U.S. patent application number 14/167156 was filed with the patent office on 2015-06-18 for controlled capture of the full ocean wave cycle of energy that is available horse shoe like shape, (three vectors) and the conversion of that energy into electrical energy using a turbine/generator..
The applicant listed for this patent is Jon Selby Potts. Invention is credited to Jon Selby Potts.
Application Number | 20150167628 14/167156 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53367846 |
Filed Date | 2015-06-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150167628 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Potts; Jon Selby |
June 18, 2015 |
Controlled capture of the full ocean wave cycle of energy that is
available horse shoe like shape, (three vectors) and the conversion
of that energy into electrical energy using a
turbine/generator.
Abstract
This invention consists of special structures, methods and
devices, which make up a system to provide controlled capture of
the full ocean wave cycle, at or near the ocean shore, which
includes, surface and some sub-surface energy, the backwash and the
undertow. And, it does it in a dynamic and somewhat continuous flow
(with the exception of some small storage). The system adjusts for
low wave and high wave activity, and also for variations in the
tide. The main structure has a barrier wall inside, which can also
adjust for variations in the tide, the amount of energy to be
collected at high wave activity and in the period/frequency of the
waves. The structure includes a small reservoir to help capture
more water during low wave activity. The captured water flow is
transported to a suitable turbine/generating device for producing
electrical energy. A method and some devices are available for
controlling the influx of water into the turbine. Thus the ocean
wave energy is captured in a better, more effective and efficient
manner, producing a controlled environment, thus making the flow of
water more suitable output for the conversion of the mechanical
energy into electrical energy.
Inventors: |
Potts; Jon Selby; (Estacada,
OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Potts; Jon Selby |
Estacada |
OR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53367846 |
Appl. No.: |
14/167156 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61963752 |
Dec 13, 2013 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
290/53 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02E 10/30 20130101;
F03B 15/00 20130101; F03B 13/145 20130101; F03B 13/22 20130101;
Y02E 10/38 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F03B 13/14 20060101
F03B013/14; F03B 13/10 20060101 F03B013/10 |
Claims
1. A system for controlled capture of the full ocean wave cycle of
energy (potential and kinetic) of the incoming ocean wave, that is,
surface and sub-surface waves, the capture of the energy from the
ocean backwash, which is formed from the wave running out of
kinetic energy, hitting a stop such as a cliff or as in our case,
hitting the inside, back of the main structure and/or the barrier
wall (baffle) inside, and the collection of that ocean water
(energy) in the main structure shaft or the small reservoir
attached at the rear of the main structure, which ocean water then
becomes the water (energy) of the undertow, as out flux; with
controlled adjustments for the amount of ocean water (energy)
captured at various wave heights by changing the shape of intake
opening of the main structure, for the ocean wave height variations
in potential energy due to normal wave height[s] changes and the
normal ocean tide changes, by the raising and lowering of the front
intake door (vertical sliding frontal door) and for the normal
variations in the ocean period (frequency), using the barrier wall
(baffle) capabilities of being able to move forward (toward the
ocean), backward (toward the shore), or up and down for the ocean
tide changes; with an undertow trough located under the return
water conduit, collecting the surrounding backwash and undertow to
assist in the out flux of the system and the influx to the
turbine/generator; and thus using these devices and methods for the
overall control of the velocity of ocean water output (energy) and
its effectiveness; and using a turbine/generator, as the method of
conversion of that energy into electrical energy.
2. A system of claim 1, that is dynamic, continuous and effective
in the controlled capture of a considerable amount of the ocean
wave energy cycle (influx, backwash, and out flux (as undertow))
that is normally available, at or near the ocean shoreline.
3. A system of claim 1 of devices (vertical doors and a barrier
wall), that are microprocessor controlled, which are coordinated
and optimized to control capture most of the variable conditions of
the ocean environment in order to provide the most effective and
efficient use of the ocean's energy as possible.
4. The main structure of claim 1, which further comprises having a
main structure of elevator shaft-like appearance, with one opening
in front facing the ocean's dominate prevailing waves coming in and
having another opening in the back of the main structure, which
faces the shore and the attached reservoir and allowing in and
collecting more water (energy) at low wave height to balance the
total amount of energy captured in all, during an ocean's rising
and lowering tide cycle.
5. The vertical sliding frontal door of claim 1, which allows for
adjustment (up and down), with microprocessor control, for the
various height's of the predominate ocean waves and variations in
the ocean tide levels that occur throughout the day and year.
6. The main structure of claim 1, which further comprises a
primary, vertical sliding door, covering the rear, inside opening
of the main structure, which allows and controls most of the ocean
water flow (energy) in and out of the small reservoir at low ocean
wave heights.
7. The main structure of claim 1, which further comprises a
secondary vertical, sliding door, also in the rear of the main
structure and is directly in front of the primary door (back to
back), which works in conjunction with the primary vertical sliding
door and helps adjust for the various ocean tide levels, by either
blocking the flow of ocean water into the reservoir or by allowing
part or all of it in.
8. (canceled)
9. The moving barrier wall (baffle) of claim 1 as a flat plate,
steel or reinforced plastic, inside the upper part of the main
structure, across the full inside width of the structure, in about
the middle (seaward/shoreward), which is able to move horizontally
(seaward or shoreward) adjusting for the amount of high ocean wave
activity to be captured and adjusting for the frequency (period) of
the ocean waves, is able to move vertically to adjust for ocean
tide level changes and is able to tilt (back and forth) to fine
tune the adjustment (amount of water flow (energy) in) of the ocean
water coming in the opening of the frontal door.
10. The return water conduit of claim 1, which collects the ocean
backwash from the bottom of the main structure and the small
reservoir, concentrates it and accelerates it, as it transports the
ocean water flowing through the conduit to the
turbine/generator.
11. The turbine/generator of claim 1, which comprises a low to
medium head turbine with three blades, fixed or variable, and a
propeller hub that helps direct the flow of the influx to the
turbine; or one designed for use in such a system, which would be
the most effective and efficient device for this Hydro System and
with a generator, which can be DC with an inverter, AC or AC/DC,
with frequencies of 50 or 60 cycles and voltages suitable for
either foreign or domestic use.
12. The undertow trough of claim 1, which is under the return water
conduit, wherein it captures, collects, concentrates and
accelerates the un-captured ocean water falling in and around the
outside of main structure, which is also ocean backwash, which
becomes as undertow and, assists in the output flow of ocean water
(energy) from the conduit and through the turbine/generator.
13. The small reservoir, of claim 1, wherein it is dynamic. and
captures and cycles most of the ocean water at low wave
activity.
14. Devices and a method of claim 10 of small openings and doors,
in and around the outside of the return water conduit (not shown),
which are also microprocessor controlled and are located just
before the turbine area, which helps further to control the influx
speed to the turbine/generator.
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Provisional application No. 61/963,752; filing date Dec. 13,
2013; status, patent pending.
[0002] Controlled capture of the full ocean wave cycle of energy
that is available, which includes surface and some sub-surface
waves, the backwash and the undertow, and having also the
capability of control for tide, period and efflux speed variations;
and the conversion of that energy into electrical energy using a
turbine/generator.
OTHER REFERENCES
1. Vosough A, International Journal of Multidisciplinary Sciences
and Engineering, Vol. 2, No. 7, October 2011, p. 60.
2. Cutnell, J D and Johnson K W, Physics, 4.sup.th Edit., John
Whiley & Sons, Inc., 1998, p. 333.
3. Ibid, p. 325.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of Invention
[0004] This invention expands and improves upon ocean wave energy
conversion (WEC) installed at or near the ocean shore, by
controlling the capture of the full cycle of energy that is
available as surface and sub-surface waves, backwash and undertow,
along with controlling for tide, period and wave height. And, the
energy captured is converted into electrical energy,
[0005] 2. Prior Related Art
[0006] Paradise, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,965,679 uses an open trough
(inclined ramp) to "increase the thrust of an incoming volume of
wave energy"; however it doesn't appear very effective in capturing
wave energy nor increasing the efflux speed.
[0007] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,040,267, Andrews uses "a funnel-like
mouth" to capture wave energy and "a flap-valve gate", which allows
water to accumulate in the throat of the funnel, creating pressure
and allowing for "a continuous flow of water through the
conduit".
[0008] Sternitzke, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,479,708 uses "an inclined
ramp with several openings for receiving wave water into several
independent chambers for capturing and retaining surge water in
hydraulic isolation". Apparently all kinetic energy is converted to
potential energy.
[0009] Sternitzke adds in U.S. Pat. No. 8,049,354, a claim for "[a]
wave power converter employing a flow-controlled duct" and an
alternative embodiment called a "wedge". See FIGS. 8-11. The
"wedge" has a single chamber and instead of having a single gate
valve for each chamber, it has "a plurality of (float) check valve
flaps" mounted on the bottom of a ramp and with one chamber.
[0010] In U.S. Pat. No. 8,143,736, Farb captures "wave energy in
both [the] horizontal and vertical directions" using what he calls
"paddle wheels". It apparently takes one paddle wheel for each
direction. He illustrates the capture of undertow in FIG. 45;
however he doesn't go into any discussion or make any claims. It
isn't clear how effectively or efficiently the capture is. FIG. 45
indicates a crash of the wave, which would create turbulence and a
loss of some of the energy. There are no illustrations, discussion
or claims for capturing backwash.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] This Hydro System has four specific structures. They are: a
main structure, a return water conduit, a trough under the return
water conduit and a small reservoir. The main structure has in the
front of the structure, a vertical sliding door, with a special
opening, which controls the capture of the ocean waves at various
heights. On the inside, top portion, of the main structure, about
in the middle, there is a barrier wall, which controls the wave
capture at high wave activity and can also control the amount of
capture varying with the period of the waves. The main structure
has vertical moving doors in the back of the structure, which
control the input to the reservoir at low wave activity and can
control the output from the reservoir for all wave activity. The
reservoir captures and circulates the ocean flow, dynamically,
mostly at low wave activity. The return water conduit collects the
water from the bottom of the reservoir and also from the bottom of
the main structure. The return water conduit bends seaward, at an
angle, rounding and decreasing in size as it travels toward the
turbine/generator and the output to the sea. A trough, underneath
the conduit, collects the un-captured backwash, falling around the
Hydro System. That backwash becomes undertow in the trough and
assists in the output flow from the return water conduit,
especially during incoming tides or currents.
Advantages of this Invention
[0012] The advantages of this invention can be found in the stated
objectives and methods of control that are listed below:
Four Main Objectives
[0013] 1. To meet more reasonable electrical generation
requirements, by better controlled/capture of the ocean wave cycle
of energy at or near the ocean shore. 2. To better control and
capture the energy from the full wave cycle of the ocean, including
surface and some sub-surface waves, the backwash and the undertow,
while also adjusting for variations in the tide and period. 3. To
better control and capture the available energy, in a dynamic,
somewhat automatic, and continuous flow. 4. To require only one
turbine/generator device per unit or structure.
Eight Sub-Objectives
[0014] 1. To better control and capture some of the wave height
variations, with a special opening (triangular shape for
illustration) in the frontal door, facing, preferably, the
direction of predominate waves of the sea. 2. To better control and
capture some of the higher wave height variations, along with their
period/frequency and tide variations, using a barrier wall inside
the main structure and which has three directions of movement. 3.
To better control the capture of flow (wave activity), by having a
small reservoir and regulating the amount of water going in and out
of it 4. To compensate, to some extent for low wave activity, by
collecting and capturing more water at low wave activity than at
high, in the small reservoir. 5. To compensate to some extent for
low wave activity, by having the reservoir door(s), lower than the
tide level, thus letting the water flow downhill into the reservoir
6. To compensate to some extent for low wave activity, by having
the bottom of the reservoir slopped downward, toward the sea. 7. To
compensate to some extent, when not having high wave activity, by
using stored water and letting the extra water flow out of the
bottom of the reservoir, in combination with the energy captured
directly from the main structure shaft.
Methods of Capture and Control:
[0015] There are three distinct methods of capture and control.
1. A vertical moving frontal opening in the general shape of a
triangle. 2. A moveable, interior barrier wall, facing the front
opening in the main structure, which can further adjust the amount
of water captured, and also adjust for the tide and period
variations. 3. A reservoir that helps compensate for low wave
activity, by collecting more water at low wave activity than at
high wave activity.
Summary of Brief Description
[0016] The controlled wave energy capture (WEC) system can utilize
the full potential of the wave cycle (horseshoe shape like) (at or
near the shore), which includes surface and subsurface energy, the
backwash and the undertow. The small reservoir at the rear of the
structure is used primarily to help collect the same amount of
energy at low wave activity, as that which is collected at high
wave activity, considering both kinetic and potential energy.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the Hydro System for
controlled capturing of the full wave cycle of ocean energy, with
the conversion of that energy into electrical energy using a
turbine/generator.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view, with an expanded view and a
cutaway into the main structure, showing the two openings in the
main structure.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a side view of the Hydro System and a see through
into the main structure, showing the barrier wall and its
movements.
[0020] FIG. 4 is the front view of the Hydro System, illustrating
the shape and movement of the frontal door and it's triangular like
opening (for illustration).
[0021] FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the front view of the main
structure, revealing the inside, back part and the two vertical
sliding doors.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a side view of the return water conduit, near the
exit, and being able to see into it, revealing the
turbine/generator and some of its parts.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a plot of the Significant wave Height (WVHT), in
meters, from 11/1991-1212008, from off the coast of Oregon
(NDBC-Station 46050).
[0024] FIG. 8 is a plot of the Average Wave Period (APD), seconds,
from 11/1991-12/2008, from off the coast of Oregon (NDBC-Station
46050).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] FIG. 1, the Hydro System, as seen, consists of a main
structure 1 having a vertical, elevator shaft like appearance, with
a vertical sliding frontal door 2 and a special triangular opening
in that door 3. Attached to the bottom of the main structure is a
return water conduit 4, which runs downward at first and then bends
at an angle seaward. The conduit starts out in a rectangular shape,
but rounds and becomes smaller as it extends toward the output to
the sea. The conduit concentrates and accelerates the water as it
travels seaward and to the turbine/generator 6. The return water
conduit 4 can run at any suitable angle for the area of
installation, but for illustration, we have used about 45 degrees.
The angle of flow should follow the angle of the surrounding bottom
of the shore, in the particular area of installation, so that the
surrounding undertow can assist in the system's output flow.
Underneath the water conduit is an open trough 5, which also
narrows as it travels seaward. It collects the un-captured backwash
that falls around the outside of the Hydro System and it becomes
the undertow as the water returns to the sea. It also concentrates
and accelerates the water as it travels seaward and improves the
output of the water conduit, especially during incoming tides and
currents. The hydro turbine and electrical generating device 6 is
located near the sea end of the return water conduit 4. A low to
medium head turbine/generator would probably be best. A small
reservoir 7 is located behind the main structure and runs toward
the shore. The reservoir collects and cycles the water (as backwash
and undertow) for the low wave activity that enters the
reservoir.
[0026] FIG. 2 is an expanded view (for illustration) of the main
structure 1, showing two openings, one in the front 10, facing,
preferably, the prevailing waves and the other opening in the back
11, opening into the small reservoir 7. The front opening allows
for wave capture at both low and high tide levels. The rear opening
also allows for low wave activity to flow in and out at various
tide levels.
[0027] FIG. 3 depicts seeing into the main structure 1 and
illustrates the movement capabilities of the barrier wall 13
(straight or "S" curved). The barrier wall is used for controlled
capturing during high wave activity. It can move horizontally
(distance into the structure from the front), adjusting the amount
of water captured in that direction and can adjust for the
period/frequency of the waves at a particular time. It can move
vertically to adjust for the variations in tide and it can tilt (or
pivot, forward or back) to further fine tune the controlled capture
of the frontal door opening 3.
[0028] FIG. 4 The main structure's 1 dimensions (front view), the
length (parallel or somewhat parallel with the shoreline) requires
it to be long enough and the height, tall enough, to capture a
reasonable and equal amount of energy as capable (to provide
control), as would be required by or desired for the region and
area of its location of installation; and at the same time the
dimensions, which are set, need to consider the capabilities of the
turbine/generator 6. The frontal door 2 covers about 80% of the
front of the main structure and slides up and down to adjust for
the tide. The opening 3 in the frontal door is shown as triangle,
which is a simplification of the shape and is used for
illustration. The opening that is shown varies somewhat from what
the actual calculations would indicate the shape should be, as
taken from Tables I-IV. And, it is sized to adjust the amount of
water taken in at any particular wave height. The opening 3 is
parallel or nearly parallel with the coastline and facing, somewhat
in the direction of prevailing waves. And, it is shaped, such as to
collects less water (energy) as the waves get higher, thus trying
to equalize the total amount of energy collected at anyone time.
The principal is to try to capture an equivalent amount of volume
and weight of water and thus same amount of kinetic and potential
energy at almost any height of wave. Thus, this invention provides
a more controlled and more consistent flow of ocean wave water and
energy, going out to the turbine/generator 6. The opening 3 should
be covered with a screen (not shown) to prevent any debris from
entering the system.
[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates two vertical, sliding doors that are
mounted inside and in the back of the main structure 1. The first
door 14 (the primary door), can leave a small opening at the
bottom, which allows for the secondary backwash and undertow, to
exit from the reservoir 7. This door allows for controlled output
from the bottom of the reservoir 7 to run into the shaft of the
main structure 1 and then into the return water conduit 4. The
first door also controls the wave activity going into the reservoir
at low tide. The second door 15 is used together, in combination,
with the first door 14 (as needed) to adjust for the tide variation
and amount of water to be collected. Or, the first door and second
door can be used in combination to build up short term water
storage, by varying the height of the water in the reservoir 7. A
third door (not illustrated) could be used, if desired, to increase
the height of water collected by a small amount more.
[0030] FIG. 6 The interior of return water conduit 2, near the
exit, depicts the turbine/generator, FIG. 1, 6 and FIG. 4, 6 with
some of its parts. The turbine 1 has three blades, which is typical
of a low head turbine, which would be required here. The blades can
be fixed or variable pitched. The propeller hub 4 helps gradually
direct the flow of water 5 to the blades of the turbine. The
generator 3 can be DC with an inverter; or AC or AC/DC with
frequencies of 50 or 60 cycles and voltages suitable for either
foreign or domestic use. Between the turbine and the generator,
could be a gear box (not shown). If the generator 3 is of the
torque motor type, a gear box is not usually required.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a plot of the Significant Wave Height (WVHT), in
meters, from 11/1991-12/2008. Significant wave height (meters) is
calculated as the average of the highest one-third of all the wave
heights during the 20 minute sampling period.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a plot of Average Wave Period (APD), seconds
[0033] The Average wave period is all waves during the 20 minutes
of the sampling period. Note: All samplings occurred every
hour.
Summary of Detailed Description and Figures
[0034] The actual dimensions for the Hydro System FIG. 1 and its
devices, depends on the area of installation and the efflux speed
capability of the turbine/generator 6. That is the dimensions of
the system need to be fairly well designed and built to closely and
consistently control the capturing of both low wave activity and
high wave activity (wave crests and troughs); and have the ability
of those capturing devices (doors and barrier wall) to move up and
down with the tide in that area. The dimensions used for the bather
wall, FIG. 3, 13, also allows for a reasonable average range of
period/frequencies to be captured. All of this needs to be done
within the range of the efflux speed capabilities of the
turbine/generator 6. Or, if desired or deemed necessary, the efflux
speed can be controlled near the output (see discussion later).
[0035] The dimensions of the Hydro System FIG. 1 also depend on the
amount of the prevailing "significant wave heights" that one wants
to capture and the economics that are involved in capturing them.
There are ways of modifying the wave activity coming into the Hydro
System, which could produce lower wave crests and shallower wave
troughs, which would allow for a shorter height in the main
structure 1 and still function properly. Ideally, one would like to
increase the heights of low waves and decrease the heights of high
waves in order to capture more energy and provide better control.
As indicated by others, it is preferable not to have the wave crest
break, as that creates a loss in energy due to turbulence. However,
these methods and devices are not discussed further or illustrated
herein.
[0036] Thus this invention better controls the capture of the full
wave cycle of the energy at various wave heights, tide levels and
periods/frequencies. It can also control the efflux speed. And, the
system does this in essentially a dynamic, and to some extent,
continuous manner (with the exception of when it might be storing
water in the reservoir 7).
Data Used for Design
[0037] For the purpose of this illustration of the design, we have
taken ocean statistics for the Pacific Coast (Oregon, NBC-Station
46050). Oregon is one of five major areas that is best suited for
capturing ocean energy. The dimension for the devices for the Hydro
System FIG. 1, the two openings in the main structure FIG. 2, the
opening in the frontal door FIG. 1, 3 and barrier wall FIG. 3,13
and the doors in the back of the main structure FIGS. 5,10 & 11
are all designed around and used as an example and are based on the
weather data collected by the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC), at
Station 46050 (LLNR 641)--Stonewall Bank--20NM West of Newport,
Oreg.
The Following Plotted Data was Used
[0038] The frontal door opening FIG. 1, 3 and FIG. 4, 3, which is
shown in a triangular shape (except for being flat at the top),
allows approximately same amount of energy to be captured from
about 0.33 meters high to 8 meters high. At around 2 to 2.5 meters
of wave height and under, it is necessary for some or most of the
waves to pass over into the small reservoir FIG. 2, 7, in order to
capture the same amount of energy and thus providing better control
at low wave activity. The width of the main shaft FIG. 3, the
distance in horizontally towards the shore, is determined on the
basis of the control needed, using the barrier wall 13 and can be
set at between 1 to 3 meters or some other reasonable distance to
adjust for the period/frequency of the prevailing waves and the
amount of water to be taken in for the theoretical amount power to
be generated. For finer tuning of the frontal door opening FIG. 4,
3, the barrier wall FIG. 3, 13, can also be tilted (pivot) in or
out, towards or away from the ocean, to also help adjust the amount
of energy captured at high wave activity. Most of the wave heights
FIG. 7 were less than 10 meters high. The average wave heights were
from about 0.5 meters high to about 5 meters, providing an
approximate average of the average of around 3 meters high.
[0039] Note: The wave heights were arbitrarily chosen to capture
over 50% of the highest of the Significant Wave Height's (WVHT).
The average wave period FIG. 8 was from 5 to 9 seconds, providing
an average of the average of about 7 seconds. These averages were
used to calculate the "wave energy flux" for the illustrated
System's electrical energy capability.
Energy Availability
[0040] The power calculations for surface waves (crests &
troughs), sub-surface waves, backwash and undertow captured by the
Hydro System FIG. 1 are presented below:
[0041] The proposed wave energy flux has been calculated for
different wave heights in a couple of scenarios of kW potential.
Actual values will be somewhat less, due to losses such as
turbulence from striking the barrier wall 13 and the water falling
somewhat randomly, initially, down the shaft etc. The barrier wall
can be either straight or "S" like curved with the top of the "S"
facing the ocean and the bottom tail of the "S" facing the
reservoir. The curved baffle would keep more wave crests from
breaking at high wave activity and at low wave activity. Thus more
kinetic energy will be preserved. Note: This would require minor
changes in the frontal opening's FIG. 1, 3 dimensions. Also, waves
are generally lower in both height and energy as they come closer
to shore. And, in addition, losses of energy can be expected in the
energy conversion process.
Calculation of Wave Power Formula.sup.1
[0042] The potential wave energy flux (P) was calculated using the
formula for deep water. Note: Deep water is defined as the water
depth being larger than half the wavelength. Whether it will be
actually deep water, will depend on the terrain, where the system
is installed and how it is installed.
P=pg.sup.2/64.pi.(H.sup.2moT).apprxeq.0.5(kW/m.sup.3s)H.sup.2moT
Where:
[0043] P is the wave energy flux per unit of wave-crest length.
[0044] p is the sea water density (1025 Kg/m\
[0045] g is the acceleration of gravity (9.80 m/s.sup.2).
[0046] Hmo is the significant wave height in meters.
[0047] T is the wave period in seconds.
[0048] In calculating the dimensions of the opening 3 (triangle),
in the vertical sliding door FIG. 1, 2, for Table 1, 80 kW and
Table II, 160 kW, an average of the average period was used, which
was about 7 seconds. The maximum length, of the bottom of the
opening 3 was arbitrarily chosen as 5 meters for practical reasons.
The width, into the main structure 1 (horizontally, sea to shore),
that was used for Table I, was arbitrarily set at 1 meter and for
Table II the width was set at 2 meters. Using those dimensions, the
values for the other dimensions at various heights were calculated.
For waves around 2 to 2.5 meters or less, it becomes necessary to
capture more water than the frontal direction of the main structure
1 can capture and therefore water is allowed to spill over or run
into the small reservoir 7.
[0049] Note: As previously indicated, the triangular shape for the
opening 3 that is depicted, is a simplified illustration of what
could or would be actually used. The shape simply and suitably
demonstrates the principals that apply here. Table III and IV
illustrate the ability of the barrier wall 13 of being able to move
horizontally, either seaward or towards the shore and being able to
adjust for a wide variation in the period/frequency of the ocean
waves. A microprocessor, to control this movement, would provide
the most efficient and effective use of this device.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I Wave Energy Flux @ 80 KW The barrier wall is
set at 1 m and the period for seven (7) seconds KW HT Length Width
out m m m 80 8.0 0.3571 1 80 7.5 0.4063 1 80 7.0 0.4665 1 80 6.5
0.5410 1 80 6.0 0.6350 1 80 5.5 0.7556 1 80 5.0 0.9143 1 80 4.5
1.129 1 80 4.0 1.429 1 80 3.5 1.866 1 80 3.0 2.540 1 80 2.5 3.657 1
80 2.0 5.0 1.143 80 1.5 5.0 2.032 80 1.0 5.0 4.571 80 0.5 5.0 18.29
80 0.333 5.0 41.23
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE III Wave Energy Flux @ 80 KW The barrier wall
is set for a period of three (3) seconds. KW HT Length Width out m
m m 80 8.0 0.595 1.400 80 7.5 0.677 1.400 80 7.0 0.778 1.400 80 6.5
0.902 1.400 80 6.0 1.058 1.400 80 5.5 1.269 1.400 80 5.0 1.524
1.400 80 4.5 1.881 1.400 80 4.0 2.381 1.400 80 3.5 3.110 1.400 80
3.0 4.233 1.400 80 2.5 5.0 1..707 80 2.0 5.0 2.667 80 1.5 5.0 2.844
80 1.0 5.0 6.400 80 0.5 5.0 25.60 80 0.333 5.0 57.72
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE II Wave Energy Flux @ 160 KW The barrier wall
is set at 2 m and the period for seven (7) seconds. KW HT Length
Width out m m m 160 8.0 0.3571 2 160 7.5 0.4063 2 160 7.0 0.4665 2
160 6.5 0.5410 2 160 6.0 0.6350 2 160 5.5 0.7556 2 160 5.0 0.9143 2
160 4.5 1.129 2 160 4.0 1.429 2 160 3.5 1.866 2 160 3.0 2.540 2 160
2.5 3.657 2 160 2.0 5.0 2 160 1.5 5.0 4.063 160 1.0 5.0 9.143 160
0.5 5.0 36.57 160 0.333 5.0 82.45
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE IV Wave Energy Flux @ 80 KW The barrier wall
is set for a period of fifteen (15) seconds. KW HT Length Width out
m m m 80 8.0 0.3572 0.4666 80 7.5 0.4064 0.4666 80 7.0 0.4665
0.4666 80 6.5 0.5410 0.4666 80 6.0 0.6350 0.4666 80 5.5 0.7556
0.4666 80 5.0 0.9143 0.4666 80 4.5 1.129 0.4666 80 4.0 1.429 0.4666
80 3.5 1.866 0.4666 80 3.0 2.540 0.4666 80 2.5 3.657 0.4667 80 2.0
5.0 0.5333 80 1.5 5.0 0.9481 80 1.0 5.0 2.133 80 0.5 5.0 8.533 80
0.333 5.0 19.24
Additional Power Available
[0050] Additional energy can be made available, when needed and if
stored, from the reservoir 7. The water in the reservoir 7 can be
considered secondary backwash and undertow. Additional turbulence
losses will occur due to mixing of the flow or storage with the
flow of the captured wave energy exiting the main structure 1.
Efflux Speed.sup.2
[0051] For the efflux speed, the Bernoulli's equation was used:
P.sub.1+1/2pv.sub.1.sup.2+pgy.sub.1=P.sub.2+1/2pv.sub.2+pgy.sub.2
Where:
[0052] P=pressure at any two points (1 and 2)
[0053] p=density of fluid (1.025 Kg/m.sup.3).
[0054] v=fluid speed, before and after.
[0055] y=elevation at any two points (1 and 2)
[0056] The calculation of the efflux speed of water from the Hydro
System FIG. 1 (excluding the concentrating effect of the return
water conduit) can be modified and simplified. The simplified
version is called Torricelli's equation (this is a particular case
of the Bernoulli's principle or equation) and is:
P=pg.sup.2/64.PI.(H.sup.2moT=0.5(Kw/m3s)H.sup.2mo
[0057] The calculation of the efflux speed of water from the hydro
system FIG. 1 (excluding the water conduit concentrating effect)
can be modified and simplified. The simplified version is called
Torricelli's equation (this is a particular case of the Bernoulli's
principle or equation) and is:
v.sub.1= {square root over (2gh)}
Where:
[0058] v1 is the efflux speed from the hydro system (m/s).
[0059] g is the acceleration of gravity (9.80 m/s.sup.2)
[0060] h is the height of water above the outlet in meters.
[0061] Note: Even though the reservoir 7 is not a very large tank
as a source, we believe that this formula can be used since the
liquid level changes for the head, will still be minimal on the
average due to continued replenishing.
[0062] In our example, the variation in efflux speed of the
captured water due to the heights of water in the reservoir and/or
the main structure would be from about 14.3 m/s at low tide and low
wave activity to 21.0 m/s at high tide and high wave activity.
[0063] For the increase in efflux speed due to the shape of the
return water conduit 4 and the concentrating effect, the Bernoulli
equation could be modified, simplified and used. However, the use
of the "Equation of Continuity".sup.3 is a little more straight
forward and it has less assumptions. And thus, that is the equation
we use here:
p.sub.1A.sub.1v.sub.1=p.sub.2A.sub.2v.sub.2
[0064] Where: [0065] p is the density of sea water (1025 Kg/m\
[0066] A.sub.1 is the area of influx (15 m.sup.2).
[0067] v.sub.1 is the speed at influx (m/s).
[0068] A.sub.2 is the area at efflux (1.5 m.sup.2).
[0069] v.sub.2 is the increase in speed at efflux (m/s).
[0070] The simplified efflux equation is:
v.sub.2=A.sub.1v.sub.1/A.sub.2
Thus in our example, the efflux speed has increased an additional
10 times, due to the return water conduit's 4 concentrating
effect.
Control of the Efflux Speed
[0071] The influx speed to the turbine/generator 6, as mentioned
earlier, can be controlled by having several small openings with
doors around the water conduit, just before the turbine, which
could be used to expel excess influx, over what the
turbine/generator 6 can handle. The effect would be doubled or
almost double, as less water is running through the turbine and the
area around the conduit, at that point, prior to the turbine, has
just been increased. The function of the opening of the doors could
be controlled with hydraulics and a microprocessor. However, it
would be preferred to have a turbine/generator, which has a broader
range of capability of speed operation, so that as much of the
energy that is available and captured can be used.
Turbine/Generator
[0072] A low or medium head hydro turbine/generator 6 could be
used. However, a special hydro turbine may need to be manufactured,
specifically for this use, and may be more desirable for full
effectiveness and efficiency, since the methods and the amounts of
potential capture of energy are somewhat unique to this
invention.
Doors and Barrier Wall
[0073] The vertical sliding doors and the movements of the barrier
wall FIG. 3, 13 can be accomplished in several ways, with different
methods, devices and mechanisms, including using latching
mechanisms. What will be best for this system can be determined
later on the basis of efficiency, cost effectiveness and
reliability by those more skilled in the arts.
Devices Used for Movement
[0074] Motors, mechanisms and devices for the sliding doors and the
moving barrier wall FIG. 3, 13 are not identified, shown or
specified. Any gears, pulleys, chains, cables, etc. and limit
switches (for backup), that can be used are also not identified,
shown or specified. These items can be readily determined by those
better skilled in those arts, as to what would function best and be
the most reliable under ocean atmospheric conditions. The movements
of the doors and barrier wall 13 and their functions, could be
performed using several types of devices or mechanisms using
tracks, guide posts, floats; some mechanical or electro-mechanical
devices, etc. The barrier wall 13 could pivot from the bottom,
center, or top or anywhere in between and it would still provide
the same or similar function. The drive motors for these functions,
can be controlled, using a microprocessor. A microprocessor could
continually adjust for wave activity, tide level, period and efflux
speed.
The Reservoir
[0075] As discussed earlier, the primary purpose of the reservoir
FIG. 1, 7 is to control and collect the low wave activity. And,
that is waves of around 2 to 2.5 meters or less. The storage
collected in the reservoir could also be used to mediate the energy
required to balance the head differences between the high and low
tides and thus, providing better control for the turbine/generator
6. A monitoring device could be used for the output flow (efflux)
in conjunction with a microprocessor to help determine the amount
of output to release from the reservoir and thus again providing
better control. Also, things like keeping the top level of the door
to the reservoir lower than the tide level would improve the flow
through the reservoir 7. And, a slope downward, towards the sea, of
the bottom of the reservoir 7, would also improve the movement out
and the mixing of the water flow, at the shaft of the main
structure 1 before entering the return water conduit 4.
Installation of the Hydro System
[0076] The main structure FIG. 1, 1 (with an elevator shaft like
shape) should be tall enough to accommodate both the variations in
tide and a reasonable amount of capture of the "significant wave
height" in the region and area where installed. The height
constructed would also depend on the percentage of the prevailing
"significant wave heights" that one wanted to capture and the
economics that are involved in capturing that energy. There are
ways of modifying the wave activity coming in, which would allow
for shorter heights in the main structure FIG. 1,1 (these
modifications are not presented or illustrated herein). The
structural opening FIG. 2, 10 and the opening in the door FIG. 1, 3
(parallel with the shoreline and at the various heights of waves),
should be long enough to capture a reasonable and equal amount of
energy as capable at both high and low wave activity for better
control. The structure width (the horizontal distance into the
shaft), perpendicular or somewhat perpendicular to the coastline,
will vary according to the wave activity in area, the equipment
generating capabilities and the average frequency/period that is
desired to be captured.
Construction Materials for the Main Structure and Reservoir
[0077] The reservoir FIG. 1, 7 and main structure 1 can be
constructed of reinforced concrete (or any other rigid and durable
material), that is not subject to corrosion by seawater, with
components cast into the concrete or fitted to these
structures.
Materials for the Doors and Barrier Wall
[0078] The doors and barrier wall can be made from a light weight,
high strength metal alloy, not subject to corrosion; or a
reinforced composite, or any other suitable, lightweight and
durable material. The material should be something that is not
subject to aging and cracking over time, from the severe ocean
environment.
Expansion of Hydro Facilities
[0079] The actual length (horizontal direction, parallel to shore
or prevailing waves) of the main structure FIG. 1,1 could be almost
any dimension, with one or more frontal shafts and openings and
sliding doors 2 etc. Or, the door 2 could be wider, as long as both
the structure and door are properly braced in between. The height
of the structure could be considerably shorter, if the top of the
door 2 could be suitably segmented and folded in, at the top; as
long as it is still functional (details are not presented or
illustrated herein). Also, several outputs from capturing devices
and systems could be combined together and flow into one conduit
system with a larger turbine/generator 6 being used.
Structure Location
[0080] The more logical locations for these hydro capturing systems
would be along cliffy, deep water areas, which are along remote
coastlines of fairly high wave activity. This would be naturally
and generally far from most recreational types of activities in the
area (except for maybe cliff climbing). These installations should
also be away from easily accessible and popular scenic areas. Being
on the coastline provides for better accessibility to land power
transmission facilities and the area of use. And, in addition,
structures near or on the coastline are better protected from the
more extreme weather conditions that occur on the open seas.
SUMMARY
[0081] This invention contains several new and novel concepts,
methods and devices for the controlled capture of ocean wave
energy. These have been combined to form a controlled capture Hydro
System from which the captured ocean energy is converted into
electrical energy. This invention should greatly improve the
approach to the collection of and the use of ocean energy in field
of wave energy converters (WECs). The description of this invention
is only illustrative of the concepts, methods, devices and items
that can be used for collecting and controlling the capture of the
ocean wave energy. Various changes in details of the illustrated
design and its workings, and the proposed construction of such
systems can therefore be made, well within the scope of the
concepts, methods and principles that are presented and illustrated
in this patent. This invention is not limited to these
illustrations, methods, devices and items, which have been
discussed. And thus, many and various improvements, modifications
of design and structural changes can and will probably be made,
without departing from the overall concepts and principles of the
invention, as can be determined by those that are more experienced
and skilled in this art.
* * * * *