WO2009095651A1 - Procédé et appareil permettant de produire de l'énergie à partir des vagues - Google Patents

Procédé et appareil permettant de produire de l'énergie à partir des vagues Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009095651A1
WO2009095651A1 PCT/GB2009/000221 GB2009000221W WO2009095651A1 WO 2009095651 A1 WO2009095651 A1 WO 2009095651A1 GB 2009000221 W GB2009000221 W GB 2009000221W WO 2009095651 A1 WO2009095651 A1 WO 2009095651A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vessel
liquid
buoyant
energy
cavity
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2009/000221
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Adam Zakheos
Original Assignee
Adam Zakheos
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Adam Zakheos filed Critical Adam Zakheos
Publication of WO2009095651A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009095651A1/fr

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
    • F03B13/14—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy
    • F03B13/16—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem"
    • F03B13/20—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem" wherein both members, i.e. wom and rem are movable relative to the sea bed or shore
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
    • F03B13/14—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy
    • F03B13/24—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy to produce a flow of air, e.g. to drive an air turbine
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/30—Energy from the sea, e.g. using wave energy or salinity gradient

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus for generating energy from waves and to a method of such generation.
  • the invention finds particular, but not exclusive, use in marine environments, especially coastal locations, where the energy generated may be provided directly to a power network or grid.
  • Apparatus for the generation of energy from the movement of water in particular the generation of so-called 'wave energy
  • the first principle of operation is the use of movement of the water itself to drive an energy generating device, either directly or indirectly.
  • a second principle of operation is the generation of energy by the movement of a first floating device relative to second, typically relatively fixed, device.
  • a turbine assembly at or close to the shoreline in communication with a conduit. Waves are allowed to enter the conduit under their normal action.
  • the turbine may be driven directly by movement of the water within the conduit, under the action of the waves, or indirectly by having the wave move air within the conduit and allowing the moving air to drive the turbine.
  • WO 01/65112 discloses an apparatus for deriving energy from waves and having a chamber adapted to float in water.
  • the chamber has a water plane area of such form that the vertical oscillating movement of the chamber is substantially damped, relative to the height of the waves in the water.
  • the chamber has an inlet port through which waves are allowed to enter the chamber.
  • the chamber is provided with a baffle and vertical side plates. In operation, air is compressed under the action of a wave entering the chamber through the inlet and is forced out through a manifold to an outlet port, where it is used to provide a source of energy.
  • a device for harnessing wave energy comprises a plurality of converging floating hulls, between which waves are caused to pass. As the wave passes between the hulls, the convergence causes the height of the wave to increase until water spills over the side of the hull and enters a plurality of stepped tanks. Water in the tanks is used to drive turbines.
  • WO 2006/10904 discloses an apparatus having one or more floats, which are allowed to move under the action of passing waves. Vertical movement of each float is used to generate power. The floats are retained by flexible restraints to limit lateral movement of the floats.
  • a wave energy converter is disclosed in WO 2007/137426 and has a primary body connected to a second body in a manner allowing relative longitudinal movement between the bodies.
  • the movement of the bodies is damped by a so-called 'slug mass' and can be controlled to maintain out of phase oscillation of the bodies, thereby increasing the driving force imparted to a power generating device.
  • a floating apparatus for extracting power from sea waves is disclosed in US 6,476,511. A development of the apparatus is described and shown in US 2006/0273593.
  • the apparatus comprises a number of buoyant cylindrical members connected together at their ends to form an articulated chain-like structure. Relative movement of adjacent members is permitted about at least one transverse axis. Adjacent members are coupled together by a system comprising one or more hydraulic rams which resist movement between the members and extract power from their relative movement.
  • the axis of permitted movement is arranged according to a roll bias angle to optimise the dynamic response of the apparatus to incoming waves.
  • the roll bias angle is applied by differential ballasting of the body members and/or mooring constraints attached to one of more members.
  • JP 2003065200 describes an apparatus having a plurality of U-shaped cylinders in a floating structure. A body floating on water located in the U-shaped cylinders is connected to a system for generating energy.
  • An apparatus for generating energy from waves is disclosed in GB 2 299 833, comprising an annular ring of fluid-containing chambers. Liquid within the chambers moves under the action of waves, compressing air, which is used in turn to drive turbines. A similar arrangement is shown and described in GB 2 311 565.
  • An apparatus of this type in which a body of water is held within a vessel and energy generated from movement of the water relative to the vessel under the action of waves, is disclosed in US 4,009,396.
  • a wave actuated gas compression apparatus is described and shown in US 4,364,715 and comprises a pontoon member pivotally attached to a support member.
  • the pontoon member is moved under the action of incident waves.
  • a moveable member within the pontoon creates a flow of gas within the pontoon.
  • GB 2 001 137 is concerned with an apparatus for generating energy from the action of waves comprising a vessel having a saucer-shaped hull with a balanced ring beam mounted therein. Rocking movements of the hull relative to the ring beam are used to generate energy.
  • JP 58067970 discloses an apparatus for generating energy from waves, comprising a sealed vessel containing a liquid.
  • the vessel is mounted on floats, such that the action of waves causes a circulation of the liquid within the vessel, which is in turn used to generate energy.
  • the assembly comprises a first body or vessel that has a normally vertical orientation and is free to move about an axis other than a vertical axis under the action of a wave.
  • the assembly comprises a second body moveable with respect to but retained by the first body in a manner that allows the second body to be biased to a first position under the action of gravity.
  • the second body is held in its first position by the bias, as the first body is rotated from its normally vertical orientation.
  • the second body is moved to a second position by the first body as it is moved from its normally vertical orientation under the action of a wave. Once displaced from its first position, the second body returns under gravity to its first position, again moving relative to the first body. Movement of the second body relative to the first body is used to generate energy.
  • the present invention provides an apparatus for generating energy from waves, the apparatus comprising: a buoyant vessel having a normally vertical orientation and able to be displaced from the normally vertical orientation by rotation about an axis other than a vertical axis by the motion of a wave; a body retained by the vessel but moveable with respect to the vessel, the body having a first position corresponding to the normally vertical orientation of the vessel to which it is biased under gravity, the body being moveable relative to the first vessel to stay in or return to the first position when the vessel is displaced from the normally vertical orientation; and means for generating energy coupled to generate energy by the relative movement between the vessel and the body.
  • the apparatus comprises a vessel that is normally buoyant and may be acted upon by waves passing the vessel.
  • the vessel typically floats at or close to the surface of the water, where it may encounter waves propagating through the water and subjected to the action of the waves.
  • the vessel has a predetermined orientation when at rest, for example when the water is calm and flat. This is referred to herein as a 'normally vertical orientation'.
  • the vessel is biased into this orientation, for example by its shape and appropriate location of its centre of gravity.
  • the vessel When acted upon by waves, the vessel is arranged to be displaced from the normally vertical orientation by rotation about an axis other than a vertical axis. In particular, the vessel is arranged to rotate about one or more axes perpendicular to the vertical axis.
  • the vessel is designed to undergo pitching and/or rolling motions (as described in more detail hereinafter) when acted upon by a wave. It is this tendency of the vessel to undergo pitching and rolling which is used to generate energy from the waves. It will be appreciated that the pitching and rolling of the vessel will typically occur in combination with a change in vertical elevation, as the vessel rises and falls with the passing waves.
  • the vessel is most preferably disposed in use to be at or substantially at the surface of the water in which it is floating. It has been found that when the vessel is submerged, its response to incident waves is significantly reduced or even eliminated, preventing the apparatus from generating energy.
  • the vessel is preferably free-floating, that is sufficiently buoyant to remain at the surface of the body of water without the need for additional support.
  • the vessel is typically secured in place at the desired location by a suitable tether or the like.
  • the vessel may have any suitable configuration. Most preferably, the vessel comprises a vessel wall and has a portion of its interior that is substantially hollow.
  • the vessel may have any suitable shape, with a generally rounded or circular shape being preferred.
  • the bottom of the vessel may be flat. However, it is particularly preferred that the vessel is provided with a bottom that presents a convex curved surface to the water in which the vessel is floating, most preferably a regular curved surface.
  • the vessel is preferably provided with a bottom that presents an external surface to the water that is generally elliptic, hemispherical or a portion of a hemisphere.
  • the vessel is generally spherical in shape.
  • the bottom of the vessel should present a rounded surface to the water, as aforementioned. This allows the vessel to be moved and rotated by the action of the incident waves more readily and with a lower resistance to movement.
  • the rounded bottom of the vessel allows the vessel to rotate in a rocking motion under the action of the waves and to respond rapidly to an incident wave. This in turn allows the vessel to respond to a much wider range of waves, in particular waves of different lengths and frequency, while still generating a significant amount of energy from the wave motion.
  • the apparatus is designed such that the vessel is floating at or substantially at the surface of the water. In this way, the action of incident waves is enhanced, in turn increasing the amount of energy generated from the wave motion.
  • the vessel should be floating such that it is able to be acted upon and moved by changes in the contours of the surface of the water, as the incident waves pass the apparatus.
  • the apparatus further comprises a body.
  • the body is retained by the vessel, such that its movement is generally confined or constrained. However, the body is moveable with respect to the vessel.
  • the body has a first position which is adopted when the vessel is in its normally vertical orientation.
  • the body is biased to the first position, in particular by the action of gravity.
  • the body remains in the first position under the action of the bias or may return to the first position by the bias after being moved from its first position by the vessel, as the vessel is displaced from its normally vertical orientation by the action of the waves.
  • the retention of the body by the vessel is such that, while the body may be moved from its first position by the vessel, the biasing acts to hold the body in the first position or to return the body to the first position.
  • the net effect is that the body moves relative to the vessel as it is displaced from or returns to its normally vertical orientation.
  • the body is a mass of liquid retained within the hollow interior of the vessel.
  • the volume of liquid is such as to occupy only a portion of the hollow cavity within the vessel, allowing the liquid room to move within the cavity.
  • Any suitable liquid may be used.
  • Means may be provided for replenishing or maintaining the volume of water present in the vessel from the body of water on which the apparatus is operating.
  • the body of liquid within the vessel occupies the lowest portion of the hollow interior available to it. This is the first position of the liquid and corresponds to the normally vertical orientation of the vessel.
  • the surface of the liquid will be horizontal under such rest conditions.
  • the vessel is tilted from its normally vertical orientation about a lateral axis by the action of a wave, causing the vessel to pitch and/or roll.
  • the tendency of the body of liquid is to remain in its first position, with its surface horizontal. This is achieved by the body of liquid moving relative to the vessel, as the vessel is displaced. If the movement of the vessel is slow enough, this is the dominating effect.
  • the movement of the vessel is translated to the body of liquid within the vessel by friction or drag between the liquid and the inner walls of the vessel, causing the liquid to move with the vessel.
  • the pitching or rolling action of the vessel serves to tilt the body of liquid at an angle to the horizontal, that is raise one side of the body of liquid and lower the opposing side.
  • the liquid is caused to flow within the vessel from the raised portion to again adopt the first position, with the surface of the liquid horizontal. In doing so, the liquid again moves within the cavity relative to the vessel.
  • the movement of the body of liquid and the relative movement between the liquid and the vessel will be repeated as the vessel returns to its normally vertical orientation under the aforementioned bias.
  • the principle of the present invention is to generate energy from the relative movement between the vessel and the body, in particular the body of liquid, which occurs during this cycle of movement of the vessel under the action of the waves.
  • the apparatus further comprises a means for generating energy from the relative movement between the body and the vessel.
  • the means may comprises any suitable device for generating energy from the relative movement of two bodies, in particular the movement of a body of liquid within a vessel, as hereinbefore described.
  • the means for generating energy may be coupled directly between the body and the vessel. Alternatively, the means for generating energy may act through an indirect coupling.
  • the energy generating device may be any suitable device or system for generating energy from the movement of the body. Suitable systems include a turbine or pump powered by a liquid or gas, such as a hydraulic pump, the rotor of which is connected to a suitable device for generating energy, such as an electrical generator.
  • the body comprises a mass of liquid disposed within a cavity within the vessel, as noted above.
  • the cavity in which the liquid is disposed may have any suitable shape and configuration. However, it has been found most preferably to employ a cavity that has a curved or arcuate inner surface, at least in the portion that is in contact with the mass of liquid during normal operation of the apparatus. In this way, the body of liquid is able to move more freely relative to the walls of the cavity under the tipping or rocking action of the incident waves. In particular, the curved or arcuate surface reduces the extent to which the body of liquid is caused to move together with the movement of the vessel, thereby increasing the relative movement between the body of liquid and the wall of the cavity.
  • this arrangement reduces the turbulence that may be generated through movement of the body of water, for example under the action of large or irregular waves.
  • the curved or arcuate surface of the cavity may be elliptic, hemispherical or a portion of a hemisphere.
  • the vessel should preferably have a rounded or arcuate surface over at least those portions of the exterior of the vessel that are in contact with or are contacted by the waves during the normal operation of the apparatus.
  • the cavity has substantial portions of its inner surface flat or planar, such as flat side walls or a flat bottom, motion of the vessel under the action of the waves would cause the liquid in the cavity to surge, rather than flow smoothly over the interior surface.
  • the means for generating energy comprises a member disposed on the surface of the liquid.
  • the surface referred to is the surface of the liquid when in the first position.
  • the energy generating means may comprise a single member or a plurality of members, each of which is connected to one or more energy generating devices.
  • the member may be buoyant relative to the liquid within the vessel, in which case the member will act as a float and will be moved as the surface of the liquid moves within the vessel.
  • the member may be provided with one or more cavities to provide buoyancy, the cavities being left empty or filled with a buoyant material, such as an expanded material or foam.
  • the buoyant member may be provided with ballast, in order to allow it to follow more closely the movement of the liquid within the vessel.
  • the member is provided with a cavity which is filled with liquid from the body of liquid within the vessel, to provide the desired ballast.
  • the member may be of the same or higher density than the liquid.
  • the member acts as a baffle, supported by the vessel and moved by the movement of the liquid within the vessel.
  • the member extends across the cavity within the vessel such that the movement of the liquid around the baffle is reduced, more preferably prevented. In this way, movement of the liquid relative to the vessel is more fully realised as movement of the member.
  • seals are provided between the edges of the member and the inner surface of the vessel, to reduce or prevent the passage of liquid past the member.
  • the or each member is moved in response to the movement of the body of liquid within the vessel, in particular following the surface of the body of liquid. Movement of the liquid is thus translated into movement of the member, which is in turn used to generate energy.
  • the member may be free and untethered at the surface of the liquid, apart from the connection to an energy generating device. Alternatively, the member may be retained. The member may be secured to be moveable about a single horizontal axis. In such a case, the member will move as a result of one of pitching of the vessel or rolling. More preferably, the member is mounted so as to be moveable about more than one axis, in particular two or more axes. In one arrangement, the member is mounted in a gimbal, allowing the member to respond to movement of the vessel in any horizontal axis. The member should be mounted to ensure that it is free to rotate about one or more axes, under the action of the liquid body moving within the vessel. The mounting should preferably prevent the member from being moved in a vertical direction within the vessel, as this will reduce the efficiency of the system in generating energy from the rotational motion of the vessel under the action of the incident waves.
  • the movement of the member in the body of liquid relative to the vessel is used to generate energy.
  • the member is therefore connected to an energy generating device.
  • the member may be connected to one or a plurality of rams, whereby each ram produces a stream of pressurised fluid, such as hydraulic fluid, oil or gas, under the action of the member moving.
  • pressurised fluid such as hydraulic fluid, oil or gas
  • any suitable form of mechanical system for generating energy may be employed. Such systems are known in the art.
  • the movement of the member is used to generate a stream of fluid under pressure, in particular a flow of hydraulic fluid.
  • the pressurised fluid is used to drive a turbine or other energy generating device.
  • a turbine or other energy generating device To ensure a constant supply of pressurised fluid to it is advantageous to have the pressurised fluid fed first to a reservoir, such as a tank or the like, from which a constant stream of fluid may be led to the energy generating device. In this way, an intermittent supply of fluid as a result of irregular wave action can be used to provide a constant supply of energy from the system.
  • the movement of the body, in particular the body of liquid, within the cavity in the vessel relative to the vessel is used to generate a stream of pressurised gas, typically air.
  • the pressurised gas is fed to a turbine, the gas driving the turbine to thereby generate power, in particular electricity.
  • the movement of the body may be used to generate gas at a superatmospheric pressure or subatmospheric pressure and the term 'pressurised' is to be construed accordingly.
  • the movement of the body of liquid within the cavity is used to pressurise gas, typically air, within the cavity, which is then lead away from the cavity to the turbine.
  • the cavity may be divided into a plurality of compartments into which the liquid is caused to flow.
  • the flow of the liquid into and out of a compartment respectively raises and lowers the pressure of the gas within the compartment.
  • the compartment may be provided with one or more one-way or nonreturn valves, whereby a change in pressure of the gas within the compartment is converted into a flow of gas to or from the compartment, in turn be used to provide a flow of gas through a turbine to generate energy.
  • the apparatus may be deployed singularly at a location.
  • the apparatus may be arranged as an array of a plurality of separate units or modules, each unit or module being as hereinbefore described.
  • one or more buffers may be attached to one or both of an adjacent pair of modules, to prevent damage arising from collisions or contact between adjacent modules.
  • the apparatus may comprise buoyancy means for providing the apparatus with the required degree of buoyancy, allowing the apparatus to be deployed with an appropriate draft at the surface of the water.
  • buoyancy means for providing the apparatus with the required degree of buoyancy, allowing the apparatus to be deployed with an appropriate draft at the surface of the water.
  • the vessel may be provided with buoyancy means in its outer regions and/or attached to the exterior of the vessel.
  • the buoyancy means will counteract any tendency of an edge portion of the vessel to sink, under the action of a large or severe wave. In this way, the possibility of the vessel capsizing is reduced or eliminated, as buoyancy means act to right the vessel in such an event.
  • the buoyancy means may be formed as a plurality of buoyant members disposed around the vessel, for example its exterior.
  • the buoyancy means may be a buoyant member, such as a ring, extending around the outer region of the vessel or around the exterior of the vessel.
  • the action of a wave contacting the outer surface of the rounded vessel may not be sufficient to move or rotate the vessel about the required axis. Accordingly, it is preferred to provide the vessel with one or more members on its outer surface that are deflected by the impact of an incident wave, such deflection increasing the rotation of the vessel about the non-vertical axis or axes. Such members may be constructed so as to provide the desired buoyancy for the apparatus.
  • the apparatus comprises buffers, these may be of a design that as well as acting as buffers provide the apparatus with additional buoyancy, and provide the vessel with a self-righting capability.
  • the means for generating energy most preferably generates electricity.
  • the electric power may be led away from the apparatus by a suitable cable.
  • An array comprising a plurality of modules may have each module connected to a central collection system, such as an electrical hub, from where the combined electrical output of the array may be supplied to users, for example by way of an existing power grid or network.
  • the apparatus is preferably tethered, for example to a suitable anchor disposed at the bed of the body of water, for example the seabed. Any cables required for the supply of the generated energy may be arranged to run along the tether.
  • the present invention provides an apparatus for generating energy from waves in a body of water, the apparatus comprising: a buoyant vessel having a normally vertical orientation and able to be displaced from the normally vertical orientation under the action of incident waves by rotation about an axis other than a vertical axis; a cavity disposed within the vessel, the cavity having a curved inner surface; a body of liquid disposed within the cavity, such that the liquid is free to flow across the curved inner surface of the cavity as the vessel is displaced from its normal vertical orientation; a member disposed within the cavity in contact with the surface of the liquid body, the member being free to move relative to the vessel in response to the flow of the liquid across the curved inner surface of the cavity; and means for generating energy from relative movement between the member and the vessel; in use, the buoyant vessel being disposed substantially at the surface of the body of water.
  • the apparatus comprises a buoyant vessel, the general form and configuration of which may be as described above.
  • the vessel may have a rounded or arcuate form, in particular a rounded or arcuate bottom.
  • a preferred form for the exterior of the vessel is an elliptic surface or a hemispherical or part-hemispherical surface.
  • the curved or arcuate portion of the vessel's outer surface should preferably extend over at least that portion of the exterior that is contacted by the body of water and the waves during normal operation of the apparatus.
  • the vessel is free floating, that is sufficiently buoyant to remain at the surface of the water without support or the like.
  • the location of the vessel is typically fixed by way of a tether or other suitable means to hold the vessel in position.
  • the vessel comprises a cavity therein for holding a body of liquid.
  • the cavity has a curved or arcuate inner surface, such that the liquid is free to flow over the inner surface of the cavity without significant obstruction, such as would be caused by the cavity having an angular inner surface.
  • Flat or planar sides or bottom to the cavity would cause the liquid in the cavity to surge as the vessel is moved and rotated under the action of the incident waves. This reduces the efficiency of the apparatus in generating energy from the wave motion.
  • the inner surface of the cavity is preferably elliptic or at least a portion of a sphere.
  • the curved surface of the cavity should extend over at least that portion of the inner surface of the cavity that is contacted by the liquid within the cavity during the normal operation of the apparatus.
  • the cavity contains a body of liquid that is free to flow within the cavity and move relative to the vessel, as the vessel is moved under the action of the incident waves.
  • the liquid within the cavity will tend to remain in a position with its surface substantially horizontal as the vessel is rotated and moved under the wave action.
  • the curved form of the inner surface of the cavity is provided to ensure that the liquid deviates from this normal position as little as possible.
  • the liquid may be any suitable liquid.
  • the liquid is most preferably water, most conveniently drawn from the body of water in which the vessel is operating.
  • a member is disposed within the cavity in contact with the surface of the body of liquid, such that the member is acted upon by the body of liquid.
  • the member is preferably buoyant, such that it floats at the surface of the body of liquid within the cavity.
  • the buoyant member may be provided with ballast to damp its motion.
  • ballast may be liquid from within the cavity that occupies a cavity within the member.
  • the member may extend partially across the cavity or substantially completely across the cavity. Seals may be provided to extend between the edges of the member and the inner surface of the cavity. However, it is preferred to omit such seals and have a suitable clearance between the edges of the member and the inner surface of the cavity. This allows the member to move freely with respect to the inner surface of the cavity and the vessel under the action of the liquid within the cavity, in turn increasing the efficiency of the apparatus in generating energy.
  • the member may be floating free at the surface of the body of liquid within the cavity.
  • the member may be mounted on a pivot or gimbal, so as to be rotatable about one or more axes, as described hereinbefore.
  • Means for generating energy from the relative movement of the member and the vessel are provided. Such means may be any suitable means for transferring the relative movement of the member and the vessel into energy. Suitable means are mentioned hereinbefore.
  • the means for generating energy comprise a mechanical connection between the member and the vessel that responds to relative movement between the two, to thereby generating energy. Such means are as described above.
  • the apparatus is deployed and operated with the vessel disposed at the surface of the body of water.
  • the vessel may be subjected to the action of the incident waves and changes in the surface contours of the body of water.
  • Deployment below the surface of the water reduces or eliminates the movement of the vessel under the direct action of the incident waves.
  • the apparatus may be deployed alone as a single unit.
  • energy may be generated at a location from an array comprising a plurality of apparatus as described above.
  • the present invention provides a method for the generation of energy from wave motion, the method comprising: exposing a vessel having a normally vertical orientation to the action of a wave, whereby the vessel is displaced from the normally vertical orientation about an axis other than a vertical axis; providing a body retained by the vessel having a first position corresponding to the normally vertical orientation of the vessel, the body being movable with respect to the vessel; biasing the body to its first position; the displacement of the vessel from its normally vertical orientation causing the body to move relative to the vessel; and generating energy from the relative movement between the body and the vessel.
  • the vessel is exposed to the action of a wave, for example by being buoyant and floating at the surface in the water in which the wave is propagating.
  • the normally vertical orientation of the vessel is the one adopted by the vessel when at rest, for example when the surface of the water is flat and there are no waves.
  • the vessel is displaced by the action of the wave about an axis other than a vertical axis.
  • the vessel is allowed to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the vertical axis. That is, the vessel is allowed to pitch and/or roll under the action of the wave.
  • the pitch of the vessel is a reference to the change in orientation by rotation about an axis transverse to the direction of propagation of the wave
  • the roll of the vessel is a reference to the change in orientation of the vessel by rotation about an axis parallel to the direction of propagation of the wave.
  • the vessel may be constrained to rotate about a single non-vertical axis, for example to pitch or roll under the action of the wave. More preferably, the vessel is arranged to rotate about any non-vertical axis, in particular any axis perpendicular to the vertical axis. In particular, the vessel is preferably arranged to rotate about a plurality of such axes at the same time, for example to undergo both pitch and roll under the action of the wave.
  • a body is provided that is retained by the vessel.
  • the body has a first position, into which it is biased, which it adopts when the vessel is in the normally vertical orientation.
  • the retention of the body by the vessel is such that the body is moveable with respect to the vessel when the vessel is displaced from the normally vertical orientation under the action of a wave and is allowed to move relative to the vessel either to remain in its first position or return to the first position under the action of the bias while the vessel is displaced from its normally vertical orientation.
  • the body is most preferably a body of liquid, in particular water, disposed within and moveable within a cavity within the vessel. Under rest conditions, when the vessel is in the normally vertical orientation, the liquid is in the first position and occupies the lowermost portion of the cavity and has its surface horizontal. As the vessel is caused to rotate from its normal vertical orientation, the tendency of the body of liquid is to remain in its first position, under the action of gravity. This requires the body of liquid to move relative to the vessel. Under conditions of slow movement or rotation of the vessel, this will be the dominating effect.
  • Displacement of the vessel from the normally vertical orientation may move the liquid from its first position, as a result of friction or drag between the liquid and the inner surface of the vessel. This is increasingly likely as the speed of rotation of the vessel increases. Under the action of gravity, the liquid flows back into its first position, while the vessel is so displaced and, in doing so, moves relative to the vessel.
  • the body is biased to its first position, such that when the vessel is displaced from its normally vertical orientation it remains in the first position or, if moved from the first position by the vessel, it returns under the action of the biasing force.
  • the bias is most preferably provided by gravity.
  • Energy is generated from the relative movement between the vessel and the body.
  • the energy may be generated by any suitable means. Examples of suitable means include turbines driven by a flow of fluid, in particular liquid or gas.
  • the energy may be generated either directly or indirectly from the movement of the body.
  • the body comprises a mass of liquid and movement of the liquid relative to the vessel is transferred to a member suspended in the liquid, movement of the member in turn driving the means for generating energy.
  • the mass of liquid is retained within a cavity, most preferably a cavity having a curved or arcuate inner surface over which the liquid is able to flow smoothly and without significant obstruction or the tendency to surge.
  • the member may be tethered or untethered, with the exception of the connections to the energy generating means. If tethered, the member is free to rotate relative to the vessel about at least one transverse axis, more preferably two or more such axes. In one arrangement, the member is free to rotate about any one or more transverse axis by a suitable mounting assembly, for example a gimbal.
  • the member may have a density lower than that of the liquid and thus be buoyant in the liquid and behave as a float, moving with the surface of the liquid.
  • the member may have a higher density that the liquid and act as a baffle, acted upon by the movement of liquid.
  • the movement of the body relative to the vessel may be used to create a flow of gas, in particular air, which is used in turn to drive a turbine to generate energy.
  • a flow of gas in particular air
  • the flow of gas may be generated by allowing the liquid to enter and leave a compartment within the vessel.
  • the inwards and outwards flow of gas within the compartment creates a high gas pressure and a low gas pressure, respectively, within the compartment.
  • the change in pressure in the gas in the compartment is used ,in turn to produce a flow of gas to drive a suitable turbine.
  • the method is preferably used to generate electricity.
  • the electricity may be supplied to a suitable grid or network by cables and electrical supply systems well known in the art.
  • the present invention generates energy from the action of waves to tilt a vessel from a normally vertical orientation, for example by pitching and rolling. This is in contrast to systems which generate energy from the rise and fall of a buoyant body vertically under the action of the waves.
  • the apparatus and method of the present invention may be combined with a system for converting the vertical movement of a body induced as a result of wave motion.
  • the present invention provides a system for the generation of energy from the motion of waves, the system comprising: a buoyant body moveable under the action of a wave; means for generating energy from the vertical motion of the body; and means for generating energy from the rotation of the body about a non- vertical axis.
  • the system comprises means for generating energy from the vertical motion of the body.
  • means for generating energy are known in the art.
  • An example of such means comprises an arm connected at one end to the buoyant body and pivotably connected at its second end to a support.
  • the support is relatively immovable with respect to the buoyant body and does not rise and fall to the same extent as the buoyant body under the action of the incident waves.
  • the support is preferably anchored so as to be substantially immovable under the action of the waves.
  • Means for generating energy are coupled to the arm.
  • Such means for generating energy may be any of the means mentioned hereinbefore.
  • the buoyant body will rise and fall vertically under the action of incident waves. Movement of the body is translated into movement of the arm, which in turn drives the energy generating means.
  • the arm is connected to the body by a linkage that allows the body to rotate about at least one transverse axis.
  • the body is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the arm.
  • a more complex linkage allows the body to rotate about two or more transverse axes.
  • the body rises and falls under the action of the incident waves, it also rotates about one or more transverse axes, for example by pitching and/or rolling.
  • Means are provided for generating energy from this rotational movement of the body. A most suitable means is the apparatus hereinbefore described.
  • the system may comprise a single buoyant body or a plurality of such bodies.
  • the system comprises a plurality of buoyant bodies and a central support assembly, each buoyant body being connected to the support assembly by an arm, the bodies being arranged in a line.
  • the bodies are arranged such that the line extends in a direction parallel to the direction of propagation or travel of the incident waves.
  • the present invention provides a method for the generation of energy from the motion of waves, the method comprising: providing a buoyant body that is moveable in a vertical direction under the action of a wave and is rotatable about a non-vertical axis under the action of a wave; generating energy from the vertical movement of the body; and generating energy from the rotational movement of the body.
  • the body is preferably arranged to be rotatable about one or more transverse axes.
  • One most suitable system for the conversion of vertical motion of a body into energy is one in which the body is connected by a pivotable arm to a central support, the support being substantially immobile relative to the body. As the body is caused to move vertically by the action of an incident wave, the motion is translated to the arm, which is in turn raised and lowered. Movement of the arm is employed to generate energy by having suitable means connected to the arm. Suitable means are known in the art and include hydraulic rams and the like.
  • the support is anchored to a fixed point, for example the sea or ocean bed.
  • a fixed point for example the sea or ocean bed.
  • the provision of such an anchor can be problematic, especially as the depth of water in which the apparatus is deployed increases. It has been found that the need for such an anchor can be overcome, allowing the apparatus to be deployed in a very wide range of locations, including deep water locations.
  • the present invention provides an apparatus for generating energy from wave motion, the apparatus comprising: an elongate floating support assembly comprising a support member and ballast; a plurality of buoyant bodies moveable vertically under the action of an incident wave, the support assembly being sufficiently ballasted as to be substantially immovable by incident waves relative to the buoyant bodies; an arm extending between each buoyant body and the support member, the arm being pivotably connected to the support member so as to move vertically together with the respective buoyant body; and means for generating energy from the vertical movement of each buoyant body; wherein the plurality of buoyant bodies are arranged longitudinally along the support member; and wherein the elongate floating support is of a length greater than the wavelength of an incident wave, whereby a single incident wave cannot move all the buoyant bodies in the same vertical direction simultaneously.
  • the apparatus is preferably arranged with the longitudinal axis of the elongate floating support assembly in line with the direction of travel of the incident waves. In this way, a wave propagates along the length of the apparatus raising and lowering the buoyant bodies in succession.
  • the apparatus is of a sufficient length that one or more buoyant bodies will be moving in one vertical direction, for example upwards, under the action of a wave, while others of the bodies will be moving in the opposite vertical direction, for example downwards, at the same time. In this way, the overall stresses on the support assembly are reduced.
  • Energy may be generated from the vertical movement of the body in any suitable manner.
  • the vertical movement of the body is converted into movement of an arm connecting the body to a support, energy being generated from the movement of the arm.
  • Suitable means and arrangements for achieving this are known in the art.
  • the apparatus is also provided with means for generating energy from the rotational movement of one or more of the buoyant bodies. Energy may be generated from the rotational movement of the body by the method and assembly as hereinbefore described.
  • Figure 1 is a diagrammatical view of an apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention under the action from an incident wave;
  • Figure 2 is a diagrammatical cross-sectional view of an apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a diagrammatical cross-sectional view of an apparatus of a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view through the apparatus of Figure 3 along the line IV - IV;
  • Figure 5 is a diagrammatical cross-sectional view of an apparatus of a further embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 6 is a diagrammatical cross-sectional view of an assembly for generating energy from the vertical and rotational motion of a body under the action of a wave;
  • Figure 7 is a plan view of an elongate array of assemblies of Figure 6;
  • Figure 8 is a diagrammatical view of an apparatus of a further embodiment of the present invention .
  • FIG. 1 there is shown a cross sectional view of a portion of a body of water, such as the sea, generally indicated as 2, having a surface 4.
  • a wave 6 is propagating in the direction of the arrow A, that is from left to right as shown in Figure 1.
  • the surface 4 of the sea has a notional normal rest position, indicated by the horizontal line 4a, that is the position of the surface 4 when no waves are present. It can be seen that the wave 6 causes the actual surface 4 of the sea to move vertically between positions below the line 4a and above the line 4a.
  • An apparatus of one embodiment of the invention is shown floating at the surface 4 of the sea 2. Details of the apparatus 10 are described hereinafter.
  • the apparatus 10 comprises a vessel 12, holding a mass of water 14 that is free to move within the vessel but retained by the vessel wall.
  • a member 16 is disposed at the surface of the water 14 within the vessel and is pivoted so as to move with the surface of the water.
  • the vessel 12 is caused to rotate as the wave propagates beneath it.
  • the vessel 12 is caused to pitch first clockwise (the right hand apparatus, as viewed in Figure 1) as shown by arrow B, return to the horizontal position (the centre apparatus, as viewed in Figure 1), and pitch anticlockwise (the left hand apparatus, as viewed in Figure 1) as shown by arrow C.
  • the vessel 12 pitches in this manner, the water 14 within the vessel behaves differently.
  • the water 14 is biased by gravity and tends to stay in the position with its surface horizontal. This requires the vessel 12 to rotate with respect to the water 14.
  • this is the effect that dominates.
  • the water 14 may be initially displaced from its horizontal rest position under the action of the vessel pitching, as a result of friction between the water and the inner surface of the vessel 12. However, the water 14 quickly returns to a position with its surface horizontal, under the action of gravity, while the vessel remains displaced by rotation from its normal vertical orientation. The overall effect is to move the body of water 14 relative to the vessel 12. This relative movement is converted into energy, as described in more detail below.
  • FIG. 2 there is shown a diagrammatical cross-section of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, generally indicated as 102.
  • the apparatus 102 comprises a buoyant hollow vessel 104 having a generally circular shape when seen in plan view (not shown for clarity), an arcuate side wall 105 and flattened upper and lower walls 106, 108.
  • the apparatus 102 is shown floating in a body of water, for example seawater, having a surface 110.
  • the surface 110 of the water is shown as being flat.
  • the apparatus 102 is thus shown in its normally vertical orientation, which can be considered to be its position at rest.
  • a body of liquid 112 is retained in the vessel 104.
  • the liquid is water and is most conveniently drawn from the surround body of water.
  • a hole 114 in the lower surface 108 of the vessel 104 allows water to enter the vessel and fill or replenish the body of the water 112 and maintain the correct volume of water within the vessel 104.
  • a member in the form of a float 116 is mounted in the vessel by means of a central pivot assembly 118 and supports 120.
  • the float 116 is pivoted so as to be moveable in any transverse axis relative to the vessel 104. This allows the float 116 to maintain or, resume its horizontal position shown in Figure 2 when the vessel is rotated or tilted about a transverse axis, such as pitching or rolling, under the action of a wave.
  • a seal assembly 122 is disposed between the edge of the float 116 and the inner surface of the vessel 104 to prevent water from passing the edges of the float 116.
  • the radius of curvature of the side walls of the vessel 104 is such as to allow the float 116 to rotate about its pivot assembly 118.
  • the float 116 is hollow and comprises an upper cavity and a lower cavity.
  • the upper cavity of the float is filled with an expanded foam material, or may be empty.
  • the lower cavity is filled with liquid, again most conveniently water from the surrounding body of water.
  • the liquid present in the lower cavity of the float 116 provides the float with ballast, allowing it to more closely follow the movement of the body of liquid.
  • a hole 124 is provided in the lower surface of the float 116 to allow water to enter and fill the lower cavity.
  • Hydraulic rams 126 are connected between the float 116 and the upper wall 106. Movement of the float 116 relative to the vessel 104 operates one or more of the hydraulic rams 126, generating a flow of pressurised hydraulic fluid. This flow of pressurised fluid is used to drive a turbine (not shown for clarity) and generate electricity.
  • the apparatus 102 is further provided with a buoyant ring 128 mounted to the exterior of the vessel 104 around the side wall.
  • the ring 128 provides buoyancy to the apparatus and acts as a buffer to prevent damage to the vessel 104 in the event of a collision.
  • the ring 128, being disposed at the outermost region of the apparatus, resists any tendency of the vessel 104 to capsize and acts to right the vessel and maintain or return the vessel to the generally vertical orientation shown in Figure 2.
  • the vessel 104 is rotated and tilted under the action of a wave, as shown in Figure 1.
  • the body of water 112 and the float 116 acted upon by the water 112, tends to remain in the position shown in Figure 2, with the surface of the water 112 and the float 116 horizontal. If displaced as a result of friction with the vessel, the body of water 112 the float 116 quickly resumes this position.
  • the overall effect is that the action of the wave causes the float 116 to rotate about one or more transverse axes relative to the vessel 104, as indicated by arrows E. This in turn generates a flow of pressurised hydraulic fluid from the rams 126, which is in turn used to generate electrical energy.
  • the apparatus 202 comprises a generally conical vessel 204 having a circular form when seen in plan view, as shown in Figure 4.
  • the apparatus 202 is shown floating in a body of sea water having a surface 206.
  • the vessel has a flat floor 208, a frusto conical side wall 210 and a flat upper wall 212.
  • a central, generally circular baffle 214 is mounted in the centrally in the vessel.
  • the baffle 214 is spaced from the floor 208 and the side wall 210 to define therebetween a lower chamber 216 and an annular side chamber, divided into a plurality of compartments 218 by walls 220.
  • each compartment 218 is enclosed by a plate 222, having an aperture and a valve in the form of a flap 224 therein.
  • the flap 224 is pivoted to the plate 222 in such a manner as to be urged towards the plate and close the aperture in the event the liquid level in the compartment 218 is too high. This prevents liquid from entering the compartments and components located above the compartment 218.
  • An air flow annulus is provided above the compartments and is divided into a plurality of air flow chambers 226, formed by walls and plates.
  • Each compartment 218 has a corresponding air flow chamber 226 connected to each other by a respective vaWe 224.
  • the air flow chambers 226 extend around a central housing 228 in which is retained a turbine assembly 230 having blades 232.
  • the turbine assembly 230 is connected by a drive shaft 234 to a generator 236 mounted on the upper wall 212 of the vessel 204.
  • the uppermost portion of the interior of the vessel 204 comprises a pressure chamber 238.
  • a hollow tubular ring 240 extends around and is mounted to the external surface of the vessel 204 to provide buoyancy and act as a buffer.
  • the vessel 204 is tilted and rotated about a transverse axis by the action of incident waves.
  • the vessel 204 is pitched and/or rolled as shown in Figure 1.
  • water is caused to flow into one or more of the compartments 218 on one side of the vessel and to leave one or more of the compartments 218 on the opposing side.
  • the action of water entering a compartment 218 compresses the air within the compartment, which is caused to flow into the respective air flow chamber 226.
  • a system of valves passes the compressed air to the pressure chamber 238, from where it flows past the blades 232 of the turbine 230, causing them to rotate.
  • the action of water leaving a compartment 218 reduces the pressure of air in the compartment, drawing air out of the respective air flow chamber 226.
  • a system of valves (not shown for clarity) connects the air flow chamber 226 under reduced pressure to the interior of the central housing downstream of the turbine assembly 230, drawing air past the turbine blades 232 from the pressure chamber 238.
  • the arrangement is such that the tilting and rotation of the vessel 204 about any transverse axis will cause water to enter and leave different compartments 218, in turn forcing air to move past the turbine blades 232.
  • Rotation of the turbine is transferred to the generator 236 by the drive shaft 234, in turn generating electricity.
  • FIG. 5 there is shown a diagrammatical cross-sectional view of an apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention, generally indicated as 302.
  • the apparatus 302 is shown floating in a body of water having a surface 304.
  • the apparatus 302 comprises a generally rectangular tank 304 having a side wall 306 and a floor 308.
  • a support assembly 310 is mounted centrally within the tank, distanced from the side wall 306 and the floor 308. Water occupies the cavity defined between the support assembly 310 and each of the side wall 306 and the floor 308.
  • An annular baffle 312 extends in the annulus between the side wall 306 and the support assembly 310.
  • Upper and lower seals 314 and 316 are disposed between the side wall 306 and the support assembly 310 and the respective sides of the baffle 312.
  • a support 318 extends upwards from the support assembly 310.
  • a beam assembly 320 extends horizontally across the top of the support assembly 310 and is pivotally mounted to the support 318.
  • a connecting arm 322 extends from each of the beam assembly 320 to the baffle assembly 312. Each connecting arm 322 is pivotally connected at its respective ends to the beam assembly 320 and the baffle 312.
  • Hydraulic rams 324 extend from the beam assembly 320 to the support assembly 310. Operation of the hydraulic rams by relative movement between the beam assembly 320 and the support assembly 310 generates a flow of pressurised fluid, which in turn is used to drive an electrical generator (not shown for clarity).
  • a tubular ring 326 is mounted to the exterior of the side wall 306 of the vessel 304 and provides buoyancy and acts as a buffer.
  • FIG. 6 there is shown a cross-sectional diagrammatical view of an assembly according to the present invention for generating power from both the vertical and rotational movement of a body under the action of an incident wave.
  • the assembly generally indicated as 402 is shown disposed at the surface 404 of a body of water, such as sea water.
  • the assembly comprises a buoyant central support structure 406 held in an upright orientation by a ballast weight 408.
  • a ballast weight in this way renders the support structure 406 substantially immovable, relative to the buoyant arm assemblies, without the need for the structure to be firmly anchored or fixed to the seabed or the like.
  • the structure may be tethered, so that it is able to change orientation as the direction of travel of incident waves changes.
  • Buoyant arm assemblies 410 extend from opposing sides of the support structure 406.
  • the arm assemblies 410 are connected to the support structure 406 by a pivoted connection.
  • Hydraulic rams 412 extend between the support structure 406 and each arm assembly 410, such that movement of the arm in a vertical direction operates the ram to produce a flow of pressurised hydraulic fluid.
  • a buoyant assembly 414 is connected to the distal end of each arm assembly 410.
  • the buoyant assembly 414 is adapted to rise and fall vertically under the action of an incident wave.
  • vertical movement of the buoyant assembly 414 moves the respective arm assembly 410 in a vertical direction, as indicated by arrows G, in turn operating the respective hydraulic ram 412.
  • each arm assembly 410 and its respective buoyant assembly 414 allows the buoyant assembly to rotate and tilt under the action of the incident wave.
  • the buoyant assembly 414 is an apparatus as shown in any of Figures 2, Figure 3 and 4, or Figure 5, for generating energy from such rotational motion of the assembly.
  • FIG. 7 there is shown a plan view of an array of assemblies of the general type shown in Figure 6.
  • the array generally indicated as 502, comprises an elongate central support assembly 504 having a plurality of modules, each indicated as 506.
  • Each module 506 is of the general configuration shown in Figure 6 and described above and components common to both have been indicated using the same reference numerals. Reference is made to the description above relating to Figure 6 for a detailed understanding of the individual modules.
  • Angled braces 510 are pivotally connected between the distal end of each arm assembly 410 and the central support assembly 504 and help to retain the buoyant assemblies in alignment.
  • the assembly is arranged to extend with its longitudinal axis in line with the direction of travel of the incident waves, indicated by the arrow H.
  • the assembly is sufficiently long that it exceeds the length of one incident wave and, preferably, spans the length of two or more waves.
  • each of the buoyant assemblies 414 is raised and then lowered in succession.
  • the overall length of the assembly and the number of the buoyant assemblies is such that some buoyant assemblies will be moving vertically upwards, while others are moving vertically downwards. Overall, this reduces the net forces acting on the support assembly 504.
  • the support assembly 504 is preferably sufficiently flexible to accommodate the relative movement of the buoyant assemblies, but is subject to significantly reduced stresses, compared with a shorter structure.
  • FIG. 8 there is shown a diagrammatical cross-section of an apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention, generally indicated as 602.
  • the apparatus 602 is of the same general type as that shown in Figures 1 and 2, and comprises a buoyant vessel 604.
  • the vessel 604 is shown floating at the surface of a body of water.
  • the vessel 604 comprises a generally spherical hollow hull 606 having a generally spherical outer surface 608 and a generally spherical inner surface 610 defining a cavity 612 therein.
  • a mass of water is disposed in the cavity 612.
  • the surface of the water within the cavity 612 is substantially aligned with the surface of the body of water. However, this need not be the case and the surface of the water within the cavity 612 may be above or below the surface of the body of water surrounding the vessel.
  • the exterior of the vessel 604 is provided with a generally ring-shaped buffer 614 extending around the circumference of the vessel.
  • the buffer 614 is positioned on the vessel exterior so as to lie at or just above the surface of the body of water. In this way, incident waves act upon the buffer 614, in particular the lower surface of the buffer, in turn tipping and rotating the vessel 604.
  • the buffer 614 is buoyant, for example by construction or by being formed from a buoyant material.
  • a member 620 located at the surface of the water within the cavity.
  • the member 620 is generally disc-shaped and extends across the cavity, with a clearance being left between the edge of the member and the inner surface 610 of the hull 606.
  • the member 620 is mounted for rotation about at least one pivot 622.
  • Hydraulic pumps 624 are mounted between the member 620 and the hull
  • waves in the body of water approach the apparatus 602, impact the buffer 614 and cause the buffer and the vessel 604 to rotate, as indicated by arrows A.
  • the water in the cavity 612 moves freely over the inner surface 610 and generally remains in the position shown in the figure as the vessel rotates, that is with the surface of the water substantially horizontal.
  • the spherical inner surface of the hull significantly reduces the tendency of the liquid within the cavity to move with the hull and surge. This in turn keeps the member 620 in a substantially horizontal position, as shown in the figure.
  • the relative movement between the substantially stationary member and the rotating vessel hull is converted into energy by means of the hydraulic pumps and the generators.
  • the vessel is held in position at the surface of the body of water by a suitable means, for example by a tether or other similar device.
  • a single apparatus may be deployed at a particular location.
  • a plurality of apparatus may be arranged in an array at a single location, as may be required.
  • One particular advantage of the apparatus of the present invention is that the overall size of the apparatus may be varied, according to such factors as, the conditions at the intended location, the energy required to be generated and the number of units to be employed.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un appareil destiné à produire de l'énergie à partir des vagues, lequel appareil comprend : un récipient flottant possédant une orientation normalement verticale, capable de se déplacer, sous l'effet du mouvement d'une vague, depuis son orientation normalement verticale par rotation autour d'un axe autre qu'un axe vertical; un corps retenu par le récipient mais pouvant se déplacer par rapport à ce dernier, ledit corps possédant une première position correspondant à l'orientation normalement verticale du récipient, position vers laquelle il est sollicité sous l'effet de la gravité, le corps pouvant se déplacer par rapport au premier récipient afin de rester ou de retourner dans la première position lorsque le récipient se déplace par rapport à son orientation normalement verticale; et des moyens de production d'énergie, couplés de façon qu'ils produisent de l'énergie sous l'effet du mouvement relatif entre le récipient et le corps. De préférence, le corps est une masse de liquide qui est libre de s'écouler à l'intérieur d'une cavité dans le récipient.
PCT/GB2009/000221 2008-01-28 2009-01-27 Procédé et appareil permettant de produire de l'énergie à partir des vagues WO2009095651A1 (fr)

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GB0801503A GB2456833B (en) 2008-01-28 2008-01-28 Method and apparatus for generating energy from waves

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GB2456833A (en) 2009-07-29
GB0801503D0 (en) 2008-03-05
GB2456833B (en) 2010-06-23

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