MX2008001999A - A wave energy capturing device - Google Patents

Abstract

A wave energy capturing device (10) comprising a base (12) adapted for fixed connection to a submerged surface (14). At least one elongate buoyant paddle (26) is pivotally mounted to the base (12) about a first pivotal axis (22), for angular oscillation through an angle range when wave motion applies a force to the paddle (26). The paddle (26) has a longitudinal axis (27), an upper end portion and a lower end portion. An energy transfer member is attached to the paddle (26) and is adapted to be driven by the angular oscillation of the paddle (26). A paddle adjustment assembly is associated with the paddle (26) and is adapted to adjust the angle range of the paddle (26) in magnitude and/or angular position relative to the first pivotal axis (22).

Description

DEVICE THAT CATCHES ENERGY OF THE OIAS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to devices that capture wave energy. The present invention is developed primarily for use in capturing energy from ocean waves for the generation of electricity. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular application and can also be adjusted to a reciprocating seawater pump to create high pressure seawater for use in desalination or to drive other external devices. .

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Known devices that capture wave energy include a base and a vane that rotatably connects to the base. The paddle is driven to oscillate rotationally on a generally horizontal axis, in response to the force of ocean waves, to drive a generator. The palette is typically a solid plate. The blade has a fixed alignment, and as a consequence rotates on its axis only in a fixed plane. The paddle also maintains a fixed operating range of motion without considering the prevailing ocean conditions. The magnitude and direction of wave forces applied to known devices that capture wave energy varies depending on the prevailing ocean conditions. The strength of the waves can be very low in calm ocean conditions and extremely high in extreme ocean conditions, such as during hurricanes and cyclones. Known devices withstand the extremely high force of waves related to extreme ocean conditions either because they are made strong enough to withstand high forces, or because they are designed to avoid a large amount of wave force, or by a combination from both. A disadvantage of making devices that capture wave energy strong enough to withstand the extremely high forces of the waves is that the devices tend to be very large and heavy. A disadvantage of designing the devices to avoid a large amount of wave force, to handle extreme ocean conditions, is that the devices operate less efficiently in calmer ocean conditions. A further disadvantage of the devices that capture wave energy is that they operate uselessly when the direction of the wave propagation moves from the alignment with the fixed alignment of the paddle. Another disadvantage of the devices that capture wave energy is that the solid paddle tends to reflect, instead of capturing, the energy of the wave.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is the object of the present invention to overcome considerably or at least to improve one or more of the disadvantages mentioned above. Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a device that captures energy from waves comprising: a base that is adapted for fixed connection to a submerged surface; At least one extended floating vane having a longitudinal axis, an upper end portion and a lower end portion, said vane is rotatably assembled to said base, about a first rotatable axis, for angular oscillation through a range of angle when the movement of the wave applies a force to said vane; an energy transfer element coupled to said vane and adapted to be driven by the angular oscillation of said vane; and a vane adjustment assembly associated with the vane and adapted to adjust said angle range in magnitude and / or angular position relative to said first rotational axis. Preferably, a machine is connected to said energy transfer element to extract energy from the oscillatory movement of said vane. The machine is preferably adapted to receive a torsional force from said energy transfer element. The machine can preferably work as bothY , as an engine and as a generator. More preferably, said machine includes a permanent magnet synchronous generator / motor. Preferably, said generator / motor is completely sealed, and can be filled with inert gas under pressure, to prevent internal corrosion or leakage. Preferably, the vane adjustment assembly includes a sensor for detecting a value indicative of the wave forces that are applied to the vane. More preferably, the vane adjustment assembly includes a controller, in response to said sensor, that is adapted to transmit a signal to adjust the range of the angle if the detected value falls outside a predetermined range. The controller is preferably adapted to control the external power supply for the machine to move the paddle within a configuration in which the wave forces applied to said paddle are reduced if the detected value is indicative of wave forces that can damage the device. Preferably, the configuration in which the wave forces applied to said vane are reduced is a configuration in which the average position of the longitudinal axis of the vane is also inclined in relation to a vertical plane traced perpendicular to the direction of propagation of wave. Depending on the value indicated by the sensor, the paddle can be moved and maintained in a configuration substantially parallel to the direction of wave propagation to minimize the wave forces applied to the paddle. The controller is also preferably adapted to control the power supply external to said machine to move the pallet within a configuration in which the wave forces applied to said pallet increase if the value detected by the sensor is indicative of forces of the Wave that will not damage the device and which are less than optimal in terms of efficiency for energy capture. Preferably, the configuration in which the wave forces applied to said vane increase is a configuration in which the average position of the longitudinal axis of the vane is raised in parallel relation to the direction of wave propagation. Preferably, said vane includes an arrangement of blades spaced apart from each other. More preferably, said vanes are separated by spaces generally along said first rotary axis. In a preferred manner, the arrangement of the vanes fan outwardly from an end closest to the base to an opposite free end. In one embodiment, the blades are provided with considerably aerodynamic guide edges. However, in another embodiment, said blades are provided with generally oblique guide edges. Preferably, said paddle is self-oriented with respect to the direction of wave propagation. More preferably, said vane is also adapted to be rotatably assembled in relation to the submerged surface around a second rotating shaft, which is generally perpendicular to said first rotating shaft. In one embodiment, the base is adapted to be rotatably assembled to the submerged surface around said second rotary axis. However, in other embodiments, the base is adapted to be fixed to the submerged surface and the vane is rotatably assembled to the shaft about said second rotating shaft. Preferably, an axis is rotatably connected to said base about said first rotary axis and said vane is fixedly connected to and extends from said axis. The shaft is preferably connected to the base by means of a clamp that is rotatably assembled to said base about said second rotating shaft. In a preferred form, bearings lubricated with water are provided between said shaft and said base. Preferably, in use, said first rotating shaft is substantially horizontal and said second rotating shaft is considerably vertical. In a second aspect, the present invention provides a device that captures wave energy comprising: a base that is adapted for fixed connection to a submerged surface; and at least one extended floating vane having a longitudinal axis, an upper end portion and a lower end portion, said vane is rotatably assembled to said base, about a first rotatable axis, for angular oscillation through a Angle range When the movement of the wave applies a force to said vane, said vane is also adapted to be rotatably assembled relative to the submerged surface about a second rotating shaft, which is generally perpendicular to said first rotating shaft, so that it is self-oriented with respect to one direction of wave propagation; an energy transfer element coupled to said vane and adapted to be driven by the angular oscillation of said vane. In one embodiment, the base is adapted to be rotatably assembled to the submerged surface. However, in other embodiments, the base is adapted to be fixed to the submerged surface and the vane is adapted to rotatably assemble to the base about said second rotating shaft. Preferably, a machine is connected to said vane to extract the energy of the oscillatory movement of said vane. The machine is preferably adapted to receive a torsional force of said energy transfer element. The machine can preferably function as both, as an engine and as a generator. More preferably, said machine includes a permanent magnet synchronous generator / motor. Preferably, said generator / motor is completely sealed, and can be filled with inert gas under pressure, to prevent internal corrosion or leakage. Preferably, a vane adjustment assembly is connected to the vane and adapted to adjust said range of angle in magnitude and / or angular position relative to said first rotatable shaft. More preferably, the vane adjustment assembly includes a sensor for detecting a value indicative of the wave forces that are applied to the vane. Preferably, the vane adjustment assembly includes a controller, responsive to said sensor, that is adapted to transmit a signal to adjust said angle range if the detected value falls outside a predetermined range. The controller is preferably adapted to control the external power supply for the machine to move the paddle within a configuration in which the wave forces applied to said paddle are reduced if the detected value is indicative of the force of the waves that They can damage the device. Preferably, the configuration in which the wave forces applied to said vane are reduced is a configuration in which the average position of the longitudinal axis of the vane is also inclined in relation to a vertical plane traced perpendicular to the direction of propagation of wave. Depending on the value indicated by the sensor, the paddle can be moved to and maintained in a configuration substantially parallel to the direction of wave propagation to minimize the wave forces applied to the paddle. The controller is preferably also adapted to control the power supply external to said machine to move the paddle within a configuration in which the wave forces applied to said pad increase if the detected value is indicative of wave forces that do not will damage the device and which are less than optimal in terms of efficiency for energy capture. Preferably, the configuration in which the wave forces applied to said vane increase is a configuration in which the average position of the longitudinal axis of the vane is raised in parallel relation to the direction of wave propagation. Preferably, said vane includes an arrangement of blades spaced apart from each other. More preferably, said vanes are spaced apart generally along said first rotating shaft, preferably the vane arrangement fans outwardly from an end closest to the base to an opposite free end. In one embodiment, the blades are provided with considerably aerodynamic guide edges.

However, in another embodiment, said blades with generally oblique guide edges are provided. Preferably, an axis is rotatably connected to said base about said first rotary axis and said vane is fixedly connected to and extends from said axis. The shaft is preferably connected to the base by means of a clamp that is rotatably assembled to said base about said second rotating shaft. In a preferred form, bearings lubricated with water are provided between said shaft and said base. Preferably, in use, said first rotating shaft is substantially horizontal and said second rotating shaft is considerably vertical. In a third aspect, the present invention provides a device that captures energy from the wave comprising: a base adapted for the fixed connection to a submerged surface; and at least one extended floating vane having an array of blades separated by spaces, said vane having a longitudinal axis, an upper end portion and a lower end portion and rotatably assembled to said base, around a first rotating shaft for angular oscillation through an angle range when wave motion applies a force to said vane; and an energy transfer element that is fixed to said vane and adapted to be driven by the angular oscillation of said vane. Preferably, a machine is connected to said vane to extract the energy of the oscillatory movement of said vane. The machine is preferably adapted to receive a torsional force of said energy transfer element. The machine can preferably function as both, as an engine and as a generator. More preferably, said machine includes a permanent magnet synchronous generator / motor. Preferably, said generator / motor is completely sealed, and can be filled with inert gas under pressure, to prevent internal corrosion or leakage. Preferably, a vane adjustment assembly is connected to the vane and adapted to adjust said range of angle in magnitude and / or angular position relative to said first rotatable shaft. More preferably, the vane adjustment assembly includes a sensor for detecting a value indicative of the wave forces that are applied to the vane. Preferably, the vane adjustment assembly includes a controller, responsive to said sensor, which is adapted to transmit a signal to adjust the range of motion of the vane if the detected value falls outside a predetermined range. The controller is preferably adapted to control the external power supply for the machine to move the paddle within a configuration in which the wave forces applied to said paddle are reduced if the detected value is indicative of the force of the waves that They can damage the device. Preferably, the configuration in which the wave forces applied to said vane are reduced is a configuration in which the average position of the longitudinal axis of the vane is also inclined in relation to a vertical plane traced perpendicular to the direction of propagation of wave. Depending on the value indicated by the sensor, the paddle can be moved to and maintained in a configuration substantially parallel to the direction of wave propagation to minimize the wave forces applied to the paddle. The controller is also preferably adapted to control the power supply external to said machine to move the pallet within a configuration in which the wave forces applied to said pallet increase if the value detected by the sensor is indicative of forces of the Wave that will not damage the device and which are less than optimal in terms of efficiency for energy capture. Preferably, the configuration in which the wave forces applied to said vane increase is a configuration in which the average position of the longitudinal axis of the vane is raised in parallel relation to the direction of wave propagation. Preferablysaid vanes are separated by spaces generally along said first rotary axis. In a preferred manner, the arrangement of the vanes fan outwardly from an end closest to the base to an opposite free end. In one embodiment, the blades are provided with considerably aerodynamic guide edges. However, in another embodiment, said blades are provided with generally oblique guide edges. Preferably, said paddle is self-oriented with respect to the direction of wave propagation. More preferably, said vane is also adapted to be rotatably assembled in relation to the submerged surface around a second rotating shaft, which is generally perpendicular to said first rotating shaft. In one embodiment, the base is rotatably assembled to the submerged surface. However, in other embodiments, the base is fixed to the submerged surface and the vane is rotatably assembled to the base about said second rotary axis. Preferably, an axis is rotatably connected to said base about said first rotary axis and said vane is fixedly connected to and extends from said axis. The shaft is preferably connected to the base by means of a clamp that is rotatably assembled to said base about said second rotating shaft. In a preferred form, bearings lubricated with water are provided between said shaft and said base. Preferably, in use, said first rotating shaft is substantially horizontal and said second rotating shaft is considerably vertical. In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a device that captures wave energy comprising: a base that is adapted for fixed connection in relation to a submerged surface; At least one extended floating vane having an array of blades separated by spaces, said vane having a longitudinal axis, an upper end portion and a lower end portion and is rotatably assembled to said base, around a first rotatable shaft for the angular oscillation through an angle range when the wave movement applies a force to said blade, said blade is also adapted to be rotatably assembled relative to the submerged surface around a second rotating shaft, which is generally perpendicular to said first rotary axis, so that it is self-oriented with respect to a direction of wave propagation; and an energy transfer element coupled to said vane and adapted to be driven by the angular oscillation of said vane. In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a device that captures wave energy comprising: a base that is adapted for fixed connection in relation to a submerged surface; At least one extended floating vane having a longitudinal axis, an upper end portion and a lower end portion, said vane is rotatably assembled to said base, about a first rotatable axis for angular oscillation through a range of When the movement of the wave applies a force to said vane, said vane is also adapted to be rotatably assembled relative to the submerged surface around a second rotating shaft, which is generally perpendicular to said first rotating shaft, so that is self-oriented with respect to a direction of wave propagation; an energy transfer element coupled to said vane and adapted to be driven by the angular oscillation of said vane; and a pallet adjusting assembly associated with the pallet and adapted to adjust said angle range in magnitude and / or angular position relative to said first rotational axis. In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a device that captures energy from the wave comprising: a base adapted for the fixed connection in relation to a submerged surface; at least one extended floating vane having an array of blades separated by spaces, said vane having a longitudinal axis, an upper end portion and a lower end portion, said vane being rotatably assembled to said base, around a first axis rotary, for angular oscillation through an angle range when the wave movement applies a force to said blade; an energy transfer element that is fixed to said vane and adapted to be driven by the angular oscillation of said vane; and a pallet adjusting assembly associated with the pallet and adapted to adjust said angle range in magnitude and / or angular position relative to said first rotational axis. In a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a device that captures energy from the waves comprising: a base adapted for the fixed connection in relation to a submerged surface; at least one extended floating vane having an array of blades separated by spaces, said vane having a longitudinal axis, an upper end portion and a lower end portion, said vane being rotatably assembled to said base, around a first axis rotary, for angular oscillation through an angle range when wave motion applies a force to said vane, said vane is also rotatably assembled relative to the submerged surface around a second rotating shaft, which is generally perpendicular to said first rotary axis, so that it is self-oriented with respect to a direction of wave propagation; an energy transfer element coupled to said vane and adapted to be driven by the angular oscillation of said vane; and a pallet adjusting assembly associated with the pallet and adapted to adjust said angle range in magnitude and / or angular position relative to said first rotational axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic front elevational view of a preferred embodiment of an energy capture device; of the waves in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the system of Figure 1, shown in an operation mode for normal wave conditions; Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the system of Figure 1, shown in an operation mode for large waves; Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the system of Figure 1, shown in an operation mode for extreme hurricane or cyclone conditions; Figure 5 is a schematic front elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a wave energy capture device in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the system of Fig. 5, shown in an operation mode for normal wave conditions; Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of the system of Figure 5, shown in an operation mode for large waves; Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of the system of Figure 5, shown in an operation mode for extreme hurricane or cyclone conditions; and Figure 9 shows cross-sectional horizontal views through various alternative blade modalities.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference to the figures, the wave energy capture device 10 comprises a base 12 having a circular assembly flange 13 which is adapted for fixed connection to a submerged surface (ie, the seabed) 14 by a plurality of anchor bolts 15. A clamp 16 is rotatably assembled to the base 12 about a rotating shaft 18 that extends generally perpendicular (ie, vertically) to the seabed 14. A shaft 20 is rotatably assembled to the clamp 16 around the a rotating shaft 22 extending generally parallel (i.e., horizontally) to the submerged surface 14. Water-lubricated bearings 24 are provided between the clamp 16 and the base 12, as well as between the shaft 20 and the clamp 16. A pallet Extended Float 26 has a longitudinal axis 27 which is fixedly connected to one end of the shaft 20 and has an opposite free end. Therefore, the vane 26 is rotatable in relation to the base 12 and the submerged surface 14 around both axes 18 and 22. The vane 26 is adapted to oscillate angularly through an angle range about axis 22 when the movement of the wave applies a force to the vane 26. The vane 26 includes an arrangement of smooth surface vanes 28 spaced apart generally in a straight line along the axis 22. The vane arrangement 28 fan outwards from a nearer end to the base 12 to an opposite free end. This fanning outwardly of the blades 28, combined with the rotating assembly of the blade 26 around the axes 18 and 22, causes the blade 26 to self-orientate with the direction of the wave propagation to maximize the amount of force of the blade. the waves caught. The blades 28 are also optimally separated by spaces, such that the water around and between the blades 28 so as to create forces as high as possible for prevailing conditions. This arrangement of separation of the blades 28 also allows a large part of energy to be absorbed in each wave, with the slightest deviation. If only one blade were used instead of one arrangement, then most of the wave energy of the solid center part of wide blade would be reflected. The blades 28 are preferably provided with considerably aerodynamic guide edges, as shown in Figures 1 to 4. The aerodynamic blades preferably transfer forces due to the acceleration of wave motion, while minimizing the opposite resistance force. In many situations, this results in optimal efficiency. In other situations, it may be desired that the strength of resistance is preferably utilized, in which case blades with oblique guide edges are preferred, as shown in Figures 5 to 8. The shape, rigidity, spacing and buoyancy of blade 28 may be preferred. optimize by experimentation to maximize energy conversion in any given wave condition for any particular geographic location. The angular oscillation of the vane 26 around the shaft 22 drives an energy transfer element, in the form of a shaft (not shown) extending from the shaft 20. The shaft drives the rotor of a machine in the form of a generator / permanent magnet synchronous motor 30. The generator / motor 30 is completely sealed, and can be filled with inert gas under pressure, to prevent internal corrosion or leakage. The generator / motor 30 is exposed to an electric charge, such that a torsional force is established to resist the applied torsional force created by the forces of the wave. When the shaft 20 oscillates angularly against this torque resistance force, the generator / motor 30 produces electrical energy to supply a distribution grid. In certain circumstances, it may be desired to drive the shaft 20 against the wave forces or to hold the blade 26 in a fixed position in the presence of different forces. This effect is achieved by supplying power from the distribution grid to the generator / motor 30, such that the generator / motor 30 drives the pallet 26.

In use, paddle blades 28 capture and convert wave forces in at least three ways. First, when a wave crest approaches the blade arrangement 28, the circulation of the water passes the arrangement is partially restricted resulting in a momentary cumulus of water on the side of the arrangement facing the sea. This in turn causes a net force on the blades 28 in the direction of wave propagation. This force is transferred along the blades 28 to the axis 20 and contributes to the angular oscillation over part of the wave cycle. The effect described here constitutes a conversion of the potential energy in the waves (which is attributed to the difference in height between the crests and the wave depressions) to the mechanical energy in the axis 20. A second mode of energy capture is a direct conversion of the resistance forces in the blades 28 due to the oscillating circulation beneath the passing waves. This oscillating circulation gives off resistance force in the blades 28 which is transferred along the blades 28 to the axis 20 and which contributes to the controlled angular oscillation of the axis 20. This action constitutes the direct conversion of the kinetic energy contained in the wave field and contained in the movement of water.

Another mode of kinetic energy conversion is attributed to the acceleration of water particles below the surface. When the circulation oscillates from back to front and to a lesser extent (in shallow water) up and down, the water particles accelerate then slow down and stop and then in the reverse direction. It is well known that these accelerations impart important force in submerged bodies and are often called acceleration forces or aggregate mass forces. The last term refers to the fact that the forces imparted to the body result from the more aggregate of water that must be accelerated to pass around a body. Through the range of wave conditions appropriate for the operation of the device, acceleration forces are often dominant in relation to other forces described above. The movement of the device 10 is optimally controlled, such that all the force is used to maximize the energy conversion efficiency. The device 10 is adapted for installation in water depths of about 15-45 m, such that when the vanes 28 are oriented vertically, they slightly extend over the average water level. In such water depths, the movement of the water particles is predominantly horizontal, but also has a smaller vertical component, with the flow oscillating back and forth in the direction of wave propagation. When the waves propagate past the blades 28, the movement of water imparts a force of several times on the blades 28. This force, which oscillates back and forth, causes the blades 28 and the axle 20 to oscillate angularly, around the rotating shaft 22, thereby driving the generator / motor 30 and generating electrical energy. The nature of this oscillating force is described by the Morrison equation, which has the form, F = Cd (l / 2pU2) * A + Cm (pdU / dt) * V, where the first term arises due to the hydrodynamic resistance (as described above) in the blades 28 and the second term due to the acceleration of the water around the blades 28 (as described above). Therefore, the device 10 makes use of forces due to both the speed and the acceleration of the water. In some cases the resistance and acceleration force may be contrary to each other in some part of the wave. The shape and orientation of the blade can be optimized to preferably use both the acceleration force and the resistance force.

The aerodynamic orientation shown in Figures 1 to 4 preferably maximizes the acceleration force while the oblique orientation shown in Figures 5-8 preferably maximizes the strength of resistance. Figure 9 shows other configurations and possibly beneficial blade shapes, where you can use more complex interactions between the blades and current movements. In Figure 9, arrow F shows the direction of wave propagation. In addition, the deviation of the free surface due to the passage of the waves causes a mass of water to accumulate on the seaward side of the blade arrangement 28. This results in a difference in the hydrostatic pressure throughout the arrangement and a net force tending to oscillate angularly on the axis 20 in the same direction as the other forces. The sum effect of all these forces is to efficiently drive the shaft in an angular oscillating manner so that energy is produced in both the forward and backward strokes. Depending on the wave conditions, which are generally characterized by the wave height and period, the range of motion of the paddle 26 is adjusted to optimize the energy conversion and prevent damage to the device 10. This is achieved by using an assembly of paddle adjustment associated with the paddle 26. The paddle assembly assembly includes a sensor (not shown) for detecting a value indicative of the wave forces applied to the paddle 26, and a controller (not shown) in response to the sensor for controlling the power supply external to the generator / motor 30 to adjust the magnitude and / or angular position of the angle range through which the vane 26 oscillates relative to the rotary axis 22. Under normal operating conditions, when there is a low risk of structural damage to the device, and it is desired to convert a maximum amount of incident power, the paddle 26 is configured to oscillate around an almost vertical plane, as Figure 2 and 6. When sufficiently large waves occur, the sensor (not shown) detects a value indicative of the wave forces that can damage the paddle 26. In response, the controller (not shown) controls the supply of power external to the generator / motor 30 to drive the vane 26 into a configuration in which the average position of the vane 26 is inclined in relation to the axis 18, as shown in figures 3 and 7, such that it allows the passage without taking advantage of a little wave energy and the device 10 can continue to operate without danger. The inclined position is maintained by adjusting the resistance exposed to the generator / motor 30, such that the restoring force (mainly due to buoyancy) under large waves is not sufficient to lift the device above a predetermined level. The generator / motor 30 can also absorb external power from an electricity distribution grid during short intervals to slow the movement of the paddle 26 in a controlled manner and thereby limit its range of oscillation. In the infrequent event that hurricane or cyclone conditions occur, the sensor detects a value indicative of the applied wave forces indicative of an extreme event, in response, the controller controls the external power supply to the generator / motor 30 to drive the vane 26 within a flat aerodynamic configuration against the sea floor, as shown in Figures 4 and 8. The vane 26 is held stationary in this position by the continued supply of a relatively small amount of power external to the engine 30. In In this position, the blades 28 are removed from the trajectory of large forces due to hurricane waves, and are aligned with any slow speed of the bottom, in such a way that wave forces are minimized and the device 10 remains protected against damage. When the extreme event passes, the sensor detects a return to more normal conditions, and the controller controls the external power supply to the generator / motor 30 lift the paddle 26 from the parallel with the seafloor into an average position at which the wave forces applied to the paddle 26. If, in this new position, the sensor detects a value indicative of wave forces that will not damage the device 10 which are less than optimal in terms of efficiency for the capture of wave energy, then the controller responds by controlling the power supply. power external to the motor 30 to further lift the paddle 26. The device 10 is also provided with a sensor (not shown) for detecting the presence of nearby mobile structures, such as boats whales. The controller (not shown) also responds to this sensor to move the paddle 26 within the aerodynamic configuration shown in FIGS. 4 8 until the structure moves out of range. The base 12 forms part of an anchor for connecting the device 10 to the seabed 16. The anchor is described in detail in the Australian Provisional Patent Application of former applicants No. 2006904030 the co-pending international patent application that claims the Convention priority thereof, of which description by reference is included in the present invention. The device 10 can be installed as a single unit, or can be installed in multiples to form a wave energy farm, with the power linked in a DC bus sent to ground by means of a single cable. It will be appreciated that the various modes of operation allow the device 10 to be applied to all, except in the most infrequent extreme conditions. This is a clear advantage over known wave energy devices, which become inoperable in fairly large waves. An additional advantage is that the device 10 can be installed in regions prone to cyclone hurricane, where most other known wave energy devices can not be used, as they would not survive predominant ocean conditions. It will also be appreciated that the size weight of the device 10 is advantageously reduced as compared to the known devices that capture wave energy, as the device 10 adjusts its configuration depending on prevailing conditions of the ocean. Therefore, the cost of manufacturing installing the device 10 is reduced compared to known similar devices. Another advantage of the device 10 is the use of an arrangement of separate blades 28, which allow a large part of the energy to be absorbed in each wave, with minimal reflection. The device 10 is also self-orientingly selling with the direction of the wave propagation to maximize its wave energy capture efficiency. An additional advantage is that the use of an aerodynamic blade configuration allows the preferential pickup of wave acceleration forces, the use of an oblique blade configuration allows the preferential pickup of wave resistance forces. While the present invention has been described with reference to a specific embodiment, it will be appreciated that it can also be incorporated in many other ways. For example: • the blades can be arranged horizontally instead of vertically; • the paddle can power a reciprocating seawater pump to create high pressure seawater for use in desalination or to drive other external devices; • the blades can be aligned along more than one axis, or in a circular or other arrangement; • the blades may contain means to adjust their internal weight distribution by changing the position of a mass, or receiving or ejecting seawater, as well as means to modify the response to waves to maximize efficiency; the blades can be considerably flexible, or articulated in one or more joints, as well as means to achieve a movement response which increases the transfer of energy in the generator / motor 30; • the blades can be submerged considerably when they are oriented vertically at the level of the middle sea, or they can protrude slightly from the sea surface; I • a single device can be adapted with more than one generator / motor, each fixed to a different pallet, and with each movement in relation to others in such a way that a beneficial interaction is achieved which results in an increase in efficiency.

Claims (28)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, the content of the following is claimed as a priority: CLAIMS

1. - An energy capture device of the wave comprising: a base adapted for the fixed connection to a submerged surface; and at least one expanded floating vane having an array of vanes separated by spaces, said vane having longitudinal axis, an upper end portion and a lower end portion, and is rotatably assembled to said base, around a first axis rotary for angular oscillation through an angle range when the wave movement applies a force to said blade; and an energy transfer element that engages said vane and is adapted to be driven by the angular oscillation of said vane.

2. A wave energy capture device according to claim 1, further comprising a machine connected to said vane to extract the energy of the oscillatory movement of said vane.

3. - An energy capture device of the wave according to claim 2, characterized in that said machine is adapted to receive a torsional force from said energy transfer element.

4. - An energy capture device of the wave according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that the machine can operate either as a motor and as a generator.

5. - A device for capturing energy of the wave according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that said machine incorporates a generator / permanent magnet synchronous motor.

6. - A device for capturing energy of the wave according to claim 5, characterized in that said generator / motor is completely sealed.

7. - A device for capturing energy of the wave according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that said generator / motor is filled with pressurized inert gas.

8. - A wave energy capture device according to any of claims 2 to 7, further comprising a paddle assembly assembly associated with the paddle and adapted to adjust said angle range in magnitude and / or angular position relative to said first rotary axis.

9. - A wave energy capture device according to claim 8, characterized in that said vane adjustment assembly includes a sensor for detecting a value indicative of the forces applied to the vane.

10. - A wave energy capture device according to claim 9, characterized in that the vane adjustment assembly includes a controller that responds to said sensor which is adapted to transmit a signal to adjust the range of movement of the sensor. the palette if the detected value is outside a predetermined range.

11. - A wave energy capture device according to claim 10, characterized in that said controller is adapted to control the external power supply so that the machine moves the pallet within a configuration in which the forces of the wave applied to said paddle are reduced if the detected value is indicative of wave forces that can damage the device.

12. - The energy capture device of the wave according to claim 11, characterized in that the configuration in which the wave forces applied to said vane are reduced is a configuration in which the average position of the longitudinal axis of the wave the pallet is also inclined in relation to a vertical plane drawn perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

13. - An energy capture device of the wave according to any of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, if the value indicated by the sensor is indicative of the strength of the waves larger than a predetermined amount, the paddle move inside and remain in a configuration substantially parallel to the wave propagation direction to minimize the wave forces applied to the paddle.

14. - An energy capture device of the wave according to any of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the controller is adapted to control the power supply external to said machine to move the pallet within a configuration in the which the forces of the wave applied to said paddle increase if the value detected by the sensor is indicative of wave forces that will not damage the device and which are less than optimal in terms of efficiency for energy capture.

15. - An energy capture device of the wave according to claim 14, characterized in that the configuration in which the wave forces applied to said vane increase is a configuration in which the average position of the longitudinal axis of the vane is It rises in parallel relation to the direction of wave propagation.

16. - A device for capturing energy of the wave according to any of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that said blades are spaced apart from each other generally along said first rotary axis.

17. - An energy capture device of the wave according to any of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the fan arrangement fan outwards from one end closest to the base to an opposite free end.

18. - An energy capture device of the wave according to any of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that said blades include considerably aerodynamic guide edges.

19. - An energy capture device of the wave according to any of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that said blades include generally oblique guide edges.

20. - A wave energy capture device according to any of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that said vane is self-oriented with respect to the direction of wave propagation.

21. - An energy capture device of the wave according to claim 20, characterized in that said blade is adapted to be assembled rotatably in relation to the submerged surface around a second rotating shaft, which is generally perpendicular to said first axis rotating

22. - An energy capture device of the wave according to claim 21, characterized in that the base is adapted to be rotatably assembled to the submerged surface.

23. - An energy capture device of the wave according to claim 21, characterized in that the base is adapted to be fixed to the submerged surface and the vane is rotatably assembled to the base around said second rotary axis.

24. - An energy capture device of the wave according to any of claims 1 to 23, further comprising an axis rotatably connected to said base around said first rotary axis, and wherein said vane is fixedly connected to extending from said axis.

25. - A device for capturing energy of the wave according to claim 24, characterized in that said axis is connected to the base by means of a clamp that is rotatably assembled to said base around a second rotary axis, which is generally perpendicular to said first rotary axis.

26. - A device for capturing energy of the wave according to claim 24 or claim 25, further comprising bearings lubricated with water between said axis and said base.

27. - An energy capture device of the wave according to any of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that, in use, said first rotary axis is considerably horizontal.

28. - An energy capture device of the wave according to any of claims 21 to 23 or 25, characterized in that, in use, said second rotary axis is considerably vertical.