U.S. patent application number 13/757621 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-29 for apparatus for converting wave energy.
The applicant listed for this patent is Alexander Nicholas Costas, Dan Nicolaus Costas. Invention is credited to Alexander Nicholas Costas, Dan Nicolaus Costas.
Application Number | 20130221672 13/757621 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49002018 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130221672 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Costas; Dan Nicolaus ; et
al. |
August 29, 2013 |
APPARATUS FOR CONVERTING WAVE ENERGY
Abstract
The invention is an apparatus and method for harnessing wave
energy by transforming it in a continuous flow of water to be
converted in mechanical energy through a water turbine. The energy
wave device maximizes the throughput by discharging the water crest
in a continuous flow through turbines into the trough, absorbing
the water of the neighboring wave's crest and sharing the
facilities.
Inventors: |
Costas; Dan Nicolaus;
(Culver City, CA) ; Costas; Alexander Nicholas;
(Culver City, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Costas; Dan Nicolaus
Costas; Alexander Nicholas |
Culver City
Culver City |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49002018 |
Appl. No.: |
13/757621 |
Filed: |
February 1, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61634105 |
Feb 23, 2012 |
|
|
|
61687897 |
May 3, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
290/53 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02E 10/38 20130101;
F03B 13/22 20130101; Y02E 10/30 20130101; Y02B 10/30 20130101; F03B
13/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
290/53 |
International
Class: |
F03B 13/16 20060101
F03B013/16 |
Claims
1. A device for converting the energy of waves in continuous flow
of water comprising: one or more input channels; one or more output
channels; one or more passages; one or more turbines; and one or
more generators; wherein said one or more turbines are within said
one or more passages; wherein said one or more input channels have
one or more input valves; wherein said one or more output channels
have one or more output valves; wherein said one or more input
channels are connected to said one or more output channels through
said one or more passages; wherein said device for converting the
energy of waves is submerged under a surface of a body of water
such that at list a crest and a trough occur on top of the device
simultaneously; wherein a plurality of waves passes over said
device; wherein said plurality of waves have a crest and a trough
along each wave length; wherein a stream of water enters said one
or more input channels through said one or more input valves under
pressure of said plurality of wave crests, wherein said stream of
water is prevented from exiting through said one or more input
valves such that said stream of water passes through said one or
more passages to said one or more output channels and out through
said one or more output valves; wherein said stream of water is
prevented from entering through said one or more output valves; and
wherein said stream of water is converted into a usable energy
source by said one or more turbines and said one or more
generators.
2. The device in claim 1, further comprising a flotation device;
wherein said device and said floatation device host one or more
wind turbines.
3. The device in claim 1, further comprising a flotation device;
wherein said device and said floatation device host one or more
water desalination facilities.
4. The device in claim 1, further comprising a flotation device;
wherein said device and said floatation device host one or more
hydrogen making facilities.
5. The device in claim 1, further comprising a flotation device;
wherein said device and said floatation device host one or more
lodging or dwelling units.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein said one or more input valves are
comprised of one or more input flaps and one or more input grills;
wherein said one or more output valves are comprised of one or more
output flaps and one or more output grills; wherein said one or
more input grills are exterior to said one or more input flaps and
wherein said one or more input grills prevent said one or more
input flaps from opening outward; and wherein said one or more
output grills are interior to said one or more output flaps and
wherein said one or more output grills prevent said one or more
output flaps from opening inward.
7. The device in claim 6, further comprising a flotation device;
wherein said device and said floatation device host one or more
wind turbines.
8. The device in claim 6, further comprising a flotation device;
wherein said device and said floatation device host one or more
water desalination facilities.
9. The device in claim 6, further comprising a flotation device;
wherein said device and said floatation device host one or more
hydrogen making facilities.
10. The device in claim 6, further comprising a flotation device;
wherein said device and said floatation device host one or more
lodging or dwelling units.
11. The device of claim 1, further comprising a flotation device;
wherein said device and said floatation device host one or more
lodging or dwelling units, one or more hydrogen making facilities;
one or more water desalination facilities; and one or more wind
turbines; wherein said device and said floatation device provides
an area of calm water feasible for aquaculture, water sports, and
mooring facilities.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein said device is part of a
pier.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein said device is affixed to the
sea floor.
14. The device of claim 1, wherein said device is part of a
floating structure.
15. The device of claim 14, wherein said floating structure travels
on said body of water to deliver electric power and desalinated
water to remote coastal locations.
16. The device of claim 14, wherein said floating structure is
geostationary under its own power.
17. The device of claim 14, wherein said floating structure is a
platform for one or more businesses selected from the businesses
consisting of factories, aquaculture farms, and hydroponic
farms.
18. The device of claim 14, wherein said floating structure is a
breakwater to protect the seashore from erosion.
19. The device of claim 14, wherein said floating structure is a
refueling station for vessels.
20. The device of claim 14, wherein said floating structure is a
prison.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Priority is claimed to U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 61/634,105, filed on Feb. 23, 2012, titled "APPARATUS FOR
CONVERTING WAVE ENERGY," by inventor Dan Nicolaus Costas, the
contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by this
reference. Priority is also claimed to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/687,897, filed on May 3, 2012, titled
"APPARATUS FOR CONVERTING WAVE ENERGY," by inventors Dan Nicolaus
Costas and Alexander Nicholas Costas, the contents of which are
expressly incorporated herein by this reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to the method and apparatus for
converting the wave energy into electrical energy by converting the
raised level of water accumulated from the waves. More
particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for
converting the random bursts of energy given by waves into a
continuous flow of water capable of powering a low head
turbine.
BACKROUND
[0003] For over a century, hundreds of inventions have attempted to
harness the vast amount of energy in waves. Due to scarcity of
resources and energy, a lot of effort has been directed towards
tapping into the vast amount of unharnessed natural resources. One
such form of unharnessed natural resources is in the form of wave
energy.
[0004] Ocean's waves contain more energy that can be harnessed than
wind and solar energy combined. This energy is constantly available
and oceans cover over 70% of the earth's surface.
[0005] It has been estimated that waves can contain as much as 70
KW of power for every linear meter of wave; therefore a 15 meter
long wave can deliver over 1 MW of power if its energy could be
exploited in a practical manner.
[0006] The methods currently employed for extracting the wave's
energy fall basically in to four main categories: [0007] Point
absorbers, which are buoys using the heaving motion of the waves
that is being converted to mechanical and than electrical energy,
or directly to electrical energy like Power Buoy of Ocean Power
Technology. [0008] Attenuators, like McCabe's Wave Pump or
"Pelamis" which use a few floating bodies hinged together which are
in relative motion to each other due to the passing waves. At the
hinging point, hydraulic pistons push oil in hydraulic motors which
in turn actuate electric generators. [0009] Terminators, like
Oscillating Water Column (OWC) employed in the "Mighty Whale"
Japanese project or in various shore based projects like the one on
the Pico island. [0010] Overtopping, employed either on shore or on
a floating structure like the "Wave Dragon" Danish project which
also involves Germany, Sweden, The UK, and Austria.
[0011] The first two categories employ mechanical devices that are
inefficient and demand a high capital cost due to the demanding
conditions out in the ocean. The seals needed, the inability to
service on the spot, the dangerous conditions of even approaching
the devices to be tugged for service make them undesirable as
viable solutions. They also need a long "trial and error"
validation period because they are not proven in time
technologies.
[0012] The last two categories use the wave's energy to actuate
air, and their water turbines actuate electrical generators. The
current invention falls into this broad category, so this category
will be further analyzed.
[0013] The OWC is mostly used on shores where a trapezoidal chamber
communicates on the lower side with the sea water allowing the
incoming wave to raise the inside level of water. When the wave
retreats, on a through, the level of the water inside will drop.
This raising and lowering of the water level inside the chamber
acts as a piston, pushing and pulling the air above it through a
narrow hole where a Wells turbine rotates, actuating an electric
generator.
[0014] The Wells turbine, named after its inventor is a self
rectifying turbine, which rotates in the same direction regardless
of the direction where the air is coming from. The advantage of
this concept is a simple design that has no moving parts except the
group of turbine-generator.
[0015] The disadvantages of this system are: low efficiency of the
air turbine, a chamber of limited size which cannot be bigger than
the order of magnitude of a wave which requires a separate chamber
for each separate turbine-generator, chambers cannot be coupled to
actuate one bigger turbine generator group, and lost kinetic energy
of the wave because the separating wall of the chamber is always
submerged.
[0016] The existing OWC systems are mostly placed on shore where
the waves have already lost most of the energy they had in deep sea
water. Also, the sites need to have a particular configuration, and
typically involve expensive real estate.
[0017] Due to the fact that there is a significant period of time
between waves and also because the wave's lowering is slower than
the rising level inside the chamber, the Wells turbine tends to
stall.
[0018] Another drawback is that because the air turbine is so
noisy, this limits the number of sites where it can be
implemented.
[0019] Overtopping is used on the "Wave Dragon", which is a
floating structure that has a ramp (artificial beach) on which the
wave climbs due to its kinetic energy and spills over into a basin
above the sea water level. Then the water falls through a water
turbine and actuates an electric generator much like in a regular
hydro power plant. This simplicity is an advantage of the "Wave
Dragon." Another obvious advantage of this design is the use of a
technology that has long been used and perfected.
[0020] Water turbines which are suitable for this purpose have been
used in low head river water power plants for many decades and have
been developed to a high level of efficiency and reliability. In
France the 240 MW La Rance tidal power station has been using such
turbines in a salt water environment since 1967. Thus, in contrast
to most of the WEC principles, a proven and mature technology can
be used for the production of electrical energy.
[0021] Turbine operating conditions in a WEC are quite different
from the ones in a normal hydro power plant. In the Wave Dragon,
the turbine head range is typically between 1.0 and 4.0 m, which is
on the lower bounds of existing water turbine experience. While
there are only slow and relatively small variations of flow and
head in a river hydro power plant, the strong stochastic variations
of the wave overtopping call for a radically different mode of
operation in the Wave Dragon. The head, being a function of the
significant wave height, is varying in a range as large as 1:4, and
it has been shown by Knapp (2005) that the discharge has to be
regulated within time intervals as short as ten seconds in order to
achieve a good efficiency of the energy exploitation.
[0022] A river hydro power plant which is properly maintained can
have a life of 40-80 years. On an unmanned offshore device, the
environmental conditions are much rougher, and routine maintenance
work is much more difficult to perform. Special criteria for the
choice and construction of water turbines for the Wave Dragon have
to be followed; it is advisable to aim for constructional
simplicity rather than maximum peak efficiency.
[0023] By stopping a number of turbines at lower flow rates, the
flow rate can be regulated over a wider range without sacrificing
efficiency. Single units can be taken out of service for
maintenance without stopping production. Capacity demanded for
hoisting and transport equipment to perform repair and maintenance
work is greatly reduced. The smaller turbines have shorter draft
tubes, and are thus easier to accommodate in the whole device. The
smaller turbines have a higher speed, which reduces the cost of the
generator. Another advantage of the Wave Dragon by being a floating
structure is the possibility of being moored in deep waters where
the energy of the wave is not diminished by the sea floor and there
is no real estate cost involved.
[0024] There are quite a few important drawbacks of the overtopping
devices, and in particular, the Wave Dragon.
[0025] The capacity of the water reservoir has to be significant to
feed the turbine between two waves. It is 8,000 cubic meters which
means over 8,000 tons of water to be lifted and held above the sea
level in a precarious act of balancing. It is like a plate filled
with water which easily will spill when shaken. The structure to
hold all this weight becomes significantly bulky and expensive. The
mooring lines and anchoring will have to be dimensioned accordingly
mostly taking also in consideration the two floating wings that
spread sideways to gather the waves giving a span of 300 meters to
the whole structure.
[0026] Underneath there are pockets of air for lifting and lowering
the structure such that always the ramp is at the proper height
depending on the height of the incoming waves. If the ramp is too
high, the incoming wave may not make it over or too little water
will be added to the reservoir. If the ramp is too low, the water
will just wash over the reservoir not giving enough head for the
turbine.
[0027] A sophisticated "just in time" automation system will have
to keep this huge structure in balance at all times since the level
of the ramp has to continuously keep up with the surrounding
conditions, the amount of momentary load (variations of thousands
of tons of water weight of load on the structure in a matter of
seconds between waves), the task of keeping an even keel,
horizontal position at all times in choppy waters. The turbines are
equipped with cylindrical vanes that close when there is not enough
head and reopen when enough flow of water is assured. In stormy
weather the structure sinks to a standby low profile by letting out
the air of the air pockets.
[0028] Most of the kinetic energy of the incoming wave is cancelled
by the vertical component of the ramp to push over the upper edge
of the ramp from where the water falls to a lower level in the
reservoir to a lower potential energy. This amounts to lower
efficiency in the process of conversion of the wave's energy. If
somehow, the top of the ramp could be continuously adjusted with
the water level inside the reservoir, this would always be the
optimum level over which the water in the wave will spill.
[0029] If also somehow the gap between the waves could be bridged,
a continuous flow of water into the reservoir would keep up with
the continuous demand of the turbine and the big buffering
reservoir won't be necessary.
[0030] A more efficient less expensive structure would assure the
continuous functioning of the already described water turbine
generator group. The proposed invention solves these problems.
[0031] The invention assures the conversion of the kinetic and
potential wave energy in a continuous flow of water feeding a water
turbine.
[0032] Finally, the present invention is a significant improvement
over U.S. Pat. No. 7,834,475, which was issued to Dan Nicolas
Costas, a named inventor of the present invention. The present
invention is able to collect significantly more water into the flow
that is powering the turbines by allowing the side wave crest that
is in the vicinity of the apparatus to enter the system as it
travels along it, in addition to the crest that hits the device
frontally. Additionally, the present invention is simpler and less
expensive to build due to the flap grid combination working as one
way valves. Finally, the present invention may be modular and
standardized and would therefore less expensive and easier to
service.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0033] To minimize the limitations of the prior art, and to
minimize other limitations that will become apparent upon reading
and understanding the present specification, the present invention
is a method and apparatus for converting the energy of waves in a
continuous flow of water capable to actuate a hydro turbine which
in turn actuates an electrical power generator.
[0034] The generated flow of water powers preferably a plurality of
hydro turbines, similar to any low head hydro power plant, thus
using well verified and optimized in time technology.
[0035] Since the power of a turbine is direct proportional with the
head and the debit of water, a high volume of water is needed for a
significant amount of power. For this, the waves should be
transformed as much as possible in a continuous and large flow of
water.
[0036] Having electrical power generated on board, desalination,
hydrogen generating and modular locative spaces can be added and
easily connected to the structure.
[0037] One embodiment of the invention is a device for converting
the energy of waves in continuous flow of water comprising: one or
more input channels; one or more output channels; one or more
passages; one or more turbines; and one or more generators. The
turbines are within the one or more passages. The input channels
have one or more input valves. The one or more output channels have
one or more output valves. The one or more input channels are
connected to the one or more output channels through the one or
more passages. The device for converting the energy of waves is
submerged under a surface of a body of water and a plurality of
waves passes over the device. The plurality of waves have a crest
and a trough along each wave length. The length of the channels
should cover a crest and a trough at all times for generating a
continuous flow between crest and trough. If this condition is not
being met, when there are no pressure differentials between the
input and output channels, high pressure on input and low pressure
on output channel, the system will stall A stream of water enters
the one or more input channels through the one or more input valves
under pressure of the plurality of wave crests, wherein the stream
of water is prevented from exiting through the one or more input
valves such that the stream of water passes through the one or more
passages to the one or more output channels and out through the one
or more output valves. The stream of water is prevented from
entering through the one or more output valves; and wherein the
stream of water is converted into a usable energy source by the one
or more turbines and the one or more generators. Preferably, the
device further comprises a flotation device; wherein the device and
the floatation device host one or more wind turbines and/or one or
more water desalination facilities and/or one or more hydrogen
making facilities and/or one or more lodging or dwelling units.
Preferably, the one or more input valves are comprised of one or
more input flaps and one or more input grills and the one or more
output valves are comprised of one or more output flaps and one or
more output grills; wherein the one or more input grills are
preferably exterior to the one or more input flaps and wherein the
one or more input grills prevent the one or more input flaps from
opening outward; and wherein the one or more output grills are
preferably interior to the one or more output flaps and wherein the
one or more output grills prevent the one or more output flaps from
opening inward. Preferably, the flotation device, wherein the
device and the floatation device host one or more lodging or
dwelling units, one or more hydrogen making facilities; one or more
water desalination facilities; and one or more wind turbines;
wherein the device and the floatation device provides an area of
calm water feasible for aquaculture, water sports, and mooring
facilities. The device may be part of a pier and/or affixed to the
sea floor and/or part of a floating structure. The floating
structure may travel on the water to deliver electric power and
desalinated water to remote coastal locations. The floating
structure may be geostationary under its own power. The floating
structure may be a platform for one or more businesses selected
from the businesses consisting of factories, aquaculture farms, and
hydroponic farms. The floating structure may be a breakwater to
protect the seashore from erosion. The floating structure may be a
refueling station for vessels. The floating structure is a prison.
Because the device generates electricity, the floating structure
may be self powered.
[0038] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the
limitations of the prior art.
[0039] These, as well as other components, steps, features,
objects, benefits, and advantages, will now become clear from a
review of the following detailed description of illustrative
embodiments, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] FIG. 1 is a prospective view of the device for converting
wave energy in a continuous flow of water capable of powering low
head water turbines.
[0041] FIG. 2 is a top view of the device with more input and
output channels extended in more than one direction for converting
waves coming from different directions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] In the following detailed description of various embodiments
of the invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order
to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of one or
more embodiments of the invention. However, one or more embodiments
of the invention may be practiced without some or all of these
specific details. In other instances, well-known methods,
procedures, and/or components have not been described in detail so
as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of embodiments of the
invention.
[0043] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other
embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those
skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which
shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As
will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in
various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the screen shot Fig.s,
and the detailed descriptions thereof, are to be regarded as
illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, the reference or
non-reference to a particular embodiment of the invention shall not
be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention. It is the goal
of this invention to provide a method of maximizing the conversion
of wave's energy in a continuous flow of water that actuates one or
more water turbines.
[0044] FIG. 1 is a prospective view of the energy wave device for
converting wave energy in a continuous flow of water capable of
powering low head water turbines. As shown in FIG. 1, the energy
wave device 10 is preferably comprised of one or more input
channels 100, one or more input flaps 110, one or more input grills
120, one or more output channels 200, one or more output flaps 210,
one or more output grills 220, one or more passages 300, one or
more turbines 310, and one or more generators 320.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, one or more input channels 100 allow
water to flow into the energy wave device 10 in one direction only,
through valves, or input flaps 110, distributed along its length.
As shown in FIG. 1, preferably, the input flaps 110 on the input
channels 100 open inward. The input flaps 110 are prevented from
opening outward, and letting the water flow out, by input grills
120. Because the resting position of input flaps 110 has the input
flaps 110 pushing or resting against the input grills 120, the
input flaps 110 are preferably made of a flexible and buoyant
material.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 1, the output channels 200 similarly have
one way out valves, or output flaps 210, distributed along its
length. Preferably, the output flaps 210 open outward. The output
flaps 210 are prevented from moving inward into output channels 200
by output grills 220, which are interior to the output flaps 210.
Preferably, the output flaps 210 may be made of flexible material
and have slightly greater density than water so the output flaps
210 rest against the output grills 220 when not pushed outward by
the exiting water. The input and output grills 120 and 220 are
preferably a grating or mesh or they may be made of crisscrossing
strings or lines, such as fishing lines or tennis racket strings.
The input and output grills 120 and 220, in combination with the
input and output flaps 110 and 210, form a series of one valves, as
shown in FIG. 1. Preferably, modular light-weight panels may be
made for the input or output flaps 110 or 210 in advance, or
restrung during service as needed. Preferably, the device is built
in smaller framed modules of flap/grid pairs, which may then be put
together like the tiles of a mosaic floor, and would cover the one
way input of the input channels as well as the one way output of
the output channels. Accordingly, the modules may be manufactured
in an easy and less expensive manner in series as component parts
of the system, and also can be removed and replaced easily, as
needed for service or replacement purposes.
[0047] The input channels 100 and output channels 200 are connected
by passages 300. Turbines 310 are mounted inside passages 300 and
are coupled to electric generators 320. The present invention
preferably is comprised of turbines and generators that are well
known in the art. When water flows through the passages 300, the
turbines 310 are turned and the generators 320, in turn, generate
electric power.
[0048] This configuration of one (or more) input channel 100 and
one (or more) output channel 200 connected through one (or more)
passage 300, generates the continuous stream of water through the
passages 300 when submerged in a body of water, such as the ocean,
wherein waves roll over the wave energy device 10. As shown in FIG.
1, the waves preferably roll over the energy wave device, which is
preferably perpendicular to the direction of travel of the wave.
Preferably, the length of the input and output channels 100 and 200
is longer than, or at least as long as, a single wave length, such
that there may be preferably a wave crest 400 and a wave trough
410, above a single input and output channel 100 and 200. The water
from the crest 400 applies pressure to the tops of the input and
output channels 100 and 200, but the water can only enter the input
channels 100, due to the one way input flaps 110. The only way for
the water that enters the device 10 to exit is to pass through
passages 300, and thus drive turbine 310, and exit out through the
output flaps 210, which is just under a water trough 410, where
there is less pressure, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0049] As the water wave travels along the input and output
channels 100 and 200, the part of the water crest 400 that is above
the input channels 110 goes into the input channel 100, and the
part of the wave that runs on the sides, which would not be used to
drive the system otherwise, may flow towards and into the input
channels 100 to fill the gap, as the wave travels along the device
10. Thus, the passage of the water waves through the device 10
provides a continuous flow of water that keeps being fed by the
sides of the crest in the vicinity. Likewise, the water that gets
expelled through the output flaps 210 of the output channel 200
into the trough 410 keeps flowing away from the vicinity to the
lower level of the trough 410, allowing for the outgoing flow of
the water.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 1, preferably the input and output channels
100 and 200 are submerged, such that the expelled water from the
output channels 200 should be at least just below the lowest point
of trough 410. The power of the turbine is, direct proportional to
the head and the flow of water through the passages 300. Although
the length of the input and output channels 100 and 200 is
preferably longer than the average of expected wave length of the
waves running above it and in its vicinity, the width and depth of
the input and output channels may be such that the desired amount
of water should flow freely through them when all passages 300 are
open. When the wave environment is less than optimal (smaller waves
with less energy), some, one, or more of the passages 300 may be
closed, allowing the reduced flow to properly power the remaining
turbines 310.
[0051] This combination of input channels 100 and output channels
200, connected through passages 300 on the devices 10, may be
submerged under the waves in various configurations. For example,
the devices 10 may be configured to be placed under piers, on
imbedded legs, on floating platforms held above water, moored with
umbilical power cables for delivering power to the grid, and/or
simply in adjustable height floating configurations.
[0052] The energy wave device 10 can be used in order to create:
self propelled floating islands, hydrogen refueling stations,
desalinating water plants, electricity generators for remote
coastal locations, hosts for wind turbines, or even hosts for
mooring boats or floating dwelling units with all services based on
the available on board electric power.
[0053] Because the whole system is preferably submerged, it is
shielded from many adverse weather conditions. Preferably, the
material that the device 10 is comprised of is concrete because it
is inexpensive and resilient to a salt water environment. However,
any resilient material may be used. Preferably, the flaps are
inexpensive and easily serviceable or replaceable. Preferably, the
turbines are low head Kaplan, or ultralow head for maximum
efficiency.
[0054] FIG. 2 is a top view of the energy wave device with more
input and output channels extended in more than one direction for
converting waves coming from different directions. Although the
energy wave device 10 shown in FIG. 1 will more efficiently convert
waves coming from a direction perpendicular to the channels 100 and
200, FIG. 2 shows that the device 10 may include additional input
channels 150, which are preferably connected to the input channels
100. FIG. 2 also depicts additional output channels 250, which are
preferably connected to output channels 200. This allows for the
energy wave device to capture energy from waves moving in different
direction or when the wave directions shift.
[0055] The channels 100 and 200 may also be basins of any shape,
and they will generate a flow of water through the passages 300 so
long as the raised pressure of the crest 400 on top of the input
channels 100 occur simultaneously with lower pressures of the
trough 410 on top of output channels 200. The water flows from
higher to lower pressure areas.
[0056] The energy wave devices 10 and/or 20 may easily be affixed
under the existing piers and/or new piers may be designed and built
with submerged energy wave devices, such that the incoming waves
are converted in electric power.
[0057] Additionally, the energy wave devices 10 and/or 20 can be
affixed to the sea floor either directly or raised on poles. This
is even more desirable when the shoreline needs to be protected
from erosion, since the wave energy device 10 and/or 20 acts as a
breakwater.
[0058] Most of the applications should use the floating
configurations, where the wave energy device is being held
submerged by floating means. The floating means should be designed
such that they can accept ballast water for submerging the wave
energy device and discharge water for raising the wave energy
device for service and towing purposes. These are well known
techniques in the industry and therefore don't need to be detailed.
The floating means having an adjustable elevation can take
additional variable loads, like a raised platform on which dwelling
and service facilities can be built, facilities for hydrogen
making, desalinating water or any other business like factories or
hydroponic cultures. These floating islands can be moored in deep
water not too far from shore for delivering power to the grid
through subsea cables or they can sail under their own power to
coastal locations to deliver services like electric power or
desalinated water. Alternately, they can be geo stationary and
deliver services as refueling stations or prisons in the middle of
the sea. Since they absorb the waves by discharging the crest into
the troughs, the water behind them is smooth and can be used for
aquaculture, mooring vessels or floating apartments hooked to
services as electric power, desalinated water, and sewer.
[0059] Because the water from the water crest gets continuously
discharged in the trough the water that goes past the wave energy
device will smoothly facilitate aquaculture and mooring of vessels
and floating dwelling units.
[0060] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the
invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and
description. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other
embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those
skilled in the art from the above detailed description, which shows
and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be
realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various
obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of
the present invention. Accordingly, the detailed description is to
be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also,
although not explicitly recited, one or more embodiments of the
invention may be practiced in combination or conjunction with one
another. Furthermore, the reference or non-reference to a
particular embodiment of the invention shall not be interpreted to
limit the scope the invention. It is intended that the scope of the
invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the
claims and the equivalents to the claims that are appended
hereto.
[0061] Except as stated immediately above, nothing which has been
stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause
a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit,
advantage, or equivalent to the public, regardless of whether it is
or is not recited in the claims.
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