MXPA00011303A - Modular system for conversion of mechanical wave energy into electric energy. - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention refers to a modular system for converting the mechanical energy from waves into electric energy. The system is composed by independent modules of wave capture taking advantage of the principle of Archimedes and the lever function to transform the waveÆs undulatory movement in ascendant and descendent movement by means of the lever-buoy subsystem, converting it in circular movement of an articulated power shaft through of the free wheel-spring subsystem. The power shaft incorporates the motive force of each one of the integrating modules of the system transmitting it to a load device. The load device can be an electric generator, a liquids pump, etc. the object of this invention is to provide an alternative power supply sustainable and of low cost to overcome the disadvantages of previous inventions.

Description

MODULAR SYSTEM TO CONVERT THE MECHANICAL ENERGY FROM THE WAVES IN ELECTRICAL ENERGY. BACKGROUND Up to now, many techniques have been used in attempts to convert ocean waves into useful applications. Many of these attempts have been directed to the use of the energy of tidal oscillations induced by the movements of the moon and the sun. Other schemes have been directed to the domain and use of waves and surface currents generated by the wind, since these comprise most of the general balance of energy of the ocean. None of these devices has achieved significant commercial success. All the devices that have been analyzed by the applicants, fail in one or more aspects to fulfill all the requirements that are desirable in a system of use of ocean waves. Probably the dissuasive elements for the commercial acceptance of such systems are their minimal efficiency, their high implementation costs or their undue complexity in the hostile ocean environment. In view of the need to develop new energy sources due to the depletion of fossil fuels, advances in the state of the art are required with respect to the aforementioned devices. The overall objective of the present invention is to create practical means for the conversion of surface waves of the ocean induced by the wind into useful energy. The basic operations performed by the present invention in the rotated conversion comprise: 1) Capturing a portion of the wave energy through a series of buoys. 2) Convert that energy by means of Levers and Cables in the turning movement of two Free Wheels, one for each Buoy. 3) Transmit the kinetic energy of the movement of the Free Wheels through a Articulated Transmission Tree to a Loading Device, which can be an Electric Generator, a Device for Pumping Fluids, etc. and,?. .,. í. . . . ..,. -. . i. I - * ..- ^ «« f ^ "DESCRIPTION The Modular System for Converting Mechanical Energy from Waves into Electric Energy uses the Archimedes principle in the form of its structure to transform wave energy into energy kinetic that is then transmitted by a Articulated Transmission Tree and can be applied to a Load Device, such as an Electric Generator or any other wave propagated in the sea when approaching an Independent Module of Wave Capture cause its Buoy to oscillate from bottom to top, this movement is transmitted to a Lever, which at its opposite end pulls a Cable wrapped in a Free Wheel by turning it, this movement is communicated to a Articulated Transmission Tree, when passing the effect of the wave, the Buoy and Lever return to their original position by gravity, the Freewheel also returns to its original position through the action of a Spring.This event is repeated successively by passing the crest of the wave through several modules arranged perpendicularly to the front of the wave along its path, this causes the Articulated Transmission Tree to keep rotating constantly and can move to a Load Device. Therefore, an object of the invention is to create an energy conversion system to receive the periodic energy of the surface waves and transform it into useful and continuous kinetic energy at its output. A general object of the invention is to create a wave capture system that is simpler in structure, more trustworthy and substantially more efficient than systems known up to now. The invention consists partly of the physical and mechanical structures formed by the Independent Wave Capture Module, (as well as its Lever-Buoy and Freewheel-Spring subsystems), in the Articulated Transmission Tree that couples several Modules to each other. these with the Charging Device, but also covers the concept of the System itself, considering it as an integrated and independent set of the structural details of its various parts. Since certain changes can be made in the energy conversion procedures and in the detailed construction features of the components of the System without departing from the scope of the invention implied herein, it is intended that all the matter contained in the descriptions which are set forth below, or that are shown in the attached drawings, are considered illustrative and not in a limiting sense. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figures 1 A, 1 B, 1 C and 1 D are the front, side, top and isometric views, respectively, of an Independent Wave Capture Module. Figure 2 is a semi-schematic view of the arrangement of the System showing several Independent Wave Capture Modules coupled to a Load Device by a Articulated Transmission Tree and Gearbox, viewed perpendicular to the Transmission Tree.

Figure 3 is a schematic view of an Independent Wave Capture Module showing the parts that comprise it. Figure 4 shows the coupling details of the Freewheel-Spring Subsystem. 5 Figure 5 shows the coupling details of the Lever-Buoy subsystem. Figure 6 is a top view of the Modules and shows in detail how they are coupled by the Articulated Transmission Tree Figure 7 shows how the Module can work at high tide and at low tide. 1 Figures 8 and 8 A show the position of the Lever-Buoy Subsystem during the crest and valley of a wave, respectively. Figure 9 shows a top view of a possible arrangement of several systems feeding two separate charging devices. Figure 10 is a top view of two Modules that allows to appreciate the capacity 15 of working at an angle of the Articulated Transmission Tree.

The Modular System to convert the Mechanical Energy from the Waves into Electric Energy. (Fig. 2) consists of: 20 Independent Wave Capture Module. (A) Articulated Transmission Tree. (B) Charging Device or Electric Generator (D) with a Gear Box. (C) This figure shows the environment of the Sea Level System (E), the Sea Floor (F), Wave Front (FO), Beach or Coast. (P) 25 The dimensions of the pieces of the Independent Wave Capture Modules can vary to adapt to the geographical conditions of the environment where they are installed, such as: Differences between low tide and high tide, wave amplitude, topography of the place, characteristics of the seabed. The number of Modules integrating System 30 is also variable according to the electrical potential that is intended to be obtained, so that a huge number of variations of the System design is possible, without this modifying the essence of the invention.

Parts that make up the Independent Wave Capture Module (Fig. 3), (Fig. 4) and 35 (Fig. 5): Pole foundation (1) structure that serves as support for the Module and keeps it anchored and firm on the seabed. It can have any shape and dimensions, as long as it fulfills its function. 40 Post (2) structure that supports the other elements of the module. At the bottom is firmly anchored to the seabed, the upper part must emerge at least a little above sea level reached by the crest of a wave during the highest tide of the year. The recommended shape is cylindrical or truncated conical, with the widest part 45 to the seabed. It has two transverse perforations, the upper one in the highest part of the pole, serves to house the Freewheel-Spring Subsystem. Drilling The lower portion located at the average level between high tide and low tide serves to sustain the Palanca-Boya Subsystem, these two perforations are oriented with a difference of some degrees. 5 Parts that make up the Lever-Buoy Subsystem: (Fig. 5) Lever (3) Structure coupled to the average perforation of the pole as a balance through an axis. This should be a symmetric structure slightly thickened in its central part to better support the torsional stress, it can be attached to the shaft by means of 10 screws. Shaft (4) that allows the free swing of the Lever by Valero (17) arranged between it and the Pole. Screws (7) fasten to the parts. Buoy (5) float coupled to one of the ends of the Lever with the purpose of 15 oscillating up and down driven by the movement of the waves, this formed by a hollow cylinder of light material, whose diameter is proportional to the average size wave. Parts that make up the subsystem Freewheel Spring: (Fig.4) 20 Freewheel with Reel (9) Wheel that is not dragged by its axis when it rotates in one direction. Arranged in the upper perforation of the Pole by means of an Axis. The front part of the Freewheel has inserted perpendicular rods with a slight outward bend that serves to form a reel (10) to wind a cable. 25 Cable (8) whose free end is attached to the Lever at the opposite end to the one holding the Buoy. The central part of the Freewheel (Fig. 4) is coupled to the Shaft by means of a device similar to that used in the freewheeling wheel of bicycles., consists of: Interior Cover (9.1), Muela (9.2), two sets of Balines (9.3), Mini Spring (9.5) Cover 30 Exterior (9.4) and Free Wheel Axle. Freewheel axis (13) which in turn is part of the Transmission Tree, its rotation is facilitated by a pair of Valero (11) arranged between it and the Pole. Spring (12) spiral of flexible material coupled to the Freewheel and to the post in the Spring clip (2.1) as in the rope watches. 35 Parts that make up the Articulated Transmission Shaft (Fig. 6) (Fig. 10) Free Wheel Shaft (13) solid shaft that is supported on the Pole by two brakes. This grooved at both ends to join with the Modified Cardan Orifice. 40 Modified Orifice (14) hollow cylindrical piece at one end and with internal grooves as a coupling with the Freewheel Shaft, at the other end it is a normal Cardan Crosshead (15) cardan joint. Transmission bar (16) piece with end of Orquilla in the two ends 45 to form individual cardans, serves as a union between modules and connection with the loading device. to H MIU The conformation of the Independent Wave Capture Module is as follows: (Fig. 3) Each independent Wave Capture module is composed of a vertical structure 5 as a Post cemented on the seabed, the upper end exceeding the maximum level of the sea surface during the high tide of the place where it is installed (Fig. 3) In the lower hole of the Pole, the Lever-Buoy Subsystem is placed, consisting of a structure that serves as a lever, placed perpendicular to the Pole, supported by an Axle with braces emulating a symmetrical rocker. The lever is oriented perpendicular to the wave front. At the end of the Lever, which first faces the wave, a strong cable is secured, which in turn is wrapped around the Freewheel Reel, at the opposite end of the lever a cylindrical buoy is fixed which floats at 15 sea. (Fig.5) The Freewheel-Spring Subsystem is placed in the Upper Bore of the Pole, consisting of: Two brakes that support an Axle in which the Freewheel is placed with a Reel, this hole is oriented according to the angle of attack (AA) of the System (Fig. 9) in relation to the wave front of the place where it is installed. Between the Post and the Free Wheel a Spring subject of both is placed. (Fig. 4) How the Independent Wave Capture Module works: (Fig. 8 and 8A) 25 The force of the waves is incorporated into the System by oscillating the Buoy up and down during its peak and valley periods, this force is proportional to the volume of the Buoy, according to the principle of Archimedes that says "Every body submerged in a fluid experiences a vertical thrust, directed from bottom to top equal to the weight of the fluid that dislodges" As the buoy is at one end of the lever and experiences a push 30 vertical from bottom to top when floating with the crest of a wave, the opposite end of the lever experiences a vertical thrust from top to bottom, pulling in this way from the cable wound to the free wheel reel with the same force that is lifted the volume of the Buoy, (Fig. 8) when unwinding the Cable from the Reel turns the Freewheel, this circular movement is transmitted to the Articulated Transmission Tree. 35 When passing the effect of the crest, during the valley of the wave, the Lever-Buoy Supisystem returns to its initial position, the Free Wheel also returns to its initial position (Without being dragged by its Axis) aided by the Spring remaining the Module ready to restart a new cycle (Fig. 8 and 8Á) 40 This event is repeated successively by each and every one of the Independent Wave Capture Modules allowing the continuous movement of the Articulated Transmission Tree in only one direction 45 In this way the energy incorporated into the system will be proportional to the submerged volume of the buoy and also to the displacement length, that is, the distance between the crest and the valley of the wave, subtracting the necessary force to move the weight of the articulated transmission shaft, the free wheel and the force necessary to deform the spring.

The cycle between valley and wave crest is identical at low tide (MB) and at high tide (MA), (Fig.7) the difference lies in the angle of the lever and that the spring attached to the free wheel and at Pole will make more resistance when releasing more Cable during high tide than during low tide. The Spring only has the function of recovering the cable attached to the lever (winding it on the reel) during the wave valleys. 10 The part that allows the Module to work on the wave crests and valleys is the Lever supported by the Spring that returns the Freewheel to its initial position in each wave valley, winding the Cable on its Reel. In this way the Independent Wave Capture Module takes advantage of the variations between ridge and valley during high tide and low tide (Fig.7) The Articulated Transmission Tree Conformation is the following: (Fig. 6) (Fig.10) 20 Each segment of the Articulated Transmission Shaft consists of: Freewheel Shaft of a Module * Modified Orifice, Crosshead, Transmission Bar, Crosshead, Modified Orifice, Freewheel Shaft of the following Module, this joint being given as many times as Modules make up the System. (Fig 6) 25 How the Articulated Transmission Tree Works. A major problem in the design of machines for extracting energy from waves has consisted in the past in the impossibility of avoiding occasional storms, this problem is solved by the Articulated Transmission Tree, which provides the 30 working tolerance characteristic at variable angles without reducing the efficiency of the System in different conditions "Assuming that the force of a storm surge could move the poles, the Articulated Transmission Tree could continue working" (Fig 10), besides the Articulated Transmission Tree allows the System to adapt better to the shape of the coast, taking advantage of a longer length of the front of the 35 wave. The Modular System is designed in this way to take advantage, by means of independent events, of the wave energy of the waves at maximum for each Module and to add the force that one incorporates into the System through the circular movement of the Articulated Transmission Tree. How the System Works: (Fig. 9) The System must be arranged in such a way that the Articulated Transmission Tree 45 forms a very acute angle with respect to the front of the waves to allow the Modules to take advantage of the successive wave fronts in stepped form so that 8¡ *! 4¡ ^^^ each Module provides motive power to the System independently of the rest, this guarantees the continuous movement of the Articulated Transmission Tree, without the variation of amplitude, frequency of the waves or the level of tide affecting the continuity of the movement of the System. 5 The System is scalable in number of Load Devices to be able to group several Systems in parallel and each System is scalable in the number of modules that integrate it. (Fig. 9) From the foregoing, it will be seen that there is a certain number of applications for the invention. Although the fundamental features of our invention have been shown, described and specified, it will be understood that various omissions as well as substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the devices illustrated and in their application can be made by those skilled in the art. functioning. Even when the The invention has been described in detail, it should be clear that it has been with respect to certain ways of implementing it, but that this should not be understood as limiting the scope of said invention. • at ^ "t- '• ~ ^^ dáfaí

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS Having sufficiently described our invention. We consider it as a novelty and therefore we claim from our exclusive property what is contained in the following clauses. 1 Modular System to Convert Mechanical Energy from Waves into Electric Energy. Which is made up of several Independent Wave Capture Modules and a Articulated Transmission Tree that unites all the Modules with each other and with the Electric Generator. The Modular System for Converting the Mechanical Energy from the Waves into Electric Energy is characterized by transforming the wave energy of the ocean waves into the driving force of the Articulated Transmission Tree, transmitting this force to an Electric Generator or Charging Device. Each Module works independently without affecting the performance of the rest of the modules that make up the System. 2 Modular System for Converting Mechanical Energy from Waves into Electric Energy. As claimed in clause 1, the Independent Wave Capture Module consists of a cemented pole, a Lever-Buoy Subsystem, a Freewheel-Spring Subsystem. The Independent Wave Capture Module 4e is characterized by converting the wave motion of the waves into the driving force of the articulated transmission shaft independent of the rest of the System Modules, through its two Subsystems. 3 Modular System to Convert the Mechanical Energy from the Waves in Electric Energy. As claimed in clause 2, the Palanca-Boya subsystem that is made up of; Pole, Lever, Buoy, Lever Shaft, Lever Shaft and Cable. The Palanca-Boya Subsystem is characterized by transforming the wave motion of the waves in upward and downward movement of the ends of the Lever. 4 Modular System to Convert the Mechanical Energy from the Waves in Electric Energy. As claimed in Clause 2, the Freewheel-Spring Subsystem is comprised of; Freewheel, Inner Cover, Wheels, Mini springs, Balinese Sets, Outer Cover, Reel, Freewheel Spring, Valero, Freewheel Shaft, Cable, Spring Bra and Pole. The Freewheel-Spring Subsystem is characterized by converting the upward and downward movement of the ends of the Lever into the driving force of the Articulated Transmission Tree. 5 Modular System for Converting Mechanical Energy from Waves into Electric Power. As claimed in clause 1, the Articulated Transmission Tree is formed by; Axles of the Free Wheel-Spring substep, Modified Orches, Crossheads, Transmission Bars. The Articulated Transmission Tree is characterized by being able to work in variable angles when having two cardans between modules, it incorporates the motive power of each and every one of the modules that make up the System and transmits it to the Generator or Load Device, the angle arrangement of the Tree of g ^ g ^^ Hg-l Articulated Transmission with respect to the wave front allows the continuous movement of the Articulated Transmission Tree when moving the wave in stepped form to each of the Modules. * i? * ¡¡¡¡^^