Up- stroke Outletvalves (21), Adjustable Buoyancy Chamber (36), Access Aperture (37): all described in Fig 1, Fig 2 and Fig 3.

There is also depicted the Back Stop Buffer Zone High Pressure Release Pipes (12), which are fluidly connected to the Upper and Lower Back Stop Buffer Zones (11), and which allow for a restricted release of trapped fluid to protect against damage to the apparatus at high pressures.

Also shown is the Compressor Chamber Wall (22), which is the cylindrical wall of the Compressor Chamber (14). Also shown is the Latch Sleeve (23), which is a cylindrical sleeve that closely surrounds the said Compressor Chamber Wall (22), and extends down beyond the base of the said Compressor Chamber (14) and into the Adjuster Chamber (27) where the said Latch Sleeve (23) is attached to the Adjuster Chamber Blades (28). The Latch Sleeve (23) also extends down beyond the base of the said Adjuster Chamber (27) into the said Latch Control Chamber (24) where the said Latch Sleeve (23) is attached to the Latch Control Blades (25). The said Latch Sleeve (23) is free to rotate between the Compressor Chamber Wall (22) and the Compressor Unit Outer Housing (32), which in this embodiment of the invention is also cylindrical in shape and closely surrounds the said Latch Sleeve (23).

Also shown are the aforementioned Latch Control Piston Guides (15), which control the latching mechanism by pumping fluid through the said Latch Control Chamber (24) and into and out of the L‘atch Control Chamber Fluid Pipe Loop (57), which is a fluid reservoirfluidly connected to the said Latch Control Guide Shafts (52) and the Latch Control Chamber (24).

At the base of each of the said Latch Control Piston Guides (15) is a Latch Control Piston (58). The pumping of ﬂuid in and out of the said Latch Control Chamber (24) causes the Latch Control Blades (25) to rotate either to left or right away from a neutral orientation within the said Latch Control Chamber (24).

Whenever the said Latch "Control Blades (25) are rotated to either right or left by the rise and fall of the said Latch Control Piston Guides (15) the said Latch Sleeve (23), which is connected to the said Latch Control Blades (25), is also deﬁected by the rotation of the said Latch Control Blades (25).

The rotation of the said Latch Sleeve (23) away from a neutral orientation prevents the alignment of the Latch Sleeve Apertures (34), which are situated in the Latch Sleeve (23), the Compressor Chamber Apertures (33), which are situated in the Compressor Chamber Wall (22), and the Compressor Unit Outer Housing Apertures (35), which are situated in the Compressor Unit Outer Housing (32). When the above mentioned apertures are no longer aligned fluid is no longer free to enter or leave the Compressor Chamber (14) thereby trapping fluid inside the Compressor Chamber (14) and preventing any movement, either up or down, by the Buoyant Moving Component (not shown).

When the said Compressor Chamber Apertures (33), the Latch Sleeve Apertures (34), the Compressor Unit Outer Housing Apertures (35) are aligned fluid can flow in and out of the Compressor Chamber (14) and the Buoyant Moving Component is free to move up and down. .

Also shown in fig 4 are the Adjuster Chamber Blades (28), to which the said Latch Sleeve (23) is also connected. The deflection of the Latch Sleeve (23) away from a neutral orientation also deflects the said Adjuster Chamber Blades (28) away from a neutral orientation and causes fluid in the said Adjustervchamber (27) to be forced into an uneven distribution in the Adjuster Chamber Fluid Pipe Loops (31). The said Adjuster Chamber Fluid Pipe Loops (31) function as fluid reservoirs in which gravity causes a return to even distribution of fluid once the pressure to deflect the aforementioned Latch Control Blades (25) has ceased.

The subsequent movement of fluid through the said Adjuster Chamber (27) rotates the said Adjuster Chamber Blades (28) back into a neutral position, and thereby rotates the said Latch Sleeve (23) back into a position where the Compressor Chamber Apertures (33), the Latch Sleeve Apertures (34), and the Compressor Unit Outer Housing Apertures (35) are once again in a position of alignment so that fluid can again flow in_.and out of the Compressor Chamber (14), allowing the Buoyant Moving Component to rise or fall.

Also shown are the Adjuster Chamber Fluid Supply Pipes (30), which allow fluid to flow to and from the Adjuster Chamber (27).

Figure 5 Referring to ﬁgure 6 there is illustrated according to this embodiment of the invention a cross—section top view of the interior of the apparatus showing the relative positions of the Buoyant Moving Component Shaft (8), the Compressor Piston (13), the Latch Control Piston Guides (15), the Latch Control Chamber Fluid Pipe Loops (57), the Latch Control Chamber (24), the Latch Control Blades (25), the Adjuster Chamber (27), the Adjuster Chamber Blades (28), the Adjuster Chamber Fluid Pipe Loops (31), the Compressor Chamber Fluid lnlet Pipe (6), Compressor Chamber Fluid Outlet Pipe (5), the Compressor Chamber Apertures (33), the Latch Sleeve Apertures (34), the ‘Compressor Unit Outer Housing Apertures (35). All these items are depicted in an orientation where the Adjuster Chamber Blades (28) are in a neutral, non—deflected position so that the Compressor Chamber Apertures (33), the Latch Sleeve Apertures (34), the Compressor’ Unit Outer Housing Apertures (35) are aligned and fluid isfree to enter and exit the Compressor Chamber (14) and the Buoyant Moving Component (2) is free to rise or fall.

Figure 6 Referring to figure 6 there is illustrated ‘according to this embodiment of the invention a close—up cross—section top view of the compressor unit in relation to various parts of the latching mechanism. Depicted are the Buoyant Moving Component Shaft (8), the Compressor Piston (13), the Latch Sleeve (23), which can rotate between the Compressor Chamber Wall (22) and the Compressor Unit Outer Housing (32); the Adjuster Chamber Blades (28), which rotate the said Latch Sleeve (23) back into a neutral position; the Adjuster Chamber Partitions (29), which create separate compartments within the Adjuster Chamber (shown in Fig 5). Also shown are the Compressor Chamber Apertures (33), the Latch Sleeve Apertures (34), the Compressor Unit Outer Housing Apertures (35), all of which are shown in an aligned position, which is an orientation in which fluid is free to enter and exit the Compressor Chamber and the Buoyant Moving Component is free to rise or fall.

Figure 7 Referring to figure 7 there is illustrated according to this embodiment of the invention a cross—section top view showing the Latch Control Chamber (24) in relation to the Compressor Unit. Depicted are the Buoyant Moving Component Shaft (8), the Compressor Piston (13), the Latch Control Guide Shafts (52), the Latch Control Piston Guides (15), which control the latching mechanism, the Latch Control Chamber Fluid Pipe Loops (57), which allow water to enter and exit the latching mechanism; the Latch Sleeve (23), which can rotate between the Compressor Chamber Wall (22) and the Compressor Unit Outer Housing (32); the Latch Control Blades (25), which rotate the said Latch Sleeve (23); the Latch Control Partitions (26), which deﬁne the sections within the Latch Control Chamber (24); the Latch Control Blades Stops (38), which limit the movement of the Latch Control Blades (25); the Compressor Chamber Apertures (33), the Latch Sleeve Apertures (34), and the Compressor Unitouter Housing Apertures (35), all of which are shown in an aligned position in which ﬂuid is free to enter and exit the Compressor Chamber and the Buoyant Moving Component is free to rise or fall.

Figure 8 Referring to figure 8 there is illustrated according to this embodiment of the invention a cross-section top View showing the Adjuster Chamber (27) in relation to the Compressor Unit when the Compressor Chamber Apertures (33), the Latch Sleeve Apertures (34), the Compressor Unit Outer Housing Apertures (35), are all in an aligned position, a position in which fluid is free to enter and exit the Compressor Chamber and the Buoyant Moving Component is free to rise or fall.

Also shown are the Buoyant Moving Component Shaft (8), the Compressor Piston (13), and the Adjuster Chamber Blades (28), which rotate the Latch Sleeve (23) back into a neutral position. Also shown are the Adjuster Chamber Partitions (29), which create separate compartments within the Adjuster Chamber (27). Also shown are the Compressor Chamber Wall (22), the Compressor Unit Outer Housing (32) and the Adjuster Chamber Fluid Pipe Loops (31), in which gravity has equalized the distribution of fluid, the movement of which has rotated the Adjuster Chamber Blades (28) back into the neutral position shown here, a position in which the Compressor Chamber Apertures (33), the Latch Sleeve Apertures (34), and the Compressor Unit Outer Housing Apertures (35) are aligned so that fluid can again flow in and out of the Compressor Chamber (not shown), allowing the Buoyant Moving Component to rise or fall. Also shown are the Adjuster Chamber Fluid Supply Pipes (30), which maintain fluid within the said Adjuster Chamber (27).

Figure 9 Referring to figure 9 there is illustrated according to this embodiment of the invention a cross-section top view shows the Latch Control Chamber in relation to the Compressor Unit. Depicted are the same items as depicted in Figure 7 but in this illustration the Latch Control Blades (25) have been deflected from the neutral position due to the Latch Control Piston Guides (15) descending with a receding wave so that the Latch Sleeve (23) has been rotated into an orientation where the Compressor Chamber Apertures (33), the Latch Sleeve Apertures (34), the Compressor Unit Outer Housing Apertures (35), are all in a non-aligned position and fluid is no longer free to enter or exit the Compressor Chamber (not shown) and as a result the Buoyant Moving Component (not shown) is no longer free to fall with the receding wave.

Figure 10 Referring to ﬁgure 10 there is illustrated according to this embodiment of the invention a cross—section top view showing the Adjuster Chamber (27) in relation to the Compressor Unit. Depicted are the same items as depicted in Figure 8 but in this illustration the Adjuster Chamber Blades (28) have been deflected from the neutral position (depicted in Figure 8) by the Latch Control Piston Guides (not shown) descending with zifalling wave. As a result the Adjuster Chamber Blades (28) have been deflected inside the Adjuster Chamber causing fluid to be pushed higher on one side ofthe Adjuster Chamber Fluid Pipe Loop (31) and lower on the other.

Figure 11 Referring to figure 11 there is illustrated according to this embodiment of the invention a cross—section top view showing the Latch Control Chamber in relation to the Compressor Unit. Depleted are the same items as depicted in Figure 7 and Figure 9 but in this illustration the-Latch Control Blades (25) have been deflected from the neutral position due"to the Latch Control Piston Guides (not shown) ascending with a rising wave so that the Compressor Chamber Apertures (33), the Latch Sleeve Apertures (34), the Compressor Unit Outer Housing Apertures (35), are all in a non-aligned position and fluid is no longer free to enter or exit the Compressor Chamber (not shown) and the Buoyant Moving Component (not shown) is no longer free to ascend with the rising wave.

Figure 12 Referring to Figure 12 there is illustrated according to this embodiment of the invention a cross-section top view showing the Adjuster Chamber (27) in relation to the Compressor Unit. Depicted are the same items as depicted in Figure 8 and Figure 10 but in this illustration the Adjuster Chamber Blades (28) have been deflected from the neutral position (depicted in Figure 8) by the Latch Control Piston Guides (not shown) ascending with a rising wave and the resulting deflection of the Adjuster Chamber Blades (28) inside the Adjuster Chamber causing ﬂuid to be pushed higher on one side of the Adjuster Chamber Fluid Pipe Loop (31) and lower on the other.

Figure 13 Referring to Figure 13 there is illustrated according to this embodiment of the invention a cross-section side view of an apparatus from an East/West perspective. Depicted are the Floatation Component (1), the Buoyant Moving Component (2), the Buoyant Moving Component Float (9), the Buoyant Guides Link (51), and the Buoyant Moving Component Guide Channels (54), all of which have been described above.

Also shown are the parts of the damper mechanism showing the Damper Chamber (39) and a Damper Float (40) fitting exactly inside the said Damper Chamber (39).

The Damper Float (40) can be connected from below to anchors in the seabed via Mooring Ropes (7) and Mooring Rope Pulleys (43), which are positioned within the Floatation Component (1).

The Damper Float (40) is free to move vertically inside the Damper Chamber (39) and, being buoyant, will move upwards inside the Damper Chamber (39) when the Mooring Ropes (7) are slack. As a result the Damper Float (40) will tighten any slackening of the Mooring Ropes (7). The said Damper Float (40) will also assist any sudden descent of the Floatation Component (1) caused by the receding of a wave and will resist any sudden upward movement of the Floatation Component (1) due to the rising of a wave. in addition, the Damper Float (40) is shaped so that fluid inside the Damper Chamber (39) can move rapidly from above the Damper Float (40) to below the ;Damper Float (40) via valved Damper Float Channels (41), which facilitate the rapid upward movement of the Damper Float (40) in response to a receding wave.

However, the said valved Damper Float Channels (41) prevent the transfer of the fluid from below the Damper Float.(40) to above the Damper Float (40) so that the Damper Float (40) will not respond to a rising wave and will thus keep the Mooring Ropes (7) tight at all times. As a result the Damper Float (40) will help maintain the uppermost part of the Floatation Component (1) below the level of the wave trough at all times.

The Damper Float (40) is also shaped to facilitate fluid gradually moving in either direction within the said Damper. Chamber (39) via open, non—valved Narrow Damper Float Channels (42), which facilitate the gradual transfer of the fluid in either direction within the Damper Chamber (39) thus allowing the gradual rise and fall of the Damper Float (40) in response to the gradual rising and falling of tides so that the Damper Float (40) can help maintain the uppermost part of the Floatation Component (1) below the level of the trough of a wave at all times.

Also shown in Figure 13 is the Damper Chamber Piston Guides (16), which, in this embodiment of the invention, can be shaped to be free to rise and fall with each wave. Consequently, the rise and fall of the Damper Chamber Piston Guides (16), forces ﬂuid to be drawn in and out of the Damper Chamber Shaft (45) via Damper Chamber Shaft Apertures (46), the Damper Chamber Shaft Apertures (46), being positioned so that as tong as the Floatation Component (1) remains a set distance below the wave. trough, the movement of the said Damper Chamber Piston Guides (16), wilt only pump fluid into and out of, the said Damper Chamber Shaft (45).

However, should the Floatation Component (1) rise higher than a set distance below a wave trough the Damper Chamber Piston Guides (16), will descend further into the Damper Chamber (39) and will reach lower than the Damper Chamber Shaft Apertures (46), and wilt trap fluid in the Damper Chamber Shaft (45), where the fluid will be forced "by the downward pressure of the Damper Chamber Piston Guides (16) to pass through the Damper Chamber inlet Valves (44) into the lower part of the Damper Chamber (39), which is below the Damper Float (40). The increased fluid pressure below the said Damper Float (40) will force the said Damper Float (40) upwards and tighten the Mooring Ropes (7) and thereby prevent the Floatation Component ( 1) from rising closer to the surface and thus serve to maintain the Floatation Component (1) at a set distance below the water surface at all times. Also shown are the Damper Chamber Equalization Pipes (47), which fluidly connect the Damper Chamber (39) to a source of external fluid to equalize pressure and facilitate movement of the Damper Float (40) within the Damper Chamber (39). Also shown are the Damper Chamber Shaft inlet Valves (59), which fluidlyconnect the Damper Chamber Shaft (45) to a source of external fluid to equalize pressure and facilitate movement of the Damper Chamber Piston Guides (16).

All the components thus listed and illustrated in these drawings and all the constituent parts of the said components can be made in any form, material or position sufficient for their purpose as required by the invention other than, or in addition to, the shaped embodiments hereinbefore described.

Claims

1. ) An apparatus for harnessing energy in water comprising: a) a submerged ﬂoatation component to support the apparatus in water, wherein: the ﬂoatation component consists of one or more ﬂoatation units wherein a ﬂoatation unit contains an adjustable buoyancy chamber and an aperture for maintenance purposes, wherein the upper part of the ﬂoatation component contains vertical ﬂoatation component shafts that are open at the top, b) stabilization components to stabilize the ﬂoatation component at a ﬁxed location and at a ﬁxed level below the water surface, wherein the stabilization components include: mooring ropes connecting the ﬂoatation component to seabed anchors, vertical ﬁns attached to the sides of the ﬂoatation component, a stabilization plate ﬁxed to, and extending horizontally, from the lower end of the ﬂoatation component; wherein the stabilization components optionally include: a horizontal stabilization plate suspended below the ﬂoatation component and connected by ropes to the lower end of the ﬂoatation component, one or more damper chambers inside the ﬂoatation component containing damper chamber ﬂuid and freely—moving internal damper ﬂoats connected by ropes to external anchors or stabilization structures; c) a buoyant moving component that includes: a buoyant moving component shaft that is free to move vertically inside the ﬂoatation component to convert wave motion into useful energy, a ﬂoat that contains vertical buoyant moving component guide channels; 32 d) a compressor unit within the ﬂoatation component to compress ﬂuid: wherein the compressor unit includes: a cylindrical compressor unit outer housing, a cylindrical compressor chamber, pipes to deliver ﬂuid to, and remove ﬂuid from, a compressor chamber via the compressor unit outer housing, valves to control the direction of ﬂow of incoming and outgoing ﬂuid, wherein the compressor chamber surrounds part of the buoyant moving component shaft, wherein the buoyant moving component shaft is free to move vertically within the compressor chamber, wherein a section of the buoyant moving component shaft within the compressor chamber is wider than the rest of the buoyant moving component shaft and forms a compressor piston, wherein the compressor piston ﬁts exactly within the compressor chamber, wherein the compressor chamber contains ﬂuid inlet and ﬂuid outlet apertures, e) a guiding structure to ensure that the movement of the buoyant moving component is always vertical, wherein part of the guiding structure is formed from guides that are long vertical cylinders supported by the ﬂoatation component, wherein the guides protrude freely through the vertical buoyant moving component guide channels in the buoyant moving component ﬂoat f) a latching mechanism to delay the ascent and descent of the buoyant moving component, wherein some guides are latch control piston guides and are buoyant but weighted to ﬂoat partly submerged in water, wherein the lowest part of a iatch control piston guide is wider than the main body of the latch control piston guide and forms a latch control 33 piston, wherein some of the ﬂoatation component shafts are latch control guide shafts, wherein the lower section of a latch control guide shaft is exactly wide enough to accommodate a latch control piston while the upper section of the latch control guide shaft is too narrow to accommodate a latch control piston, wherein the lowest part of each latch control guide shaft is ﬂuidly connected to a latch control chamber, wherein each latch control guide shaft is also ﬂuidly connected to a latch control chamber via a latch control chamber fluid pipe loop, wherein a latch control chamber fluid pipe loop is a pipe connected to the latch control guide shaft via an aperture near, but not at, the top of the widest section of the latch control guide shaft, wherein the latch control guide shaft, the latch control chamber ﬂuid pipe loop, and the latch control chamber form a circuit through which ﬂuid is free to ﬂow in either direction, wherein a latch control chamber is a cylindrical chamber, wherein a latch control chamber contains latch control blades that are positioned at an angle perpendicular to the plane of the latch control chamber, wherein the latch control blades are free to rotate in response to ﬂuid moving between the opening to the latch control guide shaft and the opening to the latch control chamber ﬂuid pipe loop, wherein each latch control blade is ﬁxed to a latch sleeve located at the center of the latch control chamber, wherein the latch sleeve is in the shape of a cylinder, wherein the latch sleeve stands perpendicular to the plane of the latch control chamber, wherein the latch sleeve extends above the latch control chamber through an adjuster chamber, wherein the adjuster chamber is in the shape of a cylinder, wherein the adjuster chamber is ﬁlled with ﬂuid, wherein the adjuster chamber contains partitions that divide the adjuster 34 chamber into sealed compartments, wherein the adjuster chamber contains blades that are ﬁxed to the latch sleeve, wherein each adjuster chamber blade is positioned perpendicular to the plane of the adjuster chamber, wherein each adjuster chamber blade is free to rotate within the adjuster chamber in response to variations in ﬂuid pressure, wherein each adjuster chamber blade is positioned between the adjuster chamber partitions, wherein each adjuster chamber compartment is fluidly connected to a fluid reservoir via two openings to the fluid reservoir, wherein the openings to a ﬂuid reservoir are located on either side of each adjuster chamber blade, wherein the openings to a ﬂuid reservoir are located adjacent to an adjuster chamber partition on opposite sides of each compartment, wherein a ﬂuid reservoir forms a single adjuster chamber ﬂuid pipe loop, wherein each adjuster chamber ﬂuid pipe loop forms a vertical loop located above the roof of the adjuster chamber, wherein each adjuster chamber ﬂuid pipe loop contains air trapped at the highest point of the loop, wherein the latch sleeve extends above the adjuster chamber and surrounds the compressor chamber, wherein the latch sleeve is surrounded by the compressor unit outer housing, wherein the latch sleeve is free to rotate between the compressor unit outer housing and the compressor chamber, wherein the compressor unit outer housing contains ﬂuid inlet and ﬂuid outlet apertures, wherein the compressor unit outer housing ﬂuid inlet and ﬂuid outlet apertures correspond exactly with the compressor chamber ﬂuid inlet and ﬂuid outlet apertures, wherein the exterior of the compressor unit outer housing apertures are connected to valved ﬂuid inlet and valved ﬂuid outlet pipes, 35 wherein the section of the tatch sleeve situated between the compressor chamber and the compressor unit outer housing contains latch sleeve apertures, wherein the latch sleeve apertures are located to align sometimes with the ﬂuid inlet and ﬂuid outlet apertures in the wall of the compressor chamber and the corresponding apertures in the wall of the compressor unit outer housing, wherein the latch sleeve apertures align with the apertures in the wall of the compressor chamber and the corresponding apertures in the wall of the compressor unit outer housing only when the latch control blades are equally distant between the openings to the latch control guide shaft and the openings to the latch control chamber fluid pipe loop.

2. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interior of a ﬂoatation unit is connected to the exterior of the ﬂoatation component by means of one or more valved hose pipes, which are long enough to reach the water surface.

3. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said stabilization components include mooring ropes connected to the upper and lower parts of the ﬂoatation component.

4. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stabilization components include a damper chamber which contains a damper ﬂoat.

5. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 4) wherein the base of the damper ﬂoat is connected directly to the mooring ropes or to ropes connected to a horizontal stabilization plate suspended below the ﬂoatation component.

6. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the damper ﬂoat ﬁts exactly within the damper chamber.

7. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the damper ﬂoat contains 36 vertical damper ﬂoat channels.

8. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein some of the damper ﬂoat channels contain valves biased to aliow damper chamber ﬂuid to ﬂow from above the damper ﬂoat to below the damper ﬂoat.

9. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the damper chamber contains a vertical damper chamber shaft that extends through the damper ﬂoat and, around which, the damper ﬂoat is free to move vertically.

10. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the damper chamber shaft is connected to an external source of ﬂuid.

11. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the damper chamber shaft ﬂuidly connects the parts of the damper chamber above and below the damper ﬂoat

12. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the damper chamber shaft contains damper chamber inlet valves that are biased to admit ﬂuid to the part of the damper chamber below the damper ﬂoat whenever a set pressure has been reached in the damper chamber shaft.

13. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the damper chamber shaft extends out through the upper part of the damper chamber and as far as the uppermost part of the ﬂoatation component.

14. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the walls of the damper chamber shaft in the upper part of the damper chamber contain damper chamber shaft apertures through which the damper chamber ﬂuid is free to circulate.

15. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the damper chamber shaft contains a damper chamber piston guide that ﬁts exactly inside the damper chamber shaft. 37

16. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the damper chamber piston guide is long enough to extend through the upper part of the ﬂoatation component and through a buoyant moving component guide channel.

17. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the damper chamber piston guide is buoyant enough to rise and fall with each wave.

18. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the buoyant moving component shaft contains a vertical channel with inlet and outlet apertures.

19. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein compressor chamber ﬂuid inlet and ﬂuid outlet apertures are located both above and below the optimum stroke of the compressor piston.

20. ) An apparatus as claimed in ciaim 19, wherein the sections of the compressor chamber above and below the compressor chamber inlet and outlet apertures contain high pressure release valves.

21. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein an outlet pipe connected to one part of the compressor chamber is connected to an inlet pipe connected to another part of the compressor chamber.

22. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein compressor chamber fluid outlet apertures are connected to adjustable outlet valves.

23. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein compressor chamber ﬂuid outlet pipes connect the compressor unit to a device for the exploitation of compressed ﬂuid or to a compressed ﬂuid storage tank.

24. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein some, or all, of the latch control piston guides are ﬁxed together by a buoyant guides link.

25. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein the buoyant guides link is ﬁxed to the latch control piston guides at a distance above the buoyant moving 38 component that is greater than the longest stroke of the compressor chamber piston.

26. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 25, wherein some, or all, of the latch control piston guides contain a buoyant guide block, wherein a buoyant guide block is a short section of the latch control piston guide that is wider than the buoyant moving component guide channels and the ﬂoatation component guide shafts.

27. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein each buoyant guide block is located on a latch control piston guide between the ﬂoatation component and the buoyant moving component.

28. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 1) wherein each latch control guide shaft is ﬂuidly connected to the latch control chamber via the roof of the latch control chamber.

29. ) An apparatus as claimed in ciaim 28) wherein each latch control chamber ﬂuid pipe loop is ﬂuidly connected to the latch control chamber via the roof of the latch control chamber.

30. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 29) wherein the latch control chamber contains vertical partitions that divide the latch control chamber into sealed sections.

31. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 30, wherein each latch control blade is located between the latch control partitions.

32. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein the openings to the latch control guide shaft and the openings to the latch control chamber ﬂuid pipe loop are located on opposite sides of each section and adjacent to the opposite latch control partitions.

33. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 32, wherein the latch control chamber 39 contains barriers to the rotation of latch control blades in the form of latch control blade stops that are positioned no farther than a part of the way across the diameter of any latch control chamber ﬂuid aperture.

34. ) An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein some latch control chamber sections are ﬂuidly connected to ﬂoatation component guide shafts that supply ﬂuid to the latch control chamber and receive ﬂuid from the latch control chamber.

35. ) An apparatus for harnessing the potential energy in water waves being substantially as described herein with reference to, and as illustrated in, the accompanying drawings.

36. ) A process for harnessing the potential energy in water waves, using the apparatus as claimed in any previous claim, as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.