Power plant for converting wave energy into electricity

Abstract

The invention concerns the field of renewable marine energy and relates to a power plant comprising a structure which can be built on a coastline, comprising multiple outriggers which are made of reinforced concrete and between which multiple motion transducers are arranged linearly. These transducers follow the rise and fall of the waves by sliding on guideways incorporated in the internal faces of the outriggers. This arrangement makes it possible to precisely direct the trajectory of the motion transducers while still protecting them against bad weather and other adverse meteorological conditions. The linear configuration of the motion transducers also makes it possible to capture the energy from a single wave several times, thus ensuring optimum, continuous and synergistic operation and a very high capture rate, irrespective of the climatic conditions or the height of the waves. The dimensions of this power plant can be adapted depending on the intended production capacity and according to the hydrodynamic conditions in the deployment zone.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title: Power Plant for Converting Wave Energy into Electricity

[0003] The present invention relates to a power plant for generating electricity from waves, within the framework of renewable energy development.

[0004] Wave energy conversion technologies have been explored and developed for several decades. Numerous systems and devices have been proposed and patented for capturing and converting wave energy into electricity. Notable technologies include the following:

[0005] 1- US2008231054A1 Wave energy power plant for electricity production:

[0006] The proposed invention describes a device that operates through the movement of floats connected to horizontal arms. These arms actuate hydraulic pumps, which inject water into a hyperbaric chamber. This chamber supplies a flow control valve, driving a conventional turbine which, connected to an electric generator, produces electricity.

[0007] However, this type of device is characterized by its slowness and low productivity, capturing only one wave at a time, and must be installed in specific areas where the waves are large enough to generate electricity. Conversely, if the waves are too large, it can damage the unit, which has an unprotected configuration exposed to varying weather conditions.

[0008] 2- W02022079096A1 Wave energy harvesting system:

[0009] The invention describes a system for producing electrical energy from ocean waves. The system comprises a floating body and an electric generator with an input shaft designed to rotate relative to the floating body. A first arm is coupled to the electric generator, and a second arm is connected to the first by a pivot joint. This pivot joint is positioned along the first arm, away from the input shaft. Together, the arms form a double pendulum system that powers a self-contained floating sea analysis station.Although innovative, it is considered inefficient due to its low productivity because of very limited energy absorption, and difficult access for any maintenance operation (offshore location) especially since its composition can be mechanically complex, which increases the risk of breakdowns and requires frequent and specialized maintenance to ensure its proper functioning, and also the difficulty of operating and maintaining the submerged equipment (conducting wires of the electricity produced to the coast).

[0010] 3- WO2019102449A1 Effective wave energy power plant for clean electricity production:

[0011] The device converts wave energy into electricity using floats that compress hydraulic pistons, sending hydraulic fluid to accumulators. The generated pressure drives a hydraulic motor that powers a generator. According to the company that owns the patent (https: / / www.ecowavepower.com / our-technology / ho-it-works), the system starts operating with waves as low as 0.5 meters and is controlled by an intelligent automation system. In storms, the floats rise to prevent damage. While the system appears to be operational, it has limitations in terms of durability in extreme marine environments, hence the shutdown during adverse weather conditions, and the requirement for waves with a minimum height of 50 cm to begin generating electricity.

[0012] While these technologies offer innovative solutions for converting wave energy, they present several limitations. They are fundamentally characterized by low productivity, which is further reduced in conditions where waves are not sufficiently large, while excessively powerful waves can damage the devices or cause them to shut down temporarily. Furthermore, maintenance and repair costs can be high, especially for offshore devices or those with complex mechanisms.

[0013] Wave energy remains variable and unpredictable. Capturing and converting this energy into a constant source of electricity requires more robust and reliable systems. It is within this context that the wave energy-to-electricity conversion plant, the subject of this patent application, is developed; this technology overcomes several limitations and disadvantages that existing devices cannot address.

[0014] This power plant allows easy access for all assembly and maintenance operations thanks to its main structure, which can be built on the sea coast. This structure consists of several stabilizers, preferably made of reinforced concrete, in the form of walls that penetrate the sea and have pointed ends. These stabilizers have a trajectory control system, also called guideways, on their internal faces. One or more motion sensors, which are floating modules, rise and fall with the passage of each wave. These motion sensors are arranged linearly between the stabilizers. This configuration allows them to operate synergistically in all weather conditions thanks to the protection offered by the stabilizers. The stabilizers also concentrate the multidirectional movements of the waves and channel them towards the inside of the stabilizers.This allows for the strengthening and optimization of even small passing ripples.

[0015] Furthermore, thanks to the positioning of the motion sensors between the guide rails, their movements are restricted to upward or downward motions. This configuration allows them to detect and absorb even the slightest wave movement. The motion is then precisely transferred, via a transmission rod, to a receiving hydraulic cylinder and then to a second transmitting hydraulic cylinder.

[0016] It should be noted that the receiving cylinder is characterized by a larger diameter than the emitting cylinder, in order to amplify the effect of even the slightest ripple; for example, a small wave with a height of 10cm can cause a displacement of 50cm at the outlet of the emitting cylinder if the diameter of the receiving cylinder is 5 times greater than that of the emitting cylinder. (Therefore, the dimensions are adjustable according to the desired result).

[0017] On the other hand, the motion sensors are equipped with a locking device that engages with the transmission rod during ascents and disengages during descents, allowing for flexibility and adaptation to varying water depths. Furthermore, the linear arrangement of the motion sensors between the stabilizers enables the transfer of energy captured via the hydraulic cylinders to a single accumulator shaft. This transfer occurs through a mechanism combining a rod / connecting rod and a ratchet. This mechanism converts the linear movement of the motion sensors into rotation, causing the accumulator shaft to rotate in the same direction. This shaft can then pass through a multiplier before driving an electric generator to maximize efficiency.

[0018] Therefore, the interconnected system of this power plant allows:

[0019] Maximum protection of the floats thanks to the stabilizers, ensuring operation in all weather conditions.

[0020] Easy access for any assembly or maintenance operation, given the location which may be on a sea coast.

[0021] Optimizing wave energy by channeling it towards the inside of the stabilizers.

[0022] Amplifying the effect of even the smallest waves, using the trajectory control system which allows precise movement of the motion sensors, and the two receiver and transmitter cylinders which amplify the effect of the slightest movement thanks to the difference in diameters.

[0023] The exploitation of the passage of the same wave multiple times thanks to the linear arrangement of motion sensors.

[0024] The accumulation of energy captured on the same axis, in this way, a very large force is accumulated which is then transformed into a large number of turns using a multiplier, before activating the electric generator.

[0025] Scalability is possible either by extending the stabilizers deep into the sea, or laterally by adding additional stabilizers side by side, or a combination of both. For these reasons, this wave energy conversion plant is considered an efficient, secure, and continuous source of electricity.

[0026] The attached drawings illustrate the invention:

[0027] [Fig.1] Represents the main reinforced concrete structure, with 3 stabilizers as an example. [Fig.2] Descriptive drawing of the motion sensors (left facade).

[0028] [Fig.3] Descriptive drawing of the motion sensors (right side)

[0029] [Fig. 4] Descriptive drawing of the movement engagement mechanism

[0030] [Fig. 5] Descriptive drawing of the movement engagement mechanism in the retracted state

[0031] [Fig. 6] Represents the transmission rod between the motion sensors and the hydraulic receiver cylinder

[0032] [Fig.7] Represents the main and auxiliary guide path, with the positioning of the transmission rod, the grooved wheels, the notches that mesh with the motion engagement system, and the hydraulic receiver cylinder. [Fig.8] Explanatory diagram of the system for converting linear motion into rotary motion.

[0033] [Fig.9] Descriptive drawing of the unidirectional rotation mechanism with ratchets

[0034] [Fig. 10] Descriptive drawing of the accumulator shaft equipped with gears

[0035] [Fig. 11] Represents the overall structure of the power plant that is the subject of this application.

[0036] With reference to these drawings, the new power plant consists of a main structure (1) which can be built on a sea coast, using reinforced concrete or other cements / materials suitable for seawater, and whose height above sea level is adjustable according to the environment and the water activity of the area. This structure (1) has stabilizers (2) constructed of the same material as the main structure or of another material suitable for seawater. These stabilizers (2) are built on a platform resting on piers and piles (blocks or caissons may also be used). These stabilizers (2) are designed as long, aligned walls that penetrate the sea in such a way as to channel the waves towards the center of each pair of stabilizers (2) using their pointed ends, and incorporate on their internal faces a trajectory control system called a guidance path.consisting of two inclined in-line channels: a main channel (3) and an auxiliary channel (4), acting as guideways, these delimit the motion sensors (5) on two sides and ensure better guidance during their movements, thus offering increased accuracy and also representing a means of protection against adverse weather conditions. This guarantees constant, continuous and more efficient operation to exploit even minor fluctuations in water level.

[0037] The stabilizers (2) can also be equipped with a simple system of movable barriers with several levels of closure, which can be installed near the front ends. This would allow for the regulation of incoming flows and the modulation of wave power to ensure optimal operation of the floating modules without risk of damage, for example in areas where waves are particularly violent.

[0038] In a second embodiment, the stabilizers (2) can be positioned in a way that is not parallel, or take other forms without changing their essence of serving as protective elements against different weather conditions and as a means of controlling the trajectory of the floating modules.

[0039] In a third embodiment, the stabilizers (2) can be composed of prefabricated blocks, either fixed or mobile, maintaining the balance between mobility (assembly and disassembly) and sufficient stability to protect the floating modules and the rest of the components.

[0040] In a fourth embodiment, the stabilizers (2) can have other trajectory control systems for the motion sensors (5), for example a system with rails, chains, grooved wheels, or other channel configurations (one or more channels, a mix of rails and channels), and different angles of inclination for the sliding paths or even vertical.

[0041] The angle of inclination of the guidance paths (3) and (4) can be defined according to the hydronymic activity of the area. It is important to note that the more intense the wave activity, the more preferable a steeper angle of inclination should be to ensure maximum absorption of wave force by the motion sensors. Indeed, the motion sensors (5) are floating entities with an almost trapezoidal shape and a forward-sloping front face (6) that allows them to absorb wave force progressively and to activate diagonal movement.

[0042] In a second embodiment, other forms of floating modules can be used, whether spherical, square, or other, and can also have a system to control their field of movement between the stabilizers.

[0043] Each motion sensor (5) is equipped on both sides with a sliding mechanism (7) on the guideways (3), in addition to a movement engagement system (10) and (15) of the transmission rod [Fig. 6],

[0044] The sliding mechanism (7) is in the form of a solid frame with parallel metal tubes with guide tracks (3), the latter connecting the motion sensor (5) to several embedded wheels (8) and (9) which allow smooth and efficient sliding, according to this first model the wheels can be distributed as follows:

[0045] - 4 wheels (9) on the two facing parts which roll on the inner faces of the guide track (3)

[0046] - 4 wheels (8) on the facing part and which roll on the bottom of the guide track (3)

[0047] Other sliding systems can be used as examples: rails, grooved wheels, a chain, or various types of channels. Other configurations can also be used for the arrangement of the wheels while remaining within the scope of the same invention; the number of wheels can be increased, reduced, their positions changed, or even eliminated depending on the sliding system used.

[0048] In addition, a motion engagement system [Fig. 4] is installed on the motion sensor. It is in the form of a bolt (10) which engages with the notches (19) of the transmission rod [Fig. 6] during ascents in order to push the rod [Fig. 6] upwards and which retracts [Fig. 5] during descents which allows the transmission rod [Fig.

[0049] 6] to return downwards freely. This cycle ensures that the movement field of the transmission rod [Fig. 6] does not exceed the upper limit of the receiving cylinder (23), allowing continuous adaptation to different water height levels.

[0050] This movement engagement mechanism [Fig. 4] consists of several elements. First, it includes a movable bolt (10) housed inside a tube (11). This bolt (10) is connected to a spring (12) that exerts constant pressure, keeping the bolt (10) in a fully extended outward position. Below the tube (11) is a crank-shaped arm (13) pivoting around an axis (14). At one end of this arm is a point (15) that engages with the notches (21) on the outer face of the auxiliary sliding track (4).

[0051] During descent [Fig. 5], the tip (15) of the arm remains locked between the curves of the notches (21), causing a partial rotation of the other end of the arm (16) by means of a notch (17) integrated on the bolt (10). This rotation pushes the bolt (10) towards the inside of the tube (11), thus releasing the transmission rod [Fig. 6] for free descent.

[0052] Conversely, during the upward movement, the spring (12) keeps the bolt (10) extended outwards, allowing it to engage with the notches of the transmission rod (19) and lift it upwards. Meanwhile, the tip of the arm (15) also remains locked between the curves of the notches (21) on the outer face of the auxiliary sliding track (4). This time, however, the partial rotation of the other end of the arm (16) occurs in the opposite direction, which is free and unimpeded.

[0053] In a second embodiment, the interlocking system can be cancelled and the floating module transfers its energy to the receiving cylinder via a fixed rod without an interlocking and dislocking cycle.

[0054] In a third embodiment, the engagement system can be automated so that it pushes the transmission rod upwards only during ascents and disconnects during descents.

[0055] In a fourth embodiment, the engagement system can be automated and programmed to connect with a portion of the transmission rod according to the sea level, and to automatically change with changes in water level. The motion sensors (5) rise and fall according to the sea undulations and transfer their movements via the transmission rod [Fig. 6], which moves parallel to the surface during ascents and freely returns to its initial position during descents. This rod [Fig. 6] moves within an auxiliary channel (4) on recessed grooved wheels (22). To ensure optimal control over its movement path, the outer edges of this auxiliary channel (4) have notches (21) that allow engagement with the motion engagement mechanism [Fig. 4] integrated into the sensors (5) during ascents and descents.

[0056] This transmission rod [Fig. 6] consists of a section with notches (19) or teeth with which the motion sensor (5) engages during the ascent; the length of this section (19) can be equal to the tidal range of the area where the station is located. Then there is a neutral section which acts as a support (18), and finally a rod (20) which connects directly with the hydraulic receiver cylinder (23) installed on the upper part of the auxiliary channel (4).

[0057] In a second embodiment, the transmission rod [Fig. 6] can be in the form of a neutral rod without notches, for example in the case of a fixed rod between the motion sensor and the receiving hydraulic cylinder (23).

[0058] In a third embodiment, the transmission rod [Fig. 6] may have other forms of notches or holes into which the bolt of the engagement system is inserted, or other systems which remain in the same essence of transmission of movements between the floating module and the receiving hydraulic cylinder (23).

[0059] The transmission rod can also be mounted either on the sides of the motion sensor or on its middle or on another part depending on the desired objective.

[0060] This receiving hydraulic cylinder (23) absorbs the energy from the movements of the sensors (5) with each passing undulation and transfers it to the transmitting hydraulic cylinder (24) mounted on the surface of the stabilizer (2). This amplifies the displacement field by exploiting the difference in diameters between the two cylinders, and then converts the linear motion of the transmission rod [Fig. 6] into rotary motion via a ratcheting connecting rod mechanism (27) (29). The diameter of the receiving cylinder (23) can be larger than the diameter of the transmitting cylinder (24) to amplify the effect of even the slightest undulation; therefore, the difference in diameters between these two cylinders is adjustable according to the desired outcome.

[0061] The transmitter cylinder (24) is connected to a connecting rod (27) by means of a small movable arm (26), which it pushes upwards parallel with each rise of seawater undulation, and has an integrated spring (25) which allows the activation of the return to the initial position, thus the movement of this connecting rod (27) causes a rotational movement of a toothed wheel (31) fixed on the accumulator shaft (33), the end of this connecting rod (27) is equipped with a ratchet mechanism (29) which allows the toothed wheel (31) to pivot and rotate in the desired direction and to return freely in the opposite direction to return to the initial position.

[0062] This ratchet mechanism (29) is built on a dial-shaped support that surrounds the toothed wheel (31) fixed to the accumulator shaft (33). On its inner circumference, it has one or more pawls (29). Each pawl is limited by a brake (30) that locks it in the engaged position with the wheel (31) during rotation in the desired direction. This brake is connected to a spring (28) on the other side, allowing the pawl (29) to move freely backward during descents. Thus, the connecting rod (27) rotates the wheel (31) fixed to the accumulator shaft (33) with each upward movement and returns freely backward with each downward movement.

[0063] On each stabilizer (2) there is a accumulator shaft (33) supported by supports (32), which represents the shaft of several toothed wheels (31) whose rotation is driven by a whole line of motion sensors (5) through the hydraulic cylinders (23) and (24) and the mechanism for converting linear movements into rotary movements in the same direction, which allows the rotor shaft (33) to accumulate the passage of the same undulation several times as it passes under each sensor (5), at the same time as new undulations arrive and pass, consequently a very large rotational force accumulates at the level of this shaft (33).

[0064] The rotor shaft, also called the accumulator shaft (33), can be coupled to a multiplier (35) via a toothed wheel (34) to maximize the exploitation of the large force absorbed, thus converting this energy into a high number of revolutions and efficiently turning an electricity generator (36).

[0065] In a second embodiment, the rotor shaft (33) is driven directly by the movements of the floating modules by means of a rod having a rack-like portion that meshes directly with the toothed wheel (31). This rod can be fixed directly to the floating module or to the outlet of a hydraulic cylinder that absorbs and transfers the movements of the floating module.

[0066] In a third embodiment, several other configurations can be made within the framework of the same invention, for example, each float operates one or more generators, or reduce or increase the number of floating modules which rotate the same rotor axis (33), or change the position and direction of the rotor axis (33), or add an additional axis which connects and accumulates the energy of one or more or all of the axes (33) of the power plant.

[0067] In a fourth embodiment, the accumulator shaft (33) can be replaced by a hydraulic accumulator connected directly to the hydraulic pistons (23).

Claims

Demands: 1- A power plant for converting wave energy into electricity, characterized by its main structure (1) which consists of one or more stabilizers (2), between which one or more motion sensors (5) which are floating modules that rise and fall with the water fluctuations, and transfer the energy captured from the waves through transmission rods (19) to a receiving hydraulic cylinder (23) then a transmitting hydraulic cylinder (24) which actuates a connecting rod (27) and ratchet (29) mechanism in order to convert the linear motion into rotary motion and consequently rotate a accumulator shaft (33), the latter passes through a multiplier (35) in order to convert the large accumulated force into a very large number of revolutions and finally rotate a generator (36) 2- According to claim 1, the stabilizers (2) are characterized in that they represent a stable structure which delimits one or more floating modules on at least two sides in order to protect them and control their movement trajectories, in addition to exploiting their operation in synergy to capture the energy of the waves and channel it to one or more electrical generators, while passing through one or more mechanisms, of "conversion of linear movements into rotary movements" and "one or more revolution multipliers". 3- According to claim 2, the stabilizers (2) are characterized in that they are constructed of reinforced concrete or other cements / materials suitable for seawater. 4- According to claim 2, the stabilizers (2) are characterized in that they can be extendable either in depth towards the sea or laterally by adding additional stabilizers (2) along a sea coast for example, a combination between the two forms of extension is also possible. 5- According to claim 2, the stabilizers (2) are characterized in that they can be composed of prefabricated blocks, either fixed or mobile, without compromising the stability of the structure during operation. 6- According to claim 2, the stabilizers (2) are characterized in that they are equipped, when necessary, with a simple barrier system that can be closed or open gradually in order to control the flow of incoming waves, for example in the case of an area where the waves are very large, hence the risk of damaging the components of the system. 7- According to claim 2, the stabilizers (2) are characterized in that they are designed in the form of long walls with pointed ends, which penetrate the sea so as to channel the waves towards the center of each of two stabilizers (2). 8- According to claim 7, the stabilizers (2) are characterized by aligned and parallel positioning, as represented in the model associated with this application. However, these stabilizers (2) may have other geometric shapes and spatial configurations, without this affecting their essential role as means of protection, trajectory control, and exploitation of the synergistic movements of the floating modules. 9- According to claim 7, the stabilizers (2) are characterized in that they are equipped with a trajectory control system also called a guidance path, in the form of one or more main channels (3) and one or more auxiliary channels (4), on which the motion sensors (5) move up and down with the passage of each undulation or wave. 10- According to claim 7, the stabilizers (2) are characterized in that they have one or more guide paths depending on the need and the number of motion sensors (5) used 11- According to claim 10, the stabilizers (2) are characterized in that they can have other forms of trajectory control systems or guide paths with the same purpose, such as a rail system, grooved wheels, a chain, one or more channels, or other systems with the same role of a guide path, on which the motion sensors (5) or any other floating module used move, while ensuring protection against agitation in other directions outside their trajectory. 12- According to claim 1, the motion sensor (5) is characterized in that it is equipped with a sliding system (7) integrated on both sides, the latter being composed of wheels (9) fixed to the sides of a solid frame which represents the base of the sliding system (7), and which is parallel with the main channel (3) to allow smooth movement, as it is also equipped with wheels (8) fixed to the front of the sliding system, to delimit the motion sensor (5) on its two sides in order to avoid agitation in any direction outside its trajectory. 13- According to claim 12, the motion sensors (5) are characterized in that they can be replaced by any other form of float, in addition to the latter being able to be equipped with a sliding system on the guide paths. 14- According to claim 12, the motion sensors (5) are characterized in that they can be equipped by another sliding system such as rails, grooved wheels, chain, or have a different wheel configuration, while remaining in the same principle of use to control its trajectory on the guide paths and protect it against adverse seawater agitations. 15- According to claim 12, the motion sensors (5) are characterized in that they can be equipped on one or both sides with a system for engaging the transmission rod (19), which pushes it upwards through a bolt (10) during ascents and disengages during descents to allow the rod (19) to return freely to its initial position. Other engagement mechanisms can be used, for example, an automatic mechanism that engages and disengages the bolt (10) during ascents and descents. 16- According to claim 1, the transmission rods (19) are characterized in that the notches allow the engagement with the motion sensor (5) during ascents through a bolt (10), to compress a hydraulic receiver cylinder (23), and are also characterized by their well-defined and protected field of movement thanks to grooved wheels (22) embedded inside the auxiliary channel (4). 17- According to claim 16, the transmission rods (19) are characterized by their main role of transmitting the movements absorbed by the sensors (5), hence the possibility of using other different forms while remaining within the scope of the same invention, such as for example: One or more rods that mechanically engage during ascents and disengage during descents. One or more rods that automatically engage during ascents and detach during descents. One or more fixed rods, on the sides or in the middle of the motion sensor. One or more rods, which attach at a certain level depending on the height of the sea water level, and as soon as this changes, their attachment point changes automatically. Replace the drive shaft with a chain mechanism that drives the sprocket. Connect the motion sensor (5) directly with the hydraulic receiver cylinder (23). 18- According to claim 16, the transmission rods (19) are characterized in that they transfer the energy absorbed by the motion sensors to a receiving hydraulic cylinder (23) which in turn transfers this energy to a transmitting hydraulic cylinder (24) which has a smaller diameter, as in the model which is the subject of this patent application, this cycle makes it possible to amplify the effect of the slightest displacement of the motion sensor thanks to the difference in diameter between these two cylinders (23) and (24), which is adjustable according to the desired result. 19- According to claim 18, and according to other embodiments, the transmission rods are characterized in that they can transfer the energy absorbed by the motion sensors using other configurations while remaining within the scope of the same invention, for example: Directly to a hydraulic accumulator via a single hydraulic cylinder; directly to an electric generator; directly to an accumulator shaft (33) via a rack and pinion mechanism 20- According to claim 1, the accumulator shaft (33) is characterized in that it accumulates the energy absorbed by the motion sensors (5) through its gears (31). This energy first passes through a system for converting linear displacements into rotary motions. The system used on the model that is the subject of this patent application consists of a connecting rod (27) that can take on other different forms, and a ratchet mechanism (29) that allows the gear (31) to rotate in the defined direction and return freely in the opposite direction. 21- According to claim 20, the accumulator shaft (33) is characterized in that it can use other mechanisms for converting linear movements into rotary movements, while remaining within the scope of the same invention, or can even be replaced by a hydraulic accumulator which rotates the rotor of an electric generator. 22- According to claim 20, the accumulator shaft (33) is characterized in that it passes through a multiplication mechanism (35) before finally rotating the electric generator (36).

23. According to claim 1, the wave energy conversion plant is characterized by its ability to adopt various dimensions, adapted to the intended objectives and the geographical characteristics of the construction site. Consequently, the shape and dimensions of the plant's components can also vary. Furthermore, the size of this plant can be expanded, either in depth towards the sea or laterally by adding additional stabilizers, for example, along a coastline.

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