Drive components

Abstract

A drive assembly is provided, suitable for assisting in converting wave energy into useful energy. The drive assembly of the present invention is arranged to transfer wave energy to an energy converter, the drive assembly comprising a wave energy capture member; and a lever arm connected to the wave energy capture member, the lever arm being movable between a first stroke position and a second stroke position to define a working stroke; wherein the lever arm is arranged to be coupled to the energy converter and is also arranged to transfer energy from the wave energy capture member to the energy converter; further, wherein the wave energy capture member is arranged to move the lever arm between a first stroke position and a second stroke position; and wherein the first stroke position and the second stroke position define a distal end point of the working stroke; the working stroke is arranged to drive the energy converter.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive assembly, in particular to a drive assembly for transmitting wave energy to an energy converter. Background of the Invention

[0003] In recent years, there has been an increasing emphasis on the need to develop renewable energy sources in order to make a significant contribution to global energy production. Government targets, media coverage of issues related to non-renewable energy sources, and increasing energy costs have all created strong incentives for the development of renewable energy systems.

[0004] The negative environmental impact of fossil fuels is well known, as are the problems and high costs associated with nuclear energy. On the other hand, harnessing the vast natural abundance of renewable energy is limited only by our ability to capture and supply it at an economically viable price.

[0005] One potential renewable energy source is wave energy - an abundant and sustainable energy source available in all of the world's oceans and seas. Various wave devices have been proposed for generating energy from wave energy, but these devices have many limitations and none have the ability to reliably exploit the available wave energy resources over the long term.

[0006] Successively improved generators for converting wave motion into useful energy are disclosed in WO2010007418, WO2011158006 and WO2013068748. The disclosed generators use submersible reaction bodies to resolve many of the difficulties associated with existing wave energy converters.

[0007] However, the wave energy converters disclosed in WO2010007418, WO2011158006 and WO2013068748 still have potential for further improvement. Summary of the invention

[0008] According to the present invention, a drive assembly and a buoyant wave energy conversion device are provided. The drive assembly includes a lever arm, which is arranged to transmit wave energy captured by a wave energy capture member to a wave energy converter. The lever arm, its end or a portion thereof is arranged to move between a first position and a second position defining a working stroke, and the working stroke is arranged to drive the energy converter. The movement can be achieved by rotation of such a rigid lever arm around a fixed point, or by bending of such a flexible lever arm, or by any suitable combination of the two. In an embodiment in which rotation is achieved by bending of such a flexible lever arm, the lever arm can be biased toward one of the first or second positions on the rotation arc, and the bias provides a means for storing elastic potential energy through the lever arm.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a drive assembly arranged to transmit wave energy to an energy converter, the drive assembly comprising: a wave energy capture component; and a lever arm connected to the wave energy conversion component, the lever arm being movable between a first stroke position and a second stroke position to define a working stroke; wherein the lever arm is arranged to be connected to the energy converter and is also arranged to transmit energy from the wave energy capture component to the energy converter; further, wherein the wave energy capture component is arranged to move the lever arm between a first stroke position and a second stroke position; and wherein the first stroke position and the second stroke position define a distal end point of the working stroke; the working stroke is arranged to drive the energy converter.

[0010] The present invention preferably provides a drive assembly suitable for use with a wave energy conversion device. The drive assembly of the present invention is used to capture wave energy, and the energy capture member preferably includes a wave energy capture buoy. In such an embodiment, the wave energy capture member is preferably capable of moving in a reciprocating motion according to the movement of the waves, thereby allowing energy to be transmitted to the energy converter by moving a lever arm (optionally connecting the wave energy capture member to the lever arm by an actuating member). Due to the said movement of the wave energy capture member, the movement of the lever arm between the first stroke position and the second stroke position defines a working stroke. Any optional actuating member is preferably connected to the lever arm at a point along the length of the lever arm.

[0011] The wave energy capture member preferably moves in an area of ​​water in accordance with waves in the area of ​​water, thereby capturing the energy of the waves. The movement is preferably transmitted from the wave energy capture member to the lever arm via an actuating member connected therebetween, the actuating member actuating the lever arm so that the lever arm moves between a first stroke position and a second stroke position. The lever arm is preferably connected to an energy converter so that the movement between the first stroke position and the second stroke position constitutes or includes a working stroke of the energy converter. In some embodiments, the drive assembly may include the energy converter. The energy converter is preferably arranged to convert wave energy captured by the wave energy capture member and transmitted to the energy converter via the lever arm (and optionally via the actuating member) into useful energy, which may be electrical energy.

[0012] In the context of the present invention, the term "lever arm" will be understood as any elongated structure arranged to move, turn or rotate around a fulcrum, or bend or flex so that a portion or end thereof moves between a first stroke position and a second stroke position. In some embodiments, the lever arm may include a frame having one or more structural elements, the frame forming a mesh frame or a skeleton frame. In other embodiments, the lever arm may include a single elongated lever element. The lever arm will be understood to have a certain degree of inherent stiffness, so that a force applied by an actuating member to a point of the lever arm causes the lever arm to rotate or pivot around the fulcrum. The lever arm may include elastic properties, thereby allowing the lever arm to store elastic potential energy when the actuating member applies a force thereon. The elastic energy can be used to bias the lever arm toward a biased position, which can be a first stroke position or a second stroke position, or a distal end of a working stroke. The preferred inherent biasing mass of the lever arm can allow the lever arm to effectively return to the biased position to be ready to receive a force (wave energy transfer) applied thereto by a wave energy capture member (optionally via an actuating member). The preferred biasing mass of the lever arm preferably biases the lever arm to a biased position to enable continued driving of the energy converter. In certain embodiments, the lever arm also preferably defines a neutral position of the working stroke, which is defined by the extent to which forces in the wave energy capture member impinge on the lever arm (via the actuating member) (i.e., when there are no wave-induced forces to move the wave energy capture member). Thus, the working stroke can be positive or negative about the neutral position along the arc of movement of the lever arm.

[0013] In some preferred embodiments, movement of the lever arm by the wave energy capture member occurs by rotation of the lever arm about a fulcrum to define an arc of rotation and / or by bending of at least a portion of the lever arm. In some embodiments where movement is produced by bending of the lever arm, the lever arm is preferably arranged to store elastic potential energy in the range of 5 to 50 MJ once the movement is caused by the wave energy capture member.

[0014] In some embodiments, the lever arm is connected to the wave energy capture member via an actuating member, which is arranged to transfer energy from the wave energy capture member. Preferably, the actuating member comprises at least one selected from the following: a flexible rope; a rigid frame. The actuating member preferably provides an intermediate energy transfer connection between the energy capture member and the lever arm. In embodiments where the actuating member comprises a flexible rope, the flexible rope may comprise an adjustable rope length. The adjustable rope length preferably defines a freely adjustable distance between the energy capture member and the lever arm. It will be appreciated that embodiments in which the rope length can be adjusted in addition to or instead of rotation or movement of the lever arm. In a preferred embodiment, the rope length can be adjusted by a winch.

[0015] In an embodiment where the actuating member comprises a rigid frame, the rigid frame may be coupled to a lever arm via a hinge such that the rigid frame may rotate relative to the lever arm about an axis defined by the hinge. The hinge may comprise a bearing, which may be any suitable bearing, such as a ball bearing or a journal bearing. The rigid frame may be coupled to the energy capture member via a hinge. The connection to the energy capture member may be at an end of the rigid frame, which is opposite to an end of the rigid frame coupled to the lever arm. Therefore, the rigid frame is preferably arranged to move relative to the lever arm such that energy can be transferred from the energy capture member to the rigid frame. The rigid frame of the actuating member may be any suitable frame structure and is preferably a mesh frame or a skeleton frame such that resistance to fluid flow therethrough is minimized.

[0016] The energy capture member preferably includes a buoyancy portion. Therefore, the energy capture member preferably includes a float. In some preferred embodiments, the shape of the float can be roughly spherical, elliptical or oval. Alternatively, the float can be roughly cylindrical or barrel-shaped. It will be understood that the energy capture member can be an embodiment of any shape suitable for capturing wave energy and transferring the energy to the lever arm through the actuating member.

[0017] The drive assembly is preferably arranged to be mounted on a buoyant platform. The buoyant platform preferably includes a frame structure so that the resistance to the fluid flowing through the frame structure is minimized. Therefore, in some embodiments, the frame structure may include a mesh or skeleton frame. The buoyant platform preferably includes an upper surface arranged to support the drive assembly. The buoyant platform preferably also includes a buoyant portion, which can be positioned near the lowest surface of the frame structure. Alternatively or additionally, the buoyant portion can be positioned to one or more pairs of opposite sides or corners adjacent to the frame structure. In the most preferred embodiment, the positioning of the buoyant portion serves to provide the minimum resistance for the fluid flowing through or adjacent to the buoyant platform. In the context of the present invention, it should be understood that the term "fluid flow" used herein can refer to the air flow during the floating or transportation of the buoyant platform or frame at the top of a water surface, and can also refer to the water flow during the buoyant platform or frame is immersed in a water area.

[0018] The wave energy capture member is preferably positioned at a height relative to the upper surface of the buoyant platform, wherein the height is preferably adjustable. The lever arm is arranged to move, for example, along the moving arc of the lever arm to adjust the height between the in-use height and the docking height, the in-use height being greater than the docking height. The in-use height is preferably the height at which the wave energy capture member is set to capture wave energy. The in-use height is preferably selected between 5.0m and 40.0m. The docking height is preferably the height at which the wave energy capture member does not capture wave energy. The docking height may be a height at which the wave energy capture member is adjacent to or close to the buoyant platform. It will be understood that the height may be adjusted to any height between the in-use height and the docking height, and the in-use height may be determined according to the conditions of an area of ​​water, such as the sea, ocean or weather conditions. The in-use height may be controlled or determined according to the distance between the wave energy capture member and the surface of an area of ​​water, so that the in-use height defines the in-use depth of the wave energy capture member relative to the surface of the area of ​​water.

[0019] The adjustment of the height by the lever arm is preferably independent of the working stroke. Preferably, the adjustment of the height by the lever arm is accomplished by movement of the lever arm along the arc of movement of the lever arm, which is independent of the movement of the lever arm between the first stroke position and the second stroke position. Therefore, in the preferred embodiment, the first stroke position and the second stroke position are defined according to the stroke distance spaced between them, and the stroke distance is independent of the position of the lever arm on the arc of movement. Therefore, the movement between the first stroke position and the second stroke position, and therefore the execution of the working stroke, is preferably independent of the position of the lever arm on the arc of movement. Therefore, the arc of movement can define a total movement distance greater than the stroke distance, so that the working stroke can be performed at different points of the arc of movement within the range of movement of the arc of movement. In such an embodiment, the lever arm can be moved to reduce the height of the energy capture member relative to the buoyant platform, regardless of any simultaneous energy transfer from the energy capture member to the lever arm (which can be through the actuating member) and therefore the simultaneous movement of the lever arm between the first stroke position and the second stroke position. The energy converter is preferably connected to the lever arm at a point along the length of the lever arm. The stroke distance is preferably measured as the straight linear distance travelled by the coupling point between the first stroke position and the second stroke position. In an alternative embodiment, the stroke distance may be the curvilinear distance travelled by the coupling point along the arc of movement between the first stroke position and the second stroke position. The stroke distance is preferably selected from the range of 2.0 m to 20.0 m, more preferably from the range of 5.0 m to 15.0 m.

[0020] The drive assembly preferably includes a plurality of actuating members, each actuating member being coupled to a wave energy capture member, and each actuating member being further coupled to a corresponding lever arm. In a preferred embodiment, the drive assembly includes four flexible rope actuating members, each flexible rope actuating member being coupled to a common wave energy capture member, and each flexible rope actuating member being further coupled to a corresponding lever arm. In other preferred embodiments, the drive assembly includes two rigid frame actuating members, each rigid frame actuating member being pivotally coupled to a common wave energy capture member, and each rigid frame actuating member being further pivotally coupled to a corresponding lever arm. In such a preferred embodiment, the corresponding lever arms may each be coupled to the buoyant platform at a different pivot point on the buoyant platform, each pivot point defining a separate fulcrum around which the lever arms may rotate separately. Alternatively, the corresponding lever arms may be connected to the buoyant platform at a common pivot point on the buoyant platform, thereby defining a single fulcrum around which the lever arms may rotate together.

[0021] Preferably, the energy converter comprises one selected from the following: a rotary generator; a linear generator; a hydraulic pump.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a buoyant wave energy conversion device is provided, the device comprising: a drive assembly arranged to transfer wave energy to an energy converter, the drive assembly comprising: a wave energy capture member; a lever arm connected to the wave energy capture member, the lever arm being movable between a first stroke position and a second stroke position to define a working stroke; wherein the lever arm is arranged to be connected to the energy converter and is also arranged to transfer energy from the wave energy capture member to the energy converter; further, wherein the wave energy capture member is arranged to move the lever arm between a first stroke position and a second stroke position; and wherein the first stroke position and the second stroke position define a distal end point of the working stroke; the working stroke is arranged to drive the energy converter.

[0023] It will be appreciated that the drive assembly comprised in the buoyant wave energy conversion device of the second aspect may include any of the features of the drive assembly of the first aspect.

[0024] The apparatus preferably further comprises a buoyant platform arranged to support the drive assembly.It will be appreciated that the buoyant platform discussed for the first aspect may include any features of the buoyant platform of the second aspect.

[0025] Preferably, the wave energy capture member is positioned at a height relative to the upper surface of the buoyant platform. The lever arm is preferably arranged to move to adjust the height between an in-use height and a docked height, the in-use height being greater than the docked height. Adjustment of the height by the lever arm is preferably independent of the working stroke.

[0026] The buoyant platform preferably includes an in-use configuration, wherein the buoyant platform is submerged in a body of water, and wherein the lever arm is preferably positioned on a travel arc such that the wave energy capture member is positioned at an in-use height. Preferably, at the in-use height, the wave energy capture member is submerged in the body of water. In the in-use configuration, the buoyant platform is preferably suspended by a mooring device at a submerged depth below the surface of the body of water, such that the vertical buoyancy provided by the buoyancy of the buoyant platform is offset by the opposite vertical anchoring force provided by the mooring device, such that the buoyant platform is vertically stable in the body of water, thereby minimizing the movement of the buoyant platform in the in-use configuration. It should be understood that groundwater flow or waves may interact with the buoyant platform to provide lateral forces to the buoyant platform. In some preferred embodiments, the mooring device preferably additionally provides an angled mooring force (considered to be directly opposite to the vertical force) that is opposite to the component of the lateral force, such that the buoyant platform is also laterally stable in the body of water.

[0027] Preferably, the buoyant platform comprises a storm configuration, wherein the buoyant platform and preferably the wave energy capture member is submerged in a body of water, and preferably wherein the lever arm is positioned on a moving arc so that the wave energy capture member is positioned at a docking height. In the storm configuration, similar to the case discussed in the in-use configuration, the buoyant platform is submerged. Adjusting the height of the wave energy capture member relative to the buoyant platform so that the wave energy capture member is positioned at a docking height during the storm configuration preferably reduces or minimizes the destructive forces exerted on the wave energy capture member by rough or turbulent sea conditions. Therefore, the storm configuration preferably provides a drive assembly or buoyant wave energy conversion device with improved life according to the present invention. In some embodiments, the storm configuration may include a buoyant platform and a wave energy capture device located submerged in the body of water, and wherein the direction of the wave energy capture member is adjusted to minimize the hydrodynamic drag of the wave energy capture member. For example, in embodiments where the wave energy capture member includes a major axis (e.g., the major axis of a cylindrical wave energy capture member), the storm configuration may include a wave energy capture member oriented so that the major axis is positioned parallel to the wave direction.

[0028] Preferably, the buoyant platform comprises a transport configuration in which the buoyant platform floats on the surface of a body of water and in which the wave energy capture member is positioned at a docking height. In the transport configuration, the lever arm preferably moves, rotates or pivots about a fulcrum to a first distal end of an arc of movement of the lever arm such that the lever arm is preferably oriented substantially perpendicular to an upper surface of the buoyant platform. In embodiments where the lever arm is flexible relative to the buoyant platform, the lever arm may be in an offset position in the transport configuration. It will be appreciated that the orientation of the lever arm is determined according to a longitudinal axis of the lever arm. Thus, in embodiments where the lever arm is a frame comprised of one or more structural elements, which may form a mesh or skeletal frame of the lever arm, the direction of the lever arm will be understood to be the longitudinal axis of the lever arm.

[0029] The device preferably further comprises a bracket extending from the buoyant platform, the bracket being arranged to support the wave energy capture member at a docking height. The bracket preferably comprises a bracket recess, the bracket recess being shaped to receive at least a portion of the wave energy capture member. Thus, the bracket recess preferably defines a surface that is arranged to abut the portion of the wave energy capture member. In a preferred embodiment, the lever arm moves, rotates or pivots about a fulcrum to a second distal end of the moving arc opposite to the first distal end, so that the wave energy capture member is positioned at a docking height and is thereby supported in the bracket. The bracket is preferably arranged to stabilize the wave energy capture member against lateral forces when the wave energy capture member is positioned at a docking height.

[0030] The device preferably includes a yaw mechanism that can be positioned on the buoyant platform and arranged to rotate on the plane of the upper surface of the buoyant platform. The yaw mechanism thereby preferably defines an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the plane of the upper surface of the buoyant platform and preferably perpendicular to the working stroke. Preferably, the lever arm, the actuating member and the energy capture member form an energy capture assembly. In an embodiment in which the device includes a yaw mechanism, the yaw mechanism is preferably arranged to rotate the energy capture assembly around the axis of rotation. For example, such rotation can be arranged to optimally align the energy capture member with the direction of the waves. For example, in an embodiment in which the wave energy capture member includes a shape having a long axis, the yaw mechanism can be arranged to rotate the energy capture member so that the long axis is positioned perpendicular to the direction of the waves in use. In a storm configuration, the yaw mechanism can be arranged, for example, to position the long axis parallel to the direction of the waves. An embodiment including a yaw mechanism preferably allows the energy capture assembly to be angularly adjusted by its rotation around the axis of rotation so as to optimally align the energy capture assembly with the waves of the water area in the configuration in use.

[0031] Preferably, the lever arm is arranged to store elastic potential energy upon movement of the wave energy capturing member and / or the actuation member.

[0032] The device preferably also includes a mooring device, which is arranged to tie the buoyant platform to the riverbed of a body of water. The mooring device is preferably arranged to limit the distance between the buoyant platform and the riverbed of the body of water. The distance is preferably freely adjustable. The mooring device preferably includes one or more hard pipes, which can be ropes or chains, and preferably applies an anchoring force on the buoyant platform, and the force preferably has a vertical component and a lateral component. The vertical component and the lateral component of the anchoring force preferably offset one or more combined opposing forces, which can include the buoyancy of the buoyant platform or the force applied by the waves or currents of the body of water. The mooring device preferably includes a mooring device length, which is preferably adjustable, and the mooring device length is preferably adjustable by a winch, around which the mooring device can be wound. The adjustment of the mooring device length can allow the buoyant platform to move from a transport configuration to a configuration in use. Changes in the conditions of the body of water, such as sea, tide, ocean or weather conditions, may require a change in the length of the mooring device, thereby changing the depth of the buoyant platform in the body of water.

[0033] Specific instructions

[0034] Specific embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a buoyant wave energy capture device according to a second aspect of the invention, the device comprising a drive assembly according to the first aspect, the device being in a transmission configuration;

[0036] Figure 2 is a side view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a buoyant wave energy capture device according to the second aspect of the invention, the device comprising a drive assembly according to the first aspect, the device being in a transmission configuration;

[0037] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Another side view of an exemplary embodiment of Figure 2 The transport construct is deployed as the one in use;

[0038] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A close-up view of the drive assembly shown in FIG.

[0039] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A side view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention in an in-use configuration;

[0040] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A close-up view of the drive assembly is shown;

[0041] Figure 7is similar to Figure 6 A close-up view of another exemplary embodiment of a drive assembly is shown;

[0042] Figure 8 Depicted Figure 7 A series of side views from left to right of an embodiment of the invention when in use;

[0043] Fig. 9 is another exemplary embodiment of a drive assembly according to the first aspect;

[0044] Fig.10 yes Figure 1 An example embodiment of the invention is in a side view in a storm configuration;

[0045] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 A close-up view of the drive assembly is shown;

[0046] Fig.12 is a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a buoyant wave energy capture device according to the second aspect of the invention, comprising a drive assembly according to the first aspect, the device being in a configuration for use;

[0047] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 a close-up view of the drive assembly shown;

[0048] Fig.14 is similar to Fig.12 and Fig.13 A close-up view of another exemplary embodiment of ;

[0049] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 A perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Fig.16 is similar to Fig.15 A perspective view of a drive assembly having a yaw mechanism;

[0051] Fig.17 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a drive assembly according to the first aspect, the drive assembly having a float positioned at a use height;

[0052] Fig.18 yes Fig.17 A side view of an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the float is positioned at a docking height;

[0053] Fig.19 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a drive assembly according to the first aspect, the drive assembly having an energy converter contained in a float;

[0054] Fig. 20is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a drive assembly according to the first aspect, the drive assembly having an energy converter located at a joint between lever arms of the drive assembly; and

[0055] Fig.21 is a series of side views from left to right of another exemplary embodiment of a drive assembly according to the first aspect, the drive assembly having a flexible lever arm.

[0056] exist Figures 1 to 6 A first exemplary embodiment of a drive assembly and a buoyant wave energy converter according to the invention is shown in FIG.

[0057] refer to Figure 1 , two equivalent drive assemblies 102 according to the first aspect are shown mounted on top of a buoyant platform 104, thereby forming an exemplary buoyant wave energy conversion device 100 according to the second aspect. Figure 1 The side view of the device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is in a transport configuration, floating on top of a surface 106 of a body of water 108. In this configuration, all moving parts and connections are above the body of water 108 and accessible for maintenance. The buoyant platform 104 includes a mesh steel frame 110 having a steel mesh forming a planar rectangular upper surface 112 of the buoyant platform 104 having a first end 114 and a second end 116 opposite the first end 114.

[0058] A pair of opposing floats 118 are positioned adjacent to the underside of the strips forming the upper surface 112 of the frame 110, with each float 118 positioned proximate one end of the buoyant platform 104. Figure 1 A pair of opposing floats 118 are shown positioned near the first end 114 and the second end 116 of the buoyant platform 104. The floats 118 are hollow and generally oval in shape, formed of a rigid polymer material, with the hollow portion including air such that in the illustrated transport configuration the floats 118 support the buoyant platform 104 above the surface 106 of the body of water 108. The ratio of air to water in the hollow portion may vary, and thus the present invention may provide fixed or variable buoyancy of the floats 118.

[0059] Projecting from the upper surface 112 of the platform 104 are two brackets 120, each bracket 120 being positioned relative to one another near one of the first end 114 and the second end 116 of the upper surface 112. The brackets 120 are formed of annular reinforcement bars 122 that are supported above the upper surface 112 of the platform 104 by a plurality of angled steel struts 124. The annular ribs 122 of the brackets 120 form holes leading to a cavity (not shown) formed by the annular ribs 122 and the support struts 124. The cavity of each bracket 120 is shown to accommodate a lower portion of a spherical wave energy capture float 126, thereby forming a portion of one of the two drive assemblies 102. The spherical wave energy capture float 126 is hollow and formed of a rigid polymer material, and the hollow portion is filled with air.

[0060] Located adjacent each bracket 120 and projecting from the upper surface 112 of the platform 104 are four lever arms 128 hingedly coupled to the upper surface 112 of the platform 104 at pivot points defining a fulcrum about which each lever arm 128 is arranged to rotate. The pivot points of the four lever arms 128 each form a chamfer of a square on the upper surface 112 of the platform 104, the origin of the square being aligned with the origin of the annular reinforcement 122 of the bracket 120, so that the lever arms 128 are positioned around the outside of the bracket 120.

[0061] The lever arms 128 are each formed of a steel frame having a horizontal main journal 130 received in a bearing in alignment with the upper surface 112 of the platform 104, the main journal 130 being arranged to rotate freely in the bearing and defining a pivot point of the respective lever arm 128. Extending from opposite ends of the main journal 130 are two coincident rods 132 which form a first triangular frame portion with the journal. The intersection of the two coincident rods 132 of the first triangular frame portion forms an upper corner 134 of the lever arm 128 away from the platform 104. The lever arm 128 includes a second and a third triangular frame portion extending from the first triangular frame portion, each having two coincident rods 136, one extending from the upper corner 134 of the lever arm 128 and the other projecting from one end of the main journal 130 of the first triangular frame portion. The two coincident rods 136 of each of the second and third triangular frame portions intersect at a lower corner 138 of the lever arm 128 near the platform 104. The lower corners 138 of the lever arms 128 are connected by means of horizontal auxiliary journals 140. Thus, the bars of the steel frame of each lever arm 128 form a skewed (inclined) pyramidal frame, the first triangular portion (face) of the pyramid forming the longitudinal axis of the lever arm 128 between the upper corner and the center point (pivot point) on the main journal 130. Figure 1 In the illustrated transfer configuration, each lever arm 128 is positioned about a pivot point such that a longitudinal axis of the lever arm 128 is generally perpendicular to the upper surface 112 of the platform 104 .

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment 100, the device 100 also includes a plurality of flexible cords 142 (at the ends) secured at their first ends to the upper corners of each lever arm 128. Figures 5 to 11 A second end of each flexible rope 142 opposite the first end is secured to the spherical wave energy capturing buoy 126.

[0063] like Figure 4 As shown in Figure 1 As shown in a close-up view of the drive assembly 102 , the spherical wave energy capture float 126 , the flexible rope 142 , and the lever arm 128 together form the drive assembly 102 .

[0064] The piston rod of the hydraulic ram 144 is rotatably fixed to and extends from the lower corner of the lever arm 128, and the hydraulic ram 144 has a cylinder in which the piston rod can reciprocate under the pressure applied to it by the corresponding lever arm 128. The cylinder of the hydraulic ram 144 is hingedly fixed to the upper surface 112 of the platform 104 at a pivot point around which the cylinder can rotate. The hydraulic ram 144 serves as an energy converter 144, converting mechanical energy from the corresponding lever arm 128 into electrical energy. The hydraulic ram is electrically connected to an electrical output port 146, which has an umbilical transmission line 148 extending from it to the riverbed 150 of the body of water 108.

[0065] The platform 104 also includes a plurality of contact points 152 spaced about its periphery, each contact point 152 supporting a corresponding inelastic mooring line 154. The mooring lines 154 extend from the corresponding contact points 152 toward the bed 150 of the body of water 108, where they are fixedly engaged with anchors 156. The mooring lines shown include four vertical lines and four angled lines to provide a high degree of vertical and lateral stability to the platform 104, however, alternative mooring arrangements are contemplated. Figure 1 In the transport configuration shown, the device 100 floats on the surface 106 of the body of water 108 so that the device can be transported to a desired location within the body of water 108 .

[0066] With the above Figure 1 The various embodiments 300 described are shown in Figure 2 In it, it has Figure 1 and Figure 3 A drive assembly equivalent to the drive assembly described and shown in , but in which the mooring mechanism is provided by a plurality of winches 302 having a spool which is arranged to store mooring lines (not shown) and is further arranged to wind the mooring lines to submerge the buoyant platform in the body of water in the in-use configuration. Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 An embodiment of the invention, which Figure 2The transport configuration shown is deployed into an in-use configuration in which both the platform and buoy are submerged, by winding the mooring lines onto respective winches 302 .

[0067] refer to Figure 5 , the exemplary embodiment 100 is shown in a configuration for use, which is immersed in the body of water 108 so that the mooring lines are fixed between corresponding contact points 152 and corresponding anchors 156, thereby defining the height of the platform 104 from the riverbed 150 of the body of water 108. In the configuration for use shown, the energy capture float 126 is suspended from the flexible line 142 at a height H relative to the upper surface 112 of the platform 104, and the height H is defined by the position of the upper corner of the lever arm 128, which is in turn determined by the rotation angle of the corresponding lever arm 128 about the corresponding pivot point. In the embodiment shown, the lever arm 128 offsets the rotation angle to set the height H of the float 126. The height H is set according to the wave conditions in the body of water 108, and in Figure 5 The height H in the illustrated embodiment 100 is the height H in use. At the illustrated height H in use, the level of energy capture by the buoy 126 is optimized according to the wave conditions. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment 100, the height in use is approximately 20 m. As the buoy 126 moves up and down with the waves of the body of water 108, wave energy is captured by the buoy 126. As a result, the movement of the buoy 126 drags the corresponding flexible rope 142 attached thereto. The corresponding lever arm 128 is in turn actuated by rotating around a corresponding pivot point between a first position and a second position defining a working stroke. Depending on the wave energy capture of the buoy 126, the movement of the lever arm 128 is independent of the angle at which the lever arm 128 is offset in order to set the height H of the buoy 126 in use. Therefore, the rotation of the lever arm 128 between the first position and the second position occurs near the offset position. The movement of the lever arm 128 causes the movement of the corresponding energy converter 144, so that the mechanical energy from the lever arm 128 is converted into electrical energy, which is fed from the energy converter 144 to the output end 146 and along the umbilical transmission line 148 to the power station (not shown). In Figure 4 A close-up view of the drive assembly 102 in an in-use configuration is shown at Figure 6 middle. Figure 5 The construction shown can also be realized by, for example Figure 2 and Figure 3 The embodiments shown and described are implemented.

[0068] Figure 7 An alternative drive assembly 400 is shown compared to the previously described drive assembly, but with Figures 1 to 6 It works in a similar way. Figure 7In the illustrated embodiment 400, the drive assembly includes a cylindrical buoyant platform 402 including a drive assembly 404 supported thereon. The drive assembly 404 includes a spherical wave energy capture float 406 having a pair of connection points 408, each of which is connected to a first end of a respective flexible line 410. An opposite second end of the respective flexible line 410 is secured to a respective lever arm 412 of the drive assembly 404. The lever arms 412 each include a triangular steel plate to which the respective flexible line 410 is secured to a first vertex of the triangular steel plate away from the platform 402. The lever arms 412 include a second vertex rotatably secured to an upper surface of the buoyant platform 402 by a hinge 414, which defines an arc of movement or rotation of the lever arms 412. A third vertex of the lever arms 412 is secured to an energy converter 416, which for illustration purposes is a hydraulic ram in the illustrated embodiment, but which may be any suitable such energy converter. The buoyant platform 402 also includes a support 418 supported on an upper surface of the buoyant platform 402 and arranged to support the wave energy capturing buoy 406 on the buoyant platform 402 .

[0069] Figure 8 Shows Figure 6 The embodiment 400 is a simple representation of a configuration in use submerged in a body of water, wherein Figure 8 A series of views 500, 502, 504, 506 from left to right of a drive assembly 404 capturing wave energy from waves in the body of water are provided. Figure 8 From the leftmost view 500 to the rightmost view 506 of the embodiment, the wave energy capturing float 406 of the drive assembly 404 is shown tracking an orbital path in the body of water, the orbital path being caused by a combination of the buoyancy from the float and the lateral force from the subsurface current of the ocean wave. The buoyancy from the float always keeps the corresponding rope 410 taught.

[0070] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 7 and Figure 8 An alternative embodiment 600 is described and shown, which includes four lever arms 602, each lever arm 602 connected to a corresponding energy converter 604. The lever arms and corresponding energy conduits and energy converters are arranged around an axisymmetric energy capture float and allow energy to be absorbed from any direction. A different number of lever arms is possible, and the lever arms do not have to be equidistant, and the lever arms can be arranged to optimize energy captured from the main wave direction.

[0071] For illustration purposes, Fig.10 Shows Figure 1 and Figure 4 drive assembly, but it will be understood that any other drive assembly described herein may be used in an embodiment. Fig.10 A side view of a buoyant wave energy converter 100 is shown in a storm configuration. In the storm configuration, the platform 104 remains submerged and the lever arms 128 are rotated to their respective endpoints of the rotation arc so that the height of the floats 126 relative to the buoyant platform 104 is minimized so that the floats 126 are located in their respective supports 120. This rotation may be performed, for example, using a motor, by using weights on the ends of the lever arms, or by any suitable mechanism. The floats 126 are located relative to the Figure 6 The height H' of the buoyancy platform 104 is shown as the docking height H'. At the docking height H', the movement of the float 126 is arrested, which is advantageous in storm conditions because the forces exerted on the float 126 by the waves of the body of water 108 may be detrimental to the device 100. The drive assembly 102 of the device 100 in the storm configuration may be Fig.11 Seen in.

[0072] An alternative exemplary embodiment 200 of a buoyant wave energy generating device 200 according to the second aspect of the invention is Fig.12 and Fig.13 , the device 200 comprises an exemplary drive assembly 202 according to the first aspect. The embodiment 200 is shown in a configuration in use.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment 200, the apparatus 200 comprises a device substantially as described for Figure 1 The depicted buoyant platform 204 has a planar upper surface supporting a pair of opposing drive assemblies 202 . Fig.12 The drive components are Fig.13 204 . The drive assembly includes a cylindrical wave energy capture buoy 206, which is fixed at each of its two opposite sides to a first end of a corresponding rigid arm 208, which extends outward from the corresponding side of the buoy 206. Each rigid arm 208 is rotatably engaged with a lever arm 210. The lever arms 210 intersect at a hinge joint 212, and each lever arm is arranged to rotate around the hinge joint 212. The lever arms 210 are each fixed to a piston rod 212 of a hydraulic piston 214, which is hingedly supported on the top of the upper surface of the platform 204. The device 200 also includes a yaw mechanism 216, which defines a rotation axis perpendicular to the upper surface of the platform 204. The yaw mechanism 216 supports the drive assembly 202 so that the drive assembly can rotate around the axis to align with the wave direction of the body of water. This alignment improves the energy capture capabilities of the device by ensuring that the entire width of the cylinder is aligned perpendicular to the waves.

[0074] In use, the cylindrical float 206 is positioned or biased to a height in use due to the setting of the rotation angle of the lever arm 210 around the hinge joint 212. The float 206 is arranged to move with the movement of the waves of the body of water, so that the corresponding rigid arm 208 moves and then the lever arm 210 moves. The lever arm 210 is arranged to reciprocate along the cylinder of the hydraulic ram 214 to drive the piston rod 212, and the travel distance is defined as a working stroke, and the working stroke has a distal end point, at which the lever arm 210 is in the first position or the second position rotated around the hinge joint 212.

[0075] Fig.14 and Fig.15 Shown with Fig.12 and Fig.13 An alternative embodiment 700 compared to the described and illustrated embodiment 200, wherein Fig.15 Shown in Fig.12 and Fig.14 Perspective view of a cylindrical float used in two embodiments. Fig.14 and Fig.15 Embodiment 700 shows an alternative positioning of the energy converter connected to the corresponding lever arm of the drive assembly. The hinge between the upper lever arm portion and the lower lever arm portion allows the energy capture float to be moved with the corresponding lever arm of the drive assembly. Figure 8 The embodiment of the track path travels the required range of motion. Replace the upper lever arm with Figure 8 Flexible piping means Fig.14 and Fig.15 The system can operate in both tension and compression, which allows for a lower buoyancy B (or negative buoyancy) in the energy capture float, which in turn reduces the sustained load in the drive assembly.

[0076] exist Fig.16 Another embodiment 800 is shown in FIG. Fig.14 and Fig.15 The embodiment 800 is a drive assembly 802 equivalent to the drive assembly of the embodiment 800, which also includes a yaw mechanism 804, which includes a central ring gear 806 and four pinion drives 808, each pinion drive 808 is driven by a motor (not shown) and is used to rotate the drive assembly 802 about the rotation axis. The portion of the embodiment 800 including the yaw mechanism 804 is arranged to rotate so that the long axis of the float is oriented perpendicular to the wave direction to maximize the capture of wave energy and parallel to the wave direction for minimum resistance when in a storm survival state.

[0077] Fig.17 and Fig.18900 is shown in which each of the two lower vertices of a respective lever arm 904 of a drive assembly 902 is attached to a respective energy converter 906. Thus, in use, movement of the lever arm 904 caused by the wave energy capturing buoy 908 results in actuation of all of the energy converters 906 throughout the entire working stroke performed by the lever arm 904, thereby preferably maximizing energy conversion. Fig.17 The float 908 is shown at the height in use as described herein, and Fig.18 The float 908 is shown at a resting height, also described herein. The energy converters 906 of the pair of vertices shown will operate in opposite directions, i.e., when one is compressed, the other is extended. This arrangement preferably produces a more uniform load on the lever arm.

[0078] Fig.19 It shows something like Fig.17 and Fig.18 Another embodiment 1000 of the embodiment of the present invention is provided, but wherein the energy converter 1006 is located within a cylindrical float 1008 of the drive assembly 1002, such that movement of the lever arm 1004 caused by the float 1008 causes energy conversion within the float and, in the example shown, transmission via a transmission line 1010. The accommodation of the energy converter 1006 in the float 1008 preferably provides the ability to minimize the space occupied by the energy converter 1006 on the platform (not shown).

[0079] Fig. 20 Shown with respect to Fig.14 and Fig.15 Embodiment 1100 is similar to the embodiment described above, but wherein the energy converter 1102 is positioned at the joint between the lever arms 1104 of the drive assembly 1106. This embodiment shows that the energy converter can be positioned at any point in the device so that movement of the lever arms of the drive assembly can be used to drive the working stroke of the energy converter. Embodiment 1100 has similar Figure 1 The embodiment of the invention has similar omnidirectional performance, but with a rigid upper lever arm 1104 instead of a flexible rope. In order for this principle to work, an additional degree of freedom needs to be introduced into the system. Therefore, the lower lever arm is connected to the platform by a hinge 1108 and a rotator 1110, i.e. the hinge is mounted on the rotator so that the lever arm can rotate slightly as it travels through its working stroke.

[0080] Fig.21 An embodiment 1200 is shown in which the lever arm 1206 of the drive assembly takes the form of a flexible arm that is biased to Fig.211202. The movement of the float 1208 preferably moves one end of the flexible lever arm 1206 to a second position where the lever arm is bent, as shown in the rightmost depiction 1204. The first position 1202 and the second position 1204 define the ends of the working stroke of the corresponding energy converter 1210, which is fixed to the end of the flexible lever arm 1206. The flexible lever arm 1206 is used to store elastic potential energy arranged to drive the energy converter.

[0081] It will be appreciated that the above embodiments are given as examples only and that various modifications may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, in the transmission configuration of the illustrated embodiment, the lever arm may be brought into an upright position by the energy converter. Alternatively, a separate mechanism (not shown) may be used to bring the lever arm into an upright position to avoid compromising the design of the energy converter. Such a mechanism may be a biasing mechanism and may be an inherent elastic property of the lever arm.

[0082] In the storm configuration shown, the lever arm is placed in the downward position. This can alternatively be accomplished using an energy converter, a separate mechanism (not shown), or a weight on the end of the lever arm (not shown). In this storm configuration, the wave energy capture float is securely fixed to the bracket by tension in the connecting pipe.

[0083] To deploy the device from its transport configuration to its use configuration, the device is connected to a pre-installed mooring line that is attached to the seabed by an anchor. The length of the mooring line is adjusted by a winch on the device. The winch reels in the mooring line to pull the device underwater, thereby overcoming the buoyancy in the buoyant float to position the device at the desired depth.

[0084] The preferred embodiment described shows a mooring winch which places pairs of one vertical and one angled mooring lines at the corners of the platform, however other mooring arrangements are possible.

[0085] The device has a submerged in-use configuration, wherein the platform is submerged to a level that allows the wave energy converter to function and generate energy.The wave energy capture buoy may be on or near the sea surface and may be moved by the waves.

[0086] The waves cause the wave energy capture float to be moved by the waves. This movement in turn causes the float to pull on the rope or rigid arm, which in turn moves the lever arm, which in turn causes the energy converter to be compressed and stretched and generate electricity / convert energy.

[0087] Typically, the lever arm, and therefore the energy capture float, will be biased to a neutral position (height in use) by the energy converter. Waves will cause the float to move from its neutral position along an orbital, reciprocating or other repeating path, which will cause the lever to rotate about the articulated joint and the energy converter to reciprocate along a working stroke through the neutral position, thereby generating electricity.

[0088] The lever arrangement shown is for illustration only and various arrangements of conduit attachment locations, hinge locations and energy converter attachment locations are contemplated and still fall within the scope of the invention.

[0089] The device has an underwater storm survival configuration, where the entire machine is pulled down to a greater depth by a mooring winch to avoid high wave forces near the sea surface. In addition, the energy capture float is secured into the bracket by placing the lever arm in the downward position. This is the same arrangement of the lever arm as described in the in-use configuration above.

[0090] In the storm configuration, the equipment is protected from the high forces it would be subjected to if the machine was maintained in its operating configuration, and parts of the equipment cannot move relative to each other, thereby eliminating the risk of damage caused by machine parts colliding with each other.

[0091] The second embodiment operates in a similar manner to the first embodiment, but uses both a lower lever arm having an articulated joint connected to the platform and an upper lever arm having an articulated joint connected to the lower lever arm and an articulated joint connected to the energy capture float.

[0092] The machine of the second embodiment works in a very similar manner to the first embodiment, however, replacing the flexible rope with a lever arm means that the system can operate in both tension and compression, which allows lower buoyancy in the energy capture float, which in turn reduces the sustained load in the drive assembly.

[0093] Other configurations for the second embodiment will be appreciated, such as those described for the first embodiment (transport configuration, storm configuration). In the storm configuration, the lever arms may be folded together and the float may be docked on a feature (not shown) on the platform or lower lever arm. The docked position is used, for example, when the machine is in its surface or storm survival configuration.

[0094] In some of the embodiments shown, the lever arm is rigid. Other similar embodiments will be appreciated in which the lever arm is flexible and can therefore perform the function of a spring or elastic energy storage member in the device.

Claims

1. A drive assembly arranged to transmit wave energy to an energy converter, the drive assembly comprising: wave energy capture float; an actuation member coupled to the wave energy capturing buoy and arranged to transfer energy from the wave energy capturing buoy; as well as a lever arm coupled to the wave energy capturing buoy via the actuation member and having a portion thereof movable between a first stroke position and a second stroke position to define a working stroke; wherein the lever arm is arranged to be coupled to an energy converter and is further arranged to transfer energy from the wave energy capturing buoy to the energy converter; wherein the wave energy capturing buoy is arranged to move the lever arm between the first stroke position and the second stroke position; wherein the first stroke position and the second stroke position define a distal end point of the working stroke; the working stroke is arranged to drive the energy converter; wherein the drive assembly is arranged to be mounted to a buoyant platform such that the wave energy capturing buoy is positioned at the height of an upper surface of the buoyant platform; and Wherein, the lever arm is arranged to move the lever arm through an actuator to adjust the height of the wave energy capture buoy between an in-use height and a docking height, wherein the in-use height is greater than the docking height, and at the docking height, the movement of the wave energy capture buoy is prevented.

2. The drive assembly according to claim 1, wherein: Movement of the lever arm by the wave energy capturing buoy occurs via rotation of the lever arm about a fulcrum to define an arc of rotation, and / or via bending of at least a portion of the lever arm; and Wherein, when said movement occurs by bending of said lever arm, said lever arm is arranged to store elastic potential energy in the range of 5-50 MJ upon said movement being caused by said wave energy capturing buoy.

3. The drive assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The actuating member comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: a flexible rope, a rigid frame; and / or The drive assembly includes a plurality of actuation members, each of the actuation members being coupled to the wave energy capturing buoy, and each of the actuation members being further coupled to a corresponding lever arm.

4. The drive assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The adjustment of the height by means of the lever arm is independent of the working stroke.

5. The drive assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The energy converter comprises one selected from the following range: a rotary generator; a linear generator; a hydraulic pump.

6. A buoyancy wave energy conversion device, comprising: A drive assembly arranged to transfer wave energy to an energy converter, wherein the drive assembly is a drive assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The buoyancy wave energy conversion device according to claim 6, wherein: The adjustment of the height by means of the lever arm is independent of the working stroke.

8. The buoyancy wave energy conversion device according to claim 6, wherein: The buoyant platform comprises an in-use configuration in which the buoyant platform and the wave energy capture buoy of the drive assembly are submerged in a body of water, and wherein the lever arm is positioned on a rotational arc such that the wave energy capture buoy is positioned at the in-use height.

9. The buoyancy wave energy conversion device according to claim 6, wherein: The buoyant platform includes a storm configuration in which the buoyant platform and the wave energy capturing buoy are submerged in a body of water, and wherein the lever arm is positioned on a rotational arc such that the wave energy capturing buoy is positioned at the docking height.

10. The buoyancy wave energy conversion device according to claim 6, wherein: The buoyant platform comprises a transmission configuration in which the buoyant platform floats on a surface of a body of water, and wherein the wave energy capturing buoy is positioned at the docking height.

11. The buoyancy wave energy conversion device according to claim 6, wherein: The apparatus further comprises a support extending from the buoyant platform, the support being arranged to support the wave energy capturing buoy at the docking height.

12. The buoyancy wave energy conversion device of claim 6, wherein: The lever arm, actuation member and energy capture float form an energy capture assembly, and The apparatus further comprises a yaw mechanism arranged to rotate the energy capture assembly about an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to an upper surface of the buoyant platform.

13. A buoyant wave energy conversion device according to claim 6, further comprising a mooring arrangement arranged to tie the buoyant platform to the bed of a body of water.

14. A buoyant wave energy conversion device according to claim 13, wherein the mooring means is arranged to define a distance between the buoyant platform and the bed of the body of water, the distance being freely adjustable.

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