Wave energy converter

Abstract

Apparatus (10) rests on the seabed at a location below sea level for capturing wave energy. The apparatus (10) comprises a body structure (11) having a diaphragm (25) adapted to deflect in response to wave action. A working chamber (27) is disposed immediately below the diaphragm (25) and contains a compressible fluid such as air. A pump system (43) is accommodated within the working chamber (27). The pump system (43) comprises two reciprocating pumps (45, 47) operating in opposition. The pumps (45, 47) are operably connected to the diaphragm (25) through a lever mechanism (61). Because of the geometry of the lever mechanism (61), the stroke length of each pump (45, 47) is less than the amplitude of displacement of the diaphragm (25) as it moves in response to wave action. Thus, the lever mechanism (61) increases the force acting on each pump (45, 47) by a given ratio and reduces the stroke of each pump by the same ratio. The reduction in stroke length provides for compact construction so that the pumps (45, 47) can be readily accommodated within the working chamber (27). The pumps (45, 47) draw seawater from the environment about the apparatus (10) and discharge the seawater at a high-pressure. The high-pressure seawater generated by the pumps can be piped to shore for use in any appropriate purpose.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for converting wave energy in a water body into a form capable of performing useful work.

[0002] The design purpose of the present invention is particularly, but not necessarily, merely to utilize wave energy and convert the generated energy into a pressurized fluid for use in any suitable manner. The fluid may be water taken from the body of water itself. In the case that the water body is the ocean, the seawater taken from the ocean can be transported to the coast through pipelines under high pressure and supplied to a reverse osmosis desalination device to produce fresh water. The concentrated seawater discharged from the desalination unit, which is still under high pressure, can be supplied to turbines and shaft power for power generation. Background technique

[0003] There have been many proposals for devices that attempt to utilize ocean wave energy, but only some of such devices have undergone continuous commercia...

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