Device for converting wave energy into mechanical energy

Abstract

A wave power plant for extracting energy from the wave movement of a water surface area, which wave power plant comprises a frame construction (1), in which at least two rotors (3, 3a) are journalled, and wherein each rotor (3, 3a) is suspended in the frame construction (1) to the effect that the water mill wheel (3) is able to rotate about a shaft which is, in the normal use position of the wave power plant, essentially horizontal and is retained in the frame construction (1), and wherein means are provided for maintaining each of the rotors (3, 3a) partially immersed into a water surface area. The wave power plant is floating and comprises at least two non-parallel rotor shafts on which at least one rotor (3, 3a) is arranged on each rotor shaft.

Description

FIELD OF USE OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a wave power plant for extracting power from the wave movement of a water surface area, said wave power plant comprising a frame construction in which at least two wave rotors are journalled, and wherein each wave rotor is suspended in the frame construction on a rotor shaft which is, in the normal use situation of the wave power plant, essentially horizontal to the effect that the rotors are able to rotate about the rotor shaft which is retained in the frame construction, and wherein means are configured for maintaining each of the rotors partially immersed in a water surface area.STATE OF THE ART[0002]Today, many different embodiments of wave power plants are known that all share the feature that they utilise the energy which is provided when water is caused to move in a wave movement. A particular category of such wave power plants uses it to advantage that the water at the crest of a wave has a potential energy ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]As it is, this enables that, at all times, the wave power plant will position itself such that the distance of the rotor shafts relative to each other will be increased in the direction of propagation of the waves, whereby an angle relative to the wave propagation direction will be imparted to the rotor shafts which is considerably larger than 0 degrees. Thereby it is ensured that the capacity of the individual rotors is utilised optimally, the rotors not being arranged behind each other relative to the direction of propagation of the waves, and, on the other hand, it is possible to adapt the angle such that the capacity of the rotors use utilised optimally relative to the wave height and distance that prevails at a given position.

[0014]In this context, it will further provide a stable positioning of the wave power plant on the water surface area if the hinge device comprises the anchoring site.

[0017]Further utilisation of power can be obtained if the wave power plant further comprises one or more ballast tanks and associated pumps that are configured for filling the ballast tanks with and emptying them of water. Hereby it is possible to regulate the lift of the plant in response to the current wave conditions to the effect that the rotors can be kept immersed into the water surface area in a desired depth with a view to adapting or optimising their efficiency.

Problems solved by technology

It is a constant challenge in the development of wave power plants to optimize the amount of energy that can be extracted from the plant, a commercial penetration of such wave power plants presupposing to a certain extent that, in particular financially, they are able to compete with already existing renewable-energy plants, such as wind turbines and the like.

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