UA95822C2 - Completely submerged wave energy converter - Google Patents

Abstract

A wave energy converter apparatus comprising at least two members (1, 2) mutually connected by connection means (A) movable for allowing the mutual displacement of the members (1, 2) in response to the waves in the water where the apparatus is placed, the apparatus further comprising energy conversion means (6) for converting the motion of the connection means (4) into electric energy, and means for storing and/or transporting elsewhere the energy produced, the apparatus being characterized in that the members (1, 2) are non floating, completely submerged members making the apparatus, taken as a whole, neutrally buoyant, means being provided for keeping the position of each one of said submerged members substantially at rest with respect to the surrounding water with which they are in direct contact, so that the members (1, 2) will move under the wave action substantially in the same way as an undisturbed water particle placed in the same region, the at least two submerged members (1, 2) being mutually spaced by the connection means (4) so as to assume respective positions affected differently by the water motion induced by the waves.

Description

This invention relates to the field of wave energy converters (WEC), that is, to those installations or devices that serve to generate electricity using the energy of sea waves.

Various types of wave energy converters are proposed in the prior art. However, known KEKH systems have a number of shortcomings that limit their practical use and distribution.

The main problems are related to low efficiency, complex construction and/or expensive maintenance. These problems are caused by many factors, to some extent related to each other.

First, known KEKs use, mainly, the vertical component of the wave motion. Since the motion of the wave is generally circular, significant components of the hand are lost without benefit, which can be seen, for example, in the devices disclosed in patents 5 4453894. 05 6857266, MO 2004065785, 05 4232230, 005 4672222, 5 5411377. and Reiatikh devices 5, AM/ 5 MES and AdoaVvyOU, respectively, sold by the companies ORO Tsa (mumlu.ossapresi.sot "pPOru/Llymlu. ossapra. sot"). AM/Z / Oseap Epeguu Tsa (mlililmamsvmipd.sot "PErulumlu mamevmipud.sot") and AdiaEpegu Stor tsa /(mlym.adyayepegomdgoirosot "Ppr: //Lumlu. adiayepegomdgoMir.sot").

In some cases, such as the devices disclosed in patents 05 4453894 and 05 6857266, the installation has a natural frequency of oscillation and is therefore only able to effectively use waves of certain frequencies, otherwise a blocking mechanism is required to overcome this limitation.

On the other hand, in order to obtain the maximum possible efficiency, floating or surface elements are used in known CECs, which must be oriented depending on the direction of the wave system used for energy extraction. In any case, the efficiency is satisfactory only when collecting monochromatic waves, or in any case waves moving in the same general direction, as in the device 05 2005167988A1 and in the Reiatie and UameRiape device (manufacturer - the company U/ameRiape A /5, mly. mameriape.sot "NPEr:/Lymly. mameriape. sot").

In addition, many known devices must be installed on the bottom or placed in the surf zone, such as, for example, devices under applications 05 2005167988 AT, 05 5411377, and in the above-mentioned devices AM/5 KEKH,

Rheiatiz and AdnavyOU. Therefore, they cannot be installed where the waves are the largest and with the highest energy potential. In addition, coastal or coastal systems are larger in volume and poorly compatible with environmental protection requirements.

Finally, as mentioned above, most known devices use floating on the surface to extract energy from the wave motion, or in any case have a significant part of their volume above the surface of the water, at least during some part of the wave cycle, which can expose their effects of stormy weather and wind drag even in small waves. This is a typical case for installations disclosed in patents 05 4453894, 05 6857266, MO2004065785, 05 4232230, 05 4672222, 05 5411377 and Reiatiz, AdpavyOuU, U/ameRiape and U/ame

Ogadop (UUame Ogadop Arvb5 company, m/mlulmameagadop.pei. "pPer/Lumlu. mameagadop.pei"). Due to the presence of surface elements, which necessarily have a limited size, there are also design limitations on the amount of energy that can be collected by a single device.

The purpose of this invention is to circumvent the above-mentioned limitations of known KECs by creating a device that has at least the following advantages: - even higher efficiency when using all components of wave motion; - high performance characteristics, both with a system of monochromatic waves and with a non-monochromatic system, not subject to significant influence of wave direction and waves with a short wavelength; - simple design, easy to install and maintain; - negligible movement due to self-oscillations; - possibility of installation at some distance from the shore in a deep-water area; - satisfactory stability in stormy weather.

This goal was achieved with the help of an improved wave energy converter according to the present invention, the essential features of which are defined in the first of the claims.

The characteristics and advantages of the improved wave energy converter according to the present invention will be further understood by reading the following description, a non-limiting example of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the first example of the implementation of the wave energy converter according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of the wave energy converter of Figure 1;

Figure C is a bottom view of the wave energy converter shown in the previous Figures;

Figure 4 is an axial section of the central part of the lower element of the wave energy converter presented in the previous Figures;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the second example of the KEKH according to the invention;

Figure 6 is a bottom view of the wave energy converter of Figure 5;

Figure 7 - axial section of the central part of the lower element of the wave energy converter of Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the third CEC according to the invention;

Figure 9 - axial cross-section of the rod of the wave energy converter of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the wave energy converter according to the invention;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the peripheral part of the lower element of the wave energy converter

Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the fifth embodiment of the wave energy converter according to the invention;

Figure 13 - axial section of the central part of the lower element of the wave energy converter of Figure 12;

Figure 14 - axial cross-section of the structure of the wave energy converter cage of figure 12;

Figures 15 and 16, respectively, are a perspective view and an axial section of the water collector of the wave energy converter of Figure 12.

Description of the best implementation examples

In Figures 1-4, a first embodiment of an improved wave energy converter (WEC) containing the following main parts: an upper submersible element 1 (for example, a cylindrical tank containing mainly water and air, with minimal inertial mass); a lower submersible element 2, for example, consisting of six smaller cylindrical tanks 3, containing mainly water and air, rigidly connected in a circular configuration, mainly around a cylindrical central connecting node 5; a rod 4 passing between the upper element 1 and the lower element 2 along the common axis of this node, protruding beyond the lower element 2 and equipped internally with a corresponding counterweight system (not shown), at some point along its length corresponding to the middle position of the lower recessed element 2, and two turbines 6, installed at the respective ends of the transverse support 7, integrally and orthogonally cross the rod 4 according to its free lower end.

The rod may also take the form of a lattice steel structure with a larger cross-section than that shown in the drawings, or in any case a structure that provides sufficient rigidity and resistance to mechanical stresses. Junction 5 will be made to scale and modified accordingly. To maintain a fixed position of submersible elements 1 and 2 relative to the water surrounding them, it is also possible to provide them with additional mass in the form of water ballast and/or keels.

The rod 4 is attached to the lower flat surface and the upper submersible tank 1 through the joint 8. in such a way that allows changing the orientation of the rod relative to the tank 1. The joint 8 can be, for example, a hinged connection. A number of buoyancy elements 9, for example, small cylindrical tanks filled with air, are attached to the upper flat surface of the upper submersible element 1 by cables 10. During the action of a wave, the buoyancy elements 9 help to keep the upper tank 1 at a constant distance from the water surface and keep the upper surface 10 parallel to the surface water Alternatively, they can be immersed in water or exposed to waves of even shorter wavelengths in order to create a stabilizing effect due to their average thrust.

The connection between the rod and the lower recessed element 2, as mentioned above, is carried out through the connecting node 5. The connecting node contains a disk-shaped body 11, on the edge of the outer surface of which small tanks 9 are installed. In the body 11, a spherical insert 11a is formed, installed with the possibility of rotation of the spherical element 12 with a through hole 12a for the sliding insert of the rod 4.

Therefore, in this device, the relative movement of the lower recessed element 2 along the axial direction of the rod 4 is guaranteed, due to the sliding connection of the latter with the opening 12a of the ball element 12 of the connecting assembly 5. In addition, the lower element 2 can be tilted relative to the rod through the rotary connection of the ball of the element with the liner 11a of the body 11. Sliding and rotation are provided by ball and/or roller bearings or by other means that provide movement of the parts relative to each other so that the lower element can freely move and tilt relative to the rod.

To simplify the drawings, the lower member 2 is installed generally in the middle of the rod 4. However, in practice, the portion of the rod 4 between the members 1 and 2 will be generally longer than the lower part and outside the member 2 to provide more force on the turbines 6 in response to the movement of the upper element 1.

The transverse support 7 is connected to the rotating end segment 4a of the rod 4 so that the rod can rotate around the axis of the same rod 4, keeping its center on the same axis. The turbines 6 are connected to the ends of the support 7, and their working side facing the support is installed in such a way that they can rotate around the central axis of this support.

The system of mechanisms for the accumulation and/or conversion of energy obtained due to the movement of the turbines 6, as explained below without its detailed description, is made according to the usual scheme of the known state of the art. The mechanism system can be located in the lower submersible element 2 and can be, for example, a device for the electrolysis of water and the production of hydrogen, which can then be stored in containers and periodically pumped into special vessels. If conditions permit, a cable can also be used to transmit the generated electricity to a floating or submerged engine room or directly to the power grid.

In use, the device generally has neutral buoyancy during normal operation and at rest.

During normal operation, the lower element 2 moves much less than the upper element 1, which is directly affected by the waves, and the wave influence decreases rapidly with depth. In particular, in the limiting situation, when the largest length of incident waves is less than or equal to the distance between elements 1 and 2, the lower element 2 will remain approximately stationary in the cycle of wave passage. In a real rig deployment, when for practical reasons the aforementioned average distance between elements 1 and 2 is generally set shorter than a full wavelength, the motion of the lower element can be further reduced by increasing its inertial mass (ie its buoyancy is equal to its full neutral buoyancy).

On the other hand, the upper element 1 tends to move along a circular path under the outpouring of a monochromatic wave with a wavelength comparable to the specified distance (this is typical for the movement of a mass of water under the influence of a monochromatic wave). If the wave system is not monochromatic, then the movement of upper element 1 will be a superposition of different circular trajectories determined by different monochromatic waves, which are the dominant components of the wave system.

The buoyancy of the upper element 1 and the buoyancy elements 9 is precisely balanced by the counterweight in the rod 4, and the weight of the same rod, along with the weight of the cross support 7 and the turbine 6, to maintain the water level on average at about half the height of the buoyancy elements 9. Due to the presence of the lower submersible element 2 and the inertia of the counterweight in the rod 4, the circular movement of the upper element 1 turns into a closed trajectory of the lower end of the rod 4. This trajectory is circular only approximately, since the movement will be circular only if the lower element 2 is always exactly in the middle of the rod 4, which does not happen during normal operation.

Under the influence of the wave, the lower end of the rod 4 moves relative to the surrounding water and, therefore, the entire assembly of the transverse support 7 and the turbine 6, giving the turbine movement. Using the keel and/or motors, the turbines 6 can always be kept in the direction of the surrounding water to obtain maximum efficiency. During the entire wave cycle of the monochromatic wave system, the turbines make a 360" turn around the axis of the transverse support 7. With the monochromatic wave system, the support 7 does not rotate relative to the rod 4. If the wave system is a superposition of different monochromatic wave systems, then the turbines will always be kept in the desired direction with little effort due to the fact that they describe a closed trajectory relative to the surrounding water, and therefore redirection can be incremental.

Depending on the efficiency of the turbines 6 when extracting energy when the water mass moves through them and depending on the position of the connecting node 5 along the support 4 during the wave cycle, the trajectory of the lower end of the support will tend to become approximately elliptical instead of circular. Similarly, although to a lesser degree, the trajectory of upper element 1 tends to become roughly elliptical. By changing the position of the lower element 2 relative to the two ends of the rod 4, you can change the shape and size of this trajectory. In particular, it may be useful to set, at least to some extent, this position dynamically depending on the wave regime, raising or lowering the bottom member 2 through variable buoyancy devices and/or using propellers to optimize the speed and therefore the efficiency of the hydroturbines 6.

At a complete wave cycle, the resultant forces directed to the lower submersible element 2 will be approximately vertical and will depend only on the energy and shape of the waves affecting the device. Therefore, to keep the lower element 2 in a constant average position, it is enough to have a control system that takes into account its average position after many wave cycles, and its effect will be gradual and small compared to the energy of the waves acting on the device. In particular, if the shape and energy of the waves remain constant for some time, then the system will reach equilibrium, and no further intervention will be required to stabilize the lower element 2. The control system can be a static device of the type of buoyancy elements 9 (see the second embodiment described below) or even simply consist of variable buoyancy devices actuated by an automatic regulator.

The length of the boom 4 for an ocean device can be over 50 meters in order to "install the lower element 2 in an area that is much less affected by the dominant waves than the upper element 1, but the boom can be shorter to reduce capital costs. In fact, even with an even shorter rod the device works satisfactorily because the wave action decreases rapidly with depth and, in addition, the horizontal component of the movement of the lower end of the rod 4 is mainly in the direction opposite to the direction of the surrounding water.In any case, the dimensions will be optimized , in order to obtain an effective device, taking into account the dominant wave modes at the site of the equipment installation.

The upper element 1 remains above the lower element 2 even after several wave cycles, due to the nature of the wave motion, which, to a reasonable approximation, does not contain a complete displacement of the water particles. In order to compensate for the effects of wind, friction, water flows with different speeds and/or directions at different depths of elements 1 and 2, and also for possible unforeseen extra-ordinary events, the buoyancy of the upper element 1 and the weight of the rod 4 and the turbine 6 must be optimized to provide enough strong restoring torque.

As an alternative, or to ensure a state of rapid compensation of the effect of extraordinary events, small propellers controlled by an automated control system can be placed in elements 1 and 2 of the mAbo along the rod 4.

The elements of buoyancy 9 can be replaced by devices with variable buoyancy attached to the upper element 1 and activated by an automated control system. The upper element 1 will in any case tend to be at a constant average distance from the water surface, and generally with the upper surface parallel to the water surface, and therefore the effect of this control system will be minimal compared to the wave energy on the device . In this way, total submersion can be achieved, possibly many meters below the sea surface, which can prove beneficial in minimizing wear and tear and eliminating hazards to vessels.

In a typical ocean configuration, the upper tank 1 will have a volume of the order of 1000 m3) while the small lower tanks 3 will have a volume of the order of 200 m3. The volume of the lower submersible element 2, which can easily exceed 1000 m3 in an ocean deployment of the system, leaves enough space for various configurations of the energy conversion system that would be desirable to use.

In a simplified version, the connection between the rod 4 and the upper element 1 can be rigid, so that the rod is always perpendicular to the bottom surface and the tank 1, which in this case can even more effectively use the spherical shape with only one element of buoyancy 9, connected cable with the upper bar. The connecting node 5 can have the form of a simple hinged support, especially in a small device, or use a cardan joint.

In another simplified version, the function of the lower recessed element 2 can be performed by one connecting node 5, which is installed in a fixed position along the rod 4 and contains a counterweight. This simplification, together with the previously mentioned simplification concerning the connection between the rod and the upper element, although slightly reducing the efficiency of the device, allows for the rapid assembly of a very simple and cheap design, which is useful, among other things, for prototyping testing purposes. If the device is directly connected to the mains or to an external machine room via a cable system, there is also no need for a machine room built into the device, thus further reducing its complexity.

Turning now to Figures 5-7, a second embodiment of a device according to the invention, in which parts corresponding to those of the first embodiment are marked with corresponding numerical positions and will not be described again. Similarly, the general behavior of this device under the action of waves is the same as the behavior of the device of the first embodiment with the lower submersible element 102 kept mostly at rest and the upper submersible element 101 in a state of movement due to the influence of waves while maintaining its orientation such that its upper surface 1016 would be basically always parallel to the water surface. Also in this case, the use of means of increasing mass (including water ballast and/or keel) may be considered.

However, in this embodiment, the lower end of the rod 104 is free, that is, without assembly of the transverse rod and turbines. Extraction of energy from the movement of the device is performed through hydraulic and/or electrical devices,

placed in the joint 108 of the connections of the lower surface 101a of the upper tank 101 with the rod 104, and also in the connecting node 105 between the rod 104 and the lower element 102. The joint 108 to the same extent as the previous example of implementation, take into account the change in orientation between rod and upper tank and this relative motion caused by the motion of the wave is used by the aforementioned devices to extract energy. Devices in the connecting node 105 extract energy from the rod 104, which makes a reciprocating movement through the hole 112a. This type of device as such is already known and will not be described in detail. For example, in the element 105 you can have a linear electric generator (see, for example, the device of a linear generator in the KEX beacon, proposed

MA5E School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Oregon State University "pPir://еесв5.огедопвиаге.еды/тв/"), While element 108 may have one or more pulleys or shafts that transmit relative motion and are associated with electric current generators.

In this embodiment, one can also see a number of additional buoyancy elements 113 attached to the lower submersible element 102 via radial beams 114 protruding from the small tanks 103 and cables 115 connected to the free ends of the beams 114. The elements 113 contribute to maintaining the orientation and position of the device relative to the water surface. In addition, the average component of the forces applied to the lower element 102 changes the position of rest to the position of normal operation, and the elements 113 compensate for this action. The hole 112a in the ball element 112 is in this case a hole in the bushing 1120 protruding in the axial direction from the opposite sides of the ball element.

In a simplified version of this example, the rod 104 can be replaced by a cable with a counterweight attached to its lower end. In this case, it may be practical to place the lower member 102 at an even greater distance from the upper member 1 than in the rod configuration. The bottom member 102 may then terminate near the seabed and, if desired, may even be mounted thereon to simplify construction. However, this latter version of the device would be more difficult to deploy and maintain, and more exposed to stormy weather.

A further alternative is the connection of the upper and lower submersible elements through an extended rod, of the type described below in the third example of implementation, in the presence of energy extraction systems that work on the principle of reciprocating movement of the rod. Thus, it is possible to avoid the use of energy harvesting devices directly in the connecting node 105, and the rod 104 can end in the connecting node instead of passing through it. This makes the device even more compact, although with the disadvantage of complicating the construction of the rod. With very large waves, the whole device will move, since in this case the lower element is also exposed to the wave. This reduces the risk of significant movement that could break the device.

In any case, the possible separation of these two parts will not be destructive, and the device can subsequently be reassembled by passing the rod back through the housing at the coupling assembly (or by joining the two parts of the rod together if a design as in the third implementation example). This operation can also be done automatically using an automated control system on both parts and small propellers plus the ability to change the distance of the lower element from the water surface (for example, by lengthening the cables holding the elements 113 in place).

Figures 8 and 9 show a third embodiment of the device according to the invention, in which the full motion of the wave is captured using only linear electrical generators. In this exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a plurality of submersible elements 201, such as four elements having the shape of spherical tanks containing mainly water and air, and connected to each other by connecting rods 204 to form a three-dimensional structure, for example tetrahedral .

Each rod 204 (Figure 9) consists of a rod 204a coaxially and telescopically sliding in a tubular bushing 2046. The ends of the thus obtained assembly are connected to corresponding recessed elements 201. A linear generator of electricity 205 driven by the rod 204a, which reciprocating movement, and the bushing 20460 is connected to the inner end of this bushing. This type of device for generating electricity is well known, it is presented schematically and is not described in detail. You can refer to the described second example, the implementation of the invention.

Both the single element 201 and the single rod 204 (with associated generator 205) are neutrally buoyant when submerged in water at their average operating depth. Under the influence of waves, different tanks 201 will be in different modes of water movement, either because they are separated by a distance that is not a multiple of the wavelength, or because they are at different depths. The relative movement between them creates tension or pressure on the connecting rods 204. As a result, the inner rod 204a will move relative to the outer sleeve 2046, and this linear reciprocating motion is used to generate electricity. Therefore, power is obtained from the relative movement of various parts of the interconnected means. In this case, the geometry of the structure is also such that the entire (circular) movement of water particles due to the action of waves is used to collect energy.

Basically, all elements 201 remain in the same position of rest with respect to the surrounding water, the average position of which does not move even after many cycles of wave motion. In this case, mass gainers can also be used. However, in order to keep the submersible elements 201 essentially in their nominal tetrahedral configuration, it is necessary to use some energy from time to time to change the average position of the tanks and booms to counteract any displacement due to drift, different buoyancy at different depths, underwater currents or non-equilibrium work of different parts. This correction can be accomplished by using linear generators as linear motors and/or by attaching small propellers to the structure, and/or by placing springs in the booms, and/or by using variable buoyancy devices.

If one of the tanks 201 is heavier than the other three (displacing the same amount of water), then a system designed anyway for neutral full buoyancy will tend to an orientation with three upper submersible tanks and one lower. In this case, these even lighter elements with rods that connect them to each other can be replaced by one recessed element in the form of the upper element 1, 101 of the previous embodiments, so that the whole device can be held mainly on motionless depth below the water surface. The other connecting rods on the lower tank can also be replaced by one rod to obtain the above-described variant relating to the second embodiment. Similar changes in the design of this third embodiment can be provided if one tank is lighter than the other three of identical size. and putting the automated control system into operation.

The engine room can be installed in one or more tanks 201, which in a typical ocean version can have a volume of 1000 m3 (the actual volume will depend on the optimization chosen, which in turn will depend on, among other factors, the typical wave installation deployment area mode).

As in the previous example of implementation, with very large waves, the device will tend to move with its entire mass, and therefore there will not be relatively large movements between its parts. When installing variable flotation devices in tanks and/or booms associated with an automated control system, arrangements can also be made for the entire device to be installed deeper in response to larger waves and shallower in smaller waves, thus protecting it from stormy weather and optimizing its efficiency.

The tetrahedral structure shown in this example is the simplest three-dimensional rigid structure that can be used here; but there are many other 3D configurations with the same simple basic design. For example, many tetrahedral modules like the one described above can be combined to form an entire structural layer that extends over many square kilometers. Such a structure can be kept at a stationary depth of several tens of meters below the average sea surface to avoid collision with ships and to minimize the risk of destruction due to storms and very large waves. Such a design can be modular for efficient energy production and maintenance, given that the failure of individual modules will not disrupt the operation of the entire system.

With reference to Figures 10 and 11, in a fourth embodiment, the device according to the invention captures the full motion of the wave using only a generator connected by cables to pulleys. However, in this example implementation, the power is obtained from the relative movement between the upper submersible element and the lower submersible element, and from the sequential movement of the system connecting the elements. In fact, this embodiment has much in common with the first and second embodiments described above, and the corresponding parts of the device are marked with corresponding numerical positions. In this example, the lower submersible element 302 consists of many tanks 303 rigidly connected to each other in series through the central ring 305 and around it.

Instead of a rod connecting the upper submersible element 301 (with buoyancy elements 309) to the lower submersible element 302, cables 304 are used, connected at one end to the upper element 301, and at the other end to the weight 316, passing through the pulleys 317, which are supported by frames 318 mounted outside respective submersible tanks 303. Pulleys 317 rotate respective power generation generators (not shown) mounted on support frames 318 or in tanks 303. Under the action of a monochromatic wave (considered here for simplicity), upper element 301 tends describe, basically, a circular trajectory.

This alternately determines the tension or slack in the cables that drive the pulleys 317 and therefore generate electricity.

The presence of the weights 316 ensures that energy is generated both during tension and during relaxation, and that the upper element 301 is generally positioned above the center of mass of the lower element 302. The lower tanks 303 tend to remain essentially in position due to the water they displace, their inertial mass and their actual mass due to the water partially closed in the circuit and/or the keel. To compensate for abnormal situations and slight drift due to unbalanced frictional or current forces, c tanks 303 or annulus 305 should be equipped with small propellers and/or variable buoyancy devices controlled by an automatic system. In a variant of this embodiment, the lower submersible tanks 303 can also be kept in the desired position by additional buoyancy elements as in the second embodiment of the invention.

Figures 12-16 show a fifth embodiment of the device according to the invention, which is similar to the first embodiment, emphasized by the use of corresponding numerical positions for identical or similar parts. The upper submersible element 401 with buoyancy elements 409 and the lower submersible element 402 have the same general structure as in the first embodiment. The same applies to the connecting node 405 with an outer disk-shaped body 411 and a rotating ball element 412 with an opening 412a (Figure 13). As in previous examples of implementation, an attached mass (partially closed water circuit and/or keel) can be used here.

The opening 412a, which is much wider than in the previous examples, contains the central cylindrical block 4044 of the rod 404, as shown in the diagram, including the counterweight and engine room for generating electricity, as described above. Rod 404 additionally includes a central core 404p extending axially from both flat bases of block 4044. Surrounding core 40406 is a reinforcing cage 404c extending axially from the periphery of block 4044.

The upper end of the rod 404 is connected to the upper recessed element 401 through the connecting joint 408, again similar to the already described examples of implementation. The lower end of the rod 404 is hinged to a plurality of water manifolds 406, each with an inlet front nozzle 40ba and a tail with keels 4066.

The assembly of these two manifolds can freely rotate about the central axis of the rod 404, like the transverse support with the turbines in the first embodiment. In addition, each collector can oscillate about a transverse axis (orthogonal to the central axis of the rod), indicated by the position 407 in Figure 14. The collectors are hydraulically connected to a water circuit (not shown) formed in the core 404r of the rod 404. The water circuit is connected to the machine a compartment in unit 4040 that houses a power generation system, such as a radial-axial hydro turbine, to convert water flow into electricity.

The upper immersion element 401 is a fully submerged tank filled with air, the buoyancy of which is balanced by the weight of the rod 404 (including the central block 4044 with a counterweight) and water collectors 406. Under the action of waves, the rod 404 performs a vertical reciprocating movement relative to the connecting node 405, and together with the ball element 412 goes into the mode of oscillating movement with an inclination relative to the lower recessed element 402. The block 4044 can slide through the hole 412a without affecting the operation of the device, since the cage structure 404c in this case comes into contact with the ball element 412 and provides the necessary stability. The successive movement of the lower end of the rod 404 will lead to the injection of water under pressure into the internal circuit of the rod, through the manifolds 406, and therefore to the flow of water rotating the turbine in the engine room. Also, in this example, the power is obtained from the relative movement of the submerged elements, causing the movement of one end of the connecting rod relative to the water surrounding it.

As in the first example of the implementation of the invention, many options are possible in which the function of the lower recessed element 402 is performed by a simple connection of the node 405 and the block 4044 and/or the upper connecting joint 408 is rigid, or both of these simplifications are used simultaneously. It is also possible to consider a variant in which the manifolds 406 are replaced by a plurality of manifolds rigidly attached to the lower end of the rod and located above and beyond many different horizontal directions, different angular directions up and down relative to the axis of the rod. In this case, it may be necessary to install valves in the inner part of the collectors to block the flow of water to those parts that are not located in the direction of movement of the lower end of the rod. Such a variant (with all three simplifications) would be less efficient than the embodiment shown in the drawings, but it would have the important advantage of not having any external moving part.

In connection with the above, it should be noted that the device according to the invention is able to overcome all the limitations of known wave energy converters, and that a conceptually different system for extracting energy from waves is used here.

The device according to the invention can be placed completely underwater so that it can be protected from stormy weather and, if desired, also isolated from waves with even shorter wavelengths that contribute to the wear and tear of marine structures. Two or more submersibles are used, held at rest relative to the surrounding water by each of the following combinations: partially tanked water (attached mass), keel, inertial mass, propellers.

Some of the submersible elements (perhaps one as in the first, second, fourth and fifth embodiments) have minimal inertial mass, and are small relative to the smallest wavelength used for energy harvesting, but large enough to intercept sufficient water motion . Other submersible elements or a connecting device have, accordingly, a very large inertial mass (in the first, second, fourth and fifth embodiments), to compensate for the buoyancy of the previously mentioned ones. In the third embodiment of the invention, instead, all submersible elements have an inertial mass that compensates for their buoyancy.

The elements tend to follow the movement of the water that immediately surrounds them, and this movement is approximately circular for a single monochromatic wave. When elements are in different modes of motion with respect to their fundamental wavelengths (for example, at different depths), they move relative to each other. Connecting them to the connecting device, it is possible to extract energy from this relative movement or from the induced relative movement of the connecting device relative to some submersible elements or relative to the surrounding water.

Thus, the advantages of this device can be summarized as follows. - The proposed device is more efficient than known devices because it uses all components of the wave motion, its elements are kept at rest relative to the surrounding water to the maximum possible degree, unlike traditional devices using one or more floats as a surface element. - The device can have a simple design, is quickly assembled and easy to maintain, especially in some of the options described above. As mentioned above, it may also be useful as a prototype for future systems. - Having only submersible elements with very little or very large inertial mass, it is subject to little movement due to its own oscillations. - The device can be installed at some distance from the shore in a deep-water area. Its mean geographical position can be kept constant using a tensioning means, or in any case it can send a signal using a system (CRB5 connected to a radio transmitter and/or a light emitter and/or a sonar beacon. - The device can be designed to in such a way that stormy weather will have minimal effect. The whole device will move through very large waves so that the relative distance between the elements will exceed the limit point only in a very unlikely combination of factors. In any case, if the movement does exceed the maximum limit, the device may be simply dismantled and installed again after a storm (possibly in an automated way if the elements are equipped with propellers. - The device works effectively with both monochromatic waves and non-monochromatic waves, and is independent of the direction of the wave; - The size of the device and the energy it can collect from waves, limited only by wavelength Simple calculations show that it is possible to create devices producing more than 10 MW of power (as an average value) at monochromatic deep-sea wave heights of 5 meters and above.

All examples of implementation have been described with a view to their oceanic configuration; implementations intended for deployment at shorter wavelength sites will be scaled down accordingly.

Other changes and/or modifications may be made to improve the wave energy converter according to the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

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Claims (19)

1. A wave energy conversion device containing at least two elements (1, 2) connected to each other by a movable connecting device (4), which ensures mutual movement of the elements (1, 2) in response to the action of a wave in the water, in which the device is located; energy converter (b) for converting the movement of the connecting device (4) into electricity; a means for storing and/or transferring generated energy, wherein at least two elements (1, 2) are fully submersible elements, providing neutral buoyancy of the device, and includes means for maintaining the position of each of the submersible elements (1, 2), as a whole, in a state at rest relative to the surrounding water with which they are in direct contact, and the elements (1, 2) are designed to be able to move under the influence of waves, in general, the same as 1 undisturbed particle of water placed in the same area, and at least two submerged elements (1, 2) are mutually spaced with the possibility of taking the appropriate position under different effects of water movement caused by waves. 2. Device according to claim 1, which has upper (1) and lower (2) recessed elements, each of at least two recessed elements (1, 2) has a tank filled with water and air or air, and the means for maintaining the position includes a means of changing the mass connected to the connecting device (4). 3. The device according to claim 2, in which the connecting device (4) includes an elongated element that passes between the recessed elements (1, 2) 1 is connected with the possibility of movement at least to the lower recessed element (2). 4. The device according to claim 3, in which the lower recessed element (2) includes a connecting assembly (5) for connecting the recessed element (2) to the elongated element, and the connecting assembly (5) includes a ball element (12) with a hole (12a) for sliding coupling of an elongated element, where the ball element (12) is made with the possibility of rotation within the housing (114), defined by the outer housing (11) of the connecting unit (5). 5. The device according to claim 3 or claim 4, in which the elongated element is connected to the upper recessed element (1) by means of a hinged connection (8). 6. The device according to any one of claims 3-5, in which the elongate element extends beyond the lower submersible element (2), and the energy converter (b) comprises a turbine connected to the lower end (44) of the elongate element. 7. The device according to any one of claims 3-5, in which the elongate member (404) extends beyond the lower recessed member (402), and the energy converter comprises a water collection means (406) connected to the lower end of the elongate member ( 404), made with the possibility of forming a water circuit connected to the means of collecting water (406), and the hydroturbine located in the elongated element (404) is made with the possibility of actuation by water coming from the water circuit. 8. The device according to claim 7, in which the elongated element (404) contains an axial core (4045), made with the possibility of forming a water circuit in it, which protrudes from the central block (4044) fixed in the hole (412a) of the spherical element (412), 1 contains a machine room for a hydro turbine and a cage (404c) of reinforcement covering the core (4045) 1 protrudes axially from the periphery of the block (4044). 9. The device according to any of claims 4-8, in which the energy converter includes a generator that is driven by mutual displacement between the elongated element (4, 404) and the spherical element (12, 412), and between the spherical element ( 12, 412) 1 outer case (11,411). 10. The device according to claim 2, in which the connecting device includes a plurality of cables (304) fixed at one end to the upper recessed element (301) and at the other end to the scales (316), and the cables (304) pass through the pulleys (317) ), mounted on a frame (318) mounted on the lower recessed element (302), 1 energy converter includes a generator driven by pulleys (317) and located within or connected to the lower recessed element (302). 11. The device according to any one of claims 2-10, in which the upper submersible element (1, 101, 301, 401) has a small size relative to the smallest of the main wavelengths to be collected. 12. The device according to claim 11, in which the lower recessed element (2, 102, 302, 402) contains a plurality of tanks (3, 103, 303, 403), located on the periphery around the side cylindrical surface of the central disc-shaped (5, 405) or ring (305) of the body. 13. The device according to any one of claims 2-12, in which a plurality of buoyancy elements (9, 109, 309, 409) are connected by means of cables (10, 110, 310, 410) to the upper surface (16, 1015, 3015, 4015) of the upper recessed element (1, 101, 301, 401). 14. The device according to any one of claims 2-12, in which a plurality of buoyancy elements (113) are connected by means of cables (115) to corresponding ends of radial beams (114) protruding from the lower submersible element (102). 15. The device according to any one of claims 3-9, in which the elongate member (4, 104, 404) has an axially expandable structure, while the converter includes a generator driven by reciprocating expansion and contraction of the elongate member (4, 104, 404). 16. The device according to item I, containing a plurality of submersible elements, each of which includes at least one tank (201) filled with water and air, while the submersible elements are connected to each other by means of a plurality of elongated elements (204) 1 forming three-dimensional assembly; wherein the elongate members (204) have an axially expandable structure, and the energy converter includes a generator driven by the reciprocating expansion and contraction of the elongate members (204). 17. The device according to claim 16, containing four recessed elements (201), which are connected by means of six elongated elements (204) and form a tetrahedral assembly. 18. Device according to claim 16 or 17, in which each elongate member (204) includes a rod (204a) which is coaxially and telescopically included in a sliding mode in a tubular sleeve (2045), and the generator is connected to the inner end of the same sleeve , so that it can be actuated by a reciprocating rod and sleeve. 19. The device according to any one of claims 16-18, in which the submersible elements (201) have a small size relative to the smallest of the main wavelengths to be collected.