Wave energy converter

a technology of wave energy and converter, which is applied in the direction of machines/engines, water-power plants, positive displacement liquid engines, etc., can solve the problems of affecting the operation of devices, so as to achieve the effect of optimizing the generation of power

US20050084333A1Inactive Publication Date: 2005-04-21ZADIG STEPHEN J
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Patent Type
Applications(United States)
Current Assignee / Owner
Publication Date
2005-04-21
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

An improved wave energy converter for use in offshore and deep-sea locations. The wave energy converter is adapted for secure attachment to the bottom of a body of water (e.g., the ocean floor), preferably beyond the breaker zone. The wave energy converter is selectively adjustable in length. A hydraulic power generation system is used to convert the energy present in the waves into hydraulic power that can be use to generate electricity and for other purposes, such as desalinization. The system may include a hydraulic piston assembly, a floatation device that is connected to the piston assembly, high and low pressure hydraulic reservoirs, and a hydraulically driven power generator. The floatation device moves upward in response to rising waves, and downward under the force of gravity in response to falling waves. The system utilizes this downward gravitational force to discharge fluid from the piston assembly, which in turn, drives the power generator. A control system is used to detect water conditions and to selectively adjust the length of the support structure and the fluid flow characteristics to dynamically optimize power generation based on changing water conditions.
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Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention generally relates to a wave energy converter and more particularly, to a wave power generator that utilizes gravity as a primary component in the generation of hydraulic energy, which can be used to generate electrical power, and that is selectively adjustable to optimize power generation based upon water conditions. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Waves contain a large amount of energy, which if converted into electricity, can help serve the world's increasing demands for electrical power. Many attempts have been made to harness the energy contained in waves and convert that energy into electrical power. These attempts include shoreline type generators, which are constructed at or near the shoreline, and offshore generators, which are constructed beyond the breaker zone and / or in the deep sea. Shoreline generators are generally easier to construct, but produce less energy than offshore generators, which are able to capture the greater...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0018] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples of the invention so as to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Where certain elements of the present invention can be partially or fully implemented using known components, only those portions of such known components that are necessary for an understanding of the present invention will be described, and detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components will be omitted so as not to obscure the invention. Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the Figures, like numerals being used to refer to like and corresponding parts of various drawings.

[0019] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown one embodiment of a wave power generator 10 that is made in accordance with present invention and that is adapted for use in offshore and deep-sea locations. Wave power generator 10 is adapted for secure attachme...