Recirculating inertial fluid pumps and wave engines

Abstract

The embodiments include a buoyancy-type wave energy transducer. In one embodiment, the wave energy transducer comprises an upper chamber having a first fluid reservoir and a first gas pocket, and a lower chamber having a second fluid reservoir and a second gas pocket. In one embodiment, an injection tube is located between the upper and lower chambers and is fluid-coupled to both chambers, and the injection tube propels fluid from the second fluid reservoir to the first fluid reservoir when the upper chamber, lower chamber, and injection tube vibrate around the waterline, with the upper chamber adjacent to the waterline and the lower chamber submerged below the waterline and vertically below the upper chamber. An outlet tube is fluid-coupled to the upper and lower chambers, and the outlet tube returns fluid from the first fluid reservoir to the injection tube.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 452,676, filed on Mar. 16, 2023, and claims the priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 597,749, filed on Mar. 6, 2024, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] Waves traveling on the sea surface tend to move relatively slowly. Similarly, their vibrations tend to have a relatively long period, for example, a period of about 10 to 20 seconds. However, despite their relatively slow movement, waves tend to possess and / or manifest a significant amount of energy. For these reasons, extracting energy from ocean waves is desirable and difficult. Embodiments of the present disclosure extract energy from ocean waves efficiently with a robust and relatively inexpensive design that has few moving parts.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] This specification discloses embodiments of a wave energy transducer of a type that incorporates upper and lower gas pockets sealed within upper and lower chambers, respectively. Both of these upper and lower gas pockets are typically pressurized to a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure and function as springs. Upper and lower liquid reservoirs are also sealed within the upper and lower chambers, respectively. At least one “inertia tube” connects these chambers. The inertia tube tends to be at least partially filled with a liquid that is fluidically continuous with the liquid in the lower chamber reservoir. The liquid in the inertia tube tends to “suspend” or rise due to the high pressure of the lower air pocket (relative to the pressure of the upper air pocket). The wave-induced vertical oscillations of the embodiment cause the liquid mass suspended within the inertia tube to oscillate. As this mass, i.e., the liquid within the inertia tube, oscillates, it gains and stores energy (as kinematic energy and gravitational potential energy) and can eject a portion of its liquid mass from the upper opening of the inertia tube. During this process, liquid tends to be drawn into the inertia tube from the lower liquid reservoir through the lower inertia tube opening, replacing the liquid ejected from the upper inertia tube opening.

[0004] Embodiments of wave energy converters disclosed herein obtain energy from an incident wave, and the obtained energy lifts a fluid from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir, where the increased head pressure (relative to at least one reference reservoir in the embodiment) causes the fluid to flow through a turbine and energize the turbine.

[0005] In preferred embodiments, the liquid lifted by the inertial tube and discharged from the fluid turbine as an outflow does not leave the embodiment. Therefore, special fluids can be used within the embodiment. For example, embodiments can use alkaline solutions, seawater, or freshwater, and embodiments can use a portion of the electricity generated by their respective generators to perform electrolysis on the same liquid that is lifted and flows through the turbines of those embodiments.

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure dramatically reduce, if not eliminate, the risk of biofouling and corrosion in their internal, structural, mechanical, and / or other components.

[0007] All possible variations of the size, shape, thickness, material, orientation, and / or other embodiment-specific variations of the general designs, structures, systems, and / or methods of the present invention disclosed herein are included within the scope of this disclosure and will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0008] Scope of Disclosure The embodiments illustrated and discussed in relation to the drawings contained herein are provided for the purpose of illustrating some of the fundamental principles of this disclosure. However, the scope of this disclosure encompasses all embodiments, even if they differ from the idealized and / or exemplary examples presented. This disclosure also encompasses embodiments that incorporate and / or utilize components, devices, systems, etc. that are present, future, and / or unknown at the time of writing, as alternatives to functionally equivalent, similar, and / or similar components, devices, systems, etc., used in the embodiments illustrated and / or discussed herein for illustrative purposes.

[0009] Any “Generator” referred to, described and / or designated in this disclosure includes, but is not limited to, any device, machine, module and / or system that generates electricity, pressurized hydraulic fluid, compressed air and / or performs any other useful work or produces any other useful product by utilizing the mechanical energy of a rotating shaft. Any “Generator” referred to, described and / or designated in this disclosure may include, but is not limited to, any other mechanism, device and / or component that converts energy from one form to another, including, but is not limited to, a generator, alternator, or any mechanism, device and / or component that converts the rotational motion of a turbine shaft into electricity. Magnetohydrodynamic generators that generate electricity directly from a flow of fluid without requiring a connection to a turbine and associated rotating shaft are also included in the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that a combination of a turbine and a shaft-connected generator can be replaced with a magnetohydrodynamic generator in appropriate circumstances, by appropriate selection of the working fluid.

[0010] The scope of this disclosure includes embodiments having, incorporating, including and / or utilizing any number of inertia tubes of any and all shapes, sizes, diameters, drafts, tapers, and cross-sectional areas, as well as embodiments having and / or incorporating any number of constrictions of any and all absolute and / or relative cross-sectional areas, shapes, profiles, and relative positions within and / or along the length of the inertia tube. The scope of this disclosure includes embodiments having, incorporating, including and / or utilizing inertia tubes made of any and all materials. The scope of this disclosure includes inertia tubes that are completely cylindrical and do not incorporate constrictions or bends. The scope of this disclosure includes inertia tubes that are non-cylindrical and include curves and / or constrictions along their length.

[0011] The scope of this disclosure includes embodiments that incorporate, include, and / or utilize fluid turbines and / or hydrodynamic turbines of any and all types, of any and all diameters, of any and all efficiencies, of any and all power ratings, and made of any and all materials.

[0012] The scope of this disclosure includes embodiments that possess, incorporate, include, and / or utilize multiple fluid turbines in series, for example, multiple turbines that extract energy from the same fluid flow and / or within the same outlet tube.

[0013] The scope of this disclosure includes embodiments that possess, incorporate, include, and / or utilize any number of fluid chambers, as well as fluid chambers of any design, size, shape, volume, relative position and / or absolute position within the embodiments. The scope of this disclosure includes embodiments that possess, incorporate, include, and / or utilize fluid chambers made of any and all materials.

[0014] The scope of this disclosure includes generators, alternators, etc., and the amount, degree, and / or magnitude of the resistive torque supplied by fluid turbines operably connected to these generators, alternators, etc. can be actively controlled to optimize the extraction of energy from the fluid flowing through each turbine.

[0015] The scope of this disclosure includes, in particular, the use of adjustable guide vanes, dampers, and / or other flow control surfaces, and / or other flow obstructions, which may be used to regulate the velocity at which fluid flows through each fluid turbine, in order to optimize the extraction of energy from the turbines and the fluids flowing through their respective inertial fluid tubes. Parts of many embodiments of this disclosure include, incorporate, and / or utilize at least one buoyancy component. These buoyancy components may be referred to as hollow buoyancy modules, buoys, buoyancy capsules, buoyancy chambers, buoyancy compartments, buoyancy enclosures, buoyancy vessels, hollow balls, and / or hollow spheroids. Many terms, names, descriptors, and / or labels may be used to appropriately distinguish the buoyancy components of embodiments from other components, features, and / or elements, and the scope of this disclosure incorporates any naming conventions and / or choices and is not limited by the nomenclature used to describe embodiments or parts thereof. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a side perspective view of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a side view of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figures 1 and 2 are side views of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figures 1 to 3 are side views of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figures 1 to 4 are side views of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] Figures 1 to 5 are top views of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] Figures 1 to 6 are bottom views of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Figures 1 to 7 are cross-sectional views of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] Figures 1 to 8 are perspective views of the side cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] It is a side perspective view of the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] It is a side view of the second embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] It is a side view of the second embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. [Figure 13] It is a side view of the second embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIGS. 10 to 12. [Figure 14] It is a side view of the second embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIGS. 10 to 13. [Figure 15] It is a top view of the second embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIGS. 10 to 14. [Figure 16] It is a bottom view of the second embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIGS. 10 to 15. [Figure 17A] It is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIGS. 10 to 16. [Figure 17B] It is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] It is a side cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIGS. 10 to 17. <00第<3000095> [Figure 19] It is a cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] It is a cross-sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] It is a perspective system diagram of the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] It is a schematic energy flow diagram of the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] It is a side perspective view of the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 24] It is a schematic side view of the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 25] It is a process flow diagram of the chemical process of the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 26] It is a side perspective view of the eleventh embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 27]This is a perspective view of a computing system that can be integrated with any of the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 28] This is a perspective view of a server system that can be integrated with any of the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 29] This is a process flow diagram showing the process of the twelfth embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 30] This is a process flow diagram showing the process of the 13th embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 31] This is a process flow diagram showing the process of the 14th embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 32] This is a process flow diagram showing the process of the 15th embodiment of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] To better understand the nature and challenges of this disclosure, refer to prior “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention” in relation to the accompanying drawings. The following figures and the examples provided therein do not constitute any express or implicit limitation to the scope of this disclosure. Various embodiments or aspects of this disclosure are described herein. In some implementations, different embodiments are carried out separately. However, embodiments are not limited to those carried out individually. For example, two or more different embodiments can be combined with one another to be carried out as a single device, process, structure, etc. In some examples, entire sets of various embodiments can be combined together. In other examples, a part of the first embodiment can be combined with parts of one or more different embodiments. For example, a part of the first embodiment can be combined with a part of the second embodiment, or a part of the first embodiment can be combined with a part of the second embodiment and a part of the third embodiment.

[0018] Figure 1 shows a side perspective view of Embodiment 100 of the present disclosure. The embodiment floats adjacent to the water surface 101 of a body through which waves pass.

[0019] This embodiment comprises an upper hollow chamber 102, constricted tubes 103-105, and a lower hollow chamber 106. In the example shown in Figure 1, the upper hollow chamber 102 and the lower hollow chamber 106 are spherical, ellipsoidal, or spherical segments. However, in other examples, one or both of the upper hollow chamber 102 and / or the lower hollow chamber 106 may include different shapes such as cubic, pyramidal, conical, frustoconical, or any other three-dimensional chamber. The constricted tubes 103-105, a type of inertial tube, are adapted to allow the water column within them to oscillate and to move water (net) from the lower hollow chamber 106 to the upper hollow chamber 102. The constricted tubes consist of a relatively small-diameter upper tube portion 103, a frustoconical constricted portion 104, and a relatively large-diameter lower tube portion 105. However, in some similar embodiments, tubes 103-105 may have a substantially constant diameter along their entire length.

[0020] In some embodiments, embodiment 100 may include an upper hollow chamber 102 and a lower hollow chamber 106 having diameters of about 20 meters or less, about 10 meters or less, or about 1 meter or less. However, larger diameters may also be used. The lengths of the constricting tubes 103-105 may be about 100 meters or less, about 50 meters or less, about 20 meters or less, or about 1 meter or less. However, in some embodiments, longer lengths may also be used. More generally, the lengths of the constricting tubes 103-105 may relate to the diameter of one or both of the hollow chambers 102 or 106 by a ratio (tube length:chamber diameter) of 3:1 or greater, 5:1 or greater, or 10:1 or greater. However, in some embodiments, smaller ratios may also be used.

[0021] The (invisible) pressurized gas pocket in the lower hollow chamber 106 is fluidly connected by the outlet gas pocket pipe 107 to the (invisible) expanded lower outlet gas pocket inside the hollow expanded lower outlet gas chamber 108.

[0022] The (invisible) upper outflow fluid reservoir inside the upper hollow chamber 102 is fluidly connected to the (invisible) lower outflow fluid reservoir inside the lower hollow chamber 106 by a liquid outflow pipe 109.

[0023] Embodiment 100, shown in Figure 1, utilizes a working fluid consisting of high-salinity water. Other similar embodiments utilize a working fluid consisting of aqueous solutions of water and / or other solutes at various concentrations, including but not limited to solutions of potassium carbonate, sodium chloride, and sodium hydroxide.

[0024] More generally, Embodiment 100 can use a working fluid that can be one of many different substances when the embodiment is sealed from a liquid body. That is, the working fluid discharged from its fluid turbine (not shown) as an outflow in the liquid outflow pipe 109 does not leave the interior of Embodiment 100. Thus, special fluids can be utilized within the embodiment. Thus, Embodiment 100 reduces, if not eliminates, the risk of biofouling and corrosion in its internal surface, structure, mechanism, and / or other components.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the working fluid may consist of a solution, suspension, colloid, emulsion, etc. If particles are prone to separating from the working fluid (e.g., sedimentation, settling, etc.), the movement of the working fluid due to wave vibrations may be sufficient to prevent or mitigate sedimentation and / or settling. However, some embodiments may be selected for their resistance to sedimentation and / or settling.

[0026] One such working fluid is an iron ore suspension. An iron ore suspension may contain water (e.g., fresh water, brine, deionized water, etc.) or an aqueous solution (e.g., containing one or more solutes, such as potassium carbonate, sodium chloride, and sodium hydroxide) combined with iron ore particles. The iron ore particles may include any suitable iron ore, such as hematite (Fe2O3) or magnetite (Fe3O4). The iron ore particles may be of any suitable size. For example, particles with an average particle size of 30 μm or less have been shown to exhibit excellent retention without settling in the suspension. Iron ore particles for working fluids may also include average particle sizes from 50 nm to 1,000 nm. However, iron ore particles with a diameter smaller than 50 nm may be used, and / or iron ore particles with a diameter larger than 30 μm may be used. The concentration of iron ore particles in the suspension may be at most the maximum solubility of the solution. While iron ore suspensions have been shown to be advantageous for several purposes, it should be understood that in different embodiments, other metal oxide particles can be retained in the solution to produce a suitable working fluid.

[0027] Since iron ore significantly increases the density of the working fluid, the use of an iron ore suspension may be particularly advantageous in constructing Embodiment 100. A denser working fluid increases the mass of the working fluid compared to when the working fluid is water alone. Oscillating the increased mass in the embodiment yields more kinematic energy (while keeping other dimensions constant). Alternatively, the same amount of energy (compared to a water-based system) can be generated in an embodiment with smaller dimensions. That is, Embodiment 100 can be manufactured with less material and / or transport of Embodiment 100 may be easier, among other advantages.

[0028] Figure 2 shows a side view of the same embodiment 100 of the present disclosure shown in Figure 1.

[0029] The atmospheric equilibrium opening 110 fluidly connects the (invisible) upper outflow gas pocket inside the upper hollow chamber 102 to the atmosphere.

[0030] As used herein, “fluidically connected” may be used interchangeably with “fluidically coupled,” “fluidly coupled,” or their derivatives. More generally, “fluidically connected,” “fluidly coupled,” or “fluidly coupled” can refer to two components configured to allow the transfer of one or more fluids (e.g., gases and / or liquids) between the two components. For example, if gas from a first chamber can flow from the first chamber to a second chamber and / or from the second chamber to the first chamber (actively (e.g., by pressurization) or passively (e.g., via a pressure difference)), then the first chamber is fluidly coupled to the second chamber. Fluidly coupled components may be directly connected to each other; that is, there may be no intervening component between the first and second components. In other examples, one or more additional intervening components (e.g., pipes, valves, chambers, reactors, etc.) may be provided between the first and second chambers, insofar as one or more fluids can be transferred between the first and second chambers along a path containing one or more intervening components. Additionally, “components” can be fluid-coupled to one another, but the concept of fluid coupling is not limited to structures such as chambers, containers, etc. That is, even if one or both of the first and second volumes are not confined by any particular structure, the first volume of liquid or gas can be fluid-coupled to the second volume of liquid or gas. For example, the volume of fluid in a chamber can be fluid-coupled to a generally unconfined volume surrounding the chamber (e.g., water or air) via pipes, tubes, ports, openings, or other passages through the surface of the chamber.

[0031] Figure 3 shows a side view of the same embodiment 100 of the present disclosure shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0032] When open, a water refresh valve (not shown) in a water refresh pipe 111 within the lower hollow chamber 106 fluidly connects a lower outflow fluid reservoir (not shown) inside the lower hollow chamber to a forward osmosis membrane (not shown), the forward osmosis membrane being fluidly connected to the body of water 101 in which the embodiment floats. The forward osmosis membrane allows water with a relatively low salinity under osmotic pressure to flow from the water body to the lower outflow fluid reservoir, thereby refreshing and / or restoring the volume, mass, and / or amount of water in the lower outflow fluid reservoir.

[0033] Figure 4 shows a side view of the same embodiment 100 of the present disclosure shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0034] Figure 5 shows a side view of the same embodiment 100 of the present disclosure shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0035] Figure 6 shows a top view of the same embodiment 100 of the present disclosure shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0036] Figure 7 shows a bottom view of the same embodiment 100 of the present disclosure shown in Figures 1 to 6.

[0037] Figure 8 shows a side section view of the same embodiment 100 of the present disclosure shown in Figures 1 to 7, the vertical section of which is shown in Figures 3, 6, and 7, and the section was obtained along line 8-8.

[0038] Embodiment 100, shown in Figures 1 to 8, floats adjacent to the water surface 101 of a body through which waves pass.

[0039] The interiors of the constricted tubes 103-105 are fluidly connected to the interior of the lower hollow chamber 106 via the lower constricted tube opening 139. Then, in accordance with the gas pressure applied to the free surface 128 of the lower outflow fluid reservoir 127 by the pressurized lower outflow gas pocket 114, a portion of the fluid in the lower outflow fluid reservoir flows into the constricted tubes 103-105 of the embodiment such that the free surface 112 of the fluid 113 in the constricted tubes 103-105 rises to a height 118 that is above the free surface 128 of the lower outflow fluid reservoir and below the upper opening 134 of the constricted tubes. The depth 118 of the free surface 112 of the fluid in the constricted tube of the embodiment is determined by a combination of forces, including, but not limited to, the gas pressure exerted by the pressurized lower outflow gas pocket 114 that pushes down (and tends to raise the free surface 112) the free surface 128 of the lower outflow fluid reservoir, the gravitational weight of the fluid 113 in the constricted tube (which tends to lower the free surface 112), and the gas pressure of the ejection gas pocket 115 that pushes down (and tends to lower the free surface 112) the free surface 112 of the fluid in the constricted tube of the embodiment.

[0040] Similarly, the interior of the liquid outlet pipe 109 is fluidly connected to the interior of the lower hollow chamber 106 via the lower opening 137 of the liquid outlet pipe. Depending on the gas pressure applied to the free surface 128 of the lower outlet fluid reservoir 127, the fluid in the liquid outlet pipe 109 is positioned at a nominal and / or static depth 120, which is above the free surface 128 of the lower outlet fluid reservoir and above the fluid turbine and generator assembly 121. The depth 120 of the free surface 117 of the upper outlet fluid reservoir 119 in this embodiment is determined by a combination of forces including, but not limited to, the gas pressure exerted by the pressurized lower outlet gas pocket 114 that pushes down (and tends to raise) the free surface 128 of the lower outlet fluid reservoir, the gravitational weight of the fluid in the liquid outlet pipe (which tends to lower the free surface 117), and the gas pressure of the upper outlet gas pocket 116 (which is approximately equal to 1 atmosphere and / or the atmospheric pressure outside and / or above the embodiment 100).

[0041] When stationary, the free surfaces 117 of each upper outlet fluid reservoir 119 of the embodiment, and the free surfaces 112 of the fluid in the constricted tubes 103-105 of the embodiment are in a positionally stable position, and their relative separation, i.e., the relative difference between their respective depths 120 and 118, corresponds to and / or arises from the relative difference between the pressure of the respective upper outlet gas pocket 116 and the pressure of the ejection gas pocket 115.

[0042] Similarly, the pressure 122 of the fluid flowing from the ejection fluid reservoir 123 of the embodiment into the fluid turbine 121 of the embodiment, and / or therein, is a combination of the hydrostatic head pressure of the fluid flowing into the fluid turbine (resulting from and / or relative to the depth of the fluid turbine relative to the free surface 124 of the ejection fluid reservoir) and the pressure of the gas in the ejection gas pocket 115. Also, the pressure resisting the flow of fluid entering the upper outlet fluid reservoir 119 of the embodiment through the fluid turbine is a combination of the hydrostatic head pressure of the fluid adjacent to the outlet side of the fluid turbine flowing out of the fluid turbine (resulting from and / or relative to the depth of the fluid turbine relative to the free surface 117 of the upper outlet fluid reservoir 119) and the atmospheric pressure of the gas in the upper outlet gas pocket 116.

[0043] Therefore, the net and / or differential pressure of the fluid flowing through the fluid turbine 121 of the embodiment is equal to the pressure of the fluid 125 flowing out of the fluid turbine minus the pressure of the fluid 122 flowing into the fluid turbine. Thus, the pressure that drives the fluid to flow through the fluid turbine 121 of the embodiment is the result of a combination of the net hydrostatic pressure and / or head pressure equal to the difference and / or net relative height between the free surface of the fluid in the ejection fluid reservoir 123 and the free surface of the fluid in the upper outlet fluid reservoir 119, and the difference and / or net gas pressure equal to the difference in gas pressure between the ejection gas pocket 115 and the upper outlet gas pocket 116.

[0044] The fluid turbine 121 of this embodiment is embedded in and / or mounted within a vertical separation wall 126 that separates the ejection fluid reservoir 123 from the upper outlet fluid reservoir 119 and also separates the ejection gas pocket 115 from the upper outlet gas pocket 116. The fluid turbine within the vertical separation wall fluidly connects the ejection section 123 and the upper outlet 119 fluid reservoir, and the fluid from the ejection fluid reservoir flows through the fluid turbine and through it into the upper outlet fluid reservoir.

[0045] As the wave causes the embodiment to rise and fall, the inertia of the fluid 113 within the constricted tubes 103-105 of the embodiment resists the vertical acceleration driven by the wave, which moves the fluid up and down in the opposite direction to the vertical motion of the embodiment and the constricted tubes surrounding the fluid.

[0046] When Embodiment 100 accelerates upward, for example, in response to an approaching wave crest, the fluid 113 in the constricted tubes 103-105 of Embodiment undergoes downward acceleration in the reference frame of Embodiment (for example, as its inertia resists upward vertical movement and thereby moves downward relative to the constricted tube moving upward), which typically causes its free surface 112 to move downward in the reference frame of Embodiment 132, thereby increasing the volume of the fluid in the lower outflow fluid reservoir 127, which raises the free surface 128 of the fluid, which compresses the pressurized gas in the pressurized lower outflow gas pocket 114, which increases the “overpressurized” pressure potential energy in the pressurized lower outflow gas pocket. In response to an increase in the pressure of the gas in the pressurized lower outlet gas pocket (i.e., a pressure greater than its nominal pressure and / or static pressure), a portion of the gas in the pressurized lower outlet gas pocket may flow into the outlet gas pocket pipe 107 129, through which it may flow into the complementary outlet pocket 131 of the pressurized gas inside the expanded lower outlet gas chamber 108 130.

[0047] When the free surface 112 of the fluid 113 in the constricted tubes 103-105 moves downward within the reference system of the embodiment 132, the volume available to the pressurized ejection gas pocket 115 expands, thereby reducing the pressure of the gas in the pressurized ejection gas pocket and increasing the “underpressurized” pressure potential energy within the pressurized ejection gas pocket.

[0048] For example, when Embodiment 100 accelerates downward in response to an approaching wave trough, the fluid 113 in the constricted tubes 103-105 undergoes upward acceleration in the reference frame of Embodiment (for example, as its inertia resists downward vertical movement and thereby moves upward relative to the constricted tube moving downward), thereby causing its free surface 112 to move upward in the reference frame of Embodiment 132. If Embodiment is stationary before moving downward, the upward movement of the fluid 113 in the constricted tube compresses the gas in the pressurized ejection gas pocket 115 and similarly reduces the volume of fluid in the lower outlet fluid reservoir 127, thereby reducing the pressure of the gas in the lower outlet gas pocket 114 in a similar but opposite transmission of pressure between the pressurized ejection gas pocket and the lower outlet gas pocket in response to the upward movement of Embodiment.

[0049] However, when Embodiment 100 descends following an ascent of the Embodiment, the fluid 113 in the constricted tubes 103-105 moves not only upward (in the reference frame of the Embodiment) as a result of its own inertia resisting the downward movement of the Embodiment, but also upward, and this ascent is accelerated by the unbalanced and / or unnominal difference in pressure between the lower outlet gas pocket 114 and the ejection gas pocket 115. Unnominal and / or excessive pressurization of the gas in the lower outlet gas pocket, as caused by a previous ascent of the Embodiment, adds an upward "pushing from below" force to the fluid in the constricted tube, thereby accelerating the ascent of the fluid in accordance with the subsequent descent of the Embodiment. Unnominal and / or insufficient pressurization of the gas in the pressurized ejection gas pocket, as caused by a previous ascent of the Embodiment, adds an upward "pulling from above" force to the fluid in the constricted tube, thereby further accelerating the ascent of the fluid in accordance with the descent of the Embodiment.

[0050] Whether the descent of the embodiment follows an ascent of the embodiment or occurs relative to a stationary embodiment, the rise resulting from the fluid 113 in the constricted tubes 103-105 of the embodiment results in compression and relative pressurization of the gas in the pressurized ejection gas pocket 115, and relative depressurization of the gas in the lower outlet gas pocket 114, thereby accumulating potential energy in each gas pocket. The deviation of the pressure in either the ejection gas pocket or the lower outlet gas pocket from the nominal and / or stationary pressure represents the potential energy of the respective gas pocket. And, due to their respective effects on the position of the free surface 112 of the fluid in the constricted tube, the pressures in both gas pockets tend to be inversely correlated, i.e., an increase in the pressure of one usually correlates with and / or is accompanied by a decrease in the pressure of the other.

[0051] When the fluid 113 in the constricted tubes 103-105 of the embodiment rises sufficiently fast and / or sufficiently far during the wave-driven vibration and / or wave-driven vibration, a portion of the rising fluid tends to be ejected and / or flow out from the upper opening 134 of the constricted tube, and such ejected fluid then tends to flow onto and through the free surface 124 of the ejection fluid reservoir 123, thereby flowing into and merging with the contents of the ejection fluid reservoir.

[0052] The fluid 122 that flows from the ejection fluid reservoir 123 into the fluid turbine 121 of the embodiment and passes through it then flows out of the turbine as effluent and into the upper outflow fluid reservoir 119 125. As the effluent from the fluid turbine increases the amount of fluid in the upper outflow fluid reservoir, thereby raising the free surface 117 of the upper outflow fluid reservoir, the portion of the fluid flows into the liquid outflow pipe 109 of the embodiment that fluid-connects the upper outflow fluid reservoir to the lower outflow fluid reservoir 127 and flows downward 135, then flows out from the lower opening 137 of the liquid outflow pipe into the lower outflow fluid reservoir 136, and then, for example, depending on the descent of the embodiment, the fluid in the lower outflow fluid reservoir flows through the lower opening 139 of the constricted tubes 103-105 into the lower portion 105 of the constricted tubes 138.

[0053] Therefore, as Embodiment 100 moves up and down in response to waves impacting it, the fluid 113 from within the constricted tubes 103-105 of the Embodiment rises periodically and / or occasionally to a sufficient extent to cause a portion of the fluid to be ejected 133 from the upper opening 134 of the constricted tubes, thereby adding to the ejection fluid reservoir 123. The fluid in the ejection fluid reservoir also flows through the fluid turbine 121 of the Embodiment, thereby causing a movably connected fluid turbine generator to produce power. The fluid turbine 121 may include any structure configured to convert the kinematic motion of a fluid into rotational energy. For example, the fluid turbine 121 may include a fluid turbine or a hydrodynamic turbine. In some examples, the fluid turbine 121 can be considered a pressure regulator. Any type of pressure regulator may be used instead of or in conjunction with the fluid turbine 121. The pressure regulator may also include a filter and / or membrane. In some examples, the vertical separation wall 126 may include a fluid turbine 121, a filter, or a fluid turbine 121 and a filter. More generally, a pressure regulator can be used through the vertical separation wall 126 to perform useful tasks including, but not limited to, energy generation, filtration, purification, desalination, and elemental extraction. The pressure regulator can maintain a pressure difference in which the pressure on one side of the pressure regulator (e.g., in the ejection gas pocket 115) is higher than the pressure on the other side of the pressure regulator (e.g., in the outlet gas pocket 116 and / or gas pocket 114). The effluent from the fluid turbine is added to the upper outlet fluid reservoir 119, from where it flows downward through the liquid outlet pipe 109 135, and then joins the lower outlet fluid reservoir 127. The fluid in the lower outlet fluid reservoir is then drawn up into the constricted tube through the lower opening 139 of the constricted tube 138, where it rises again and is ejected again from the upper opening 134 of the constricted tube 133.Therefore, the fluid in the embodiment is recirculated through a vertical fluid circuit that increases its potential energy, and then dissipates its additional fluid potential energy to energize a fluid turbine and an operable generator, thereby converting a portion of the fluid potential energy added to and / or fed into the rising fluid into electricity.

[0054] Because the fluids within Embodiment 100 tend to remain within the embodiment, special fluids, modified fluids, and / or customized fluids can be used within the embodiment. For example, the fluids used within embodiments of this disclosure include, but are not limited to, fresh water, concentrated salt solutions, alkaline solutions (e.g., sodium hydroxide dissolved in fresh water), carbonaceous liquids (e.g., oil), and / or combinations of such special fluids. In Embodiment 100 shown in Figures 1 to 8, the fluids used within the embodiment will be exposed to the atmosphere through the atmospheric equilibrium opening 110, so volatile fluids or fluids that would be harmful to the environment are not preferred fluids for the illustrated Embodiment 100.

[0055] Embodiments of the present disclosure similar to those shown in Figures 1 to 8 omit the atmospheric equilibrium opening 110, thereby confining the gas in the gas pocket of the embodiment in the same manner as confining the respective fluids. These embodiments may utilize a gas or combination of gases selected to reduce, if not eliminate, corrosion of internal surfaces, structures, and / or mechanisms. Such gases include, but are not limited to, hydrogen, ammonia, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide.

[0056] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 8, the gas pressure in the upper outlet gas pocket 116 is fluidly connected to the atmosphere outside and above the embodiment by the atmospheric equilibrium opening 110. Depending on the gas pressure difference, the gas in the upper outlet gas pocket can flow out into the atmosphere 140, or air from the atmosphere can flow into the upper outlet gas pocket 140.

[0057] The embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 8 incorporate, utilize, and / or include a block 141 of cement, concrete, and / or another cement-based material, which is placed and / or fixed within the embodiment in the lower portion inside the lower hollow chamber 106. This cement block increases the density of the embodiment, adjusting, calibrating, and / or positioning its external waterline 142 to a preferred position on the embodiment, for example, near the equator and / or to the widest horizontal cross-section of the upper hollow chamber 102. The cement block also lowers the center of gravity of the embodiment, thereby improving the positional stability of the embodiment when the embodiment is buffered by waves (for example, promoting the vertical orientation of the embodiment). Other embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, which utilize a thicker steel wall and / or other ballast material placed inside the lower hollow chamber, omit the cement block. More generally, the ballast material (such as block 141) can be bonded to the embodiment 100 at the vertical midpoint of the embodiment or at any position below it. The vertical midpoint may be the midpoint along a line drawn from the top of the expanded lower outflow chamber 108 and the bottom of the lower hollow chamber 106. In other examples, the mass of the portion of embodiment 100 below the vertical midpoint may be greater than the mass of the portion of embodiment 100 above the vertical midpoint.

[0058] Embodiment 100, shown in Figures 1 to 8, incorporates secondary, complementary, and / or extensions of its “primary” pressurized lower outlet gas pocket 114. The complementary outlet gas pocket 131 within the extended lower outlet gas chamber 108 is fluidly connected to the gas pocket 114 (i.e., the pressurized lower outlet gas pocket 114) within the lower hollow chamber 106. By dividing the outlet gas pocket into two fluidly connected gas pockets, namely the lower outlet gas pocket 114 and the complementary outlet gas pocket 131, the buoyancy of the lower hollow chamber 106 is reduced, thereby improving the vertical stability of the embodiment. The extended lower outlet gas chamber 108 may be located in the upper half of Embodiment 100. In some examples, the extended lower outlet gas chamber 108 may be coaxially located above the upper hollow chamber 102. By coaxially positioning the extended lower outlet gas chamber 108 at the top of the embodiment, the possibility of the embodiment tipping over due to buoyancy redistribution can be reduced or eliminated.

[0059] Embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 8 utilize a fluid consisting of concentrated and / or highly saline brine. It also utilizes a portion of the power generated by its fluid turbine and generator assembly 121 to power a brine electrolytic cell (not shown) that converts water in the brine fluid into hydrogen and oxygen gases, thereby causing water loss from the brine solution over time. Regardless of the cause of water loss, Embodiment 100 can periodically and / or as needed replenish its brine fluid with water and / or thereby adjust and / or change the concentration of its brine fluid by opening a water refresh valve 143, which opens to allow water from a water body 101 (e.g., seawater) to flow into a water refresh pipe 111 144, where its inflow of external water 101 is blocked by a permeable semipermeable membrane. The fluid in the illustrated embodiment is concentrated brine, i.e., brine with a solute concentration higher than that of seawater. Therefore, osmotic pressure exists across the membrane, and freshwater from the water body 101 can flow through the forward osmosis membrane into the concentrated brine solution in the embodiment 145 to dilute it, thereby replacing water consumed, for example, by the synthesis of hydrogen and oxygen gases. At the same time, salts, organic matter, and other solutes that may be present in the water body outside the embodiment cannot pass through and / or flow through the forward osmosis membrane, and such passage poses a risk of "contamination" of the purity of the concentrated brine solution in the embodiment. Avoiding such brine contamination and maintaining the purity of the concentrated brine solution in the embodiment is desirable as it tends to promote long-term maintenance-free operation of the embodiment.

[0060] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a side section of Embodiment 100 shown in Figure 8, the section of which is of the same Embodiment 100 of the present disclosure shown in Figures 1 to 8, the vertical section of which is shown in Figures 3, 6, and 7, and the section was obtained along line 8-8.

[0061] Figure 10 shows a side perspective view of Embodiment 150 of the present disclosure.

[0062] The embodiment floats adjacent to the water surface 151 of the body through which the waves pass.

[0063] This embodiment comprises an upper hollow chamber 152, an annular working fluid return channel 153, a (invisible) constricted inertia tube coaxially arranged within the annular working fluid return channel, and a lower hollow chamber 154.

[0064] The (invisible) pressurized gas pocket in the lower hollow chamber 154 is fluidly connected to the (invisible) complementary outflow gas pocket inside the complementary outflow gas chamber 156 by the outflow gas pocket pipe 155. The gas flow between the pressurized gas pocket in the lower hollow chamber and the complementary outflow gas pocket is regulated, altered, and / or controlled by the outflow gas control valve 157. When the outflow gas control valve is open, gas can flow between the pressurized gas pocket in the lower hollow chamber and the complementary outflow gas pocket. When the outflow gas control valve is closed, gas cannot flow between the pressurized gas pocket in the lower hollow chamber and the complementary outflow gas pocket, and their respective gas pockets are not fluidly connected.

[0065] The (invisible) pressurized working fluid in the (invisible) pressurized working fluid reservoir inside the upper hollow chamber 152 is fluidly connected to the (invisible) working fluid turbine and generator in the working fluid turbine pipe 158. The pressurized working fluid in the pressurized working fluid reservoir flows from the pressurized working fluid reservoir through the (invisible) working fluid turbine pipe inlet to the upper part of the working fluid turbine pipe, through which it flows to the working fluid turbine, through which it rotates the rotor of the working fluid turbine, and then causes the operably connected generator to produce power. In an alternative embodiment, a magnetohydrodynamic generator replaces the turbine and generator.

[0066] The working fluid outflow from the working fluid turbine flows into the lower part of the working fluid turbine pipe and then flows out of the working fluid turbine pipe through the (invisible) working fluid turbine pipe outlet. The outflow from the lower working fluid turbine pipe outlet flows into the annular working fluid return channel 153, flows downward through it, and flows into the (invisible) working fluid outflow reservoir inside the lower hollow chamber 154.

[0067] The annular working fluid return channel 153 enters and passes through the hull and / or walls of the lower hollow chamber 154 at position 159. The outlet gas pocket pipe 155 enters and passes through the hull and / or walls of the lower hollow chamber at position 160.

[0068] In Embodiment 150, the wave action causes the working fluid in an (invisible) constricted inertia tube coaxially positioned within the annular working fluid return channel 153 to vibrate. As the (invisible) working fluid and / or its (invisible) free surface vibrates within the constricted inertia tube, it occasionally and / or periodically rises upward from the (invisible) upper opening of the constricted inertia tube, thereby transferring a portion of the rising working fluid from inside the constricted frustoconical tube to an (invisible) pressurized working fluid reservoir. Over time, the portion of the working fluid added to the pressurized working fluid reservoir flows into and through the working fluid turbine, thereby generating power in a generator that is operably connected. The working fluid turbine outflow flows into and downward through the annular working fluid return channel 153 and then into an (invisible) working fluid outflow reservoir. Then, in response to the additional wave action in Embodiment 150, the working fluid in the working fluid outlet reservoir flows into the constricted inertial tube and passes through it upward, and is ejected from the constricted frustoconical tube into the pressurized working fluid reservoir from time to time and / or period to time, thereby continuing its circulating flow through the embodiment.

[0069] Embodiment 150 converts the action and / or energy of a wave into power through a periodic flow of working fluid through its (invisible) constricted inertia tube and annular working fluid return channel 153, the working fluid flowing between the (invisible) upper and (invisible) lower working fluid reservoirs of the embodiment, the rising and pressurized working fluid from the upper working fluid reservoir returning to the lower working fluid reservoir through the working fluid turbine.

[0070] Embodiment 150 shown in Figure 10 utilizes a working fluid consisting of water and potassium hydroxide at a 25% wt / g concentration. Other similar embodiments utilize a working fluid consisting of fresh water or aqueous solutions of other solutes at various concentrations, including but not limited to solutions of sodium hydroxide, sodium chloride, etc. In another similar embodiment, the working fluid may include an iron ore suspension, such as those described in more detail herein.

[0071] Figure 11 shows a side view of the same embodiment 150 of the present disclosure shown in Figure 10.

[0072] Figure 12 shows a side view of the same embodiment 150 of the present disclosure shown in Figures 10 and 11.

[0073] Figure 13 shows a side view of the same embodiment 150 of the present disclosure shown in Figures 10 to 12.

[0074] Figure 14 shows a side view of the same embodiment 150 of the present disclosure shown in Figures 10 to 13.

[0075] Figure 15 shows a top view of the same embodiment 150 of the present disclosure shown in Figures 10 to 14.

[0076] Figure 16 shows a bottom view of the same embodiment 150 of the present disclosure shown in Figures 10 to 15.

[0077] Figure 17A shows a cross-sectional view of the same embodiment 150 of the present disclosure shown in Figures 10 to 16, the vertical section shown in Figure 12, the section obtained along line 17-17, and Figure 18 shows a corresponding side cross-sectional view of the same embodiment 150 of the present disclosure shown in Figures 10 to 17.

[0078] Embodiment 150, shown in Figures 10 to 18, floats adjacent to the water surface 151 of a body through which waves pass.

[0079] The upper gas pocket 161 inside the upper hollow chamber 152 pushes down the free surface 165 of the working fluid 162 inside the constricted inertia tube 163 of the embodiment (tends to reduce the rise of the free surface 165 of the working fluid 162), while the lower gas pocket 164 inside the lower hollow chamber 154 pushes down the free surface 166 of the outflow working fluid reservoir 168, which pushes up the working fluid 162 inside the constricted inertia tube (tends to increase the rise of the free surface 165 of the working fluid 162). The weight of the working fluid 162 inside the constricted inertia tube applies a downward force to the working fluid (tends to reduce the rise of the free surface 165 of the working fluid 162). When the embodiment is stationary, the relative height and / or position of the free surface 165 of the working fluid 162 inside the constricted inertia tube is such that the downward force on the working fluid 162 is approximately equal to the upward force on the working fluid.

[0080] The downward forces affecting the relative height of the free surface 165 of the working fluid 162 inside the constricted inertia tube 163 include, but are not limited to, the pressure of the gas in the gas pocket 161 inside the upper hollow chamber 152, and the inherent weight of the working fluid 162 inside the constricted inertia tube between its free surface 165 and the free surface 166 of the outflow working fluid reservoir 168.

[0081] The upward forces affecting the relative height of the free surface 165 of the working fluid 162 inside the constricted inertia tube 163 include, but are not limited to, the pressure of the gas in the lower gas pocket 164 inside the lower hollow chamber 154.

[0082] As Embodiment 150 accelerates vertically in response to the passage of waves in the buoyant upper hollow chamber 152, and / or is accelerated, the inertia of the working fluid 162 inside the constricted inertia tube 163 causes the working fluid to resist the vertical acceleration of the Embodiment and the associated acceleration of the constricted inertia tube. Therefore, in response to the action of the waves in the Embodiment, and / or as a result thereof, the working fluid 162 inside the constricted inertia tube of the Embodiment tends to generate vertical vibrations 167.

[0083] As the free surface 165 of the working fluid 162 in the constricted inertia tube 163 moves upward relative to its resting and / or equilibrium position 167, the nominal volume and / or resting volume of the gas in the upper gas pocket 161 decreases, thereby increasing the pressure of the gas in the gas pocket relative to its nominal and / or resting pressure. As the free surface 165 of the working fluid 162 in the constricted inertia tube moves upward relative to its resting and / or equilibrium position, the working fluid from the working fluid reservoir 168 in the lower hollow chamber 154 is drawn into the constricted inertia tube 179, thereby lowering the free surface 166 of the working fluid reservoir 168, which reduces the pressure of the gas in the lower gas pocket 164 inside the lower hollow chamber 154. As the free surface 165 of the working fluid in the constricted frustoconical tube moves upward, the free surface 166 of the working fluid reservoir 168 moves downward. The resulting increase in separation between the free surface of the working fluid 165 in the constricted inertial tube and the free surface of the outflow working fluid reservoir 168 effectively increases the downward weight of the working fluid 162 in the constricted inertial tube.

[0084] Therefore, when the free surface 165 of the working fluid 162 in the constricted inertia tube 163 moves upward relative to its resting and / or equilibrium position 167, the increase in pressure in the upper gas pocket 161 and the increase in the weight of the working fluid 162 in the constricted inertia tube 163 exert a downward "pushing" force on the working fluid 162, while the decrease in pressure in the lower gas pocket 164 exerts a downward "pulling" force on the working fluid 162. These downward forces counteract the upward movement of the working fluid in the constricted inertia tube, and the relative strength of these forces increases as the relative height of the free surface 165 of the working fluid 162 increases beyond its nominal height and / or resting height. The force counteracting the upward movement of the free surface 165 of the working fluid within the constricted inertial tube slows down the upward movement of the working fluid 162, ultimately preventing and / or stopping the upward movement of its free surface 165, and then accelerating the working fluid 162 and its free surface 165 downward.

[0085] When the free surface 165 of the working fluid 162 in the constricted inertia tube 163 moves downward relative to its resting and / or equilibrium position 167, the nominal volume and / or resting volume of the gas in the upper gas pocket 161 increases, thereby decreasing the pressure of the gas in the gas pocket relative to its nominal and / or resting pressure. As the free surface 165 of the working fluid in the constricted inertia tube moves downward relative to its resting and / or equilibrium position, the working fluid 162 from the constricted inertia tube flows into the outflow working fluid reservoir 168, thereby raising the free surface 166 of the outflow working fluid reservoir, and thereby increasing the pressure of the gas in the lower gas pocket 164. As the free surface 165 of the working fluid in the constricted inertia tube moves downward, the free surface 166 of the working fluid reservoir 168 moves upward. The resulting decrease in separation between the free surface of the working fluid 165 in the constricted inertia tube and the free surface of the outflow working fluid reservoir reduces the downward weight of the working fluid 162 in the constricted inertia tube.

[0086] Therefore, when the free surface 165 of the working fluid 162 in the constricted inertia tube 163 moves downward relative to its resting and / or equilibrium position 167, the decrease in pressure in the upper gas pocket 161, the decrease in the weight of the working fluid 162 in the constricted inertia tube 163, and the increase in the upward force exerted on the working fluid 162 by the increased pressure of the gas in the lower gas pocket 164 combine to counteract the downward movement of the working fluid 162 in the constricted inertia tube, and the relative strength of these forces increases as the relative distance below the nominal height and / or resting height of the free surface 165 of the working fluid 162 increases. The force counteracting the downward movement of the free surface 165 of the working fluid in the constricted inertia tube slows down the downward movement of the working fluid 162, eventually preventing and / or stopping the downward movement of its free surface 165, and then accelerating its free surface 165 upward.

[0087] Therefore, the working fluid 162 inside the constricted inertial tube 163 of the embodiment acts as a central mass and / or weight operably connected and / or coupled (but not of constant magnitude) to an upper gas pocket 161 and a lower gas pocket 164, which act as springs coupled to its central mass. When a wave acts on the embodiment and drives it up and down, the central mass 162 oscillates up and down, exchanging its kinematic and potential energy for the potential energy of the gas pocket springs 161 and 164. The gas pocket springs provide a restoring force to the central mass 162, and the displacement of the central mass changes the potential energy of the upper and lower gas pocket springs, respectively. Embodiment 150 is similar in several respects to a spring / mass oscillator.

[0088] Occasionally and / or periodically, the vibration 167 of the working fluid 162 in the constricted inertia tube 163 carries the free surface 165 of the working fluid to a position above the upper opening 169 of the constricted inertia tube, resulting in the ejection of the working fluid from inside the constricted inertia tube onto the free surface 171 of the pressurized working fluid reservoir 172 in the upper hollow chamber 152 170.

[0089] The working fluid from the pressurized working fluid reservoir 172 flows into the inlet at the upper end of the working fluid turbine pipe 158 173, and then the working fluid flows through the rotor of the working fluid turbine 174 of the embodiment, thereby rotating the turbine rotor, which in turn causes a generator (embedded and invisible within the turbine) to produce power. The working fluid turbine 174 may include any structure configured to convert the kinematic motion of the fluid into rotational energy. For example, the working fluid turbine 174 may include a fluid turbine or a hydrodynamic turbine. In some examples, the working fluid turbine 174 can be considered a pressure regulator. Any type of pressure regulator may be used instead of the working fluid turbine 174, or used together with the working fluid turbine 174. The pressure regulator may also include a filter and / or membrane. In some examples, the working fluid turbine pipe 158 may include the working fluid turbine 174, a filter, or the working fluid turbine 174 and a filter. More generally, a pressure regulator in the working fluid turbine pipe 158 can be used to perform useful tasks, including but not limited to energy generation, filtration, purification, desalination, and elemental extraction. The pressure regulator can maintain a pressure difference in which the pressure above the regulator (e.g., in the upper hollow chamber 152) is higher than the pressure below the regulator (e.g., in the lower hollow chamber 154).

[0090] The working fluid flowing out of the working fluid turbine 174 flows 175 into the annular working fluid return channel 153 from the outlet at the lower end of the working fluid turbine pipe 158, and 176 flows downward through the annular working fluid return channel. When the working fluid reaches the lower annular opening and / or port 177, the working fluid flows out of the annular working fluid return channel 178 and into the working fluid reservoir 168 in the lower hollow chamber 154, thereby raising the free surface 166 of the working fluid reservoir 168.

[0091] As Embodiment 150 moves up and down in response to the action of waves in the buoyant upper hollow chamber 152, and the free surface 165 of the working fluid 162 in the constricted inertia tube 163 moves up and down 167, the working fluid 179 flows back and forth between the working fluid reservoir 168 and the inside of the constricted inertia tube 179, resulting in the oscillating rise and fall of the free surface 166 of the outflow working fluid reservoir 168 and the corresponding oscillating rise and fall of the gas pressure in the lower gas pocket 164. The working fluid flows back and forth between the working fluid reservoir 168 and the inside of the constricted inertia tube 179, but the net flow is upward and correlates with the ejection 170 of the working fluid from the constricted inertia tube into the pressurized working fluid reservoir 172.

[0092] The interior of the annular working fluid return channel 153 is fluidly connected to the upper gas pocket 161 in the upper hollow chamber 152 by a pressure equalization pipe 180 through which gas enters and exits the gas pocket 161 and the interior of the annular working fluid return channel. Thus, the hydraulic pressure of the working fluid 172 flowing into and through the working fluid turbine 174 is related to the separation of the free surface 171 of the pressurized working fluid reservoir 172 in the upper hollow chamber 152 and the free surface 182 of the working fluid in the annular working fluid return channel. That is, since the bodies of both working fluids are exposed to the same gas pocket 161 and pressurized thereby, the main difference, if not the sole, difference in their pressure potential energy is related to the vertical separation of their respective free surfaces and is, if not the sole, primarily the hydrostatic potential energy.

[0093] To reduce the buoyancy of the lower hollow chamber 154, a portion of its pressurized lower gas pocket 164 is separated into a complementary, secondary, and / or expanded outlet gas chamber 156. An outlet gas pocket pipe 155 fluidly connects the lower gas pocket 164 within the lower hollow chamber 154 to the expanded gas pocket 183 within the complementary outlet gas chamber 156. When the outlet gas control valve 157 is open, gas can flow freely between the lower gas pocket 164 and the expanded gas pocket 183 (e.g., 184 and 185). When the outlet gas control valve is closed, gas cannot flow between the lower gas pocket 164 and the expanded gas pocket 183. The outlet gas control valve allows a control system (not shown) of the embodiment to adjust the rate at which changes in the relative height of the free surface 166 of the outlet working fluid reservoir 168 within the lower hollow chamber cause a corresponding change in the pressure of the gas in the lower gas pocket 164. This is analogous to changing the spring constant of the lower gas pocket spring 164, and such a change to the spring constant of the lower gas pocket spring can be used by the control system of the embodiment to change the vibration behavior of the working fluid 162 in the constricted inertia tube 163, in particular the magnitude of the vibration.

[0094] For example, especially in rough wave conditions, the vibration 167 of the working fluid 162 in the constricted inertia tube 163 may become excessive, and / or if it is excessive, the control system of the embodiment (not shown) can reduce the magnitude of the vibration of the working fluid in the constricted inertia tube by increasing the “rigidity” of the lower gas pocket spring 164 (by adjusting the opening or regulating valve 157), providing the control system of the embodiment with a useful option to mitigate such vibrations, for example, to reduce the risk of structural damage to the embodiment.

[0095] Embodiment 150 includes, incorporates, utilizes, and / or includes a block 186 and / or slab of cement, concrete, and / or another cement-based material, which is placed and / or fixed within the embodiment in the lower portion inside the lower hollow chamber 154. This cement block increases the density of the embodiment, adjusting and / or positioning its external waterline 187 to a preferred position on the embodiment, for example, near the equator and / or to the widest horizontal cross-section of the upper hollow chamber 152. The cement block also lowers the center of gravity of the embodiment, thereby improving the positional stability of the embodiment when the embodiment is buffered by waves (for example, promoting the vertical orientation of the embodiment). Other embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, those utilizing a thicker steel wall, a smaller lower gas pocket 164, a larger complementary outflow gas chamber 156, and / or a working fluid with a higher relative density, omit the cement block. Other embodiments use a different form of ballast, for example, bulk iron ore placed in the lower hollow chamber 154.

[0096] Figure 17B shows a side section view of Embodiment 150' of the present disclosure. Embodiment 150' is similar to Embodiment 150 described with respect to Figure 17A, except that the outflow working fluid return channel 153 is modified. Instead of the return channel 153 extending along the entire length of the inertia tube 163 (also called the injection tube 163) between the upper hollow chamber 152 and the lower hollow chamber 154, the return channel 153 terminates between the upper hollow chamber 152 and the lower hollow chamber 154. For example, the bottom of the return channel 153 may be located approximately midway along the inertia tube 163.

[0097] In one embodiment, the bottom of the return channel 153 may include an opening 177 (or a number of openings 177) that allows the outflow working fluid to flow directly from the return channel 153 to the inertia tube 163 178. That is, embodiment 150' may include a return channel 153 that allows the outflow working fluid to flow directly into the inertia tube 163 rather than into the reservoir 168 in the lower hollow chamber 154 (as in embodiment 150 shown in Figure 17A).

[0098] In one embodiment, the mechanical rigidity of the inertia tube 163 is improved by using an opening 177 as opposed to an annular ring around the inertia tube 163. When an annular ring is used, the inertia tube 163 is completely segmented into an upper portion and a lower portion spaced apart. In embodiments 150' having one or more openings 177, the upper portion of the inertia tube 163 (above the opening 177) and the lower portion of the inertia tube 163 (below the opening 177) remain connected by the portion of the inertia tube 163 between the openings 177 (outside the plane of Figure 17B). In one embodiment, a single opening 177 is used. Other embodiments include multiple openings 177. For example, two or more openings 177 may be used, or four or more openings 177 may be used.

[0099] As shown in the figure, the outflow working fluid from the pressurized working fluid reservoir 172 flows into the inlet at the upper end of the working fluid turbine pipe 158 173. The outflow working fluid then flows into and through the rotor of the working fluid turbine 174 of embodiment 150', thereby rotating the turbine rotor, which in turn causes a generator (embedded and invisible within the turbine) to produce electricity. The outflow working fluid flowing out of the working fluid turbine 174 flows into the annular working fluid return channel 153 from the outlet at the lower end of the working fluid turbine pipe 158 175, and the outflow working fluid flows downward through the annular working fluid return channel 176. When the outflow working fluid reaches one or more of the openings 177 at the bottom of the working fluid return channel 153 (between the top and bottom of the inertia tube 163), the outflow working fluid flows out of the annular working fluid return channel 153 178 and flows into the inertia tube 163.

[0100] It should be understood that the advantages offered by including a recirculating inertial hydrodynamic pump as part of a buoyancy-type wave energy converter (WEC) can result in more efficient and environmentally sound generation of energy products. For example, the sealed environment within the recirculating inertial hydrodynamic pump allows for the use of a working fluid that can reduce corrosion, while simultaneously preventing the release of elements, solutions, chemicals, etc., that do not naturally exist into the surrounding water. As used herein, energy products may include, but are not limited to, fuels (e.g., hydrogen and / or carbon-containing fuels), chemicals (e.g., HCl), biological species, digital goods and / or services, etc. In some examples, “chemicals” may be used to refer to energy products that are fuels (e.g., hydrogen gas) and / or non-fuel chemicals (e.g., HCl). Since WECs can be located at sea, energy products can be returned to land for consumption, use, storage, etc. Examples of energy product generation and transport methods or processes in WECs are described with reference to Figures 19 to 32.

[0101] Figure 19 shows a side section view of one embodiment 250 of the present disclosure. Embodiment 250 floats adjacent to the water surface 251 of a body of water through which waves pass. Embodiment 250 in Figure 19 may be similar to Embodiment 150 in Figure 17, except that an energy product generation chamber 290 is added. For example, Embodiment 250 may include an upper hollow chamber 252 fluidly coupled to a lower hollow chamber 254 by an inertia tube 263. An annular fluid return channel 253 may surround the inertia tube 263. A working fluid turbine pipe 258 can fluidly couple the upper hollow chamber 252 to the annular fluid return channel 253. A pressure regulator 274 (such as any pressure regulator described in detail herein) may be provided along the working fluid turbine pipe 258. In certain examples, the pressure regulator 274 is a turbine configured to generate electrical energy. Ballast 286 may be coupled to the lower half of Embodiment 250. An outlet gas chamber 256 may be provided above the upper hollow chamber 252, and the outlet gas chamber 256 may be fluidly coupled to the lower hollow chamber 254 by an outlet pipe 255. The operation of Embodiment 250 may be similar to the operation of Embodiment 150 described above. More generally, the vibrations of Embodiment 250 in response to waves in the body of water can drive the working fluid 272 across the pressure regulator 274 (as indicated by arrows 273 and 275) by generating a pressure difference across the pressure regulator 274, thereby providing useful work such as generating electrical energy.

[0102] More specifically, the pressure regulator 274 may include a hydraulic turbine such as a reaction turbine (e.g., a propeller turbine, valve turbine, straflo turbine, tube turbine, Kaplan turbine, Francis turbine, or kinetic turbine) or an impulse turbine (e.g., a Pelton turbine or cross-flow turbine). In some examples, a single turbine is used for the pressure regulator 274, while in other examples, multiple turbines arranged in series are used for the pressure regulator 274. Embodiment 250 shows a single pressure regulator 274, but embodiments may include multiple pressure regulators 274.

[0103] The pressure regulator 274 can be coupled to a power generator (not shown). The pressure regulator 274 provides rotational energy which is converted into electrical energy by the power generator. The electrical energy may be stored (e.g., in a battery) or consumed for one or more purposes as described in detail herein. While a power generator is one option, other types of generators may also be used. For example, the generators described herein may include any generator, alternator, other mechanism, device, and / or component that converts energy from one form to another. In some examples, one or more of the energy generation systems can be replaced with magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generators that generate electricity directly from a fluid flow without requiring a connection to a turbine and associated rotating shaft. That is, a combination of a turbine connected to a generator by a shaft can, in some examples, be replaced with an MHD generator by a suitable selection of working fluid.

[0104] Embodiment 250 can generate a substantial amount of energy that needs to be stored or used in a constructive manner. In some examples, the energy generated from Embodiment 250 may be stored in a battery. The battery can provide an accessible energy source to power one or more electrical components incorporated in the embodiment. Alternatively (or additionally), Embodiment 250 can provide a material conversion process to “store” the energy in a more transportable form. For example, the energy generated by Embodiment 250 can be stored in the form of energy products such as those described in more detail herein.

[0105] If the energy product is hydrogen gas, an electrolytic cell 291 may be provided in Embodiment 250. The electrolytic cell 291 may be fluidly coupled to a water source, such as water 292 in the chamber 290. The water 292 may be deionized, filtered, and / or purified by other means. The water 292 may be supplied to Embodiment 250 as a precursor material. The energy generated by Embodiment 250 may be consumed by the electrolytic cell 291 to convert the water into oxygen and hydrogen. The hydrogen gas may be stored in the internal volume 293 of the chamber 290, or in any other confined space associated with Embodiment 250. The oxygen gas may be discharged into the atmosphere. After the hydrogen gas has been produced, as described in detail herein, the gas may be periodically collected (i.e., moved from or unloaded from Embodiment 250) by an external vessel, ship, airship, submersible, drone, or any other vehicle.

[0106] Embodiment 250 can be an autonomous device having the ability to move and / or navigate around a body of water in a controlled manner. The propulsion of Embodiment 250 may be driven through one or more different mechanisms using active and / or passive systems. One or more rudders (not shown) may be coupled to Embodiment 250 to provide directional control, rotational control, etc.

[0107] In some embodiments, propulsion in Embodiment 250 may be provided via one or more active propulsion devices. For example, in some examples, propellers and the like may be used. The energy driving the active propulsion devices can be obtained from a battery charged by the energy generation of Embodiment 250 or by the wave energy generation of Embodiment 250. In other examples, the hydrogen or other gas produced in Embodiment 250 may be consumed (e.g., via the use of a fuel cell) to power the active propulsion devices.

[0108] Embodiment 250 may include an enclosure 295. The enclosure 295 may be a waterproof chamber for securing one or more electrical components. For example, a computing system, a positioning system, and / or a communication system may be housed within the enclosure 295. The computing system may provide one or more processors and associated hardware and / or software that enable control of Embodiment 250. For example, the computing system may control power generation by controlling the flow rate of water to the energy generation device 290. The positioning system may include a GPS, compass, accelerometer, gyroscope, or any other suitable navigation system. The positioning system may control the propulsion and steering systems to navigate Embodiment 250. The communication system may include an antenna, receiver, and associated circuit configurations, hardware, and / or software. The communication system may provide a communication link to an external system, such as another wave energy generation system. It should be understood that the systems described for enclosure 295 on Embodiment 250 are essentially illustrative, and many different systems, control devices, etc., may be housed within enclosure 295.

[0109] As described in detail herein, the energy products produced by Embodiment 250 may then be delivered to the shore (or near the shore) for use, storage, etc. The energy products may be transported to the shore by one or more vessels. In some examples, the energy products are transported to the shore without further processing. For example, hydrogen gas can be produced by Embodiment 250 and transported to the shore. In other examples, the energy products may be used to produce different energy products. For example, the energy products may be used as precursors for the production of alternative energy products (e.g., energy products with higher energy density). In one example, the hydrogen energy product may be converted to methanol or ammonia by chemical reaction with one or more other precursor gases. This additional conversion may occur in Embodiment 250 or during the transport of the energy products to the shore.

[0110] Figure 20 shows a side cross-sectional view of Embodiment 350 of the present disclosure. Embodiment 350 may be similar to Embodiment 250 described above, except for the energy products generated or produced by Embodiment 350. For example, Embodiment 350 floats adjacent to the surface 351 of a body of water through which waves pass. Embodiment 350 may include an upper hollow chamber 352 fluidly coupled to a lower hollow chamber 354 by an inertia tube 363. An annular fluid return channel 353 may surround the inertia tube 363. A working fluid turbine pipe 358 may fluidly couple the upper hollow chamber 352 to the annular fluid return channel 353. A pressure regulator 374 (such as any pressure regulator described in detail herein) may be provided along the working fluid turbine pipe 358. In certain examples, the pressure regulator 374 is a turbine configured to generate electrical energy. Ballast 386 may be coupled to the lower half of Embodiment 350. An outlet gas chamber 356 may be provided above the upper hollow chamber 352, and the outlet gas chamber 356 may be fluidly coupled to the lower hollow chamber 354 by an outlet pipe 355. The operation of Embodiment 350 may be similar to the operation of Embodiment 150 described above. More generally, the vibrations of Embodiment 350 in response to waves in the body of water can drive a working fluid 372 across a pressure regulator 374 (as indicated by arrows 373 and 375) to provide useful work such as electrical energy generation, thereby providing useful work such as electrical energy generation. Embodiment 350 may also include an enclosure 395 equipped with a computing system, etc. When hydrogen is to be produced as an energy product, an electrolytic cell 391 located in the water 392 in the chamber 390 can be used to convert the water 392 into oxygen and hydrogen. The hydrogen gas may be stored in the internal volume 393 of the chamber 390, and the oxygen gas may be discharged into the atmosphere.

[0111] However, instead of producing only fuel or chemicals as energy products, Embodiment 350 may produce biological products. Biological products may include one or more of seaweed (e.g., microalgae and / or macroalgae), seagrass, other marine plants, fish, krill, or other marine organisms. More specifically, the power generated by the operation of the pressure regulator 374 can be used to power a light 342, a lamp, a heating device (e.g., a heater), etc. For example, the light 342 could be a light-emitting diode (LED) light, or any other suitable source for generating electromagnetic radiation 343. The electromagnetic radiation 343 may be consumed by the biological products to induce the growth of the biological products within Embodiment 350.

[0112] As shown in Figure 20, the light 342 may be positioned and mounted on the inner surface of the upper hollow chamber 352, or otherwise coupled. Although shown as being directly coupled to the inner wall surface of the upper hollow chamber 352, other embodiments may include a light 342 suspended within the inner volume of the upper hollow chamber 352. All lights 342 in Figure 20 are shown as submerged in the water 372. However, in other embodiments, the light 342 may be positioned above the surface of the water 377 within the upper hollow chamber 352.

[0113] In one embodiment, a substantially circular net 341, designed to promote the growth of biological products (e.g., algae and / or other marine plant organisms), spans and / or is adjacent to a substantially flow-normal and / or horizontal cross-section of the water 372 adjacent to the surface of the water 372. The net 342 draws the biological products into the lower portion of the water 372, thereby tending to prevent, if not reduce, the outflow and / or loss of its macroalgae through the pressure regulator 374 in the working fluid turbine pipe 358. In other embodiments, other structures (e.g., sieves, catchments, meshes, or grids) are placed in the path of the water flow to the pressure regulator 374 to prevent the outflow or loss of biological products.

[0114] Periodically, the biological products may be moved from the water 372 by a ship, platform, or other vessel. A ship may insert a suction tube into the access tube 345, passing through it. Once inserted into the access tube 345, the inserted suction tube is positioned near the bottom of the reservoir of water 372 in the embodiment and can aspirate a portion of the biological products in it. A complementary access tube (not shown) and / or complementary channel within the single access suction tube 345 can return water to the reservoir while the biological products are being moved from the reservoir of water 372, thereby maintaining and / or preserving the original level of water 372 in the reservoir.

[0115] The access tube 372 allows algae, water, nutrients, and / or other substances to be added to and / or removed from the water reservoir, while the water reservoir 372 remains sealed inside the upper hollow chamber 352. Because the access tube is open to the atmosphere at its upper opening 347 (as indicated by arrow 348) and open to the water and biological products in the water 373 at its lower opening 344, the water 372 from the reservoir rises freely within the algae access tube 345. Due to the pressure of the air trapped in the air pocket inside the upper hollow chamber 352 and the corresponding pressure of the water 372, the water surface 346 within the access tube 345 tends to rise to a height above the surface of the water 372 in the reservoir, where the head pressure is approximately equivalent to the air pressure inside the upper hollow chamber 352. However, in other embodiments, the access tube 345 may be sealed to maintain the environmental seal within embodiment 350.

[0116] The scope of this disclosure extends not only to complementary vessels for periodic harvesting of biological products grown within embodiments, but also to coastal facilities, floating platforms, and / or other vessels where the harvested algae are processed and / or stored, and to the internal, internal, or external walls, surfaces, and / or structures of the wave energy converter of the type disclosed herein for harvesting biological products, wherein the wave energy converter operates in the waves, and the electrical energy produced by the wave energy converter is used to power LEDs or other lamps or other light sources mounted on, inside, inside, or outside the wave energy converter, and / or converted wave energy. The method also includes a method used to supply power to LEDs or other lamps or other light sources suspended from a component, enabling biological products to grow in or near the enclosure, cavity, or therein of the wave energy converter using light from the lamps as a metabolic energy source, and the biological products (or products or by-products generated therefrom, e.g., algal oil, fish oil, etc.) to be transported to a ship or other floating vessel, and the ship or floating vessel to transport the biological products (or products or by-products generated therefrom, e.g., algal oil, fish oil, etc.) to a land-based facility for processing and / or storage.

[0117] The embodiment of the aquaculture configuration shown in Figure 20 may also include fish in the water 372. If one or more fish species are selected that can eat and / or consume the type(s) of algae growing in the embodiment and are included in their respective aquaculture areas before each growth cycle, then a portion of those fish may be harvested along with any leftover algae. The scope of this disclosure is a method for harvesting fish, wherein a wave energy converter of the type disclosed herein is placed in a body of water, and the electrical energy produced by the wave energy converter is used to power LEDs or other lamps or other light sources mounted on, inside, inside or outside the wave energy converter, as well as LEDs or other lamps or other light sources suspended from the walls, surfaces and / or structural members inside, inside or outside the wave energy converter, and the algae use the light from the lamps as a metabolic energy source to power the wave energy converter The method includes enabling growth in the enclosure, cavity, or vicinity of the converter, and enabling growth in the enclosure, cavity, or vicinity of the wave energy converter by fish or other marine organisms consuming the algae at least partially as a metabolic energy source, and the fish or other marine organisms being transported to a ship or other floating vessel, and the ship or other floating vessel transporting the fish and / or other marine organisms (or products or by-products generated therefrom, such as fishmeal, fish oil, etc.) to a land-based facility for processing and / or storage.

[0118] The scope of this disclosure includes embodiments utilizing water reservoir lamps and / or inertial water tube lamps that emit light of any single wavelength, any range of wavelengths, and / or any combination of wavelengths or ranges.

[0119] Referring here to Figure 21, a side perspective view of a system including a WEC400 fluidly coupled to a vessel 406 according to one embodiment is shown. In one embodiment, the WEC400 may be similar to any of the embodiments described in more detail herein. For example, the WEC400 may include a recirculating inertial hydrodynamic pump. The WEC400 acquires, extracts, obtains, receives, and / or collects energy from waves moving across the surface 405 of a body of water on which it is suspended. A portion of the energy that the WEC400 extracts from the passing waves is converted into electricity by an (invisible) water turbine and an (invisible) generator. A portion of the generated electricity is used to produce energy products (e.g., liquid fuels, gaseous fuels, chemicals, biological products, etc.). For example, an (invisible) water electrolyzer in the WEC400 can be used to convert a portion of the water contained in a reservoir within the (invisible) WEC400 into hydrogen gas. A portion of the synthesized hydrogen gas is captured in an (invisible) hydrogen reservoir within the WEC400.

[0120] Periodically, the vessel 402 approaches the WEC400 and positions itself near the WEC device 400. When it is close enough to the WEC400, the vessel 400 positions a hose connection remotely-operated vehicle (hose connection ROV) 403 attached to the first end of the transfer hose 404. The hose connection ROV 403 pulls the transfer hose 404 towards the WEC400. The hose connection ROV 403 attaches itself to the hull of the WEC400 so as to be able to move parallel to it and moves across the hull of the WEC until it is positioned above and / or above the (invisible) ports of the WEC400. Next, the hose-connecting ROV 403 connects itself and the attached hydrogen transfer hose to the hydrogen port of the WEC 400, thereby allowing the energy products to move and / or flow from the WEC 400 to the vessel 406, where the energy products are stored in one or more storage containers (not shown) in and / or on the vessel 406. In other embodiments, a passively retractable offtake system is used to connect the hose 404 to a port on the WEC 400. In some examples, the transfer of energy products from the WEC 400 to the vessel 406 is passive (e.g., when a pressure difference drives the products from the WEC 400 to the vessel 406). In other examples, the energy products can be actively transported from the WEC 400 to the vessel 406 using a pump, winch, or other mechanical force.

[0121] Although the vessel 406 in Figure 28 is shown as a boat, it should be understood that any suitable transport vehicle can be used to load and unload energy products from the WEC400. For example, underwater vehicles, aerial vehicles (e.g., helicopters, airplanes, airships, drones, etc.) can be used to load and unload energy products from the WEC400. In one embodiment, the vessel 406 may transport the energy products directly to the shore, or the vessel 406 may be an intermediate transporter that delivers the energy products to a second vessel or a platform in the water in which the WEC400 is floating.

[0122] Referring here to Figure 22, a schematic diagram of the wave energy acquisition system 500 is shown. The wave energy acquisition system 500 may include a first floating body 501 and a second floating body 580 that can float on the surface 505 of a body of water 504 and be temporarily coupled to one another. In one exemplary embodiment, the first floating body 501 may be configured as a wave engine 501 (e.g., a WEC including a recirculating inertial fluid pump such as one described herein), and the second floating body 580 may be a storage vessel 580 such as a tanker ship 580. In some embodiments, the wave engine 501 may include an receiving port 520 that can receive a conduit assembly 541 from the storage vessel 580, which is in fluid communication with a conduit 540, thereby fluid-coupled the two for the transfer of one or more fluids between the wave engine 501 and the storage vessel 580 via the conduit 540. The fluid communication and fluid coupling between the wave engine 501 and the storage vessel 580 are described in more detail with respect to Figure 22, but it should be understood that non-fluid products can also be transmitted between the wave engine 501 and the storage vessel 580.

[0123] In one embodiment, fluid communication (or fluid coupling) between the wave engine 501 and the storage vessel 580 can be enabled by the use of an automated, autonomous, and / or passive system. In some embodiments, for example, the conduit assembly 541 may include one or more fluid nozzles (not shown in Figure 29) that are operable to radiate one or more fluid streams to lead the conduit assembly 541 to the receiving port 520.

[0124] To contextualize the positions of the various components of the wave energy acquisition system 500, a set of Cartesian coordinate axes 550 is shown in Figure 22. Specifically, there are mutually perpendicular x, y, and z axes, the x and z axes defining the plane of the schematic diagram shown in Figure 22, and the y axis perpendicular to that plane. In some embodiments, the direction of gravity may be parallel to the negative direction of the z axis and coincide with the negative direction of the z axis.

[0125] Although illustrated herein in the context of a wave engine, the first floating body 501 may be configured as any self-propelled floating body by utilizing one or more ambient environmental forces, for example, to extract energy from stored fuel, to guide a flow of pressurized water, and / or to move parallel to the surface 505 of a body of water 504. For example, the first floating body 501 may be a ship 501 (such as a deployment ship, tanker or other storage vessel, or other transport vessel), a buoy 501, a wind turbine 501, an offshore platform 501 such as a data center, and so on.

[0126] In embodiments where the first floating body 501 is configured as a wave engine 501 similar to the embodiments disclosed herein, the working fluid can oscillate within the wave engine 501 in response to the vertical movement 506 of the water wave (e.g., in the positive z-axis direction and the negative z-axis direction, respectively). As described in more detail herein, the vertical movement 506 can guide the working fluid (as indicated by the dashed arrow 526a) to enter and pass through a pressure regulator (e.g., a turbine), from which it can obtain energy and convert it into energy products 508. The energy products 508 may include, but are not limited to, one or more computational algorithms to be performed, including, for example, electrolysis products, or other fuels / chemicals such as H2 gas, HCl, removed carbon, minerals, biological products, digital goods, or proof-of-work mechanisms for cryptocurrencies, or trained machine learning algorithms.

[0127] In some embodiments, the first floating body 501 may include a first onboard controller or other computing device 510, and / or the second floating body 580 may include a second onboard controller or other computing device 529, with the first and second onboard controllers 510, 529 each including non-temporary memory capable of storing executable instructions. The executable instructions may be executed by one or more processors of the first and second onboard controllers 510, 529 to perform various functionalities of the first and second floating bodies 501, 580, respectively. Thus, the executable instructions may include various routines for the operation, propulsion, maintenance, tracking, and testing of the first and second floating bodies 501, 580. The first and second onboard controllers 510, 529 are communicatively coupled to various components of the first and second floating bodies 501, 580 (e.g., valves, power supplies, etc.) to command their operation and enable their use (for clarity, wired and / or wireless communication paths between the first and second onboard controllers 510, 529 and the various components are omitted from Figure 22). For example, the first onboard controller 510 can command the operation of one or more first coupling elements distributed annularly on the acceptance port 520, and the second onboard controller 529 can command the operation of one or more second coupling elements distributed annularly on the conduit assembly 541, so as to selectively engage and disengage one or more first coupling elements with one or more second coupling elements (the first and second coupling elements are not shown in Figure 22). However, it should be understood that passive self-positioning can be enabled by using a retractable offtake system.

[0128] In certain embodiments, the first and second onboard controllers 510, 529 may be communicably coupled to a remote controller or computing device 514 via a wireless network 512. The various controllers 510, 514, 529 may be configured substantially similarly to one another in some examples, except for modifications or differences to one or more given use cases. For example, the remote controller 514 may be positioned so that the operator of the wave energy acquisition system 500 can access it, for example, on a ship (as shown in Figure 22) or within a physical structure 516 on land 518. Thus, even if one or both of the first and second floating bodies 501, 580 are not geographically located within a national or local jurisdiction, one or both of the first and second floating bodies 501, 580 may nevertheless communicate continuously or periodically (e.g., substantially uninterrupted) with the remote controller 514, which may be geographically located within a national or local jurisdiction (e.g., on land 518).

[0129] In some embodiments, the remote controller 514 may be configured for use by an operator, and therefore may include a user interface from which the operator can input commands or otherwise modify the operation of the wave energy acquisition system 500. The user interface may include one or more displays, input devices (e.g., keyboard, touchscreen, computer mouse, pushable buttons, mechanical switches, other mechanical actuators, etc.), lights, and other components for facilitating operator use of the wave energy acquisition system 500 and for receiving operator input (e.g., requests to direct the conduit assembly 541 to the acceptance port 520). In additional or alternative embodiments, one or both of the first and second onboard controllers 510, 529 may be configured with a user interface as described above.

[0130] The overall energy flow 526 of the wave energy acquisition system 500 is schematically shown in Figure 22, in which the energy obtained in the first floating body 501 from the water induced by the vertical movement 506 of the water waves (as indicated by the dashed arrow 526a) is converted into energy products 508, which are transferred (as indicated by the dashed arrow 526b) to the second floating body 580, and then (as indicated by the dashed arrow 526c) from the second floating body 580 to the land vehicle 530 for transport to a storage facility and / or to the end user for consumption. For example, in some embodiments, the wave energy acquisition system 500 may include a plurality of nodes, each comprising a plurality of first floating bodies 501, one or more second floating bodies 580 for transporting a plurality of energy products 508 from the plurality of first floating bodies 501 to land 518, and one or more land vehicles 530 for transporting the plurality of energy products 508 from one or more second floating bodies 580 to a storage facility and / or end user. In other examples, the energy products 508 may be transported directly from the second floating bodies 580 to a storage facility and / or end user on land 518 or within a specific distance from land 518 (e.g., up to 100 kilometers from land, up to 40 kilometers from land, up to 1 kilometer from land, up to 500 meters from land, or up to 50 meters from land). However, in other embodiments, the storage facility or consumption location may be far from land.

[0131] In one exemplary embodiment, the energy product 508 may be a fluid (e.g., liquid or gas) transferred from the first float 501 to the second float 580 via a conduit 540, the conduit 540 being configured to temporarily fluid-couple the internal reservoir of the second float 580 to the internal reservoir of the first float 501 via one or more internal passages (one or more internal reservoirs and internal passages not shown in Figure 22) extending at least the length of the conduit 540. In a particular embodiment, the conduit 540 may include a plurality of internal passages, each of which may transport a different fluid between the first and second floats 501, 580. As an example, the conduit 540 may include a first internal passage configured to supply an energy product precursor 509 (e.g., an electrolytic reaction product such as deionized water) from the second float 580 to the first float 501, replacing the energy product 508 being transported to the second float 580. Thus, in such an example, the conduit 540 may further include a second internal passage configured to siphon the energy product 508 (e.g., an electrolytic product such as hydrogen gas) from the first float 501 to the second float 580. Thus, the overall energy flow 526 can be maintained by periodically (e.g., once a week) replenishing the capacity of the first float 501 that converts the obtained energy into chemical energy products.

[0132] In some embodiments, the position of the conduit assembly 541 can be adjusted based, for example, on manual operator input in the user interface of the remote controller 514. In additional or alternative embodiments, the position of the conduit assembly 541 can be adjusted automatically based, for example, on feedback from one or more sensors and / or data received via the wireless network 512. As an example, one or both of the first and second floating bodies 501, 580 may include an accelerometer (e.g., an inertial measurement unit, not shown) configured to collect, for example, changes in local position data resulting from the movement of water waves. As an additional or alternative example, one or both of the first and second floating bodies 501, 580 may include a global positioning system (not shown) configured to collect geographic position data. As an additional or alternative example, one or both of the first and second floating bodies 501, 580 may include an anemometer (not shown) configured to measure wind speed. As an additional or alternative example, such data (e.g., position data and / or wind speed) may be received via the wireless network 512 in addition to other data such as meteorological data (e.g., wave height, wave propagation direction, water wave period, weather, etc.). In some embodiments, the direction and magnitude of the applied force can be inferred based on feedback from one or more sensors and / or data received via the wireless network 512, thereby allowing specific operating parameters (e.g., one or more continuously adjustable parameters) to be adjusted accordingly so that individual changes in applied forces can be considered with specificity. However, the use of a passively retractable offtake system may enable a more passive and precise fluid coupling between the floating bodies 501 and 508, even when considering wave conditions, wind conditions, or other environmental factors.

[0133] In the embodiment shown in Figure 22, the energy product 508 is generated on the first suspension 501 and subsequently transported to land 518. That is, the energy product 508 may not undergo any further processing after being produced. However, in other embodiments, the energy product 508 may be further processed to produce alternative products before reaching land 518 (or near land). For example, the initial energy product 508 may be filtered, compressed (e.g., from gas to liquid), used as a precursor in the reaction, or otherwise processed before reaching land 518 or near land. For example, hydrogen gas may be used as a precursor to produce a more energy-dense substance or fuel such as methanol, or algae may be processed into algal oil. These processing operations may be carried out on the first suspension 501, on the second suspension 580, or on a combination of both the first and second suspensions 501 and 580. Examples of such processing are shown in Figures 23 to 25.

[0134] Referring now to Figure 23, a side perspective view is shown of Embodiment 550, which, according to one embodiment, includes a recirculating inertial hydrodynamic pump and an integrated processing plant on a platform 560. Embodiment 550 floats adjacent to the water surface 551 of a body through which waves pass. Embodiment 550 includes an upper hollow chamber 552. In one embodiment, a (invisible) central inertial tube is coupled to the upper hollow chamber 552. A lower hollow chamber 554 may be provided at the bottom of the central inertial tube. An annular return channel 553 may surround the central inertial tube. A turbine pipe 558 coupling the upper hollow chamber 552 to the annular return channel 553 may include a pressure regulator (such as a turbine), which is not visible in Figure 23. A gas outlet pipe 555 may fluidly couple the lower hollow chamber 554 to the upper outlet gas chamber (not visible in Figure 23). The recirculating inertial hydrodynamic pump of Embodiment 550 may have a configuration and operation similar to any of the embodiments described in more detail herein. Further other inertial hydrodynamic pump architectures (such as those similar to Embodiment 100 in Figure 1) can also be integrated with the processing plant.

[0135] As described in other embodiments, the energy product 571 can be generated by converting wave energy into electricity. In some embodiments, the energy product 571 can be a gas or other fluid such as hydrogen gas. The energy product 571 may be stored in a first storage container 561. Embodiment 550 shows the first storage container 561 for the energy product 571 as being on a platform 560. However, other implementations may include the first storage container 561 being integrated into an upper hollow chamber 552, located outside Embodiment 550 (e.g., attached to the outer surface of Embodiment 550 or otherwise coupled), or located in an approximate area of ​​Embodiment 550 (e.g., on a second floating platform at least temporarily coupled to Embodiment 550).

[0136] In one embodiment, the energy product 571 in the first storage container 561 may be used as a precursor for a chemical reaction. In an additional embodiment, a second precursor 572 may be stored in the second storage container 562. In the case of a chemical reaction that converts hydrogen gas to methanol, the second precursor 572 may contain CO2 or another carbon-containing source. The second precursor 572 may be produced as an energy product in embodiment 550, or the second precursor 572 may be periodically replenished by a vessel or the like. The energy product 571 can flow from the first storage container 561 to the reactor 563 through pipe 566, and the second precursor 572 can flow from the second storage container 562 to the reactor 563 through pipe 565. The reacted product 573 (e.g., the second energy product) can flow through pipe 567 to the third storage container 564. The reacted product 573 may be periodically moved from the third storage container 564 for transport to an alternative location (e.g., another storage location or facility, either on the water 551 or on land). Although a simple reaction process is shown in Figure 23, it should be understood that in embodiment 550 any suitable processes such as conversion, filtration, compression, reaction, or treatment can be carried out.

[0137] Referring here to Figure 24, a schematic side view of a vessel 630 that may be used to transport energy products from a WEC (not shown) to land (not shown). For example, vessel 630 may be similar to the second float 580 in Figure 22. Vessel 630 may include a first storage container 631 for storing energy products 641. Energy products 641 may be transported from the WEC or from another vessel (not shown) from which energy products 641 have been obtained from the WEC to the first storage container 631. For example, energy products 641 may include hydrogen or any other energy products described in detail herein. Vessel 630 may also include a second storage container 632 for storing additional precursors 342. In the case of hydrogen to methanol conversion, the additional precursors 642 may include carbon (e.g., CO2). In one embodiment, the energy products 641 and precursors 642 flow into a reactor 633. The combined energy products 641 and precursor 642 may react in the reactor 633 to form a reacted product 643, which is then transported to a third storage container 635. The reacted product 643 can be transported by the vessel 630 to an alternative storage or use facility (either on land or on water 601). While a simple reaction process is shown in Figure 24, it should be understood that the vessel 630 can carry out any appropriate processes such as transformation, filtration, compression, reaction, or treatment.

[0138] Referring here to Figure 25, a diagram is shown that provides a more detailed description of a reaction process that may be used to convert a first energy product to a second energy product according to one embodiment. The conversion shown in Figure 25 can be carried out on a WEC (e.g., similar to embodiment 550 in Figure 23), on a transport vessel (e.g., similar to vessel 630 in Figure 24), partially on a WEC and partially on a transport vessel, or partially on a first transport vessel and partially on a second transport vessel. The embodiment shown in Figure 25 shows a detailed process for synthesizing methanol (CH3OH) from CO2 hydrogenation, by and / or through CO2 hydrogenation. In one embodiment, CO2 is stored in a CO2 tank 659 and H2 is stored in an H2 tank 658. One or both of CO2 and H2 may be energy products produced by the WEC. CO2 and H2 are pumped by pumps 691 and 692 and merged with a recirculation stream from a flash vessel 662 in a mixer 661. The mixed stream (of CO2 and H2 gases) is pumped into a catalytic reactor tank 663, where an exothermic reaction occurs, and the temperature and pressure can reach over 250°C and 65 bar, respectively. The post-reaction stream exits the catalytic reactor tank 663, passes through a heat exchanger 667, and then enters a flash vessel 662, where the temperature and pressure are approximately 30.0°C and 64.5 bar, respectively.

[0139] The streams of H2, CO, and CO2 from the flash vessel 662 are recirculated by pump 669 to the mixer 661 after purging a small amount of gas to further purify the stream. The liquid stream from the flash vessel 662 enters the heat exchanger 667 and is then pumped by pump 673 to the distillation column 671. The crude CH3OH stream entering the distillation column 671 may be at a temperature and pressure of 85°C and 1.3 bar, respectively. The final separation of CH3OH and water takes place within the distillation column 671. The gaseous CH3OH is pumped via compressor pump 678 to the methanol ballast sphere 655, where the CH3OH is cooled until it liquefies. The water extracted from the crude CH3OH aqueous solution is discharged from the bottom of the distillation column 671. Other processes for synthesizing methanol from CO2 and H2 are known in the prior art and can be used instead of those shown. Embodiments that utilize, incorporate, and / or include such other methanol synthesis processes and / or related mechanisms and equipment are included within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, while methanol synthesis is provided as an example, any conversion or reaction of any energy product using any suitable chemical reaction, process, treatment, filtration, etc., can be used.

[0140] In some of the embodiments described herein, the energy product is defined as a physical article (e.g., fuel, chemicals, biological products, etc.), but embodiments are not limited to such configurations. For example, the electricity derived by the WEC described herein can be used to power one or more computing systems. These systems can be used to provide computing work that has monetary or social value. For example, computing work can be used to host a data center, perform blockchain mining, or train machine learning (ML) or artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. An example of such a system is shown in Figure 26.

[0141] Referring now to Figure 26, a side perspective view of Embodiment 600 is shown, in one embodiment, which includes a recirculating inertial hydrodynamic pump and an integrated computing system 611 on the uppermost platform 610 of Embodiment 600. Embodiment 600 floats adjacent to the water surface 601 of a body of water through which waves pass. Embodiment 600 includes an upper hollow chamber 602. In one embodiment, a (invisible) central inertial tube is coupled to the upper hollow chamber 602. A lower hollow chamber 604 may be provided at the bottom of the central inertial tube. An annular return channel 603 may surround the central inertial tube. A turbine pipe 608 coupling the upper hollow chamber 602 to the annular return channel 603 may include a pressure regulator (such as a turbine), which is not visible in Figure 26. A gas outlet pipe 605 may fluidly couple the lower hollow chamber 604 to the (invisible in Figure 26) upper outlet gas chamber. The recirculating inertial hydrodynamic pump of Embodiment 600 may have a configuration and operation similar to any of the embodiments described in more detail herein. Further other inertial hydrodynamic pump architectures (such as those similar to Embodiment 100 in Figure 1) can also be integrated with the computing system 611. As described in other embodiments, energy products can be generated by converting wave energy into electricity. In some embodiments, the energy products can be a gas or other fluid such as hydrogen gas. In some examples, the energy products may be stored in an (invisible) chamber inside or outside Embodiment 600.

[0142] In one embodiment, a platform 610 may be provided on top of embodiment 600. The computing system 611 is provided on the platform and may include an enclosure to protect its components from water and weather. Any number of computing systems (e.g., processors, graphics processors, etc.), memory, etc., can be housed within the enclosure. The computing system 611 may consist of multiple processing systems integrated with each other to perform complex computer processing operations. As described above, the computing system 611 may be optimized and / or configured to perform one or more of the following: data center hosting, blockchain mining implementation, ML or AI algorithm training, etc. The results of the computing work (e.g., blockchain coins or tokens, trained algorithms, data center capacity, etc.) may be transmitted to an external device via a wireless network by one or more antennas 612 or other wireless systems. As described above, the computing system may be powered by energy generated by embodiment 600 by converting wave energy into electricity, or by converting energy products stored in a chamber into electricity (e.g., by using a hydrogen fuel cell, etc.).

[0143] Referring now to Figure 27, a perspective view of a computing system 700, according to one embodiment, which can be integrated into a WEC, such as one described in more detail herein. The computing system 700 may include an array of electronics, hardware, and / or software configured to control one or more aspects of a wave energy generating device. Although the components shown in Figure 27 are shown as being on a single substrate, it should be understood that the components may be on separate substrates, structures, etc. The computing system 700 can be housed in a watertight chamber or enclosure provided in the WEC.

[0144] The computing system 700 may include a computing device 710. The computing device 710 houses a substrate. The substrate may include, but is not limited to, a processor 701. The processor 701 may include, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. The processor 701 is physically and electrically coupled to the substrate. Other components of the computing device 710 include, but are not limited to, memory 703 such as volatile memory (e.g., DRAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM), flash memory, and mass storage devices (such as hard disk drives, compact disks (CDs), and digital versatile disks (DVDs)). The computing device may include a communications chipset 704, a digital signal processor 705, a chipset 706, an antenna 707, and / or an input / output device 708.

[0145] The computing system 700 may include a communication device 720. The communication device 720 enables wireless communication for the transfer of data to and from the computing system 700. The term “wireless” and its derivatives can be used to describe circuits, devices, systems, methods, techniques, communication channels, etc., that can communicate data via the use of modulated electromagnetic radiation over a non-solid medium. The term does not mean that the device in question is wire-free, although in some embodiments it may be wire-free. The communication device 820 may implement any of several wireless standards or protocols, including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 family), WiMAX (IEEE 802.16 family), IEEE 802.20, long term evolution (LTE), Ev-DO, HSPA+, HSDPA+, HSUPA+, EDGE, GSM, GPRS, CDMA, TDMA, DECT, Bluetooth, their derivative standards or protocols, and any other wireless protocols designated as 3G, 4G, 5G, and later. The computing system 700 may include a plurality of communication devices 720. For example, a first communication device 720 may be dedicated to short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and a second communication device 720 may be dedicated to GPS, EDGE, GPRS, CDMA, WiMax, LTE, Ev-DO and other long-range wireless communication. The communication devices 720 may be communicatively coupled to one or more antennas, dish-shaped satellite antennas, or other devices to broadcast and / or receive wireless communications. The antennas, etc., may be located outside the enclosure, or the antennas may be located inside the enclosure.

[0146] The computing system 700 may also include a server rack 730. The server rack 730 may include multiple processors with associated hardware and software. The server rack 730 can perform computing tasks to provide revenue-generating services. The server rack 730 may be powered via energy generated by a WEC, such as those described in more detail herein. While a constant power supply may be desirable, the computing system 700 can still function with intermittent or transient power supplies provided by wave energy generation. To accommodate variable power supplies, the server rack 730 may include a controller that adjusts the clock speed of the processors. This allows for direct control of power consumption to match the available power. In some examples, the server rack 730 can perform data center operations or tasks. The server rack 730 can host and / or distribute content, or provide a link between consumers and centralized data storage. In some examples, the server rack 730 can perform services in conjunction with blockchain technology, such as cryptocurrency mining. The server rack 730 can also perform services such as ML or AI training.

[0147] The computing system 700 may include a positioning system 740. The positioning system 740 may include one or more modules, components, and / or devices for determining the geographic location of the wave energy generating device. In some examples, the positioning system 740 may include a GPS, compass, accelerometer, gyroscope, etc. The positioning system 740 may include a processor and / or controller to enable the navigation of the wave energy generating device. For example, it may control actuators to steer or guide the wave energy generating device in a particular direction. Propulsion devices on the WEC (e.g., propellers, water jets, etc.) may also be powered and / or guided by components of the positioning system 740.

[0148] The computing system 700 may include a sensor module 750. The sensor module 750 may include a processor, memory, and associated hardware and software for controlling and / or recording data from one or more sensors that monitor various aspects of the WEC. The sensors may include, but are not limited to, pressure sensors, gas composition sensors, water level sensors, temperature sensors, fluid flow sensors, current sensors, power sensors, cameras, optical sensors, and the like. The physical sensors may be distributed throughout the WEC, and the control circuit configuration / software may be provided in the sensor module 750 within the embodiment 700.

[0149] The computing system 700 may include an interface module 750. The interface module 750 may include one or more components used to interface with a wave energy generating device. The interface module 750 may include one or more input devices. For example, a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen display, etc., may be provided in the interface module 750. Output devices such as a display screen, speaker, etc., may also be provided in the interface module 750. The interface module 750 may further include a camera, video camera, biometric screening device, etc.

[0150] The computing system 700 may include a battery module 770. The battery module 770 may include any type of battery. The battery may include a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-based battery (e.g., a lithium-ion battery). The battery in the battery module 770 may be charged by electricity generated by the WEC. The battery module 770 can be used as a power storage unit to supply power to one or more electrical components of the embodiment 800, or to any other powered devices of the wave energy generating device. The battery module 770 may be used to normalize the power supply to the electrical components. For example, if the wave energy generating device supplies fluctuating power over time, the battery module can supply power to equalize the total power supply.

[0151] Referring here to Figure 28, a perspective view of a server rack 730 that can be integrated into a WEC, such as those described in more detail herein. As shown, the server rack 730 may include a plurality of server blades 735 mounted on a rack 732. The server blades 735 may be coupled to communicate with each other via the rack 732 and / or associated cabling to increase processing power. The server blades 735 may include, but are not limited to, processors such as a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0152] In some examples, the server rack 730 is communicatively coupled to an antenna 737 to enable wireless communication. The antenna 737 may include a dish-shaped parabolic antenna or any other antenna configuration. The ability to wirelessly transmit data from the server rack 730 makes it possible to remotely process data at a power source (e.g., at sea) while remaining useful to the end consumer. Data distribution, hosting, computing, etc., can be performed at a lower energy cost using such a wave energy generating device. Furthermore, the server rack 730 can be passively cooled by a body of water surrounding the wave energy generating device (e.g., the server rack 730 may be in a watertight enclosure immersed in water). In some examples, the server rack 730 functions as a cryptocurrency mining rig powered by energy generated by the WEC.

[0153] Figure 29 is a process flow diagram of process 810 for generating energy products using a WEC and transporting the energy products to an alternative location. In one embodiment, process 810 can begin with operation 811, which includes converting wave energy into energy products using a WEC equipped with a recirculating inertial hydrodynamic pump. The WEC may be any of the WECs described in detail herein. The energy products may be any of the energy products described in detail herein. For example, the energy products may be liquid or gaseous fuels (e.g., hydrogen), chemicals (e.g., HCl), biological products (e.g., algae, fish, or any other marine species), etc. The energy products can be produced using any of the processes described herein. For example, the electricity generated by the WEC can be used to produce energy products.

[0154] In one embodiment, process 810 may be followed by operation 812, which includes transferring the energy product from the WEC to a transport vessel. The transport vessel may be any vessel as described herein. For example, the transport vessel may include a boat, a submersible, an aircraft vehicle, or any other vessel capable of controlled movement on, through, and / or over a body of water on which the WEC is floating. The energy product may be delivered to or moved to the transport vessel (actively or passively) via any mechanism such as a hose, pipe, or cable.

[0155] In one embodiment, process 810 may be followed by operation 813, which includes transporting the energy products to a storage facility or power plant using a transport vessel. The storage facility or power plant may be located at a location different from the approximate location of the WEC. In one embodiment, the location is on land. However, in other embodiments, the location is near land (e.g., up to 100 kilometers from land, up to 40 kilometers from land, up to 1 kilometer from land, up to 500 meters from land, or up to 50 meters from land). In other embodiments, the storage facility may be a second vessel. For example, the first vessel may take the energy products from the WEC and deliver them to the second vessel. The second vessel may then transport the energy products toward the shore.

[0156] Figure 30 is a process flow diagram of process 820 for converting a first energy product into a second energy product and transporting the second energy product to a storage facility or power plant. In one embodiment, process 820 can begin with operation 821, which includes converting wave energy into a first energy product using a WEC equipped with a recirculating inertial hydrodynamic pump. The WEC may be any of the WECs described in detail herein. The first energy product may be any of the energy products described in detail herein. For example, the energy product may be a liquid or gaseous fuel (e.g., hydrogen), a chemical (e.g., HCl), a biological product (e.g., algae, fish, or any other marine species), etc. The first energy product can be produced using any of the processes described herein. For example, the electricity generated by the WEC can be used to produce the energy product.

[0157] In one embodiment, process 820 may be followed by operation 822, which includes converting a first energy product to a second energy product via one or more processes on the WEC. The conversion of the first energy product to the second energy product may include converting one type of fuel or chemical to another. In one embodiment, the first energy product may include hydrogen, and the second energy product may include methanol. To produce the second energy product, an additional precursor (e.g., CO2) may be reacted with the first energy product. For example, in some embodiments, a process similar to the process described with respect to Figure 25 may be used. Other conversion processes may also be used, but are not limited to filtration, compression (e.g., from gas to liquid), purification, etc. The conversion may also include processing biological products. For example, algae may be processed into algal oil, or fish may be processed into fish oil. The conversion process may be carried out on or near the WEC. For example, a processing plant may be provided on the WEC, as shown in Figure 23.

[0158] In one embodiment, process 820 may be followed by operation 823, which includes transferring the second energy product from the WEC to a transport vessel. The transport vessel may be any vessel as described herein. For example, the transport vessel may include a boat, a submarine, an aircraft vehicle, or any other vessel capable of controlled movement on, through, and / or over a body of water on which the WEC is floating. The second energy product may be delivered to or moved to the transport vessel (actively or passively) via any mechanism such as a hose, pipe, or cable.

[0159] In one embodiment, the process may follow operation 824, which includes transporting the second energy product to a storage facility or power plant using a transport vessel. The storage facility or power plant may be located at a location different from the approximate location of the WEC. In one embodiment, the location is on land. However, in other embodiments, the location is near land (e.g., up to 100 kilometers from land, up to 40 kilometers from land, up to 1 kilometer from land, up to 500 meters from land, or up to 50 meters from land). In other embodiments, the storage facility may be a second vessel. For example, a first vessel may take the second energy product from the WEC and deliver it to a second vessel. The second vessel may then transport the second energy product toward the coast.

[0160] Figure 31 is a process flow diagram of process 830 for converting a first energy product into a second energy product and transporting the second energy product to a storage facility or power plant. In one embodiment, process 830 can begin with operation 831, which includes converting wave energy into a first energy product using a WEC equipped with a recirculating inertial hydrodynamic pump. The WEC may be any of the WECs described in detail herein. The first energy product may be any of the energy products described in detail herein. For example, the energy product may be a liquid or gaseous fuel (e.g., hydrogen), a chemical (e.g., HCl), a biological product (e.g., algae, fish, or any other marine species), etc. The first energy product can be produced using any of the processes described herein. For example, the electricity generated by the WEC can be used to produce the energy product.

[0161] In one embodiment, process 830 may be followed by operation 832, which includes transferring the first energy product from the WEC to a transport vessel. The transport vessel may be any vessel as described herein. For example, the transport vessel may include a boat, a submarine, an aircraft vehicle, or any other vessel capable of controlled movement on, through, and / or over a body of water on which the WEC is floating. The first energy product may be delivered to or moved to the transport vessel (actively or passively) via any mechanism such as a hose, pipe, or cable.

[0162] In one embodiment, process 830 may be followed by operation 833, which includes converting a first energy product to a second energy product via one or more processes on a transport vessel. The conversion of the first energy product to the second energy product may include converting one type of fuel or chemical to another. In one embodiment, the first energy product may include hydrogen, and the second energy product may include methanol. To produce the second energy product, an additional precursor (e.g., CO2) may be reacted with the first energy product. For example, in some embodiments, a process similar to the process described with respect to Figure 25 may be used. Other conversion processes may also be used, but are not limited to filtration, compression (e.g., from gas to liquid), purification, etc. The conversion may also include processing biological products. For example, algae may be processed into algal oil, or fish may be processed into fish oil. The conversion process may be carried out on or near a transport vessel. For example, a processing plant may be provided on the transport vessel, as shown in Figure 24.

[0163] In one embodiment, process 830 may be followed by operation 834, which includes transporting the second energy product to a storage facility or power plant using a transport vessel. The storage facility or power plant may be located at a location different from the approximate location of the WEC. In one embodiment, the location is on land. However, in other embodiments, the location is near land (e.g., up to 100 kilometers from land, up to 40 kilometers from land, up to 1 kilometer from land, up to 500 meters from land, or up to 50 meters from land). In other embodiments, the storage facility may be the second vessel. For example, the first vessel may take the energy product from the WEC and deliver it to the second vessel. The second vessel may then transport the energy product towards the shore.

[0164] Figure 32 is a process flow diagram of process 840, which uses a WEC to power a computing system (directly or through the use of energy products) in order to generate digital goods. In one embodiment, process 840 can begin with operation 841, which includes converting wave energy into energy products using a WEC equipped with a recirculating inertial hydrodynamic pump. The WEC may be any of the WECs described in more detail herein. The first energy product may be any of the energy products described in more detail herein. For example, the energy product may be a liquid or gaseous fuel (e.g., hydrogen), a chemical (e.g., HCl), a biological product (e.g., algae, fish, or any other marine species), etc. The first energy product can be produced using any of the processes described herein. For example, the power generated by the WEC can be used to produce energy products.

[0165] In one embodiment, process 840 may be followed by operation 842, which includes powering a computer system coupled to the WEC by converting energy products into electricity. For example, the energy products may be a fuel (e.g., hydrogen) that can be consumed to generate electricity. This can provide a more stable and consistent power supply than relying on directly converting wave energy into electricity to power the computer system. However, in some embodiments, the WEC can power the computer system directly without the need to generate intermediary energy products that store energy for future use.

[0166] In one embodiment, process 840 may be followed by operation 843, which may include generating a digital product by using a computing system. In one embodiment, the digital product may include a blockchain-based coin, a trained ML algorithm, a trained AI algorithm, a software product, a digital token, server capacity, and the like. In some embodiments, the digital product may be stored in a non-temporary computer-readable medium (e.g., memory, a disk drive, a CD, a DVD, or other storage medium).

[0167] In one embodiment, process 840 may be followed by operation 844, which includes wirelessly transporting the digital goods to a receiving device outside the WEC. The receiving device may be a second non-temporary computer-readable medium located at a remote location from the WEC. For example, the receiving device may be located on land or near land (e.g., up to 100 kilometers from land, up to 40 kilometers from land, up to 1 kilometer from land, up to 500 meters from land, or up to 50 meters from land). In one embodiment, the wireless transfer of the digital goods may be transmitted via an antenna or other device for connecting to a wireless network. While wireless transport of digital goods may be faster, the physical transport of digital goods stored in a non-temporary computer-readable medium may also be provided by a vessel, wired connection, etc.

[0168] While the foregoing disclosure describes various embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to any particular embodiment or depiction herein. Those skilled in the art will readily understand the modifications and substitutions herein, and the scope of the invention includes all such modifications and substitutions. Therefore, the scope of the invention should not be construed as being limited by any foreign description unless expressly stated so, but rather the scope of the invention should be appropriately determined by the appended claims, using the general and ordinary meaning of the language of the appended claims, which is consistent with, but not limited by, the descriptions and drawings of this disclosure. [Examples]

[0169] A buoyancy-type wave energy transducer comprising: an upper chamber having a first fluid reservoir and a first gas pocket; a lower chamber having a second fluid reservoir and a second gas pocket; an injection tube located between the upper chamber and the lower chamber and fluidly coupled to both chambers, which propels fluid from the second fluid reservoir into the first fluid reservoir when the upper chamber, the lower chamber, and the injection tube vibrate around the waterline, with the upper chamber adjacent to the waterline and the lower chamber submerged below the waterline and vertically below the upper chamber; and an outlet tube fluidly coupled to the upper chamber and the injection tube, configured to return fluid from the first fluid reservoir to the injection tube. [Examples]

[0170] The buoyancy-type wave energy converter according to Example 1, further comprising a pressure regulator in the outflow tube between the first fluid reservoir and the injection tube. [Examples]

[0171] The buoyancy-type wave energy converter according to Example 2, wherein the pressure regulator includes a fluid turbine or a hydrodynamic turbine. [Examples]

[0172] A buoyancy-type wave energy converter according to Example 2 or Example 3, wherein the pressure regulator includes a filter. [Examples]

[0173] A buoyancy-type wave energy converter according to Examples 1 to 4, further comprising a gas chamber on an upper chamber, which is fluidly coupled to a lower chamber by a gas tube. [Examples]

[0174] The buoyancy-type wave energy converter according to Embodiment 5, further comprising an outlet gas control valve in a gas tube, which controls the flow of gas between a second gas pocket and a gas chamber. [Examples]

[0175] The buoyancy-type wave energy converter according to Examples 1 to 6, wherein the injection tube has a frustoconical constricted portion. [Examples]

[0176] The buoyancy-type wave energy converter described in Examples 1 to 7, wherein the injection tube is a cylindrical tube. [Examples]

[0177] A buoyancy-type wave energy converter according to Examples 1 to 8, wherein the outflow tube has a coaxial annular portion with respect to the injection tube. [Examples]

[0178] The buoyancy-type wave energy converter according to Example 9, wherein the annular portion of the outflow tube is fluidly coupled to the injection tube through one or more openings of the injection tube. [Examples]

[0179] A buoyancy-type wave energy converter according to Examples 1 to 10, further comprising one or more additional outflow tubes coupled to the upper and lower chambers for returning fluid from the first fluid reservoir to the injection tube. [Examples]

[0180] The buoyancy-type wave energy converter according to Examples 1 to 11, wherein the bottom of the outflow tube is connected to the injection tube between the upper chamber and the lower chamber. [Examples]

[0181] The buoyancy-type wave energy converter according to Examples 1 to 12, further comprising a ballast coupled to the wave energy converter at or below the vertical midpoint of the buoyancy-type wave energy converter. [Examples]

[0182] The buoyancy-type wave energy converter according to Example 13, wherein the bottom of the outflow tube is coupled to the injection tube at approximately the midpoint of the injection tube between the upper chamber and the lower chamber. [Examples]

[0183] A method for converting wave energy, comprising: arranging a buoyancy-type wave energy transducer in a body of water, the buoyancy-type wave energy transducer comprising: an upper chamber having a first fluid reservoir and a first gas pocket; a lower chamber having a second fluid reservoir and a second gas pocket; an injection tube located between the upper chamber and the lower chamber and fluid-coupled to both chambers, which propels fluid from the second fluid reservoir into the first fluid reservoir when the upper chamber, the lower chamber, and the injection tube vibrate around the waterline, with the upper chamber adjacent to the waterline and the lower chamber submerged below the waterline and vertically below the upper chamber; and an outlet tube fluid-coupled to the upper chamber and the injection tube, configured to return fluid from the first fluid reservoir to the injection tube; obtaining energy from waves in the body of water using the buoyancy-type wave energy transducer; and using the obtained energy to generate a chemical substance. [Examples]

[0184] The method according to Example 15, comprising using a buoyancy-type wave energy converter to obtain energy from waves in a body of water, and propelling a fluid from a second fluid reservoir to a first fluid reservoir such that a pressure difference is generated between an upper chamber and a lower chamber. [Examples]

[0185] The method according to Example 16, wherein obtaining energy from waves in a body of water using a buoyancy-type wave energy converter propels a fluid from a first fluid reservoir through a turbine. [Examples]

[0186] The method according to Example 17, wherein the turbine is a fluid turbine or a hydrodynamic turbine. [Examples]

[0187] The method according to Examples 15 to 18, wherein the chemical substance is hydrogen gas. [Examples]

[0188] The method according to Examples 15 to 18, wherein the chemical substance is methanol. [Examples]

[0189] The method according to Examples 15 to 18, wherein the chemical substance is HCl. [Examples]

[0190] The method according to Examples 15 to 21, wherein the buoyancy-type wave energy converter further comprises a gas chamber on an upper chamber, which is fluidly coupled to a lower chamber by a gas tube. [Examples]

[0191] A buoyancy-type wave energy device that floats adjacent to the surface of a body of water through which waves pass, comprising an upper chamber and a lower chamber, an inertia tube connecting the upper and lower chambers, an upper inertia tube opening located in the upper chamber, and a lower inertia tube opening located in the lower chamber, wherein the upper and lower chambers each contain a liquid reservoir, and the lower inertia tube opening is submerged below the free surface of the liquid reservoir in the lower chamber, and a pressurized gas pocket at least partially sealed in the lower chamber causes the liquid in the inertia tube to move to the free surface of the liquid reservoir in the lower chamber without wave-driven vibrations. An apparatus having sufficient pressure to raise the water body to a height between the height and the height of the free surface of the liquid reservoir in the upper chamber, the wave-driven oscillation of the water body resulting in periodic ejection of liquid from the upper inertial tube opening, the ejected liquid collecting in the liquid reservoir in the upper chamber, and the liquid from the liquid reservoir in the upper chamber flowing through a turbine as it returns to the inertial tube between the upper and lower chambers via a return conduit, the return conduit including at least one liquid outflow pipe, the liquid returning to the inertial tube via the return conduit flowing into the inertial tube in response to the wave-driven oscillation of the water body, and recirculating upward through the inertial tube.

Claims

1. A buoyancy-type wave energy converter, An upper chamber having a first fluid reservoir and a first gas pocket, A lower chamber having a second fluid reservoir and a second gas pocket, An injection tube located between the upper chamber and the lower chamber and fluid-coupled to both chambers, wherein when the upper chamber is adjacent to the waterline and the lower chamber is submerged below the waterline and vertically below the upper chamber, and the upper chamber, the lower chamber, and the injection tube vibrate around the waterline, the injection tube propels fluid from the second fluid reservoir into the first fluid reservoir, An outlet tube fluidly coupled to the upper chamber and the injection tube, configured to return the fluid from the first fluid reservoir to the injection tube, and A buoyancy-type wave energy converter equipped with the following features.

2. A pressure regulator is further provided in the outflow tube between the first fluid reservoir and the injection tube. A buoyancy-type wave energy converter according to claim 1.

3. The buoyancy-type wave energy converter according to claim 2, wherein the pressure regulator includes a fluid turbine or a hydrodynamic turbine.

4. The buoyancy-type wave energy converter according to claim 2, wherein the pressure regulator includes a filter.

5. The gas chamber on the upper chamber further comprises a gas chamber that is fluidly coupled to the lower chamber by a gas tube, A buoyancy-type wave energy converter according to claim 1.

6. The gas tube further comprises an outlet gas control valve that controls the flow of gas between the second gas pocket and the gas chamber, The buoyancy-type wave energy converter according to claim 5.

7. The buoyancy-type wave energy converter according to claim 1, wherein the injection tube has a frustoconical constricted portion.

8. The buoyancy-type wave energy converter according to claim 1, wherein the injection tube is a cylindrical tube.

9. The buoyancy-type wave energy converter according to claim 1, wherein the outflow tube has a coaxial annular portion with respect to the injection tube.

10. The buoyancy-type wave energy converter according to claim 9, wherein the annular portion of the outflow tube is fluidly coupled to the injection tube through one or more openings of the injection tube.

11. The system further comprises one or more additional outflow tubes coupled to the upper and lower chambers for returning the fluid from the first fluid reservoir to the injection tube, A buoyancy-type wave energy converter according to claim 1.

12. The buoyancy-type wave energy converter further comprises a ballast coupled to the wave energy converter at or below its vertical midpoint. A buoyancy-type wave energy converter according to claim 1.

13. The buoyancy-type wave energy converter according to claim 1, wherein the bottom of the outflow tube is connected to the injection tube between the upper chamber and the lower chamber.

14. The buoyancy-type wave energy converter according to claim 13, wherein the bottom of the outflow tube is coupled to the injection tube at approximately the midpoint of the injection tube between the upper chamber and the lower chamber.

15. A method for converting wave energy, The buoyancy-type wave energy transducer is arranged in a body of water, wherein the buoyancy-type wave energy transducer comprises: an upper chamber having a first fluid reservoir and a first gas pocket; a lower chamber having a second fluid reservoir and a second gas pocket; an injection tube located between the upper chamber and the lower chamber and fluid-coupled to both chambers, which propels fluid from the second fluid reservoir into the first fluid reservoir when the upper chamber, the lower chamber, and the injection tube vibrate around the waterline, with the upper chamber adjacent to the waterline and the lower chamber submerged below the waterline and vertically below the upper chamber; and an outlet tube fluid-coupled to the upper chamber and the injection tube, configured to return the fluid from the first fluid reservoir to the injection tube. To obtain energy from the waves of the water body using the buoyancy-type wave energy converter, Using the energy obtained, a chemical substance is produced, Methods that include...

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein obtaining energy from the waves of the water body using the buoyancy-type wave energy converter includes propelling the fluid from the second fluid reservoir to the first fluid reservoir so as to generate a pressure difference between the upper chamber and the lower chamber.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein obtaining energy from the waves of the water body using the buoyancy-type wave energy converter includes propelling the fluid from the first fluid reservoir through a turbine.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the turbine is a fluid turbine or a hydrodynamic turbine.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein the chemical substance is hydrogen gas.

20. The method according to claim 15, wherein the chemical substance is methanol.

21. The method according to claim 15, wherein the chemical substance is HCl.

22. The method according to claim 15, wherein the buoyancy wave energy converter further comprises a gas chamber on the upper chamber, which is fluidly coupled to the lower chamber by a gas tube.

23. A buoyancy-type wave energy device that floats adjacent to the surface of a body of water through which waves pass, The apparatus comprises an upper chamber and a lower chamber, an inertia tube connecting the upper chamber and the lower chamber, an upper inertia tube opening located in the upper chamber, and a lower inertia tube opening located in the lower chamber, wherein the upper chamber and the lower chamber each contain a liquid reservoir, and the lower inertia tube opening is submerged below the free surface of the liquid reservoir in the lower chamber, and a pressurized gas pocket at least partially sealed in the lower chamber causes the liquid in the inertia tube to be positioned between the free surface of the liquid reservoir in the lower chamber and the liquid reservoir in the upper chamber without wave-driven vibration. An apparatus having sufficient pressure to raise to a height between the height of the free surface of the water body and the height of the free surface of the water body, the wave-driven vibration of the water body resulting in periodic ejection of liquid from the upper inertial tube opening, the ejected liquid collecting in the liquid reservoir of the upper chamber, the liquid in the liquid reservoir of the upper chamber flowing through a return conduit to the turbine as it returns to the inertial tube between the upper chamber and the lower chamber, the return conduit including at least one liquid outflow pipe, the liquid returning to the inertial tube through the return conduit flowing into the inertial tube in response to the wave-driven vibration of the water body, and recirculating upward through the inertial tube.

Images