Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
290042000 | Tide and wave motors | 70 |
20080197631 | WAVE-POWER SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING ENERGY AT CONSTANT ROTATIONAL SPEED AT VARIABLE SIGNIFICANT WAVE HEIGHTS AND PERIODS - A wave energy conversion system or device is provided which includes a hull that serves as a float, moving up and down with incoming waves. The power take-off system contained within the hull comprises a longitudinal main rotary shaft upon which a series different diameter sets of dual same-diameter pinions interact with the main rotary shaft through their corresponding freewheels. This interaction only allows the main rotary shaft to rotate in only one direction. A fork-like rod system member that is either fixed directly to a base on the seabed or to a supporting underwater taut moored floating platform. This fork-like rod system member has an alternate rod in permanent contact with each pinion (two rods per each set of dual same-diameter pinions). The device also is capable of self-adjusting its mechanical properties and orientation to take into account the predominant wave frequency and direction over a period of time in a practical way to provide continuous, or multiple level, tuning of the system and is self-orienting for maximum and minimum energy absorption depending on sea conditions. | 08-21-2008 |
20080197632 | Air-blower tidal power generation device - An air-blower tidal power generation device includes a rack, an air-blower mechanism, and a power generation mechanism. The air-blower mechanism includes a pumping device, a buoy, and an air conduit. The pumping device includes a cylinder and a stationary barrel movably coupled together. The power generation mechanism includes a constant-pressure and pressure-regulation device and a power generator having an air-driven turbine. Thus, tides move the buoy up and down to drive the pumping device for cyclically drawing and pumping air, and the air is preserved in the constant-pressure and pressure-regulation device to provide a constant pressure for subsequent and stable supply of airflow to the turbine for driving the power generator to generate power. | 08-21-2008 |
20080217919 | Renewable energy wave air pump - In addition to generating power at cost of 0.66 per KWH from a renewable energy source, with minimum pollution and minimum land use, the REWAP system provides four novelties; The First novelty is the REWAP flared bottom to maximize wave energy extraction, and transferring it to ((a)) compressed air, the Second novelty is providing constant power output by feeding the compressed air into the air inlet of a turbo-generator and adding fuel as needed to heat the air to make up the balance of needed power output from the turbo-generator, irrespective of wave height, the third novelty is lack of moving parts, therefore; long plant life and negligible maintenance are achieved, the fourth novelty is a Free Floating Break Water Structure, providing shore line protection without interfering with marine life or obstructing scenic views. | 09-11-2008 |
20080224472 | System for producing electricity through the action of waves on floating platforms - A system and method for producing electricity through the action of waves on floating platforms. The hydraulic force of the water in the waves causes the platform to create a series of reverse incline planes. The system adjusts or tunes the frequency of various components in relation to the natural frequency of the waves. The system has a mass carried on a track that moves relative to the track to create kinetic energy. One feature is to have the track and the mass tuned to the hull. Another feature is to tune the track and mass and the hull relative to the waves to increase power generated. In addition, the system has a microprocessor in one embodiment, that takes input related to waves, the mass, and the floating platforms and actively tunes parameters to increase the power generated. As a mass moves down the reverse incline planes, it gains mechanical energy, which is then converted into electrical energy. | 09-18-2008 |
20080246280 | Generating system by using the sea power - A generating system includes an outer wall unit having an outlet conduit, an inner wall unit spaced from the outer wall unit, a receiving channel located between the outer wall unit and the inner wall unit to receive salt water of the sea to deliver the salt water to the outlet conduit, and a generating unit including a plurality of generating watermills driven by a flowing power of the salt water. The salt water directly flows from the receiving channel to the outlet conduit to drive and rotate the generating watermills so as to provide a generating function. Thus, the generating system is mounted on the sea coast to form an oceanic trench to collect the salt water of the sea to provide a generating function to produce an electric energy by using the natural resource. | 10-09-2008 |
20090066085 | Energy Transformation Device - This invention is a device for transforming the energy of water waves into useable energy. The device comprises two or more floats, structural members connecting the floats, a means for transferring torque, and one or more generators. | 03-12-2009 |
20090127856 | System and method for converting ocean wave energy into electricity - A system and method for harnessing power associated with ocean waves and converting that power into electricity. The apparatus is a buoy that houses a vertically oriented central shaft, a pendulum, a generator mechanism, and other components that synergistically operate to optimize power output of the buoy. Both the load on the pendulum and the effective length of the pendulum may be varied in response to changing environmental conditions. Also, the buoy may be part of a network that shares environmental data and a series of best tuning responses to that data, across the network. A library of environmental data and associated tuning responses is built at a central location and shared across the network. | 05-21-2009 |
20090152867 | SELF-SUSTAINING ELECTRIC POWER GENERATING SYSTEM - A self-sustaining electrical power generating system includes a spring system that stores stored energy, the spring system having an input for recharging the stored energy and an output for releasing the stored energy, wherein the spring system generates a monitor signal based on a status parameter of the spring system and wherein the spring system releases the stored energy in accordance with an output control signal. A generator converts the stored energy of the spring system into electric power. A spring recharge module recharges the stored energy of the spring system in response to a recharge control signal. A control module generates the recharge control signal and the output control signal, based on the monitor signal. | 06-18-2009 |
20090212562 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TIDAL POWER GENERATION - A tidal power generation system incorporates a buoy tethered to a first cable with a power generation spool engaging the first cable for rotational motion upon extraction of the cable by the buoy during elevation increases of the water on which the buoy is riding. An electrical generator is connected to the power generation spool and a rewinder for the power generation spool reels in the cable during receding water elevation. A gear drive interconnects the power generation spool and electrical generator with a gear reduction in certain embodiments for increasing generator rotational speed. The rewinder uses a rewind spool connected to the power generation spool and engaging a second cable for counter-rotational motion. A mechanical energy storage device is connected to the second cable. A suspended weight provides energy storage in the first embodiment while a spring attached to a fixed anchor point provides energy storage in an alternative embodiment. | 08-27-2009 |
20090243293 | CONVERSION OF OCEAN WAVE ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL POWER - Devices and methods for capturing electrical energy from ocean and other waves at improved cost and efficiency are presented. The major innovations include capturing energy in two vectors simultaneously and connectedly, new applications of Bernoulli's principle, and an application of the breaker effect. The invention presents devices using related principles for use in surface and subsurface waves, and the placing of the devices in the water and wave farms. The full system of wave capture includes many connected parts and power generators. | 10-01-2009 |
20090322080 | INSTALLATION AND METHOD FOR HARNESSING WAVE ENERGY - Installation for harnessing wave energy, comprising a floating structure ( | 12-31-2009 |
20100025993 | WAVE ENERGY HARNESSING DEVICE - A hydrokinetic device having a water surface float tethered to a submerged buoyant housing is provided with mechanisms for optimizing the amount of wave energy extracted from the waves by the device. Based on wave conditions, the optimization functionalities include controlling the depth of the housing to produce wave shoaling or storm avoidance, as well as to perform continuous phase control and load control for the purpose of matching the response frequency of the device to the frequency of the incident waves. | 02-04-2010 |
20100045035 | Nautical Torque Technology - Nautical torque tidal movement technology provides systems, apparatus and methods for producing nautical torque tidal movement electrical power generation from tidal movement. A system provides for producing electrical power utilizing an arrangement of power generating devices electrically interconnected and operating independently to receive kinetic energy from the movement of water, and to convert energy utilizing a plurality of 1800 RPM accelerator gear boxes mechanically coupled to a large particle of mass traveling at a rate of substantially 1 foot per hour in a substantially vertical direction coupled to one or more torque conversion units. Apparatus and methods further include various configurations of power generating devices, torque conversion units, accelerator gearing boxes, and drive arms that are coupled to a large particle of mass that is a minimum of 200 million tons. Systems and methods also include a nautical torque landlocked design. | 02-25-2010 |
20100059999 | Sea Floor Pump Tailrace Hydraulic Generation System - A small or medium size hydraulic generation plant with a steel shell is placed on the sea floor of the stronger tidal/ocean current site. It is added an air hose to get the fresh air, and an entrance for the technician entering, at out side, the plant is connected with three tidal speed meters, a sea floor cable, an inland remote supervision and control center and a group of tailrace pipe of which the branch pipes of which the branch pipes are connected with a tidal/ocean turbine pump farm. | 03-11-2010 |
20100066084 | A METHOD AND A WAVE-POWER AGGREGATE TO EXTRACT ENERGY FROM WAVE MOTION IN A FLUID... - The present invention relates to a wave-power aggregate and a method of extracting energy from wave motion in a liquid by means of a wave-power aggregate. The wave-power aggregate comprises a container which is situated at least partially in the liquid and also comprises an inflow and an outflow. The container is arranged to, under the influence of said wave motion, to let a first part of the container arrange itself in a first position and a second part of the container in a second position, where the first and second position corresponds to different potential energy states. The method comprises the steps of:
| 03-18-2010 |
20100123313 | WAVE ENERGY CONVERTER - A wave energy converter has a shell, a pendulum pivotally positioned in the shell, a magnet thereon, a variable inductor positioned in the shell, a pendulum adjustor for changing a center of gravity of the pendulum, a motion sensor positioned in the shell, a position sensor connected to the pendulum, a rotation sensor connected to the pendulum, and a controller connected to the motion sensor and the position sensor and the rotation sensor. The pendulum has a magnet thereon. The magnet of the pendulum oscillates adjacent the variable inductor. The variable inductor can adjust the inductive capacity. | 05-20-2010 |
20100148504 | Advanced wave energy converter control - A wave energy converter (WEC) system includes first and second bodies which can move relative to each other in response to waves and a power-take-off (PTO) device coupled between the two bodies to convert their relative motion into energy. A sensor is used to sense selected characteristics of an incoming wave and produce signals which are applied to a control computer for predicting the impact of the incoming waves on the WEC. Simultaneously, signals indicative of the actual conditions (e.g. the velocity) of the WEC are also supplied to the control computer which is programmed to process the predicted and actual information in order to generate appropriate signals (forces) to the components of the WEC such that the average wave power captured by the PTO is maximized. | 06-17-2010 |
20100213710 | Direct drive rotary wave energy conversion - An apparatus and method for converting wave energy using the relative rotational movement between two interconnected float assemblies and the relative rotational movement between each of the float assemblies and a spar which extends from a connection with the float assemblies at the water surface into the water. | 08-26-2010 |
20100219633 | Energy conversion and optimization device and methods - Devices and methods that convert kinetic energy into electricity comprising a structure responsive to the kinetic energy, a rod extending through the structure; and an electromagnet positioned in the structure, and at least partially surrounding a portion of the rod, wherein the electricity is generated in the rod when the electromagnet rises and falls along the rod in response to the kinetic energy, wherein a magnetic field generated by the electromagnet has a varying strength that is modified according to the amount of kinetic energy to maximize the electricity generated. | 09-02-2010 |
20100230964 | Adaptive Nacelle Support Systems, and Methods, for Wave Energy Conversion - A system and method for supporting a wave-energy generation device that features an adaptive floating platform, which under computer control, can autonomously adjust at least one of its design elements in order to increase or decrease the responsiveness of the floating wave-energy support system to varying wave-energy conditions. By, thereby, being able to tune the wave-energy support platform for varying wave conditions, a greater amount of power can be produced from a wave energy conversion generator selected to be compatible with the adaptive floating platform. | 09-16-2010 |
20100230965 | System and method for generating electricity using grid of wind and water energy capture devices - A system for maintaining buoyant, energy-capture devices in general relative position in water in the presence of surface waves allows heeling of the energy capture devices while preventing collision. The system includes a grid of structural members that resists compression while permitting limited relative surface displacement between the first and second energy-capture devices. The structural members may be partially compressible and provide a restoring force, and they may allow heeling. Electricity from wave energy capture devices is combined in a way that smoothes variations inherent in wave action. Electricity from wind energy capture devices is combined with energy from wave energy capture devices for transmission to shore. | 09-16-2010 |
20100270797 | WAVE ENERGY APPARATUS - In a wave energy apparatus vertical movement of a float suspended in a body of water drives a power generator. Motion of the float is controlled by taking advantage of the movement of water on the upper surface of the float body. The upper surface can be used to generate hydrodynamic forces acting downwardly against the upward forces acting on the lower surface of the float body, effectively damping its movement in the presence of waves that might otherwise provoke undesirably large vertical movement of the float. The movement of water onto the upper surface can be controlled by adjusting the depth at which the float is suspended. | 10-28-2010 |
20100308583 | Apparatus for receiving and transferring kinetic energy from water waves - A floatable surface vessel comprises a vessel hull having a circular sector-shaped cross-section and a ballast filling with a controllable position of a centre of mass disposed remote from the circular centre and adapted to come into resonance with rocking action of water waves being induced a rocking motion of the hull about the circular centre and a frame being supported on the hull for rotation about the circular centre to be isolated from the rocking. | 12-09-2010 |
20100314871 | Environmental electrical generator - An electricity generator having variable capacitors that each includes a repeatedly stretched and relaxed sheet ( | 12-16-2010 |
20100320759 | Method and apparatus for ocean energy conversion, storage and transportation to shore-based distribution centers - A fleet of vessels attached together longitudinally (rows), and transversely (columns) and operating in unison convert wave energy to electrical energy which is stored in either a chemical or electrical form. The vessels when detached from the fleet provide transportation to coastal or by navigable waterway ports of call for distribution to market centers. Both wind wave and swell wave energy conversion is performed by use of the differential motion between the vessels. Means are provided for the energy conversion systems to adapt to changes in wave direction, wave length, amplitude, and phase. Such vessels are self powered for off shore or inland waterway navigation, either singularly or in multiples, with which to deliver energy to other sea going vessels or to land based ports of call. Two or more of such vessels are capable of using the energy of waves during the delivery process. The fleet can maintain a designated geographical location by dynamic positioning. Alternatively, the fleet may maintain its designated position by moorage of a designated centrally located vessel in the fleet to a permanent anchoring system when operating at appropriate depths. | 12-23-2010 |
20110025056 | ELECTRIC POWER GENERATING SYSTEM - An electrical power generating system includes a spring system that stores stored energy, the spring system having an input for recharging the stored energy and an output for releasing the stored energy, wherein the spring system generates a monitor signal based on a status parameter of the spring system and wherein the spring system releases the stored energy in accordance with an output control signal. A generator converts the stored energy released by the spring system into electric power. A spring recharge module recharges the stored energy of the spring system in response to a recharge control signal, based on a supplemental source of power. A control module generates the recharge control signal and the output control signal, based on the monitor signal. | 02-03-2011 |
20110031747 | VARIABLE LIQUID COLUMN OSCILLATOR USING WAVE ENERGY - Disclosed is a variable liquid column oscillator using wave energy in which an energy absorption mechanism of a wave energy apparatus tunes vibration characteristics responding to waves to a vibration cycle of waves to maximize energy absorption efficiency. | 02-10-2011 |
20110042949 | TUNED ROLLING WAVE ENERGY EXTRACTOR - An apparatus for extracting wave energy may include a watercraft, a pendulum and an energy converter. The watercraft may be configured to roll in response to wave action and may have roll characteristics that are tunable to characteristics of the wave action. The pendulum may be supported by the watercraft to enable the pendulum to swing in response to the wave action. An energy converter may be configured to convert the relative movement of the pendulum and watercraft into electrical energy. The pendulum may also be tunable to characteristics of the wave action. | 02-24-2011 |
20110089689 | Dynamically Tuned Wave Energy Converter - A wave energy converter comprises a pitching floating vessel and means for converting the pitching motion to electrical power. | 04-21-2011 |
20110089690 | DEVICE FOR CONVERTING WAVE ENERGY INTO USEABLE ENERGY, PARTICULARLY ELECTRICAL ENERGY, AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - The invention relates to a device ( | 04-21-2011 |
20110187101 | System for Producing Energy Through the Action of Waves - A system and method for generating energy from tuning the natural frequency of masses relative to a ground plane and an external force. In some embodiments the external force is the action of the waves. The system has a first mass movable relative to the ground plane, wherein the external force induces an oscillation in the first mass relative to the ground plane. A second movable mass is carried by and movable relative to the first movable mass. The second movable mass creates kinetic energy as the result of varying the position of the second movable mass relative to the first mass. The system adjusts or tunes the frequency of various components in relation to the natural frequency of the waves. The energy created by the relative motion can be converted to various forms of energy including electrical energy. | 08-04-2011 |
20110187102 | Energy System - An ocean wave energy system is for generating power from ocean waves. The system comprises wall components defining one or more channels for guiding propagation of ocean waves therealong. Each channel has a first end for receiving the ocean waves and a second end remote from the first end. A float arrangement is disposed along each of the one or more channels between its first and second ends. Moreover, the float arrangement being arranged in size to progressively absorb energy from the ocean waves commencing with longest wavelength components in the waves and finishing with shortest wavelength components in the waves. The ocean wave energy system is capable of extracting energy efficiently and conveniently from ocean wave motion. | 08-04-2011 |
20110254270 | Wave gear drive -WGD - The Wave Gear Drive, WGD system is a new method for directly converting sea wave energy to mechanical drive using wave undulations and a buoyant float directly acting on a spiral spring or rack and pinion or power pulley system to drive a rotary or reciprocating water pump that pumps a small quantity of water to a high head, collect it and feed it directly or in conjunction with a water reservoir on top of the offshore WGD system supporting structure, to a hydro turbo generator to generate leveled electric power covering the full wave cycle duration and transmit it to the shore using power and control cables laid at the sea bed, or to drive a polyphase generator to generate electric current, control and condition it to operate in parallel, and transmit it to shore using power and control cables laid at the sea bed; in addition to ebb/tide turbo generators and wind turbo generators that are part of the offshore REWGD system which provides access platform for the wind turbines for ease of construction and maintenance; and provides a break water system. | 10-20-2011 |
20110254271 | Tidal Turbine System - A tidal flow turbine system has a rotor and turbine blades attached at a fixed attitude with respect to the rotor and extending outwardly from the rotor. The stagger angle of the blades, tip speed ratio, or other blade parameters is such that over the in-service operational speed range of the turbine, over a lower range of rotational or tidal flow speeds, increased speed results in increased axial loading on the turbine, but at higher speed range above a predetermined threshold, axial loading on the turbine does not increase. | 10-20-2011 |
20110278843 | Deep Water Power Generation System and Apparatus - A system for generation of power using an apparatus in deep water is disclosed. The system includes a ballast buoy configured to achieve a desired depth in the deep water, a substantially vertical hollow tube attached to the ballast buoy that is submerged under water when the ballast buoy achieves the desired depth in the deep water, and a converter for converting the physical environment created in the substantially vertical hollow tube by placement of the ballast buoy at the desired depth in the deep water. | 11-17-2011 |
20110285128 | WAVE ENERGY CONVERTER - A wave energy converter has a shell, a pendulum pivotally positioned in the shell, a magnet thereon, a variable inductor positioned in the shell, a pendulum adjustor for changing a center of gravity of the pendulum, a motion sensor positioned in the shell, a position sensor connected to the pendulum, a rotation sensor connected to the pendulum, and a controller connected to the motion sensor and the position sensor and the rotation sensor. The pendulum has a magnet thereon. The magnet of the pendulum oscillates adjacent the variable inductor. The variable inductor can adjust the inductive capacity. | 11-24-2011 |
20110291412 | Sea wave turbine speed control - A valve that controls the speed of a turbine that is moved by an oscillating air column. This turbine's speed is constantly being compared with the constant output of a digital oscillator. The deference between this two is an error voltage that is amplified and applied to the servomotor. That will increase or decrease the air flow to meantime the speed of the turbine constant and in phase with the digital oscillator. This valve is placed between the input of the turbine and the output of the pressure chamber or the oscillating air column. | 12-01-2011 |
20110316276 | POWER CAPTURE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A wave power capture system, comprises a fluid transfer conduit for connection to a wave energy conversion device such that, in operation, the wave energy conversion device pressurizes fluid in the fluid transfer conduit in response to wave motion; a turbine apparatus arranged to receive fluid from the fluid transfer conduit; at least one sensor for sensing pressure and/or flow rate of the fluid; a variable opening valve for controlling the rate of flow of fluid from the fluid transfer conduit to the turbine apparatus; a controller for controlling operation of the variable opening valve in dependence upon the pressure and/or flow rate of the fluid sensed by the sensor and/or the speed of rotation of the turbine apparatus; and an electrical power generation system for obtaining electrical power from operation of the turbine apparatus. | 12-29-2011 |
20120001427 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR HARVESTING ENERGY FROM OCEAN WAVES - A method and device for generating electricity from ocean waves. The device includes at least one magnetostrictive element and one or more electrically conductive coils or circuits. When the magnetostrictive element is deployed in a body of water, the motion of the body of water, including wave motion, causes changes in the strain of the magnetostrictive element. The electrically conductive coil or circuit is within the vicinity of the magnetostrictive element. A corresponding change in magnetic field around the magnetostrictive element generates an electric voltage and/or electric current in the electrically conductive coil or circuit. | 01-05-2012 |
20120091709 | HYDRAULIC WAVE ENERGY CONVERTER WITH VARIABLE DAMPING - A wave energy converter has a shell, a pendulum pivotally positioned in the shell, a pump linked to the pendulum and operable by a movement of the pendulum so as to pump a hydraulic fluid outwardly therefrom, a motor interconnected to the pump such that the hydraulic fluid from the pump causes a rotation of the motor, and an electrical generator connected to the motor such that the rotation of the motor causes the electrical generator to produce electrical energy. A pendulum adjuster can be operatively connected to the pendulum so as to change a center of gravity of the pendulum. | 04-19-2012 |
20120119493 | Electrical Power Generating System - An electrical system for generating electrical energy from the wave motion in a body of water includes a lower tower disposed in a body in a body of water and an adjustable upper portion rising upwardly above the surface of the body of water. A rotateable fuselage includes a floating base fixed to the upper portion of the tower and rotateable about a vertical axis for facing into the wind. A downwardly extending arm is fastened to the fuselage and moves back and forth in response to wave motion. The system also includes a mechanism for raising and lowering the fuselage to accommodate tidal changes. In addition, the forward and backward motion of the downwardly projecting arm rotates a pair of generators for generating electrical energy and transmitting it to a land station. | 05-17-2012 |
20120119494 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR HARVESTING ENERGY FROM OCEAN WAVES - A method and device for generating electric power from ocean waves is described. The device includes at least one magnetostrictive element and at least one buoy. When the buoy is deployed in a body of liquid subject to wave motion, the buoy remains partially submerged during normal wave motion. The buoy is coupled to the magnetostrictive element to continuously exert a varying force on the magnetostrictive element during the normal wave motion. | 05-17-2012 |
20120175877 | ENHANCED METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE OUTPUT OF A HYDROELECTRIC TURBINE GENERATOR - There is described a method for controlling the output of a tidal hydroelectric turbine generator from a remote location, with the need for control circuitry to be housed local to the generator. The rotational speed of the turbine, and consequently the output power level of the generator, is controlled by varying the transmission line voltage of the submarine power cable connecting the off-shore turbine with an on-shore substation. | 07-12-2012 |
20120193914 | POWER CAPTURE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A wave power capture system, comprises a fluid transfer conduit for connection to a wave energy conversion device such that, in operation, the wave energy conversion device pressurizes fluid in the fluid transfer conduit in response to wave motion; a turbine apparatus arranged to receive fluid from the fluid transfer conduit; at least one sensor for sensing pressure and/or flow rate of the fluid; a variable opening valve for controlling the rate of flow of fluid from the fluid transfer conduit to the turbine apparatus; a controller for controlling operation of the variable opening valve in dependence upon the pressure and/or flow rate of the fluid sensed by the sensor and/or the speed of rotation of the turbine apparatus; and an electrical power generation system for obtaining electrical power from operation of the turbine apparatus. | 08-02-2012 |
20120248769 | Tuned Rolling Wave Energy Extractor - An apparatus for extracting wave energy may include a watercraft, a pendulum and an energy converter. The watercraft may be configured to roll in response to wave action and may have roll characteristics that are tunable to characteristics of the wave action. The pendulum may be supported by the watercraft to enable the pendulum to swing in response to the wave action. An energy converter may be configured to convert the relative movement of the pendulum and watercraft into electrical energy. The pendulum may also be tunable to characteristics of the wave action. | 10-04-2012 |
20120286508 | OFFSHORE SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING REGENERATIVE ENERGY - An offshore system for producing regenerative energy, including a system of electrical water power energy converters, a system of wind energy plants, a system of hydrodynamically acting auxiliary elements, the hydrodynamically acting auxiliary elements being set up to influence, in a targeted manner, ocean waves and/or ocean currents with regard to their energy at the positions of the electrical water power energy converters and/or of the wind energy plants, in particular through interference. | 11-15-2012 |
20120313373 | CONTROLLER FOR PENDULUM TYPE WAVE-POWER GENERATING APPARATUS - The present invention provides a controller for a pendulum type wave-power generating apparatus. Electric power produced by wave-power generation has been pointed out as being of low efficiency and more expensive than wind-power generation. To overcome the above problems, the present invention uses resonance and impedance matching of the sea waves, thus making it possible to markedly enhance the efficiency of wave-power generation. The present invention does not use a wave-height meter which is generally expensive and controls the generating apparatus in response to variation of the conditions of the sea, thus automatically maintaining the resonance and impedance matching operation, thereby making high-efficiency operation possible. As a result, the cost of the wave-power generation can be reduced, so that the wave-power generation can be widely commercialized. | 12-13-2012 |
20130015659 | Tidal Turbine SystemAANM Ayre; RichardAACI HaverfordwestAACO GBAAGP Ayre; Richard Haverfordwest GB - A tidal flow energy generation system has tidal turbine generators and a controls system for controlling operation of the one or more tidal turbine generators and a flow determination device for determining variations in the flow at a distance from a respective turbine generator. The control system operates using input from the flow determination device to predict change in flow characteristics on course to impact on the turbine generators, such that an operational parameter of the turbine generator may be varied by the control system. The control system operating such that control of the turbine generator may be varied in response to input into the control means from the flow determination means. In this way, the system can operate to vary operation of the (or each) turbine generator in order to compensate for loading variations that will impact upon the turbine generator, the loading variations are predicted based upon the variations determined by the determination means. This reduces the risk of fatigue failure. | 01-17-2013 |
20130033039 | BALANCE WAVE ENERGY-ELECTRICITY GENERATION SYSTEM - An electric generator is described capable of producing electricity by leveraging the periodic roll movement of a floating vessel or ship through the actuation of mobile weights induced by said movement. Said movement is leveraged through the action of said weights upon hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical mechanisms in charge of transforming the mechanical energy generated into electrical energy in order to distribute it to shore via an underwater cable. | 02-07-2013 |
20130113211 | Submergable sloped absorption barrier wave energy converter - An ocean wave energy converter uses one or more buoyant elongated float(s) self orienting toward oncoming wave fronts and movably affixed to a motion stabilized controlled buoyancy frame by down sloping tracks constraining the wave induced motion of the float(s) to an upward and rearward motion as oncoming wave crests impact and lift the barrier(s) and downward and forward as subsequent wave troughs return it. Motion between the barrier(s) and the frame is resisted and energy captured by a programmable electric or hydraulic power take off system. Capture efficiency is further enhanced by adjusting float mass and buoyancy by controlling water entering or exiting cavities in the float(s), use of wave shoaling and focusing means, and adjusting the submerged depth and slope angle of the device with adjustable frame air-water ballast tanks which also allow total float submergence during severe sea states. | 05-09-2013 |
20130147193 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A MACHINE LOCATED IN CHOPPY WATERS - A method for operating a machine located in choppy waters, in particular a wave energy converter, for converting energy from a wave movement of a fluid into another form of energy includes determining measurement variables at a first, relatively early time, and calculating a variable characterizing a wave movement expected at a second, later time on the basis of the determined measurement variables. | 06-13-2013 |
20130161948 | Processing signals produced by variable and cyclical energy sources - An electric generator driven by a source of variable energy produces at its output an alternating current (AC) output voltage and current which is converted via controllable active switching circuitry into a direct current (DC) voltage which is stored in an energy storage element. Power losses are associated with the active switching circuit and the AC to DC conversion. The power available at the output of the generator can be determined. If the available power is less than the power losses the controllable switching circuitry is disabled. | 06-27-2013 |
20130229011 | WAVE POWER GENERATION DEVICE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - Provided is a wave power generation device improved in power generation efficiency and a method of controlling the same, the wave power generation device generating electric power by extracting energy from a wave. The wave power generation device includes: a wave sensor configured to measure the waveform; a position sensor configured to measure a position of a float relative to a column; a drive mechanism configured to apply an external force to the float; and a controller configured to control the drive mechanism. The controller is configured to calculate a speed at which the float is to be controlled to move, from values of the wave sensor and the position sensor, and to control the drive mechanism in such away that the float moves at the calculated speed. | 09-05-2013 |
20130334816 | Method for Operating a Wave Energy Converter for Converting Energy from a Wave Motion of a Fluid into another Form of Energy - A method for operating a wave energy converter for converting energy from a wave motion of a fluid into another form of energy, wherein the wave energy converter has a lever arm, which is mounted so as to be rotatable about a rotor rotational axis and bears a coupling body and an energy converter which is coupled to the rotatably mounted lever arm, includes controlling a rotational speed of the lever arm about the rotor rotational axis such that, averaged over time over one revolution, it corresponds to an orbital speed of the wave motion, and controlling the rotational speed of the lever arm such that an angle between a tangential speed of the coupling body and of a local flow rate of the wave motion about the coupling body deviates at maximum by a predefinable value of 90°. | 12-19-2013 |
20130341921 | SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING ENERGY THROUGH THE ACTION OF WAVES - A system and method for generating energy from tuning the natural frequency of masses relative to a ground plane and an external three. In some embodiments the external three is the action of the waves. The system has a first mass movable relative to the ground plane, wherein the external force induces an oscillation in the first mass relative to the ground plane. A second movable mass is carried by and movable relative to the first movable mass. The second movable mass creates kinetic energy as the result of varying the position of the second movable mass relative to the first mass. The system adjusts or tunes the frequency of various components in relation to the natural frequency of the waves. The energy created by the relative motion can be converted to various forms of energy including electrical energy. | 12-26-2013 |
20140035283 | TIDAL CURRENT POWER GENERATOR - The present invention relates to a tidal current power generator. In the tidal current power generator, tidal current flows in a concentrated manner into a power generation module for generating electrical energy using the flow of tidal current, in order to increase the speed of the tidal current. Thus, the amount of electrical energy generated by the power generation module may be improved to achieve highly efficient performance. Also, the range of locations in which the power generation module may he installed is significantly expanded in order to increase the electrical generation using tidal current. Since the power generation module is integrally assembled and then refloated in order to install same on the bottom of the sea, the power generation module may be easily installed as well as easily repaired and maintained. | 02-06-2014 |
20140042744 | ACCURATE BOUYANCY CONTROL IN POOLS,LAKES AND OCEAN AND MAINTAIN FREQUENCY GENERATING ELECTRICAL POWER - Buoyancy force can provide a large lifting force with little energy, but it requires a control system. In the present invention position control system is designed and implemented to keep the body with the load at a reference position or to control speed of ascent of the load, in the present invention the designed combination of buoyancy with ascent tuning control parameters operated repeatedly whereby to generate AC electrical power with aid of buoyancy in pool, lake and ocean continuously, the present invention is a buoyancy and gravity control mechanism which comprised of rigid unit to a fix size or collapsible accordion vinyl skirt bellow capsule chamber, therefore several methods that can be developed to take advantage to overcome the enormous torque at the gearbox to turn the generator to generate AC current for rural villages large business and supply the grid 24/7 continuously. | 02-13-2014 |
20140084586 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING A DEVICE FOR CONVERTING WAVE ENERGY TO ELECTRICAL ENERGY - The invention is a method of converting wave energy into electrical energy using a device comprising a moving device cooperating with an electric motor which oscillates with respect to the motor under the action of the waves. | 03-27-2014 |
20140097617 | Multi-Capture Mode Wave Energy Converter With Submergible Float - An ocean wave energy converter (WEC) uses one or more buoyant elongated float(s) mechanically linked to a motion-stabilized, controlled-submergence depth frame by either swing or lever arms or down-sloping tracks defining and orienting the motion of the floats relative to the frame to capture both heave and surge wave energy forces. The submerged depth of the frame and attached float(s) is adjusted for optimal wave energy capture or submerged sufficiently to fully submerge the float(s) during severe sea conditions. The elongated float's compliant wave-impacting forward wall combined with total submergence during severe sea states allows the elongated float(s) to self-orient parallel to oncoming wave fronts to intercept and capture maximum wave energy per unit of WEC volume, weight and cost. | 04-10-2014 |
20140197637 | WAVE POWER GENERATION DEVICE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - A wave power generation device which eliminates addition of an adjustment mechanism relating to a change in a mass or a shape to a float and an external sensor such as a wave meter and can improve power generation efficiency by synchronizing a vertical movement of the float with all the wave periods while a manufacturing cost of the wave power generation device is suppressed and a method of controlling the same are provided. | 07-17-2014 |
20140210207 | SENSOR ARRANGEMENT FOR A TIDAL GENERATOR - This invention relates to a generator arrangement, including: a generator located within a flow passage wherein the flow passage has an inlet and an outlet, and the generator includes at least one contra-rotating blade arrangement which is configured to be rotated about a principle axis of the generator by a flow of liquid in the flow passage, and wherein the at least one blade has an adjustable pitch; an array of sensors located downstream of the blade arrangement for detecting the outlet flow conditions; a controller for determining the outlet flow conditions on the basis of conditions sensed by the sensor array; and, a pitch control system for adjusting the pitch of the at least one blade so as to affect the flow conditions at the outlet of the flow passage. | 07-31-2014 |
20140252766 | SHAPE CHANGING WAVE ENERGY CONVERTER - A wave energy converter is described that can change shape to mechanically tune itself to change the amount of water that the converter pushes up and down. In effect, the wave energy converter employs variable virtual added mass to tune the wave energy converter to the waves, thereby increasing the energy extraction from the waves. The shape change or variable virtual added mass type system can be employed on any type of wave energy converter including, but not limited to, point absorber wave energy converters. | 09-11-2014 |
20140284925 | Tidal Stream Generator - A generating apparatus for generating electrical power from a horizontal water flow comprises a fixed hub on a support structure and a power wheel arranged for rotation about a vertical axis about the hub. The power wheel includes rotor vanes adapted to cause rotation of the power wheel when the power wheel is subject to a substantially horizontal water flow. One or more generators are provided on the hub to produce electrical power output from rotation of the power wheel relative to the hub. A shroud is rotationally mounted on the hub and arranged to cover at least some of the rotor vanes of the power wheel, so that the water flow is concentrated on the rotor vanes on one side only of the power wheel. A directional controller holds the shroud in a predetermined rotational position relative to the hub dependent on the direction of the water flow. | 09-25-2014 |
20150028589 | UNDERWATER POWER GENERATOR WITH DUAL BLADE SETS - A power generation apparatus for generating power from water flows is described. The power generation apparatus includes: a generator; a first blade set operatively mounted to the generator for rotation in a selected direction in response to flowing water from a selected direction; a second blade set operatively mounted to the generator for rotation and operatively connected to the first blade set, the second blade set being disposed coaxially with, and downstream of or in a wake zone of, the first blade set; wherein the generator is adapted to be driven by at least one of the blade sets, the generator being disposed generally coaxially between the first and second blade sets. | 01-29-2015 |
20150035279 | Wave energy conversion system - The Wave Energy Conversion System is a fresh or salt water wave induced land based system to convert wave action into circular power for compressed air, water pump, hydraulic oil pump and/or by attaching same to one or more high voltage generators. The system is capable of extracting tremendous power from minimal water movement, transferring same into a rotation system, with multiple high speed storage controlled regulatory loading systems utilizing the intense power. Having a greater reliability and longer range of stored and smooth power time, it does not rely on direct sun or wind but the longer lasting term effects of same on water. The system has the flexibility to be protected from periodic damaging waves, quick disconnects in the eventuality of hurricanes, ease of maintenance/repairs, for when assembled in a series or battery of cylinder systems, will be capable of producing rotation power rivaling any solar power system to date. | 02-05-2015 |
20150123401 | WATER-BASED POWER GENERATION INSTALLATIONS - A water-based power generating installation includes a water based power generating device operable to derive power from a body of water, and to export that power via a power export cable, and an infrastructure arrangement for providing a power export connection from the installation, and including infrastructure equipment for the installation, which infrastructure equipment serves to connect the power generating device with the power export connection. | 05-07-2015 |
20150145250 | WAVE POWER GENERATOR - A wave power generator comprises a buoyant casing ( | 05-28-2015 |
20160040648 | System for Harvesting Water Wave Energy - A generator for harvesting energy from water in motion includes a sheet of a hydrophobic material, having a first side and an opposite second side, that is triboelectrically more negative than water. A first electrode sheet is disposed on the second side of the sheet of a hydrophobic material. A second electrode sheet is disposed on the second side of the sheet of a hydrophobic material and is spaced apart from the first electrode sheet. Movement of the water across the first side induces an electrical potential imbalance between the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet. | 02-11-2016 |
20160131101 | OCEAN WAVE ENERGY ABSORBING KITE SYSTEM AND METHOD - An ocean wave energy absorbing kite system | 05-12-2016 |
20160138556 | Intelligent Control Wave Energy Power Generating System - The present invention provides a system and method for converting wave energy into electric energy in an intelligent, practical, and efficient manner. The system utilizes a power input shaft coupled with a vertically reciprocating buoy to rotate a crank gear and a ratchet gear meshing therewith. An intelligent control system is included to monitor, control, and optimize the operations of the system. The length of the power input shaft is adjusted in response to water level fluctuations so that the rotational motion of the crank gear is intelligently controlled within a predetermined desirable region for maximum efficiency. | 05-19-2016 |