WO2019043477A1

WO2019043477A1 - Device assembly for harvesting energy from ocean wave oscillation and method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2019043477A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/055846
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nitin Kadam
Original assignee: Nitin Kadam
Priority date: 2017-08-31
Filing date: 2018-08-03
Publication date: 2019-03-07

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a device assembly for harvesting energy from ocean wave oscillation and method thereof. The device assembly includes at least one wave oscillation absorber column comprising at least one flexible diaphragm and at least one flexible bellow, whereby the at least one wave oscillation absorber column further coupled to at least one oscillator ram and the at least one oscillator ram further connected to at least one wave absorber buoy, which is further configured to a floating structure to obtain relative oscillation between the floating structure and oscillator ram for producing pumping action of fluid by contraction and expansion of the at least one flexible bellow and the at least one flexible diaphragm. The device assembly further includes a floating structure connected to the at least one wave oscillations absorber column, whereby the floating structure further connected to a mounting structure, which is configured to mounted on a submersible vessel and a fluid column container is inter-connected to a reservoir tank via pressure head port with the assistance of a reservoir header, whereby the reservoir tank further mounted on the floating structure at an elevated potential head relative to the at least one wave oscillation absorber column. The device assembly further includes an energy convertor comprising of a fluid turbine coupled with an electric generator further resulting in an electrical energy generated by means of the at least one absorber buoy, which is exposed to the oscillations of wave.

Description

"DEVICE ASSEMBLY FOR HARVESTING ENERGY FROM OCEAN WAVE

OSCILLATION AND METHOD THEREOF"

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present disclosure relates to the field of a device for producing electricity by conversion of the mechanical energy captured from waves in a water body. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a device assembly for harvesting energy from ocean wave oscillation and method thereof, which comprises a wave oscillation absorber column, a floating structure, a potential head reservoir and an energy convertor.

BACKGROUND

[002] Conventionally various apparatus have been developed and implemented to harvest wave energy. The various wave energy harvester types, include, Point Absorber type (Viz. Archimedes Wave swing), Attenuator type (Viz. Pelamis Wave Power) and terminator type (Viz. Oscillating Water Column). There are several methodologies known in the art for tapping energy from the ocean and these methods can be broadly divided into thermal, tidal and wave techniques. The scope of wave energy harvesting devices can again be sub-divided into on-shore and off-shore devices.

[003] Conventionally, the off-shore power devices tap the energy from ocean waves using an oscillating water column type device. Efforts to tap the seemingly unlimited energy available through harvesting of ocean waves have proven to be difficult. Large scale efforts to tap energy from the ocean continue to be hampered by high energy costs and low energy densities. It is estimated that the energy cost per kW from ocean energy with conventional technologies is around 20 cents/kWh. Hence the ocean wave oscillating frequency is very less and leads to low frequency inefficient energy harvesting.

[004] In the light of aforementioned discussion there exists a need of a device assembly and method that would ameliorate or overcome the above mentioned disadvantage. BRIEF SUMMARY

[005] The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding to the reader. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure and it does not identify key/critical elements of the invention or delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts disclosed herein in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[006] A more complete appreciation of the present invention and the scope thereof can be obtained from the accompanying drawings which are briefly summarized below and the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments.

[007] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a device assembly for harvesting energy from ocean wave oscillation and method thereof.

[008] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the device assembly includes at least one wave oscillations absorber column comprising at least one flexible diaphragm and at least one flexible bellow, whereby the at least one wave oscillations absorber column further coupled to at least one oscillator ram and the at least one oscillator ram further connected to at least one wave absorber buoy, which is further configured to oscillate and allow oscillations relative to a floating structure for producing pumping action of fluid by contraction and expansion of the at least one flexible bellow and the at least one flexible diaphragm.

[009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the assembly further includes a floating structure connected to the at least one wave oscillations absorber column, whereby the floating structure further connected to a mounting structure, which is configured to be mounted on a submersible vessel.

[010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the assembly further includes a fluid column container, which is inter-connected to a reservoir tank via pressure head port with the assistance of a reservoir header, whereby the reservoir tank further mounted on the floating structure at an elevated potential head relative to the at least one wave oscillations absorber column.

[Oi l] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the assembly further includes an energy convertor comprising of a fluid turbine coupled with an electric generator further resulting in an electrical energy generated by means of the at least one absorber buoy, which is exposed to the oscillation of wave.

[012] An objective of the present disclosure is directed towards an efficient wave energy harvesting assembly for high density fluid (density greater than air viz, water), which is used as an energy transfer medium for energy generation.

[013] Another objective of the present disclosure is directed towards the assembly that doesn't require mooring the apparatus on the sea bed and increases the life of the assembly

[014] Another objective of the present disclosure is directed towards enabling a constant flow of fluid, which may be achieved with the assistance of reservoir tank for providing efficient energy extraction.

[015] Another objective of the present disclosure is directed towards direct transfer of wave energy motion with minimal losses achieved via an intermediate rigid oscillator and the flexible bellow or flexible diaphragm on the fluid, which is followed by bellow or diaphragm pumping action.

[016] Yet, another objective of the present disclosure is directed towards an assembly, which may be maneuvered to any location for optimal energy harvesting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[017] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals have been used to designate like elements, and wherein:

[018] FIG. 1A is a diagram depicting a wave oscillations absorber column, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[019] FIG. IB is a diagram depicting a diaphragm type of wave oscillations absorber column, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[020] FIG. 1C is a diagram depicting a bellow type wave oscillations absorber column, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[021] FIG. ID is a perspective view of an ocean wave oscillations energy harvester assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[022] FIG. IE is a diagram depicting an interconnection of an ocean wave oscillation energy harvester assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[023] FIG. IF is a device assembly of an ocean wave oscillations energy harvester, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[024] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram depicting a method for harvesting ocean wave oscillation energy, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[025] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. [026] The use of "including", "comprising" or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Further, the use of terms "first", "second", and "third", and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.

[027] Referring to FIG. 1A is a diagram 100a, depicting a wave oscillations absorber column, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 100a includes a fluid column container 102, an oscillator ram 104a and a wave absorber buoy 106a. The fluid column container 102 contains a high density fluid for facilitating energy transfer. The fluid column container 102 may be further divided into two sections 102a, and 102b, referred as a pressurizing section 102a and a refilling section 102b separated via a converging shape profile construction and a unidirectional port 114. The refilling section 102b is enclosed with a cover plate 108 and which is open position for refilling the port 112. The pressurizing section 102a encloses a high density fluid with the assistance of flexible bellow 124 (as shown in FIG. IB) or flexible diaphragm 116 (as shown in FIG. IB) and backing ring 120 (as shown in FIG. 1C). The oscillator ram 104a connected to the wave absorber buoy 106a.

[028] Referring to FIG. IB and FIG. 1C are diagrams 100b and 100c, depicting a flexible diaphragm and a flexible bellow types of wave oscillations absorber column, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The wave oscillation absorber column 100a includes the flexible diaphragm 116 (as shown in FIG. IB) and the flexible bellow 124 (as shown in FIG. 1C). The flexible diaphragm 116 or flexible bellow 124 is coupled with an oscillator ram 104a arranged concentrically with a linear bearing or guide bush 122, which is further mounted on wave absorber holder 118. The oscillator ram 104a is further connected to the wave absorber buoy 106a in the form of a ball and socket mechanism. The oscillator ram 104a and the wave absorber buoy 106a are further configured to allow oscillations relative to a floating structure 126 (as shown in FIG. ID) for producing pumping action of fluid by contraction and expansion of the flexible diaphragm 116 and the flexible bellow 124. [029] Referring to FIG. ID is a perspective view lOOd of an ocean wave oscillation energy harvester assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The wave oscillation energy harvester assembly lOOd includes multiple wave oscillation absorber columns 100a- 100η, a floating structure 126, mounting structures 128a- 128n and multiple submersible vessel 130a-130n. The multiple wave oscillations absorber columns 100a-100n is connected to the floating structure 126. The floating structure 126 is further connected to the mounting structures 128a-128n which is configured for mounting on multiple submersible vessels 130a-130n. The pressurizing section of the fluid column container 102a is inter-connected via pressure head port 110 to a reservoir tank 132 with the assistance of a reservoir header 136 and inter connecting tube 138a. The reservoir tank 132 is mounted on the floating structure 126 at an elevated potential head relative to the wave oscillation absorber column 100a-100n and an energy convertor 142.

[030] As shown in FIG. ID, the energy convertor 142 consists of the fluid turbine 144, which is coupled with an electric generator 146 for energy conversion of fluid kinetic energy into electric energy by means of the multiple absorber buoys 106a-106n, which is exposed to the oscillation of wave 148 (as shown in FIG. IF). The fluid flow from the reservoir tank 132 to the fluid turbine 144 is achieved via interconnecting tube 138b. The fluid exit from the fluid turbine 144 turbine is directed to the fluid column container 102 placed at a lower potential with respect to the fluid turbine 144 via inter connecting tubes 140a-140b. The fluid column container 102, potential head reservoir 134 and the fluid turbine 144 forms a closed loop via inter connecting tubes 138a- 138b and 140a- 140b. The interconnection of the ocean wave oscillations energy harvester assembly is shown in FIG. IE.

[031] Referring to FIG. IF is a diagram lOOf, depicting a device assembly for an ocean wave oscillation energy harvester, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The device assembly lOOf may be placed on the surface of ocean 148 for producing electricity by means of the multiple absorber buoys 106a- 106n, which is exposed to the oscillations of wave 148. [032] Referring to FIG. 2 is a flow diagram 200, depicting a method for harvesting ocean wave oscillation energy, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The method starts at step 202 by operating a wave absorber buoy with an oscillating ram moves vertical up and drops down due to the vertical oscillation of waves or gravity. The method continues to next step 204 by compressing a flexible diaphragm or flexible bellow leads to pumping action of the fluid inside the wave oscillation absorber column due to the wave absorber buoy moves up.

[033] As shown in FIG. 2, the method continues to next step 206 by expanding the flexible diaphragm or flexible bellow leads to refilling of fluid in the wave oscillation absorber column container via unidirectional port due to the wave absorber buoy falls down. The method continues to next step 208 by pumping the fluid from the higher potential head to a fluid turbine due to the potential energy. The method continues to next step 210 by generating the electrical energy by the fluid turbine is coupled to an electric generator which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

[034] Although the present disclosure has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments and illustrations thereof, other embodiments and modifications to preferred embodiments may be possible that are within the principles and spirit of the invention. The above descriptions and figures are therefore to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive.

[035] Thus the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and sub combinations of the various features described herein above as well as variations and modifications thereof, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A device assembly for an ocean wave oscillation energy harvester, comprising:

at least one wave oscillations absorber column comprising at least one flexible diaphragm and at least one flexible bellow, whereby the at least one wave oscillations absorber column further coupled to at least one oscillator ram and the at least one oscillator ram further connected to at least one wave absorber buoy, which is further configured to allow oscillations relative to a floating structure for producing pumping action of fluid by contraction and expansion of the at least one flexible bellow and the at least one flexible diaphragm; a floating structure connected to the at least one wave oscillation absorber column, whereby the floating structure further connected to a mounting structure, which is configured to be mounted on a submersible vessel; a fluid column container, which is inter-connected to a reservoir tank via pressure head port with the assistance of a reservoir header, whereby the reservoir tank further mounted on the floating structure at an elevated potential head relative to the at least one wave oscillation absorber column; and an energy convertor comprising of a fluid turbine coupled with an electric generator further resulting in an electrical energy generated by means of the at least one absorber buoy is exposed to the oscillation of wave.

2. The device assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one wave oscillation absorber column referred as a fluid column container, which further contains a high density fluid for facilitating transfer of energy.

3. The device assembly of claim 1, wherein the fluid column container further divided into two sections referred as a pressurizing section: and a refilling section which are separated via a converging shape profile construction and a unidirectional port.

4. The device assembly of claim 1 , wherein the pressurizing section further encloses a high density fluid with the assistance of at least one flexible diaphragm or flexible bellow and a backing ring.

5. The device assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one oscillator ram further arranged concentrically with a linear bearing or guide bush mounted on a wave absorber holder.

6. The device assembly of claim 1, wherein the fluid container, the potential head reservoir and the fluid turbine are formed as a closed loop via inter connecting tubes.

7. The device assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one wave absorber buoy is in the form of a ball and a socket mechanism.

8. The device assembly of claim 1, wherein the fluid flow from the reservoir to the fluid turbine is achieved via inter connecting tube.

9. A method for harvesting an ocean wave oscillation energy, comprising: operating at least one wave absorber buoy with at least one oscillator ram moves vertical up and drops down due to the vertical oscillation of waves or gravity; compressing at least one flexible diaphragm or flexible bellow leads to pumping action of the fluid inside at least one wave oscillation absorber column due to the at least one wave absorber buoy moves up; expanding the at least one flexible diaphragm or flexible bellow leads to refilling of fluid in the at least one wave oscillation absorber column container via unidirectional port due to the at least one wave absorber buoy falls down; pumping the fluid from the higher potential head to a fluid turbine due to the potential energy; and generating the electrical energy by the fluid turbine is coupled to an electric generator which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.