NO333299B1 - HAVE BULK POWER SYSTEM WITH WAVE REFLECTION - Google Patents

Abstract

An ocean wave power system (200,1000) for generating energy from ocean waves (40) comprising a platform (520) supporting a matrix of hollow columns (220) whose respective lower ends are in fluid communication with ocean waves (40) and whose respective upper ends are in air communication with a turbine arrangement (230) so that wave motions occurring at the lower ends are operable to cause air movement inside the columns (220) to drive the turbine arrangement (230) to generate output power. The system (200) further comprises one or more position-adjustable and / or angle-adjustable submerged structures (300) adjacent the lower ends of the columns (220) to shape propagation of ocean waves toward the lower ends of the columns (220) to connect the waves (40). ) in a controllable manner into the hollow columns (220).

Description

Scope of the invention.

The present invention relates to an ocean-wave power system for generating electricity from ocean waves, where the system comprises a platform supporting a matrix of hollow columns whose respective lower ends are in fluid communication with ocean waves and whose respective upper ends are in air communication with a turbine arrangement so that wave motions occurring at the lower ends are caused to cause air movement within the columns to drive the turbine arrangement to generate an output power.

The aim is to produce a system where the ocean waves cause in a cyclical way to compress a fluid inside the pipes to produce energy, and where the one or more pipes are adapted so that their natural resonance frequency for the wave motion is essentially equal in operation to a frequency of the ocean waves received at the lower ends of the one or more pipes to achieve increased efficiency of the energy conversion, for example by tilting and thus changing the hydrodynamic mass and stiffness of one or more hollow pipes to modify their natural resonance frequencies .

Furthermore, the invention also relates to an ocean wave power system as stated in the introduction in claim 6, as well as in this connection a method for operating an ocean wave power system as stated in the introduction in subsequent claim 15.

In said method, the aim is to operationally adapt the natural resonance frequencies of the wave motion inside one or more hollow tubes to one or more frequencies of ocean waves that are received at one or more of the lower ends of the one or more hollow tubes. Consequently, one wants to be able to adjust the submerged structures to produce a better adaptation between received ocean waves and capture in the energy-capturing turbines in the systems.

With the system, the aim is to be able to use one or more planar submerged elements that can provide improved adaptation between received ocean waves and energy-capturing devices.

The invention also defines and uses a software product that is readable on a machine-readable data carrier.

Background for the invention

Ocean waves are generated in ocean areas as a result of winds affecting the upper parts of the ocean surface area. Wind itself is caused by differences in atmospheric space temperature as a result of solar radiation absorbed by the earth. Ocean waves are effective surface waves that are without any form of general overall flow of sea water, but exclusively an oscillating movement of water about a mean position. The energy content of ocean waves decreases exponentially with depth from an upper ocean surface at a rate that depends on the ocean waves' wavelength. In a similar way to other types of waves, for example electromagnetic waves, ocean waves can be reflected, diffracted, refracted and absorbed.

Renewable energy systems adapted to generate energy from ocean waves are exposed to many technical challenges. For example, seawater is corrosive. Furthermore, ocean waves have a large variation in amplitude, wavelength and complexity over time. Ocean wave energy can often be times higher during storm conditions compared to normal conditions. Furthermore, situations may arise where the ocean wave energy is negligible. In addition, designers of ocean wave power plants must assess the commercial viability of such plants in relation to alternative systems such as wind turbine systems for generating power, hydroelectric plants, tidal power plants, fossil fuel power plants and nuclear power plants; as the problem with many systems for the utilization of renewable energy is that they require expensive robust constructions, for example that they must withstand storms, while they generate relatively modest amounts of power when in operation compared to similar sizes of nuclear power plants or power plants fueled by fossil fuels. Therefore, in order to improve the commercial viability of offshore wave power plants, it is highly desirable to ensure that such systems are designed and implemented in such a way that they exhibit an improved operational efficiency to convert ocean wave energy into electrical energy or similar alternative useful energy types and at the same time exhibit sufficient robustness to survive the conditions when there is a storm.

Many systems have been proposed to extract usable energy from waves, such as using structures of floats that move with the waves and are connected to pump hydraulic fluids to generate electrical power, ramps to receive waves with upper weirs like the waves can overflow and be collected to drive a turbine; and vertically oscillating columns where ocean waves periodically compress the air in the columns to drive an air turbine to generate electricity. In published Norwegian patent document NO-327,593 belonging to Geir Arne Solheim, an air column 10 is described which in operation is arranged at an oblique angle a in relation to a general flat surface 20 in a marine environment 30, as shown in figure 1. A first end of the column 10 is arranged to receive waves 40 in operation. A second end of the column 10 is via air valves connected to an air turbine 50 to generate electricity. The angle a is preferably in the order of 10° to 35°. Although the air column 10 is arranged at an inclined angle a, it provides a significant improvement in operating efficiency compared to the previously known vertical oscillating air columns for generating electrical power from ocean waves, it is desirable to further improve this operating efficiency for a construction as shown in figure 1 to ensure its commercial competitiveness against other energy sources, for example for plants based on fossil fuels and nuclear power.

Reference should also be made to what is known from international applications WO-0071891, WO2-007057013, WO-8703045, US patent US-4,564,312, and Norwegian patent D5: NO 322,607, as defined in the introduction.

Summary of the invention.

The present invention seeks to further improve the efficiency of ocean wave power plants by utilizing oscillating air columns that are tuned in relation to a period of the incoming ocean waves, by tilting the oscillating air columns to thereby adjust the natural periods as a response produced by the columns when the power plant is operated.

According to a first aspect of the invention, an ocean wave power plant has been produced as stated in the attached claim 1 and which is characterized by the hollow columns being deployed in a non-vertical orientation, with at least part of the hollow columns in operation being arranged for to exhibit a natural wave motion frequency for the air therein which is mainly adapted to a frequency of ocean waves received in said part of the hollow columns.

An advantage of the invention as stated here is that the tuning of the system enables the system to convert ocean wave energy into usable energy in a more efficient way.

According to a preferred embodiment, the hollow columns are implemented so that the air column's natural wave motion frequency is actively tuneable.

It is preferred that the series of hollow columns are set with their longitudinal axes at an oblique angle in the order of 25° to 75° relative to a mean level of the upper surface of the marine environment where the system is located to be operated. It is also possible to operate the plant with the array of hollow columns arranged at an inclined angle in the order of magnitude of 10° to 90°, the above order of magnitude of 25° to 75° being particularly preferred relative to an average level for an upper surface of a surrounding marine environment where the power plant is operated. The ocean wave energy plant can also be operated with the matrix array of hollow columns arranged with their longitudinal axes at an oblique angle in the order of 10° to 35°.

According to a preferred embodiment, the matrix of hollow columns comprises hollow columns which have mutually different natural resonance frequencies for the air therein in relation to the wave motion therein to selectively adapt to different frequencies of the waves received from a marine environment.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the turbine arrangement comprises at least one turbine arranged to rotate about a substantially vertical axis in operation to gyroscopically stabilize the platform during operation in a marine environment.

As an addition, the ocean wave energy plant may include one or more wind turbines mounted on top of the platform to generate electricity from wind received in the system, and in particular at the separated extreme points of the platform. These may include one or more Darrieus-type wind turbines with vertical axes since these are advantageous in that the rotation can stabilize the platform due to Coriolis forces. One or more aquaculture facilities can also be implemented, as these can carry submersibles in the sea depending on the weather conditions to which the system is exposed.

According to a second aspect of the invention, as will be apparent from claim 6, the ocean wave power system is characterized by the fact that it further comprises one or more position-adjustable and/or angle-adjustable submerged structures adjacent to the lower ends of the columns to form ocean waves as in drift propagates towards the lower ends of the columns to controllably couple the waves into the hollow columns, and where the submerged structures are implemented as one or more planar structures equipped with an actuator arrangement to shift and/or tilt the one or several planar constructions in relation to the matrix of columns.

According to a preferred embodiment, the hollow columns are deployed in a non-vertical orientation, and at least some of the hollow columns are arranged to exhibit in operation a natural frequency of wave motion therein which is mainly adapted to a frequency of ocean waves received in said part of the hollow pillars.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system comprises a sensor arrangement for determining one or more properties of sea waves propagating during drift towards the columns and there their associated submerged structures, and a control arrangement for receiving wave property-indicative signals from the sensor arrangement and for processing the signals to regulate positions and/or angles of the submerged structures to provide a dynamically responsive control of the submerged arrangement.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement implements an application of programmable hardware that implements at least one of: (a) controlled regulation of the submerged arrangement by using a numerical model that is representative of the operating characteristics of the system, and (b) application of a neural network where neural emphasis is adapted to the control operation of the system in response to sensed wave states.

Preferably, the ocean wave energy system is implemented so that the array of hollow columns is arranged with its longitudinal axes at an oblique angle of the order of 10° to 35° relative to an average level of an upper surface in a marine environment where the system is located during operation.

Preferably, the ocean wave energy system is implemented such that the turbine assembly comprises at least one turbine driven about a substantially vertical axis to gyroscopically stabilize the platform when operated in a marine environment.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the platform is adapted to rotate in operation to enable the array of columns to be oriented relative to ocean waves arriving at the system. According to yet another preferred embodiment, the system comprises a sensor arrangement for sensing a predominant propagation direction of the waves coming in towards the matrix of columns, and an actuator arrangement for adjusting the angular orientation of the matrix of columns in relation to the predominant propagation direction of the waves.

k14 According to the invention, the ocean wave power system is installed:

(a) along a coastline; (b) as one or more floating islands;

(c) as a floating peninsula or headland.

(d) as a float forming a transport route between land masses;

(e) fitted to foundations on a seabed.

Also in this version, the power plant may include an aquaculture facility adapted to be submerged for substantial protection under the system during unfavorable damaging weather conditions.

According to a third aspect of the invention, as it appears from claim 15, a method for operating an ocean wave power system according to the first aspect of

the invention, where the method comprises:

(a) receiving one or more ocean waves adjacent the one or more submerged structures to controllably affect an energy field to the one or more waves to form the one or more waves received by the array of air columns in the system; (b) occupy the one or more waves at the array of columns to periodically compress and/or rarefy air in the one or more columns to drive a turbine arrangement to generate energy; wherein the submerged structures are implemented as one or more planar structures equipped with an actuator arrangement for displacing and/or tilting the one or more planar structures relative to the array of columns. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a method has been produced for controlling an ocean wave power system according to the first aspect of the invention, where the method is characterized by (I) one or more characteristics of the ocean waves approaching the ocean wave energy plant are sensed for generating corresponding sensor signals; (ii) the sensor signals are processed in a processing arrangement to generate corresponding control signals; (iii) signals are applied to actuators connected to one or more of the position-adjustable and/or angle-adjustable submerged structures adjacent to the lower ends of the columns in the system to shape the sensed ocean waves which during operation propagate towards the lower ends of the columns for to connect/lead in a controllable way into the hollow columns to generate corresponding output power.

According to a preferred embodiment, the processing arrangement is operated by using a numerical model and/or a neural network to generate control signals from the sensor signals.

According to a preferred embodiment, the method comprises that

(IV) a direction of propagation for the sea waves to be received by the matrix of columns is sensed, and (V) the matrix of columns is rotatably oriented in relation to the direction of propagation of the ocean waves.

According to the invention, a software product is used which is readable on a machine-readable data carrier, the software being executable on a computing hardware to implement a method according to the second and third aspects of the invention.

Features of the invention shall be understood to be able to be combined in several combinations within the framework of the invention, as defined in the attached claims.

Description of figures.

Embodiments of the present invention shall now be described only as an example, with reference to the following diagrams, in which: Figure 1 shows an illustration of an arrangement for generating electric power from ocean waves as described in Norwegian patent NO-327,593. Figure 2 shows an illustration of circular sea water movement in connection with surface waves moving in a marine environment. Figure 3 shows an illustration of a circular sea water movement associated with the forward movement of a sea surface wave, where the illustration shows the decreasing cyclic water movement as a function of the depth D in the marine environment. Figure 4A and Figure 4B show examples of graphs to illustrate varying wave energy densities as a function of wave frequency in a marine environment. Figure 5 shows a schematic illustration of a wave reflector for an ocean wave system (designated WARE) according to the present invention. Figure 6 shows a schematic illustration of a turbine rotor in the system of Figure 5 whose blades are equipped with peripheral magnets to induce electric power in stationary peripheral pickup coils. Figure 7 shows a schematic illustration of angle and position regulation of a flat plate when implementing the present invention. Figure 8 shows a schematic illustration of an angle adjustment of a flat plate according to the present invention. Figure 9 shows a schematic illustration of position and angle regulation of a flat plate in a WARE arrangement according to the present invention. Figure 10 shows a side view illustration of an ocean wave power system according to the present invention. Figure 11 shows a schematic illustration of a coastal wave reflection energy system for ocean waves in accordance with the present invention, where the system is supported by a number of columns. Figure 12 shows a coastal wave reflection energy system for ocean waves in accordance with the present invention where the system is supported by a central pillar to enable the system to rotate to adapt to waves propagating from dynamically changing directions. Figure 13 shows an illustration of a configuration of a coastal wave reflection energy system which includes one or more wind turbines to generate additional energy from wind movements. Figure 14 shows an example of a vertical-axis Darrieus wind turbine for use with the energy systems according to the present invention.

In the accompanying drawings, an underlined reference number is used to indicate an element in which the underlined reference number is located, or an element adjacent to the underlined reference number. A reference number that is not underlined is associated with an element as indicated by a dash connecting the non-underlined reference number to the element. When a reference numeral is not ununderlined, and accompanied by an associated arrow, this reference numeral is used to indicate a general element to which the arrow points.

Description of embodiments of the invention.

To describe embodiments of the present invention, reference must be made to the content of the aforementioned Norwegian patent document NO-327,593.

In order to further elucidate the present invention, some basic principles of ocean wave power and planting characteristics shall be described. When an ocean wave 40 propagates, it corresponds to an energy flow, in the form of a substantially circular cyclic water movement denoted 70 occurring in the ocean wave 40 propagating as shown in Figure 2. A propagation direction of the wave 40 is marked by an arrow 80. The wave 40 has a spatial wavelength of L and a trough-to-peak amplitude equal to H. When the wave 40 propagates with a speed c, the frequency f of the wave 40 is defined by equation 1 (Eq. 1):

Since the oceans on Earth have no preferred frequency for the propagation of ocean waves, i.e. no preferred resonant frequency characteristics, ocean waves will exhibit frequencies f and amplitudes H over a wide spectrum. Furthermore, with the background that wave formations occur simultaneously at different locations, ocean wave motion is a superposition of many sinusoidal wave groups. The phenomenon of waves breaking onto a beach is not representative of a complex superposition of different wave-

groups that are observed out in the open and deep sea.

Ocean waves generated as a result of wind interactions on the ocean surface are known as wind waves. When these wind waves have propagated forward from a spatial area where they were created, they are called swells. These swells show the characteristic feature that they can move over relatively large distances, for example over the Pacific Ocean with relatively little energy loss, almost in a way related to a so-called "soliton wave. One reason why such small losses are low is that ocean swells are mainly surface waves in a relatively incompressible viscous medium of ocean water. Circular-water motions associated with a propagating ocean wave decrease mainly exponentially with depth D as shown in Figure 3; for example, at a depth of D = L, most of the circular -the water movement associated with a surface ocean wave is reduced Given such a reduction characteristic at depth D, submerged submarines are often unaffected by strong storms raging on the ocean surface above them.

The energy content of the waves at sea can be calculated from Equation 2 (Eq. 2):

where

E = energy content of ocean waves;

KE = a constant equal to pg, where p is the density of salt sea water 1020 kg/m<3>, and g is the gravitational constant of 9.8 m/s<2>, and

H = the vertical amplitude of the sea wave as defined earlier with reference to figure 2.

For example, an ocean wave with an amplitude H=2 meters has an energy content of 5 kJ/m<2>. The size of the energy transport J in ocean waves can be calculated from Equation 3 (Eq.

3):

there

cg = group velocity calculated from cg = gT/4 n where T=L/c for deep ocean water; E = the ocean wave energy content as calculated from Equation 2 (Eq. 2), and

J = the energy flow;

from which Equation 3 (Eq. 3) can be re-expressed as Equation 4 (Eq. 4):

where

Kf= pg<2>, namely about 1 kW/m<3>s.

For example, an ocean wave 40 exhibiting a period T=10 seconds and an amplitude of 2 m has an associated energy flow of 40 kW/m representing significant energy.

In practice, ocean waves are a complex superposition of a multitude of propagating single waves. Such superposition is not particularly emphasized in older patent literature relating to ocean wave power systems. The plurality of propagating individual waves is assumed to have a spectrum of wavelengths L and heights H; in practice, the wavelengths are mainly included in an order of magnitude Lmin to Lmax, and the height H is included in an order of magnitude from 0 meters to Hmax. As a consequence, the movement of an ocean surface at a given spatial position can often be found to vary significantly so that the height H superficially to an observer can appear highly variable as a function of time t., namely in an apparently random manner. If an ocean wave spectrum is represented by a function S (f), an effective wave height observed by an observer in a given position on the ocean can be given by Equation 5 (Eq. 5):

where

Hg = the group wave height.

Although Equation 4 (Eq. 4) describes a theoretically expected ocean wave power transport J, an observed energy transport extent in practice is approximately half of this value when spectral superpositions of many ocean waves with different spectral characteristics are taken into account.

When measurements are carried out with regard to ocean wave spectra, a characteristic curve as illustrated in Figure 4A can be observed in windy conditions at sea. The curve in Figure 4A includes an abscissa axis 100 for the wave frequency, and an ordinate axis 110 which describes a corresponding function in equation 5 (Eq. 5). Furthermore, the curve in Figure 4A illustrates a lower wave frequency of 0.05 Hz and an upper wave frequency of roughly

0.25 Hz. Furthermore, the curve of Figure 4A contains a maximum peak 120 at a frequency of 0.08 Hz which corresponds to swells with a "tail" characteristic 130 substantially between 0.1 Hz and 0.2 Hz. In order to capture the ocean's wave energy in the most efficient way possible, an ocean wave power system should be able to respond over a frequency range that

essentially covers two octaves. Contemporary ocean wave power systems often do not have a response characteristic that can effectively handle such large wave frequency ranges.

Figure 4B shows a curve over the ocean wave spectrum for a mixture of windy seas and swells. In the curve of Figure 4B, the abscissa axis 150 corresponds to the wave frequency f, and an ordinate axis 160 represents the aforementioned function S(f) according to Equation 5 (Eq. 5). There is a lower wave frequency of 0.05 Hz and a maximum upper wave frequency of roughly 0.35 Hz. Two distinct peaks are shown, namely a first peak 170 centered around 0.08 Hz corresponding to swells, and a second peak 180 centered around 0.19 Hz corresponding to wind-excited waves. Figure 4B corresponds to a sea wave frequency range of mainly two octaves, namely almost an order of magnitude. Although most of the energy is conveyed by means of swells, Figure 4B shows that very significant amounts of energy are included at higher frequencies in the form of wind-induced waves.

With reference to Figure 5, an example of an ocean wave system according to the present invention is shown, which system is generally indicated by the number 200. The system 200 is adapted to be arranged along coastlines, deployed as floating islands out at sea, deployed as peninsulas, and /or placed as floating bridges to connect land masses and to synergistically generate energy. In addition, the system 200 consists of at least one floating, seabed-anchored or coastal-land-anchored platform 210 which supports one or more obliquely oriented air tubes/columns 220 in a manner similar to the columns described in the aforementioned Norwegian patent NO-327593 which is hereby referred to. The one or more air columns 220 function in a similar way to those described in Norwegian patent NO-327593, namely ocean waves 40 which interact with the lower ends of the one or more air columns 220 to compress and expand (rarefy) the air in a cyclic manner in the one or more columns 220. Furthermore, the upper ends of the one or more air columns 220 are connected in air communication with one or more air-driven turbines 230 of large diameter. Optionally, the one or more turbines 230 are oriented with their one or more rotational axes 240 in operation set in a vertical position as illustrated. At the front peripheral edge of the platform 210 is operating in a submerged condition, including at least one subsea planar plate 300 as shown in Figure 5. Alternatively, the planar plate 300 is set (subtending) in a substantially inclined orientation as illustrated, namely inclined at an angle (i in relation to the nominal surface of the sea 30. As an alternative or in addition to utilizing the plate 300, other types of elements can be used, for example tubular elements, disc-shaped elements, spherical elements or hemispherical elements. Preferably they are one or the several air columns 220 tuned so that their natural resonant frequency of the wave motion therein, for example a function of a diameter or a cross-sectional area of the one or more columns 220, substantially matched to a frequency of the incoming ocean waves received at the one or more columns 220 so that they can most efficiently convert the energy in the incoming ocean waves into usable energy in the system 200. A significant adaptation must, for example, be perceived to be within -6 dB point resonance, and more preferably within -3 dB points. Optionally, the one or more columns 220 are actively tuned so that their natural wave frequencies therein are matched in operation to incoming waves received therethrough; such tuning being achieved, for example, by including activated panel plates within one or more columns 220. Optionally, the one or more columns 220 are made to have mutually different natural frequencies of wave motion therein, so that at least some of the one or more columns 220 will fit optimally in its tuning to the incoming ocean waves.

When the system 200 in operation is implemented as a floating structure, the one or more turbines 230 preferably act as gyroscopes in operation as they rotate to maintain the platform 210 stable, such stability being highly beneficial in making the platform 210 robust in stormy weather while ensuring that the lower ends of the one or more columns 220 are properly oriented and positioned relative to an upper surface 330 of the sea 30. The planar plate 300 serves two synergistic purposes: (I) a first purpose is to stabilize the platform 210 in rough seas when implemented as a floating structure because at least a part of the planar plate 300 is substantially under a principle energy field 40 of waves propagating on the sea surface 330 of the sea environment 30; and preferably the planar plate 300 is below a 25% attenuation level for a principal wavelength of the waves 330 propagating on the surface 330 of the marine environment 30; (ii) a second purpose is to influence at a lower spatial level an energy field of waves propagating on the surface 330 of the sea 30 to cause a coherence and thus a tendency for the waves to increase in height towards a breaking state, for example as occurs near a beach as the water becomes shallower; such increase in coherence resulting in greater wave amplitude improves wave power coupling (-guiding) into the one or more columns 220.

Alternatively, the system 200 includes one or more planar plates 300, and/or alternative elements as described above, which are actuated to adjust their positions relative to the platform 210 in operation as a function of the ocean wave amplitude and/or the principal wavelength. The extent of adjustment for the one or more planar plates 300 and/or alternative elements will be described in more detail later. Advantageously, in order to reduce costs, the essential components of the system 200, for example the walls of the one or more columns 220 and of the platform 210 can be constructed from reinforced porous concrete of marine quality, for example of a type used in modern offshore oil platforms. Preferably, component parts of the system 200 are fabricated from marine grade concrete cast in-situ in a marine environment, thereby avoiding the need to transport large pre-fabricated components.

The one or more turbines 230 are connected to electric current generators to form electricity as an output from the system 200. Alternatively, the turbines 230 comprise blades 400 which are driven by air pressure differences above them so that the corresponding rotors 410 in the turbines 230 rotate during operation as shown in figure 6. Preferably, the turbines 230 are implemented to include coils 420 and/or magnets 430 so that the functions of turbine and generator are spatially co-located, for example, the peripheral areas of the blades 400 are equipped with permanent magnets 430 which are drawn peripherally past the stationary coils 420 to generate electrical output power from the system 200. Such a simple construction of the turbines 230 can provide the system 200 with greatly improved operational reliability. Optionally, the turbines 230 are supplied with compressed air to a plenum which is connected via valves to a relatively large number of columns 220, for example in excess of 20 columns, in order to avoid pulsating outputs from the generator. Preferably, the wave motion in the large number of columns 220 is asynchronous to reduce the tendency to generate pulsating output from the system 200 at a frequency corresponding to the wave 40 frequency. The system 200 according to the present invention submerged deployed on a large scale in the marine environment can generate electric power at very competitive prices, thus potentially making a contribution to the world's energy shortage associated with "peak oil", without adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere when in operation . Today's electricity consumption from fossil fuels in the world is estimated at around 4 terawatts, which is potentially supplemented to a significant extent by the system 200 when this is deployed all over the world's ocean environments. It is advantageous that the system 200 does not contribute to pollution and completely sustainably generates electrical energy.

Referring again to Figure 5, the submerged planar plate 300 has an upper extent marked by a point P and a lower extent Q which alternatively has a constant distance from the point P. Alternatively, the extent of the planar plate 300 can be dynamically changed, for example by implementing the planar plate 300 as a set of plates of material which are arranged in parallel mutual contact, and which can be mutually pushed to produce the plate 300 of variable extent from the point P to produce an optimal impedance match between the columns 220 and waves propagating in the marine environment 30. As illustrated in Figure 5, the plate 300 is equipped with an actuator (not shown) to vary the distance S1 from the point P with respect to a lower open end of the column 220. Also, the angle p of the plate 300 can be dynamically is changed to provide the best possible matching of waves 40 to the column 220. Furthermore, a depth S2 to the point P below the surface 330 of the sea 30 is also arranged to be able to change dynamically. However, it will be appreciated that the system 200 comprises several such columns 220 in a setting as a 2-dimensional matrix array, with rows of columns 220 arranged parallel and orthogonal to the wavefronts of the waves 40. Alternatively, the plate 300 may be curved in operation to produce a fine adjustment of the wave 40 matching to the columns 220.

The wave power reflector (WARE, © TM by Havkraft AS) according to the present invention will be explained in more detail. WARE © TM (wave reflector) is a device or arrangement for reflecting wave energy upwards towards a surface area of an ocean to produce an increased energy output. WARE © TM (Wave Reflector) is particularly preferably used in combination with an ocean wave power system as described in the aforementioned granted Norwegian patent NO-327,593 belonging to Geir Arne Solheim. In operation, WARE © TM (Wave Reflector) is a device or arrangement that is mounted on a moored arrangement and is arranged sub-sea directly below an ocean surface. WARE © TM (Wave Reflector) is a simple unitary structure with moving parts that are manipulated by actuation to regulate a way in which waves propagate through a marine environment.

The wave power reflector WARE © TM (Wave Reflector) is preferably implemented as one or more planar plates 300 of desirable width whose angle (i in relation to the horizontal and position S1,S2 is regulated during operation with associated actuator mechanisms in a manner as shown in Figure 5, and Figures 7-9. Various strategies can be advantageously used to deploy the WARE © TM (Wave Reflector), namely the planar plate 300, in an optimal position and angle to increase the power production from ocean waves 40 which are produced by the system 200.

The wave force reflector WARE © TM (Wave Reflector) is appropriately adjusted and controlled at two points P, Q on the upper and lower parts of the plate 300 respectively in a mutually independent manner to produce an independent adjustment of a position S1, and an angle p of the plate 300. Alternatively, a depth S2 of the slab 300 as defined by its upper extent P may also be adjustable to produce optimal matching of the ocean waves in relation to one or more columns 220 in the system 200.

The wave power reflectors WARE © TM (Wave Reflector) can be operated in a simple way by using simple mechanisms, for example on rails as the maneuvering plate is connected via wires and/or belts and/or chains from the actuators 500 as shown in figure 9. According to a optional implementation, the planar plate 300 is fixed with its

upper point P and its lower end Q are freely adjustable as shown in figure 8.

With reference to Figure 10, the system 200 is advantageously constructed on a platform 520 which is supported by one or more columns 530 on seabed foundations 540, alternatively the system 200 can be implemented as a floating construction. The system 200 includes one or more matrix rows of columns 220 whose lower open ends face a spatial area in which it comprises one or more planar plates 300, where the one or more planar plates 300 are activated as mentioned to convey ocean waves 40 most efficiently from the marine environment 30 to one or all of the pillars 220.

The wave reflector WARE © TM (Wave Reflector), with each of the planar plates 300 and associated actuator members, alternatively comprises or each has a spatial planar extent in the order of magnitude of 10 meters x 2 meters to 30 meters x 8 meters. More alternatively, the spatial planar extent of each plate is substantially 20 meters x 5 meters. The planar plates 300 are each adapted to a typical ocean wave 40 wavelength in order to be able to significantly influence an energy field of such waves. When the planar plates 300 are oriented in such a way that their main surface plane is parallel to an upper surface of the marine environment 30, the planar plates 300 are submerged, the ocean wave 40 being most strongly affected by the plates 300. And vice versa, when the plates have a vertical setting so that their large surface areas are perpendicular to the upper surface of the marine environment 30, ocean waves are least affected. Alternatively, the distance S2 can be increased to reduce the effect of the plates 300, and reduced to improve an effect of the plates 300. Optionally, the plates 300 can be adjusted up to 15% of their width in position, namely the distances S1.S2, and adjusted to an order of magnitude of 180°, namely the angle

The wave reflector WARE © TM (Wave Reflector) represents an innovation in relation to ocean wave systems that are operated to extract energy from ocean waves. In use, the wave reflector, and implemented by means of the plates 300 and their associated actuators and control system, can be operated to produce one or more of the following functions: (a) to provide better matching of the waves 40 to the columns 220 to pressurized air within a cavity (plenum) connected via valves to the columns 220, where the cavity is connected to the turbine 230; (b) providing a means of controlling the energy to produce transmission or reflection of ocean waves 40 relative to the system 200, thereby helping to regulate the power output of the system 200 and/or helping the system 200 withstand extreme weather conditions (for example hurricanes), and (c) to provide the system 200 with greater stability during adverse weather conditions when

is implemented as a floating structure, with respect to the surrounding marine environment in a region at the plate end Q becomes relatively calm during storm conditions.

Wave movement on a surface of the marine environment 30 can be complex with waves of several different wavelengths at the same time. Furthermore, the ocean wave properties can change dynamically which can lead to fluctuations in production from the system 200 were it not for the plates 300 and their associated actuators 500 and the control system 510 which respond by changing the angle p and/or the distance S1 and/or the distance S2 in a temporal dynamic response to changes in ocean wave conditions. Actuation of the plates 300 is conveniently provided by using rails to provide adjustment of the distance S1, and by using wires/wires to adjust the angle by which the lower plate portion Q is free to move while the upper plate part P is arranged to rotate as shown in figure 8.

The plates 300 and their associated actuators are designed to be controlled in various ways during operation.

According to a first method, the movement of the waves 40 in the marine environment 30 is monitored with the system 200 with optical image recording devices, for example telescopic cameras, which determine a frequency spectrum for the waves 40, for example in a similar way as illustrated in Figure 4A and Figure 4B. A computer model of the system 200 then calculates in real time how the system 200 will behave towards the observed waves 40 approaching the system 200 for various positions of the plates 300 which are arranged adjacent to the open mouths of the columns 220 to give a desired output effect. When an optimal placement of the plates 300 has been calculated, the control system then adjusts the positions of the plates 300 so that they are in an optimal position when the observed waves 40 arrive at the system 200 for introduction into the columns 220 in the desired manner. The computer model can be an explicit numerical model of the system 200. Alternatively, the computer model can be implemented as a neural network in which the control system has "learned" by the control operation of the system 200 and/or by simulating an optimal adjustment of the plates 300 when the control system is presented with different views of the ocean waves 40.

The control system can be implemented in electronic hardware or by using data software products that implement computing via hardware. As an alternative or addition to using optical imagers, one or more monitoring buoys can be placed at a distance from the plates 300 to sense the wave spectrum properties, while the one or more buoys 700 can be operated so that they convey their sensed data to the system 200 via a wireless communication link 710. The one or more buoys 700 are preferably each equipped with an inertial sensor unit consisting of accelerators and possibly gyroscope units to enable the one or more buoys 700 to sense the height and frequency of the waves 40 which are then communicated wirelessly to the system 200 before the sensed waves 40 have reached the system 200, thus providing an opportunity for the control system to adjust the plates 300 to an optimal position to receive the sensed waves 40. With such a control method, it is possible to set/ tune the System 200 dynamically in real time to provide the best possible performance.

According to another method, the control system for the plates 300 takes into account when minor disturbances occur in the angle (i and/or one or more of the settings S1 , S2 to

the plates 300 when in operation and at least partially match the waves 40 into the columns 220. At any given time, the control system determines whether or not an applied perturbation leads to a further improvement in the operation of the system 200, and continues to utilize subsequently such small perturbations to the system 200 functions as optimally as it can to function under given conditions of the marine environment 30. With such a control method, it is possible to tune the system 200 dynamically in real time to provide the best possible performance. Alternatively, a combination of the first and second methods is used.

Alternatively, the system 200 can be used both as an ocean wave power generating plant and as a facility to protect the coast against erosion. Aquaculture plant 800 can advantageously be co-located with system 200, for example in regions where use of system 200 in operation creates smaller waters. Such aquaculture can advantageously be implemented in fish cages, so that the fish cages can be submerged and protected in calmer water deeper below the system 200 in the event that strong storms occur. The system 200 may have the advantage that natural fish, for example krill, will naturally seek protection in calmer waters that the system 200 creates in its wake, namely in a sea area between the system 200 and land 600. This creates a calm environment for particularly productive fishing with fishing boats. The 800 aquaculture facility also has an enormous advantage in that parasites and pollution that occur in fjord-based aquaculture facilities are less of a problem in the open ocean environments. In addition, ships can advantageously moor to the system 200 when they are to service the aquaculture facility 800, thus increasing safety considerably during commercial fishing activities.

HERE

It should be understood that the system 200 can be firmly anchored to the seabed on the sea 30, for example as shown in figure 10 and figure 11, or can be floating offshore and tethered via anchors to the seabed. The anchors are preferably implemented using suction cups, seabed anchors fixed in boreholes that are pre-drilled in the seabed, and/or heavy hollow tanks that synergistically act as compressed air reservoirs for the columns 220 to smooth out variations in the compressed air flow produced in the columns 220 so that the system 200 can deliver a more stable energy flow.

Alternatively, as mentioned above, the system 200 can be implemented as one or more floating islands, or as a floating peninsula whose one end is connected to land for the connection of electrical cables from the generators 230 to land 600. Alternatively, for example as shown in figure 12, the system 200 can be implemented so that it can rotate about a single pillar column 530 and associated foundation 530, so that the system 200 can be dynamically adjusted in relation to changing directions of wave propagation, and in such a case, the system 200 is equipped with a suitable rotation control arrangements and rotary actuators, and the system 200 is equipped with sensors, such as optical image sensors, to determine the current instantaneous directions of wave propagation. As an alternative or addition to using the power cables from generators 230 to land 600, the system 200 can preferably be operated to electrolyse seawater to generate hydrogen as fuel which is piped to land 600 or periodically transported to land by boat. According to yet another alternative, the system 200 comprises devices for the chemical conversion of carbon dioxide and seawater which are supplied to the system 200 to hydrocarbon compounds, for example to synthetic organic fuels for use in cars, aircraft and for the production of plastic materials; where the apparatus for chemical conversion is supplied with electricity generated by the system 200.

With reference to Figure 13, a modified version of the system 200 is shown at the number 1000. The system 1000 comprises one or more wind turbines 1010. Alternatively, the one or more wind turbines 1010 are arranged at least in each corner of the extreme points of the platform 520 as illustrated to achieve an optimal stability for the platform 520. Alternatively, the one or more wind turbines 1010 are concentrated adjacent to a central part of the platform 520 and a majority of ballast, when the platform 520 is implemented as a floating construction, is arranged at the peripheral extreme points of the platform 520 to give the system 1000 the best possible flow stability. Optionally, the platform 520 is designed as a generally rectilinear planar element in a plan view, and alternatively, a front end of the platform 520 facing the marine environment 30 is the interior space as illustrated to promote the concentration of the ocean wave energy. Optionally, the platform 520 is made with a "T"-shaped or "Y"-shaped plan. Alternatively, as illustrated, the one or more wind turbines 1010 are designed as conventional modern nacelle-type wind turbines, such as those manufactured by companies such as GE Wind Energy Inc., Vestas AS and Gamesa SA.

Alternatively, one or more of the wind turbines 1010 are implemented as Darrieus-type vertical axis wind turbines. Such Darrieus-type wind turbines preferably comprise two or more substantially vertical blades, for example three blades. An advantage of Darrieus-type wind turbines is that they do not need to be actively steered in one direction by the incoming wind, as they are essentially very simple devices that have reliable operational reliability. Alternatively, one or more of the wind turbines 1010 are designed as a Darrieus-type wind turbine 1200 illustrated in Figure 14. The turbine 1200 includes a supporting assembly 1220 supported by the platform 520. In addition, the foundation 1220 includes a generator to generate usable power from the system 1000. The bracket 1220 rotatably supports a circular base 1210 which forms a flywheel as it rotates in operation, the flywheel, as it rotates, generates Carioles forces (gyro forces) which are very beneficial in helping to stabilize the platform 520 to resist angular tilting in response on the waves' 40 impact on these. When implemented as Darrieus-type wind turbines, the turbines 1010 are preferably implemented to rotate in a mutually corresponding direction of rotation so that their Coriolis forces are mutually additive to help stabilize the platform 520, possibly applying braking forces to the turbines 1010 implemented as Darrieus-type wind turbines in the event that they spontaneously attempt to rotate in a mutually incorrect direction of rotation. The turbine 1200 comprises a central axial elongated body 1230, and three turbine blades 1240A, 1240B, 1240C arranged at 120° intervals in a radius from the elongated body 1230 and generally vertically oriented. The blades 1240A, 1240B, 1240C are supported on elongated support elements 1250A, 1250B, 1250C respectively. Alternatively, the elongated support bodies 1250A, 1250B, 1250C are pivotally mounted with their lower ends to pivot blocks 1260A, 1260B, 1260C respectively, the blocks 1260A, 1260B 1260C being supported on an upper peripheral edge of the circular base 1210. Optionally, the blocks 1260A, 1260B 1260C integral to the circular base 1210. The elongate support members 1250A, 1250B, 1250C can advantageously be pivoted from a substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position to perform maintenance, or to protect the blades 1240A, 1240B, 1240C during extreme weather conditions, alternatively the elongate support members 1250A, 1250B, 1250C can be winched into position to abut against and engage radial support members 1270A, 1270B, 1270C respectively.

The turbine 1210 can be utilized in that a significant portion of its mass is close to a height of the platform 520, thereby increasing the operational stability of the system 1000. Furthermore, the turbine generator 1200 is easily accessible at a height of the platform for maintenance and repair, and this is in contrast to the nacelle-type wind turbines illustrated in FIG. 13 as their gearboxes and generators are located relatively inaccessible on top of a tower body. As an alternative to rotating the elongate members 1250, their blades 1240 can be slid down along the elongate members 1250 for protection and/or maintenance, and pushed up along the elongate bodies 1250 for deployment.

The 1200 system can produce many synergistic advantages in terms of power production and aquaculture compared to conventional renewable energy systems, for example modern nacelle-type wind farms. The system 1200 cannot be compared with other types of systems for the production of renewable energy, for example hydropower systems, because the system 1200 provides synergistic advantages for coastal protection and aquaculture as well as for power generation. Such synergistic effects significantly improve the commercial viability of system 1200 compared to alternative forms of renewable energy production systems, and possibly to a level competitive with today's nuclear and fossil fuel-burning power plants, but are completely devoid of waste materials and pollution as a result of power production. The present invention thus involves a significant advance and improvements in relation to known modern systems that are based on renewable energy.

In the foregoing, reference is made to a natural oscillation frequency for water inside an air column. From a theoretical analysis, a natural period for such fluctuations is given by Equation 6 (Eq. 6):

Where

Tn= the natural oscillation period;71= 3.14159;

d = depth from mean sea level (MSL) to center of hollow column;

D = inner diameter hollow column;

g = the acceleration of gravity, 9.81 m/s2, and

a = a the angle of inclination of the column, where a = 90° denotes a vertical column, and a = 0° denotes a horizontal column.

From the natural period Tn, the natural frequency fn can be easily calculated from Equation 7 (Eq. 7):

From equations 6 and 7 (Eq. 6 and Eq. 7), it will be understood that, according to the present invention, that the tuning of the column is produced by regulating or adjusting one or more of: (I) the depth d by means of ballasting and /or actuation of the hollow column up or down relative to mean sea level (MSL);

(li) varying the inner diameter D of the column, and

(lii) to adjust the angle of inclination of the pillar a.

Modifications of embodiments of the invention described in the foregoing can be carried out without deviating from the idea of the invention as defined in the patent claims. Expressions such as "including", "consisting of", "incorporating", "consisting of", "having", "is" used to describe and claim the invention are intended to be interpreted in a non-limiting way, namely so that for bodies, components or elements that are not explicitly described must also be covered. Reference to an element in the singular shall also be interpreted to include this in the plural. Reference numbers in parentheses in the subsequent patent claims are intended only to aid the understanding of the claims and shall not be interpreted to limit the invention defined in these claims.

Claims (19)

1. Ocean wave power system (200,1000) for generating power from ocean waves (40), wherein the system (200) comprises a platform (520) supporting a matrix of hollow columns (220) whose respective lower ends are in fluid communication with ocean waves (40) and if the respective upper ends are in air communication with a turbine arrangement (230) such that wave motions occurring at the lower ends are caused to cause air movement within the columns (220) to drive the turbine arrangement (230) to generate an output power, characterized in that the hollow columns (220) are deployed in a non-vertical orientation, at least a part of the hollow columns (220) in operation being arranged to exhibit a natural wave motion frequency for the air therein which is mainly adapted to a frequency of ocean waves (40) which is received in said part of the hollow columns (220). 2. Sea-wave power system (200,1000) in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the hollow columns (220) are implemented so that the natural wave movement frequency of the air column is actively tunable. 3. Sea-wave power system (200,1000) in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the series of hollow columns (220) are set with their longitudinal axes at an oblique angle in the order of magnitude of 25° to 75° in relation to a mean level of the upper surface of the marine environment (30) in which the system (200,1000) is located to be operated. 4. Sea-wave power system (200, 1000) in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the matrix of hollow columns (220) comprises hollow columns (200) which have mutually different natural resonance frequencies for the air therein in relation to the wave movement therein in order to selectively adapt to different frequencies of the waves (40) that are received from a marine environment (30). 5. Ocean wave power system (200,1000) in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the turbine arrangement (230) comprises at least one turbine (230) arranged to rotate about a substantially vertical axis in operation to gyroscopically stabilize the platform (520 ) during operation in a marine environment (30). 6. Ocean wave power system (200,1000) for generating energy from ocean waves (40), wherein the system (200) comprises a platform (520) supporting a matrix of hollow columns (220) whose respective lower ends are in fluid communication with ocean waves ( 40) and whose respective upper ends are in air communication with a turbine arrangement (230) such that wave motion occurring at the lower ends is operable to cause air movement within the columns (220) to drive the turbine arrangement (230) to generate output power, characterized wherein the system (200) further comprises one or more position-adjustable and/or angle-adjustable submerged structures (300) adjacent to the lower ends of the columns (220) to form ocean waves which in operation propagate towards the lower ends of the columns (220) for coupling the waves (40) in a controllable manner into the hollow columns (220), and wherein the submerged structures (300) are implemented as one or more planar structures equipped with an actuator arrangement ent (500) to shift and/or tilt the one or more planar structures (300) in relation to the matrix of columns (220). 7. Sea-wave power system (200,1000) in accordance with claim 6, characterized in that the hollow columns (220) are deployed in a non-vertical orientation, and at least some of the hollow columns (220) are arranged to exhibit in operation a natural frequency of wave movements therein which is mainly adapted to a frequency of ocean waves (40) which are received in said part of the hollow columns (220). 8. Sea-wave power system (200, 1000) in accordance with claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the system (200) comprises a sensor arrangement (700) to determine one or more properties of sea waves (40) that propagate during operation towards the columns (220) and there their associated submerged structures (300), and a control arrangement for receiving wave property indicative signals from the sensor arrangement (700) and for processing the signals to regulate positions and/or angles of the submerged structures (300 ) to provide a dynamically responsive control of the submerged arrangement (300). 9. Sea-wave power system (200,1000) in accordance with claim 8, characterized in that the control arrangement implements an application of programmable hardware which implements at least one of: (a) controlled regulation of the submerged arrangement (300) by using a numerical model which is representative of the operating characteristics of the system (200), and (b) using a neural network where neural emphasis is adapted to the control operation of the system (200) in response to sensed wave (40) conditions. 10. Sea-wave power system (200, 1000) in accordance with one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the matrix of hollow columns (220) is arranged with its longitudinal axes at an oblique angle in the order of magnitude of 10° to 35° relative to an average level for an upper surface in a marine environment (30) in which the system (200) is located during operation. 11. Ocean wave power system (200, 1000) according to one of claims 6-10, characterized in that the turbine arrangement (230) includes at least one turbine (230) which is operated to rotate about a substantially vertical axis in operation to gyroscopically stabilize the platform (520) when operating in a marine environment (30). 12. Sea-wave power system (200, 1000) according to one of claims 6-11, characterized in that the platform (520) is arranged to rotate in operation to enable the array of columns (220) to be oriented in relation to sea waves which arrives at the system (200). 13. Sea-wave power system (200, 1000) in accordance with claim 12, characterized in that the system (200) comprises a sensor arrangement (510) for sensing a predominant propagation direction of the waves (40) coming in towards the matrix of columns (220), and an actuator arrangement for adjusting the angular orientation of the array of columns (220) relative to the prevailing direction of propagation of the waves (40). 14. Sea-wave power system (200, 1000) in accordance with one of claims 6-13, characterized in that the system (200) can be installed: (a) along a coastline; (b) as one or more floating islands; (c) as a floating peninsula or headland; (d) as a float to create a transport route between land areas; (e) by being fitted to foundations on a seabed. 15. Method for operating an ocean-wave power system (200, 1000) in accordance with one of the preceding claims 6-14, characterized in that the method comprises: (a) receiving one or more ocean waves (40) adjacent to the one or more submerged structures (200) for controllably influencing an energy field into one or more waves (40) to form the one or more waves (40) received by the array of air columns (220) in the system (200); (b) accommodate the one or more waves (40) at the array of columns (220) to periodically compress and/or rarefy air in the one or more columns (220) to drive a turbine arrangement (230) to generate energy; where the submerged structures (300) are implemented as one or more planar structures equipped with an actuator arrangement (500) to displace and/or tilt the one or more planar structures (300) relative to the matrix of columns (220). 16. Method for controlling an ocean wave energy system (200, 1000) in accordance with one of claims 6-14, characterized in that the method comprises: (I) one or more properties of the ocean waves (40) approaching the ocean wave energy plant (200) are sensed for generating corresponding sensor signals; (ii) the sensor signals are processed in a processing arrangement (510) to generate corresponding control signals; (iii) signals are applied to actuators (500) connected to one or more of the position-adjustable and/or angle-adjustable submerged structures (300) adjacent to the lower ends of the columns (220) in the system (200) to shape the sensed ocean waves -es (40) which during operation propagate towards the lower ends of the columns (220) to connect/conduct the waves (40) in a controllable manner into the hollow columns (220) to generate corresponding output power. 17. Method for controlling an ocean wave power system (200, 1000) in accordance with claim 16, characterized in that the processing arrangement (510) is operable to use a numerical model and/or a neural network to generate control signals from the sensor signals. 18. Method for controlling an ocean wave power system (200, 1000) in accordance with claim 16, characterized in that the method comprises: (lv) a propagation direction for the ocean waves (40) to be received by the matrix of columns (220) is sensed, and (V ) the matrix of columns (220) is rotatably oriented in relation to the propagation direction of the sea waves (40). 19. A software product that is readable on a machine-readable data carrier, characterized in that the software is executable on a computing hardware to implement a method according to one of claims 15-18.