WO2011047418A1

WO2011047418A1 - Hinge linkage for wave-powered energy generation

Info

Publication number: WO2011047418A1
Application number: PCT/AU2010/001377
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthew Morgan
Original assignee: Proteus Wave Power Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2009-10-19
Filing date: 2010-10-18
Publication date: 2011-04-28

Abstract

A wave-powered energy generation apparatus (10) includes two pontoons (12.1, 12.2) and a hinge linkage (14) between the pontoons (12.1, 12.2). The pontoons (12) are connected to each other end-to-end via the hinge linkage (14) to form an elongate articulated structure. The hinge linkage (14) has hinge formations to which the pontoons (12.1, 12.2) are hingedly connected. The hinge formations provide pivot axes (46, 48) about which the pontoons (12.1, 12.2) are hingedly displaceable. The pivot axes (46, 48) are at an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis (15) of the apparatus (10). The pivot axes (46, 48) are substantially in the same plane and angled relative to one another.

Description

HINGE LINKAGE FOR WAVE-POWERED ENERGY GENERATION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a hinge linkage. In particular, this invention relates to a hinge linkage of a surface-following wave-powered energy generation apparatus and to the surface-following wave-powered energy generation apparatus including the hinge linkage.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Worldwide there has been exponential growth in demand for energy. This demand is increasingly being satisfied by renewable energy sources as non-renewable energy sources are environmentally destructive and become expensive and depleted.

Ocean wave energy is one of the renewable energy sources showing an increase in commercial viability. Indeed a number of patent applications have been filed for apparatus which harness ocean wave energy. These include United States Patent Nos. 4077213, 4686377, 4048512, and United States Application No. 2006/0273593 (Yemm). Yemm describes a wave power apparatus comprising a plurality of pontoons and a hinge linkage between adjacent pontoons. The linkage units are arranged to permit pivoting between the pontoons and the linkage units. The linkage units have a first axis of rotation at a first end and a second axis of rotation at a second end. The first axis of rotation is orthogonal relative to the second axis of rotation. Power is then extracted from the articulating movement between the pontoons and the linkage units driving pistons substantially housed in the linkage units. The linkage units of Yemm do not allow relative rolling between the adjacent pontoons, so that power is not extracted from rolling forces acting on the wave power apparatus of Yemm.

The configuration of the pontoons and linkage units of a wave power apparatus is integral to the behaviour of the wave power apparatus in ocean swells. Different configurations are more efficient at extracting power from passing swells. Configuring the wave power apparatus to be as efficient as possible in a given ocean environment is also referred to as "tuning" the wave power apparatus. Engineers are constantly striving to find better configurations of the pontoons and linkage units to extract as much power as possible from ocean swells.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved hinge linkage for a wave-power energy generation apparatus and/or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a hinge linkage for an elongate wave-powered energy generation apparatus having a longitudinal axis, the hinge linkage connecting two pontoons of the wave-powered energy generation apparatus, the hinge linkage having hinge formations to which the pontoons are hingedly connected and the hinge formations providing at least one pivot axis about which one of the pontoons is hingedly displaceable, characterised in that the at least one pivot axis is at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a hinge linkage for a wave-powered energy generation apparatus, the hinge linkage connecting two pontoons of the wave-powered energy generation apparatus, the hinge linkage having hinge formations to which the pontoons are hingedly connected and the hinge formations providing pivot axes about which the pontoons are hingedly displaceable, characterised in that the pivot axes are substantially in the same plane or in parallel planes and angled at an acute angle relative to one another.

Preferably, both pivot axes are at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a wave-powered energy generation apparatus including:

two or more pontoons;

a hinge linkage connecting two of the pontoons, the hinge linkage having hinge formations to which the pontoons are hingedly connected, the hinge formations providing a different pivot axis about which each pontoon is hingedly displaceable, wherein the pivot axes are substantially in the same plane and angled at an acute angle relative to one another; a mooring point for mooring the wave-powered energy generation apparatus in a body of water; and

a power generation system which is powered by hinged displacement of the pontoons relative to the hinge linkage.

Preferably, the pontoons are connected in series to form an elongate articulated structure having a longitudinal axis, with the mooring point at one end of the articulated structure.

According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided wave-powered energy generation apparatus having a longitudinal axis, the wave-powered energy generation apparatus including at least two pontoons which are hingedly displacable relative to each other about a pivot axis which is at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal neutral axis.

According to still another aspect of the invention there is provided a pontoon of a wave-powered energy generation apparatus, the pontoon having a longitudinal axis and a complementary hinge formation providing a pivot axis about which the pontoon is hingedly displaceable relative to hinge linkage, wherein the pivot axis is at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the pontoon.

The invention extends to a wave-powered energy generation apparatus including the pontoon and the hinge linkage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, the preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, where:

FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of one embodiment of a wave-powered energy generation apparatus in accordance with the invention; FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic exploded view of part of the wave- powered energy generation apparatus of FIG. 1 , showing two pontoons with a hinge linkage in accordance with one embodiment of the invention located between the pontoons;

FIG. 3 shows a diagrammatic top plan view of the wave-powered energy generation apparatus of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 shows a diagrammatic side view of the wave-powered energy generation apparatus of FIG. 1 from the starboard side of the wave-powered energy generation apparatus;

FIG. 5 shows a diagrammatic side view of the wave-powered energy generation apparatus of FIG. 1 from the port side of the wave- powered energy generation apparatus;

FIG. 6 shows a diagrammatic exploded view of the hinge linkage between ends of adjacent pontoons of the wave-powered energy generation apparatus of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 7 shows a diagrammatic top view of the wave-powered energy generation apparatus of FIG. 1 , and specifically shows the hydraulic powered electricity power generation system of the wave-powered energy generation apparatus;

FIG. 8 shows a diagrammatic top view of another embodiment of a wave-powered energy generation apparatus in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 9 shows a diagrammatic top view of yet another embodiment of a wave-powered energy generation apparatus in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 10 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of part of the wave-powered energy generation apparatus of FIG. 9 and one example of its articulation under the influence of ocean swells;

FIG. 11 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of part of the wave-powered energy generation apparatus of FIG. 9 and another example of its articulation under the influence of ocean swells;

FIG. 12 shows a diagrammatic top plan view of another embodiment of a wave-powered energy generation apparatus in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 13 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of the wave- powered energy generation apparatus of FIG 12;

FIG. 14 shows a detailed view of a hinge linkage of the wave- powered energy generation apparatus of FIG 12 between ends of adjacent pontoons of the wave-powered energy generation apparatus;

FIG. 15 shows a diagrammatic exploded view of the hinge linkage and ends of adjacent pontoons of the wave-powered energy generation apparatus of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 shows a diagrammatic exploded top view of the hinge linkage between ends of adjacent pontoons of the wave-powered energy generation apparatus of FIG. 12;

FIG. 17 shows a detailed top view of the hinge linkage between ends of adjacent pontoons of the wave-powered energy generation apparatus of FIG. 12;

FIG. 18 shows a schematic perspective view of pontoons of the wave-powered energy generation apparatus of FIG. 12 hingedly displaced by a crest of a wave;

FIG. 19 shows a schematic perspective view of pontoons of the wave-powered energy generation apparatus of FIG. 12 hingedly displaced in a trough of a wave;

FIG. 20 shows a diagrammatic exploded view of another embodiment of a hinge linkage between the ends of pontoons; and

FIG. 21 shows a diagrammatic exploded view of another embodiment of a hinge linkage between the ends of pontoons of a wave- powered energy generation apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Elements of the invention are illustrated in concise outline form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary to understanding the embodiments of the present invention, but so as not to clutter the disclosure with excessive detail that will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present description.

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, one embodiment of a wave- powered energy generation apparatus in accordance with the invention, is designated generally by reference numeral 10. FIGS 1 to 5 show the apparatus 10 in a resting position where there is no ocean swell and hence no articulation of the apparatus 10.

The apparatus 10 comprises three pontoons 12.1 , 12.2, 12.3 (collectively referred to as pontoons 12) and a hinge linkage 14 between the pontoons 12. The three pontoons 12 comprise a fore pontoon 12.1, an aft pontoon 12.3, and a centre pontoon 12.2. The pontoons 12 are connected to each other end-to-end via the hinge linkages 14 to form an elongate articulated structure. The apparatus 10 has a longitudinal neutral axis 15 extending along the length of the apparatus 10 from a fore end 20 of the apparatus 10 to an aft end 22 of the apparatus 10. The longitudinal neutral axis 15 is also the longitudinal neutral axis for each of the pontoons 12.

The fore pontoon 12.1 has a mooring point 19 at a distal end of a mooring arm 16, for mooring the apparatus 10 in a large body of water such as the ocean. In the drawings, the mooring arm 16 is depicted as a cylindrical arm, but it must be appreciated that it may have any shape or configuration. The mooring point 19 is at the fore end 20 of the apparatus 10.

The centre pontoon 12.2 is generally arcuate-shaped in top plan view as shown in FIG. 3. The centre pontoon 12.2 has a concave side 30 and a convex side 32 also shown in the top plan view of FIG.3. The centre pontoon 12.2 comprises a number of cylindrical sections 13 which are adapted so that when the cylindrical sections 13 are fixed together, they make up the generally arcuate-shaped pontoon 12.2. The fore pontoon 12.1 and aft pontoon 12.3 are straight cylindrical. The pontoons 12 are round in cross-section, although the Applicant also envisages that they may be elliptical in cross section.

The apparatus 10 further includes a propulsion/stabilization formation in the form of a fin 26. The fin 26 is fixed to the centre pontoon 12.2. The fin 26 is in the form of a projecting plate which is optionally retractable. The fin 26 is positioned intermediate between the opposite ends of the centre pontoon 12.2, on the concave side 32 of the pontoon 12.2. In use, the fin 26 is below the ocean surface. Rolling of the pontoon 12.2 causes the fin 26 to move in a finning motion, thereby driving the pontoon 12.2 in a direction bringing the convex side 30 of the pontoon 12.2, face-on with the impinging waves. The fin 26 also stabilises the centre pontoon 12.2.

The hinge linkages 14 each comprise a buoyant member 40 and hinge formations in the form of spaced collars 42 fixed at sides of the member 40. The member 40 is generally wedge-shaped. As such, the member 40 has a sharp end 41 and a broad end 43 and converging sides 44 between the sharp end 41 and broad end 43. The member 40 is not symmetrical but is shaped to continue the profile of the curve of the arcuate-shaped centre pontoon 12.2. The collars 42 are fixed to the sides 44. The collars 42 at each side define pivot axes 46 and 48, respectively, between the collars 42. The pivot axes 46, 48 are in the same plane but angled relative to one another. The axes 46, 48 are each angled at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal neutral axis 15.

Referring to FIG. 3, the axes 46 are at an angle of 50° to the neutral axis 15 and the axes 48 are at an angle of 60° to the longitudinal neutral axis 15. The angles described are only one example of typical angles which may be elected for the axes 46,48. The angles are elected so that the pontoons 12 articulate in a desired manner relative to each other as waves pass under the apparatus 10. The angles may thus be chosen for a specific ocean environment, depending on factors such as average swell amplitude and frequency. The pontoons 12 and hinge linkages 14 are arranged and configured so that the pivot axes 46,48 of each hinge linkage 14 are in the same flat plane. The pivot axes 46,48 of both hinge linkages 14 are in a common flat plane. The plane of the pivot axes 46,48 is generally horizontal in the resting position of the apparatus 10 in calm water.

The pontoons 12 and hinge linkages 14 are arranged and configured so that the sharp ends 41 of the members 40 are at the convex side 30 of the centre pontoon 12.2 and similarly the broad ends 43 are at the concave side 32 of the centre pontoon 12.2.

The pontoons 12 have complementary hinge formations in the form of axles 50 at their ends which connect to the hinge linkages 14. The axles 50 extend through power take-off housings 52. The axles 50 are rotatably captured by the housings 52. As such, the centre pontoon 12.2 has axles 50 at either end thereof, and the pontoons 12.1 and 12.3 have axles 50 at their ends proximate the centre pontoon 12.2. Referring to FIG.2, the axles 50 at either end of the centre pontoon 12.2 define an axis 54 which is parallel to the pivot axes 48 of the hinge linkages 14. The axes 54 are angled at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal neutral axis 15. The axles 50 of the pontoons 12.1 and 12.2 each define an axis 56 which corresponds with the pivot axes 46 of the hinge linkages 14. The axes 56 are angled at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal neutral axis 15. The axles 50 are received in the collars 42 of the hinge linkages 14. The axles 50 are fixed in the collars 42 in an arrangement wherein the axles 50 are unable to rotate in the collars 42.

FIG. 6 shows the power take-off mechanism 60 within the power- take-off housing 52 (not shown in FIG. 6). The power take-off mechanism 60 comprises a cam 62 and two hydraulic pistons 64, 66. The cam 62 is fixed to the axle 50. As mentioned, the axle 50 is rotatably captured by the power-take-off housing 52. The cam 62 rocks as the pontoons 12.1 and 12.2 articulate about the pivot axes 46,48. The pistons 64,66 are fixed to the cam 62 at one end and to the pontoons 12 at the other end in an arrangement wherein the pistons 64,66 are pumped as the cam 62 rocks. The pistons 64, 66 power the electricity power generation system 18 as described with reference to FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 shows the apparatus 10 including a hydraulic powered electricity power generation system 18. The power generation system 18 comprises the pistons 64,66, hydraulic lines 70, a hydraulic fluid accumulator 72, a hydraulic motor 74 and an electric power generator 76. The pistons 64,66 are connected to the hydraulic fluid accumulator via the hydraulic lines 70. The pistons 64,66 pressurise the hydraulic fluid in the accumulator 72 as they are pumped during articulating movement of the pontoons 12 relative to the hinge linkages 14. The accumulator 72 is connected to the hydraulic motor 74. The pressurised hydraulic fluid in the accumulator 72 drives the motor 74. The motor 74 has a driven axle which drives the electric generator 76, thereby to generate electricity. The accumulator 72, motor 74 and generator 76 are located centrally within the centre pontoon 12.2. Electricity generated by the electric generator 76 can be tapped by running electric cables from the electricity generator 76 to a point onshore.

With reference to FIG. 8, another embodiment of a wave-powered energy generation apparatus, in accordance with the invention, is designated generally by reference numeral 100. The apparatus 100 is similar to the apparatus 10, with the only difference being that the pontoons 112 and hinge linkages 114 of the apparatus 10 are configured so that the sharp ends 116 of buoyant members 118 of the hinge linkages 114 point in opposite directions. Features of the apparatus 100 which are the same or similar to features of the apparatus 10 are referenced by the same or similar reference numerals.

With reference to FIG. 9, yet another embodiment of a wave- powered energy generation apparatus, in accordance with the invention, is designated generally by reference numeral 200. The apparatus 200 is similar to the apparatus 100, with the only difference being that the buoyant members 240 of the apparatus 200 are longer in a direction from side 244 to side 244 than the buoyant members 118 of the apparatus 100. The Applicant envisages that the buoyant members 240 may be dimensioned to act as pontoons. Features of the apparatus 200 which are the same or similar to features of the apparatus 10 are referenced by the same or similar reference numerals. ln use, the apparatus 10, 100, 200 are moored in the ocean in order to generate power from passing ocean swells. The centre pontoon

12.2 tends to pitch and roll with passing ocean waves. One of the advantages of having the pivot axes 46, 48 angled at an acute angle relative to the longitudinally neutral axis 15 (as opposed to being square with the longitudinally neutral axis 15) is that it promotes rolling of the centre pontoon 12.2 and thus increased relative hinged displacement between the pontoons 12, which maximises the power generated from the passing ocean swells. The axes 46, 48 also allow the pontoons 12.1 and 12.3 to stay on even keel (no rolling) while the centre pontoon 12.2 rolls.

FIG.10 shows hinged displacement of the pontoon 12.1 and buoyant member 240 about the pivot axis 46, and simultaneous rolling of the centre pontoon 12.2, under the influence from the trough of an ocean swell. In FIG.10 there is no hinged displacement of the centre pontoon 12.2 relative to the buoyant member 240. The pontoon 12.1 pivots 4.5° about the pivot axis 46 from the resting position. The buoyant member 240 also pivots 4.5° about the pivot axis 46 from the resting position, so that the combined pivoting displacement of the pontoon 12.1 relative to the buoyant member 240 about the pivot axis 46 is 9°. To keep the pontoon 12.1 from rolling when the pontoon 12.1 and buoyant member 240 pivot the 9° relative to each other, the centre pontoon 12.2 has to roll 3 ° in a clockwise direction as depicted.

FIG.11 shows hinged displacement of the pontoon 12.2 and buoyant member 240 about the pivot axis 48, and simultaneous rolling of the centre pontoon 12.2, under the influence of a crest of ocean swell. In FIG.11 there is no hinged displacement of the pontoon 12.3 relative to the buoyant member 240. The centre pontoon 12.2 pivots 4.5° about the pivot axis 48 from the resting position. The buoyant member 240 also pivots 4.5° about the pivot axis 48 from the resting position, so that the combined pivoting displacement of the centre pontoon 12.2 relative to the buoyant member 240 about the pivot axis 46 is 9°. To keep the pontoon

12.3 from rolling when the centre pontoon 12.2 and buoyant member 240 pivot the 9° relative to each other, the centre pontoon 12.2 has to roll 2° in a clockwise direction as depicted.

FIG's. 12 and 13 show a surface-following wave-powered energy generation apparatus 300 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 300 comprises five pontoons 302.1 , 302.2, 302.3, 302.4 and 302.5 (collectively referred to as pontoons 302). The pontoons 302 are connected end to end. Two of the pontoons 302.2 and 302.4 are arcuate-shaped. The arcuate-shaped pontoons 302.2 and 302.4 are interposed between straight cylindrical pontoons 302.1 , 302.3 and 302.5. The pontoons 302 are hingedly connected to each other by hinge linkages 304. The apparatus 300 has a longitudinal neutral axis 305. The longitudinal neutral axis 305 is also the longitudinal neutral axis for each of the pontoons 302.

One of the hinge linkages 304 is shown in more detail in FIG's 14 to 17. FIG's 14 and 17 show the hinge linkage 304 in an assembled condition connecting ends of adjacent pontoons 302.1 and 302.2. FIG's 15 and 16 show exploded views of the hinge linkage 304 between ends of adjacent pontoons 302.1 and 302.2.

The hinge linkage 304 comprises a ball-shaped hub 306, two axles 308, 310 and a protrusion 312. The axles 308,310 extend through the hub 306.

The axle 308 has a pivot axis A. The axle 310 has a pivot axis B. The pivot axes A, B are in the same plane and angled relative to one another. The pivot axes A, B intersect in the hub 306. The protrusion 312 projects from the hub 306 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the pivot axes A,B.

The pontoon 302.1 has a curved collar arm 320 at its end 322. The collar arm 320 includes two opposite collars 324, 326. A pivot axis A' extends between the collars 324, 326. The pivot axis A' is at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal neutral axis 305 of the pontoon 302.1. The axle 308 of the hinge linkage 304 is journaled in the collars 324, 326 in the assembled condition shown in FIG's 14 and 17. The pivot axes A, A' are coincident in the assembled condition. The pontoon 302.1 is hingedly displaceable about the pivot axis A, A'.

The pontoon 302.2 has a curved collar arm 330. The collar arm 330 includes two opposite collars 334, 336. A hole 338 is formed in the collar arm 330 through which the axle 308 extends in the assembled condition shown in FIG's 14 and 17. A pivot axis B' extends between the collars 334, 336. The pivot axis B' is at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal neutral axis 305 of the pontoon 302.4. The axle 310 of the hinge linkage 304 is journaled in the collars 334, 336 in the assembled condition shown in FIG's 14 and 17. The pivot axes B, B' are coincident in the assembled condition. The pontoon 302.2 is hingedly displaceable about the pivot axis B, B'.

The apparatus 300 includes two pairs of hydraulic pistons 340, 342 at each hinge linkage 304. The pistons 340,342 are stroked by hinged displacement of the pontoons 302 about the pivot axes A, B. The pair of pistons 340 has one end fixed to the protrusion 312 of the hinge linkage 304 and the other end fixed to a formation 344 on the collar arm 330 of the pontoon 302.2. The pair of pistons 340 extend at a right angle to the pivot axis B.

The pair of pistons 342 has one end fixed to the protrusion 312 of the hinge linkage 304 and the other end fixed to a formation 346 on the collar arm 320 of the pontoon 302.3. The pair of pistons 342 extend at a right angle to the pivot axis A.

The pair of pistons 340, 342 are compressed or expanded as the case may be, by hinged displacement of the pontoons 302 about the pivot axes A, B.

FIG. 18 shows the pontoons 302.1 and 302.2 hingedly displaced about the hinge linkage 340 when the hinge linkage 340 is at a crest of a wave. The pair of pistons 342 are stroked by the wave action displacing the pontoons 302.1 and 302.2. It will be appreciated that the pontoon 302.2 rolls due to its curved shape, which contributes to the hinged displacement of the pontoons relative to each other. FIG. 19 shows the pontoons 302.1 and 302.2 hingedly displaced about the hinge linkage 340 when the hinge linkage 340 is at a trough of a wave. The pair of pistons 342 are now expanded and the pair of pistons 340 are compressed by the wave action displacing the pontoons 302.1 and 302.2. Rolling of the pontoon 302.2 works synergistically with pivot axes A, B to capture the optimum amount of energy from ocean swell conditions.

The apparatus 300 is the same as the apparatus 10 in that the pivot axes A,B are angled relative to each other and angled relative to the longitudinal axis 305.

FIG. 20 shows another embodiment of a hinge linkage 400. The hinge linkage 400 is similar to the hinge linkage 304 of the apparatus 300.

The hinge linkage 400 comprises a ball-shaped hub 406, two axles 408, 410 and a protrusion 412. The axles 408,410 extend through the hub 406. The axle 408 is spaced above the axle 410. The axle 408 has a pivot axis A in a flat plane. The axle 410 has a pivot axis B also in a flat plane. The plane of the pivot axis A is parallel to the plane of the pivot axis B, with the two planes spaced from each other. The distance "x" of spacing between the two planes of the axes A,B is indicated by arrows . The pivot axes A,B are in parallel planes and angled relative to one another. The pontoons 302.1 and 302.2 of FIG 20 are the same as the pontoons of FIG's 12 to 19.

FIG. 21 shows yet another embodiment of a hinge linkage 504. The hinge linkage 504 is shown located between ends of pontoons 502.1 , 502.2 of a wave-powered energy generation apparatus 500. The hinge linkage 504 comprises two axles 508, 510 which extend through solid cylinders 512, 514. The axle 508 has a pivot axis A and the axle 510 has a pivot axis B.

The pontoon 502.1 has a collar arm 520 at its end 522. The collar arm includes a collar 524. An opposite collars 526 is formed in the body of the pontoon 502.1. A pivot axis A' extends between the collars 524, 526. The collars 524,526 have holes 528 in which opposite ends of the axle 508 of the hinge linkage 504 is received. The pivot axes A, A' are coincident when the axle 508 is journaled between the collars 524, 526. The pivot axis A' is at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal neutral axis 506 of the pontoon 502.1. The axle 508 of the hinge linkage 504 is journaled in the collars 524, 526 in an assembled condition (not shown). The pontoon 502.1 is hingedly displaceable about the pivot axis A, A'.

The end 532 of the pontoon 502.2 is similar to the end 522 of the pontoon 502.1. The pontoon 502.2 includes a collar arm 530 and two opposite collars 534, 536 which define a pivot axis B' between them. The pivot axis B' is at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal neutral axis 506 of the pontoon 502.2. Opposite ends of the axle 510 of the hinge linkage 504 is journaled in the collars 534, 536 in as assembled condition (not shown). The pontoon 502.2 is hingedly displaceable about the pivot axis B, B'.

The angled configuration of the pivot axes of the present invention provides optimized articulation between pontoons to generate power in ocean swell conditions.

The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this patent specification is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

Claims

1. A hinge linkage for an elongate wave-powered energy generation apparatus having a longitudinal axis, the hinge linkage connecting two pontoons of the wave-powered energy generation apparatus, the hinge linkage having hinge formations to which the pontoons are hingedly connected and the hinge formations providing at least one pivot axis about which one of the pontoons is hingedly displaceable, characterised in that the at least one pivot axis is at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

2. The hinge linkage of claim 1 , wherein the hinge formations provide two pivot axes which are angled relative to each other.

3. The hinge linkage of claim 2, wherein the pivot axes are substantially in the same plane or in parallel planes.

4. A hinge linkage for a wave-powered energy generation apparatus, the hinge linkage connecting two pontoons of the wave-powered energy generation apparatus, the hinge linkage having hinge formations to which the pontoons are hingedly connected and the hinge formations providing pivot axes about which the pontoons are hingedly displaceable, characterised in that the pivot axes are substantially in the same plane or in parallel planes and angled at an acute angle relative to one another.

5. The hinge linkage of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the pivot axes are substantially in the same plane.

6. A wave-powered energy generation apparatus including:

two or more pontoons; a hinge linkage connecting two of the pontoons, the hinge linkage having hinge formations to which the pontoons are hingedly connected, the hinge formations providing pivot axes about which the pontoons are displaceable, characterised in that the pivot axes are substantially in the same plane or in parallel planes and angled at an acute angle relative to one another; and

a power generation system which is powered by hinged displacement of the pontoons.

7. The wave-powered energy generation apparatus of claim 6, wherein the wave-powered energy generation apparatus is elongate having a longitudinal axis and at least one of the pivot axes is at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

8. The wave-powered energy generation apparatus of claim 6 including a mooring point for mooring the wave-powered energy generation apparatus in a body of water.

9. The wave-powered energy generation apparatus of claim 6, wherein the pontoons are connected in series to form an elongate articulated structure, with the mooring point at one end of the articulated structure.

10. The wave-powered energy generation apparatus of claim 6, wherein at least one of the pontoons are substantially curved.

11. The wave-powered energy generation apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one substantially curved pontoon has a concave side and a convex side.

12. An elongate wave- powered energy generation apparatus having a longitudinal axis, the wave-powered energy generation apparatus including at least two pontoons which are hingedly displaceable relative to each other about a pivot axis which is at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

13. The wave- powered energy generation apparatus of claim 12 having two pivot axes between the at least two pontoons, wherein the pivot axes are substantially in the same plane or in parallel planes and at an acute angled relative to one another.

14. An elongate pontoon of a wave- powered energy generation apparatus, the pontoon having a longitudinal axis and a complementary hinge formation providing a pivot axis about which the pontoon is hingedly displaceable, characterised in that the pivot axis is at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the pontoon.

15. The hinge linkage of claim 1 , wherein the hinge linkage comprises a buoyant member with the hinge formations located at sides of the buoyant member.

16. The hinge linkage of claim 15, wherein the buoyant member is generally wedge-shaped having converging sides and the hinge formations are located on converging sides of the buoyant member.

17. The hinge linkage of claim 1 , wherein the hinge linkage comprises a hub and hinge formations in the form of axles projecting from the hub.