Wave energy conversion device system
The wave energy conversion device system addresses the challenge of generating power in both small and extreme waves by pivoting without mechanical end-stops, optimizing power generation and structural stability, and reducing costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ゾエックス リミテッド
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing wave energy systems face challenges in generating power effectively in small waves and withstanding extreme waves, often leading to structural failures due to mechanical end-stops, and there is a need for a feasible device that can operate in both minimal and extreme wave conditions without mechanical end-stops.
A wave energy conversion device system utilizing a fender attached to an artificial structure via a link structure, which pivots up to 180 degrees without mechanical end-stops, using a generator to convert wave motion into electricity, and incorporates a mechanical reinforcement mechanism to concentrate the generator's operating stroke to a narrow angle.
The system efficiently captures kinetic energy in small waves, withstands extreme waves, and optimizes power generation by eliminating end-stop issues, enhancing stability and safety, while reducing costs and improving energy utilization.
Smart Images
Figure 2026516738000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a wave energy conversion device system that consists of a fender attached to an artificial structure by a link structure, and converts the movement of waves into electricity by a generator attached to the link structure.
Background Art
[0002] The continuous increase in the world's energy consumption derived from fossil fuels has led to a huge amount of carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to climate change. This has led researchers and people to seek more sustainable technologies that do not involve harmful emissions. Systems based on renewable energies such as sunlight, wind, hydropower, and biomass are now established, but the same success using the huge energy of ocean waves has not been achieved due to its high cost.
[0003] Wave energy systems need to find niche markets and develop through economies of scale to reduce costs so that they can be included in the renewable energy mix. Therefore, we are focusing on applications in several market sectors, including breakwaters, offshore platforms, maritime, defense, offshore oil and gas, offshore wind, marine aquaculture, and remote coastal areas, and from there, how to reduce costs through economies of scale and integrate them into the renewable energy mix. These offshore industries, also known as the "Blue Economy," use diesel generators for power and auxiliary power, which need to be phased out by 2045 under the UK's mandated Net Zero Policy. There are not many practical renewable energy options that can replace diesel. These industries are increasingly moving offshore, making renewable energy from coastal (inland) cables unfeasible from a cost perspective. Floating solar power exists, but it doesn't work well in the northern latitudes where many offshore installation sites are located and where there is virtually no sunlight in winter. While small vertical-axis wind turbines offer a solution, they occupy space on barges / platforms and can affect the barge's stability. Tidal power may or may not be available at selected installation locations. Therefore, there is an urgent market need for feasible wave energy devices that can benefit these offshore industries.
[0004] Over the years, many innovative wave systems have been proposed, some of which have been constructed and tested, even demonstrating useful capabilities; however, commercially viable, operational systems have yet to be demonstrated. Examples include the use of floating and buoy systems in the latest technologies, which are mounted on breakwaters. Floating and buoy systems in wave energy systems utilize the rising and falling of water masses to drive hydraulic pumps. A series of moored floating bodies and buoys rise and fall with the rise and fall of waves, using the aforementioned movement to operate generators and produce electricity.
[0005] In the latest technology, Chinese Patent Document No. CN109183712 discloses a water tank-type floating breakwater that constitutes a power generation device, which can effectively absorb and remove external wave energy and effectively reduce the swaying of the breakwater under wave impact through the sloshing phenomenon within the water tank. The aforementioned water tank-type floating breakwater includes a water tank, with multiple anchor chains installed on the outside of the tank, and the tank is moored to the seabed through the aforementioned anchor chains.
[0006] In recent technology, Chinese Patent Document No. CN106968871 discloses a multi-compartment floating wave energy electromagnetic power generator comprising N electromagnetic power generation compartments and their respective flexible cables. The aforementioned multi-compartment floating wave energy electromagnetic power generator can be used to collect wave energy in oceans, lakes, and rivers, and realizes the conversion of wave energy to electrical energy as the waves move.
[0007] In the latest technology, US Patent Document No. US7956478B2 discloses a wave power device having multiple arms, each arm being rotatably supported at one end by a shaft and carrying a floating body at the other end opposite the supported end, so that the floating body is translated by the waves and as a result the arms rotate around the shaft, and this device is equipped with a power conversion means that converts the power transmitted from the waves to the arms into electricity.
[0008] In modern wave energy systems, one of the problems is the inability to provide a feasible wave energy device. Existing wave energy systems fail to generate power effectively in small waves or to withstand the most extreme waves. We can describe this problem as the end-stop problem. Mechanical hard stops (or end stops) result in high structural loads and, if these loads act to maintain the free movement of the device, the possibility of catastrophic failure. Since it is difficult to predict the maximum waves that will occur at a given installation site during the lifespan of the device, it is desirable to avoid end stops whenever possible. The aforementioned end-stop problem presents a design trade-off between ensuring a wide range of motion sufficient to cope with extreme waves and simultaneously having adequate resolution to generate power efficiently even in small wave conditions. [Overview of the Initiative] [Means for solving the problem]
[0009] The objective of the present invention is to realize a wave energy conversion device system that includes a fender attached to an artificial structure using a link structure, and to convert wave motion into clean electricity using a generator attached to the aforementioned link structure.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to realize a wave energy conversion device system that can be attached to artificial marine structures in locations exposed to both wave energy and tidal fluctuations, and is optimized to extract energy from minimal waves while simultaneously being resistant to the most extreme waves.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to realize a modular wave energy conversion system in which the fenders pivot up to a 180-degree operating arc without mechanical end stops by a mechanical reinforcement mechanism, while simultaneously concentrating the entire operating stroke of the generator to a narrow operating angle, for example, 15 degrees or less.
[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to realize a modular wave energy conversion system that can be directly attached to various marine artificial structures such as breakwaters, piers, barges, and platforms, and in which modular units are arranged in an array to increase power generation capacity.
[0013] The present invention is defined in the appended claims and by the preferred embodiments described below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0014] A "wave energy conversion device system" realized to achieve the objectives of the present invention is shown in the attached drawings, in which:
[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a side view of the conversion device system of the present invention on the wavefront (WS). [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a top view of the conversion device system of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a top view of the main bearing, main actuator, and sub-actuator. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a side view of the bearings and links within the PTO module. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side view of the present invention's conversion device system in a maintenance state. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a side view of the present invention's conversion device system in a submerged state. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the lifted shape of the converter of the present invention during maintenance and in a blast-resistant state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0016] Each component shown in the diagram is assigned a number, and these numbers refer to the following: 1. Conversion device system 2. Connection Components 3. Link Structure 4. Main bearings 5. PTO (Power Take-Off) Module 6. Main Actuator 7. Auxiliary Actuator 8. Rocker 9. Link 10. Fender 11. Electrical and Auxiliary Cabinet M: Marine Artificial Structure WS: Wave Surface
[0017] The wave energy conversion device system (1) of the present invention that converts the movement of waves into electricity includes: - At least one connection component (2) connected to the marine artificial structure (M), - At least one link structure (3) connected to the connection component (2) via at least two main bearings (4), - At least one power take-off (PTO) module (5) that converts linear movement into raw electrical output, comprising: At least one main actuator (6) attached to the link structure (3), At least one auxiliary actuator (7) attached to the connection component (2) to follow the tide level, At least one rocker (8) directly attached to the auxiliary actuator (7) and attached to the main actuator (6) via a link (9), The power take-off module (5) comprising, and - At least one pneumatic fender (10) attached to the link structure (3) by a strap configuration comprising.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting component (2) is the primary structural interface component between the link structure (3) and the connected offshore artificial structure (M). The connecting component (2) also comprises two hinge points for the main bearing (4) for connection to the link structure (3). In another embodiment of the present invention, the connecting component (2) comprises a sliding mechanism (not shown) connected to a wall rail. The aforementioned sliding mechanism is intended to adjust the position of the connecting component (3) relative to the mean waterline level, which is affected by tidal forces. The sliding mechanism comprises four sets of roller assemblies that distribute the hydrodynamic load from the fender (10) to the wall rail and onto the breakwater structure. The roller assemblies on the sliding mechanism incorporate a breaking mechanism that ensures the position of the carriage at a desired level is held in place at a desired vertical position. The sliding mechanism must be locked in place by the aforementioned breaking mechanism during normal operation and must be released periodically only to accommodate tidal fluctuations of the mean water level.
[0019] In the wave energy conversion device system (1) of the present invention, the link structure (3) is the main structural component that connects the fender (10) to the main bearing (4). The link structure (3) rotates together with the fender (10) around the axis of the pivot point of the main bearing (4) in response to the waves. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the link structure (3) is manufactured from marine-grade steel.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention, the PTO module (5) is detachable from the link structure (3). In the PTO module (5), the main actuator (6) is a direct-drive linear generator connected to both the rocker (8) and the link structure (3) via a link (9). The main actuator (6) converts the rotational motion of the fender (10) into linear motion. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the secondary actuator (7) is a hydraulic cylinder used to adjust the point of maximum output to follow the rising and falling tides. The PTO module (5) is equipped with a simple double-link mechanism for power transmission, creating a nonlinear relationship between the pivot angle of the main bearing (4) and the stroke of the main actuator (6). This double-link mechanism embodies the working stroke in a small operating angle while allowing unlimited movement over the full range (180 degrees) in maintenance and treadproof modes.
[0021] In the PTO module (5), the sub-actuator (7) is attached to a connecting component (2) from one end via at least one bearing (A). The aforementioned sub-actuator (7) is attached to a rocker (8) from the other end via at least one bearing (B). The rocker (8) is aligned with the main bearing (4) and is attached to a link (9) via at least three bearings (C). The aforementioned link (9) is attached to the rocker (8) via at least two bearings (D) and to the main actuator (6) via at least four bearings (E). The link (9) is also attached to the PTO module (5) via at least two bearings (G). The main actuator (6) is attached to a link structure (3) from the other end via at least two bearings (H). (Figure 3)
[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fender (10) is a pneumatic fender, preferably a primary component for absorbing energy from waves, and may be attached to the link structure by any suitable means, but preferably via a strap configuration comprising at least one chain and at least one strap. The aforementioned chain is attached to both ends of the fender (10). The aforementioned strap wraps around the fender (10) and returns to the link structure (3) for anchoring. The strap configuration used on the fender (10) is attached to the link structure (3) via shear pins.
[0023] In the wave energy conversion device system (1) of the present invention, the fender (10) is ballasted with seawater until it is submerged while leaning against an artificial structure (M) in a tinder-resistant state (Figure 6). In the submerged state, the hydrostatic pressure on the fender (10) and the link structure (3) decreases, but it is still subjected to a large dynamic load. In the submerged position, the fender (10) comes into contact with the offshore artificial structure (M). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a buoyancy control module (not shown) manages the transition from the submerged state by raising the fender (10) back to an operational state. In the submerged state of the conversion device system (1) of the present invention, a main actuator (6) and a sub-actuator (7) are used to dampen the response of the fender (10) during the transition.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wave energy conversion system (1) also comprises a buoyancy control module (not shown) used to drain the fender (10). The buoyancy control module is used to retrieve the fender (10) during the pinch process. During the pinch process, a secondary actuator (7) extends, and the main actuator (6) remains locked below the pinch point. As the secondary actuator (7) lifts the link structure (3) to a vertical position, the fender (10) is lifted by the main actuator (6) in a controlled manner. (Figure 7)
[0025] The wave energy conversion device system (1) of the present invention also comprises at least one cabinet (11) for a power adjustment system. The aforementioned cabinet (11) is also used for buoyancy control and as a secondary power pack.
[0026] The wave energy conversion device system (1) of the present invention provides a power-to-weight ratio sufficient to justify the considerable costs associated with installation, transportation, and deployment.
[0027] The energy conversion device system (1) of the present invention provides a solution to the problem of efficiently capturing kinetic energy in small wave conditions by using an innovative mechanical augmentation device mechanism design. This design allows the pivoting fender (10) to move without encountering mechanical endstops up to, for example, an arc of 180 degrees (or other suitable substantial arcs of motion that facilitate stowage, e.g., at least 90 degrees, more preferably at least 120 degrees, and most typically 160 degrees or more), while simultaneously concentrating the entire operating stroke of the main generator (6) to a narrower operating angle, e.g., a maximum of 45 degrees, preferably a maximum of 30 degrees, and optimally, depending on the specific conditions of the installation site, e.g., a maximum of 20 degrees or 15 degrees or less. This simple yet innovative design brings about significant improvements to the performance of the wave energy conversion device, particularly in the following areas: ● Improved resistance - This design eliminates the endstop issue and provides a more robust long-term solution without requiring active force control to limit motion in extreme wave events. ● Improved Utilization - The augmentation device increases the operating speed of the main generator (6) in low wave conditions and gradually detunes when the operating angle exceeds the design limit. This allows the system (1) to achieve rated power in significantly smaller low wave conditions than is normally possible due to the practical limitations on the amount of reactive load that can be controllably delivered in a system that responds to low relative displacement and velocity. Achieving rated power in low wave conditions is key to improving utilization and reducing overall energy costs. ● Improved utilization of capital expenditures on the main generator (6) - In many WEC designs, the operating stroke (and sometimes the PTO design load) is determined by trepidation conditions rather than the most frequently occurring operating sea conditions. This leads to inefficient use of CAPEX, and the capacity of the main generator (6) is rarely utilized effectively. In contrast, the mechanical augmentation design makes the full capacity of the converter system (1) available, even in light wave conditions.
[0028] In addition, the present invention achieves cost reduction by converting any offshore artificial structure (M) into a clean energy device by having a connecting component (2) that can be attached to any offshore artificial structure (M). This is also achieved in part by using fenders (10) as wave-damping devices instead of metal floats, because the fenders (10) do not damage the mother structure. On the contrary, the fenders (10) protect the mother structure from impact damage, enhance the pitching and rolling stability of the floating structure, and thus improve the safety of personnel.
[0029] Various embodiments of the wave energy conversion device system (1) of the present invention can be developed, and the present invention is not limited to the examples disclosed herein, but is essentially subject to the claims.
Claims
1. - At least one connecting component (2) for connecting to an offshore artificial structure (M), - At least one link structure (3) pivotably attached to the aforementioned connecting component (2) and It is equipped with; - At least one power take-off (PTO) module (5) that converts linear motion into an unprocessed electrical output: At least one main actuator (6) attached to the link structure (3); At least one sub-actuator (7) attached to the connecting component (2) is provided for one or more of the following modes: tidal level following mode, maintenance mode, and flood resistance mode; At least one rocker (8) is attached to the sub-actuator (7) and is attached to the main actuator (6) via a link (9) and A power take-off (PTO) module (5) comprising: and - At least one fender (10) attached to the link structure (3) A wave energy conversion device system (1) characterized by converting wave motion into electricity.
2. The wave energy conversion device system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting component (2) acts as the main structural interface component between the link structure (3) and the offshore artificial structure (M) and is directly connected to the offshore artificial structure (M).
3. The wave energy conversion device system (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least one link structure (3) is pivotably attached to the connecting component (2) by at least two bearings (4).
4. The wave energy conversion device system (1) according to claim 3, wherein the connecting component (2) is provided with two hinge points for a main bearing (4) for connection to the link structure (3).
5. A wave energy conversion device system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one rocker (8) is directly attached to the sub-actuator (7).
6. A wave energy conversion device system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is attached to the main actuator (6) via a link.
7. The wave energy conversion device system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the connecting component (2) comprises a sliding mechanism connected to a wall rail.
8. The wave energy conversion device system (1) according to claim 7, wherein the sliding mechanism is configured to allow adjustment of the position of the connecting component (3) with respect to the mean waterline level affected by tides.
9. The wave energy conversion device system (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the sliding mechanism comprises one or more (preferably four sets) roller assemblies that distribute the hydrodynamic load from the fender (10) to the wall rail and the artificial structure.
10. The wave energy conversion device system (1) according to claim 9, wherein one or more roller assemblies on the sliding mechanism incorporate a braking mechanism that reliably holds the carriage in a desired vertical position.
11. The wave energy conversion device system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the link structure (3) is configured to rotate together with the fender (10) about the axis of the pivot point of the main bearing (4) in response to waves.
12. The wave energy conversion device system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the link structure (3) is manufactured from marine-grade steel.
13. The wave energy conversion device system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the PTO module (5) is detachably attached to the link structure (3).
14. The wave energy conversion device system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the main actuator (6) is a direct-drive linear generator and is connected to both the rocker (8) and the link structure (3) via a link (9).
15. The wave energy conversion device system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the main actuator (6) converts the rotational motion of the fender (10) into linear motion.
16. The wave energy conversion device system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the sub-actuator (7) is a hydraulic cylinder and is used to adjust the maximum output point in accordance with the rising and falling tides in maintenance mode and tide-resistant mode.
17. The wave energy conversion device system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the PTO module (5) comprises a simple double link mechanism for power transmission, creating a nonlinear relationship between the pivot angle of the main bearing (4) and the stroke of the main actuator (6).
18. Wave energy conversion device system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the fender is a pneumatic fender.
19. The wave energy conversion device system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the fender (10) is a main component for absorbing energy from waves and is attached to the link structure (3) via a strap configuration, and the strap configuration preferably comprises at least one chain and at least one strap.
20. The wave energy conversion device system (1) according to claim 19, wherein the strap configuration comprises chains attached to both ends of the fender material (10).
21. The wave energy conversion device system (1) according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the strap configuration comprises a strap that wraps around the fender (10) and returns to and secures to the link structure (3).
22. Wave energy conversion device system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the fender (10) is ballasted with seawater until it is submerged while leaning against the marine artificial structure (M) in a buoyancy-resistant state.
23. Wave energy conversion device system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, comprising a buoyancy control module configured to drain the fender (10) and return to the operating mode.
24. The wave energy conversion device system (1) according to claim 23, wherein the buoyancy control module manages the transition from a submerged state by causing the fender (10) to float.
25. A wave energy conversion device system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 24, comprising at least one cabinet (11) for a power adjustment system.
26. The wave energy conversion device system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein at least one connecting component (2) is connected to an offshore artificial structure (M).