Mechanical wave energy converter
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- VULJAJ SOKOLJ
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
Smart Images
Figure EP2025081644_15052026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] New PCT application Applicant: Sokolj Vuljaj Vossius Ref.: AK3770 PCT S5
[0002] Mechanical Wave Energy Converter
[0003] Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to the field of energy, more specifically with a focus on wave energy converters. This technology allows for the collection and conversion of kinetic and potential energy into electrical energy, contributing to the development of renewable energy sources. The present invention specifically relates to mechanical wave energy converters.
[0005] Background of the Invention
[0006] The current state of the art is characterized by various engineering approaches used to harness the power of ocean waves. These systems can be classified into several groups, including:
[0007] Pneumatic systems: These systems use compressed air for energy conversion. Challenges with these systems include complex construction and high maintenance costs.
[0008] Hydraulic / piston systems: These systems utilize oil or pressurized fluids to transfer energy. However, they face challenges such as oil leaks into seawater and maintaining system efficiency.
[0009] Mechanical systems: These converters transfer energy through mechanical parts but are prone to wear and require regular repairs, as previous inventions have not been sufficiently protected from high waves and harsh weather conditions.
[0010] Linear magnetic systems: These systems use magnetic principles for energy conversion but often have high production and installation costs.
[0011] Despite advancements in the development of these technologies, all of these systems face significant challenges, including, but not limited to:
[0012] High production and maintenance costs: Developing and maintaining these systems can sometimes be more expensive than alternatives such as wind turbines or solar panels.
[0013] Preventing corrosion and wear: The marine environment can cause rapid corrosion of materials, necessitating the use of more durable materials and protective measures.
[0014] Preventing oil leaks from the system: Environmental concerns related to sea pollution encourage the development of solutions that do not use oil or other fluids.
[0015] Resistance to seismic waves: Many converters are challenged by the large kinetic energies that occur during strong oceanic earthquakes. Document W02006108421A1 describes a hydraulic converter that uses multiple arms that rotate due to wave motion. Each arm is connected to a hydraulic motor, enabling more efficient energy transfer, but it still faces challenges in maintaining efficiency.
[0016] Document WO2011062576A1 describes a converter that has floats moving in phase with the waves and other blades that move out of phase with the float. This configuration allows for the conversion of relative motion into useful energy; however, further design improvements are needed to enhance efficiency.
[0017] Document US11920551B2 describes an energy conversion device of the absorber type including a Power Take Off (PTO) system that uses a torsion spring to return the vertical shaft to its original position after being rotated by a rope or cord that pulls the drum through a guiding system. This spring return allows the PTO and housing to remain static under the influence of wave energy while the float on the surface provides oscillatory linear motion. The oscillatory rotational movements caused by the interaction of the float and spring are converted into unidirectional motion via a one-way clutch and transmitted to generators using a gearbox that increases the rotational speed.
[0018] In summary, the development of efficient energy converters is often hindered by high costs, environmental challenges, and the need for greater resistance to marine conditions.
[0019] Thus, there is a need for developing new and innovative solutions which at least partially reduce the problems encountered in prior art systems.
[0020] It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative mechanical wave energy converter. It is further an object of the present invention to provide a mechanical wave energy converter which overcomes at least partially the shortcomings of prior art mechanical wave energy converters or systems.
[0021] Solution to the Problem
[0022] These and other objects, which become apparent upon reading the description, are solved by the subjectmatter of the independent claim. Further embodiments and developments are provided in the dependent claims.
[0023] According to an aspect of the present invention, a mechanical wave energy converter is proposed. The mechanical wave energy converter comprises: at least one float configured for floating and following a movement of water caused by waves, a base configured to be placed on a seabed, a waterproof housing mounted on the base and configured to be submersed (submerged) in the water, a generator arranged inside the waterproof housing, a shaft arranged inside the waterproof housing, the shaft being mounted within the waterproof housing for rotational movement only in one direction, the shaft being coupled to the at least one float and to the generator so that during movement of the at least one float the shaft rotates for driving the generator. The proposed mechanical wave energy converter is based on the idea of overcoming shortcomings of the prior art system, which face numerous problems that have hindered this type of energy production compared to solar and wind energy. The proposed mechanical wave energy converter may be designed to allow a mobile installation of an underwater tunnel for field servicing at minimal costs. The proposed mechanical wave energy converter may alternatively or additionally be equipped with protective measures to withstand extreme weather conditions, including tsunamis. The at least one float may incorporate a submersion system, which may help secure the converter by pulling the float into a safe position during elevated waves that could potentially damage the converter. The proposed mechanical wave energy converter utilizes simple mechanical components to convert kinetic energy into rotational energy. The converter of the present invention contributes to better protection of the converter, more efficient energy conversion, and the possibility of simple production and commercialization at a competitive price. Moreover, it does not harm marine organisms or jeopardize the environment, making it suitable for application along coastlines and beaches without risk to the ecosystem.
[0024] Preferably, the mechanical wave energy converter includes a submersible winch arranged on the waterproof housing, a rope coupled to the submersible winch, and a submersible auxiliary float releasably coupled to the rope, wherein the submersible winch secures the submersible auxiliary float on the submersible waterproof housing by pulling on the rope and wherein the submersible winch is configured for unwinding the rope so that the submersible auxiliary float is able to float.
[0025] The submersible winch and the submersible auxiliary float may be part of a servicing arrangement for enabling servicing of the generator positioned inside the waterproof housing so that there is no need to lift the generator from the seabed, at least not for servicing and / or maintenance purposes.
[0026] Preferably, the submersible winch includes a guide through which the rope is threaded, wherein the submersible auxiliary float includes a pin, wherein one end of the pin is connected to the auxiliary float and the other end of the pin is releasably coupled to the rope, and wherein the submersible winch is configured to pull on the rope so that the pin is inserted into the guide and securely positioned within the guide.
[0027] Preferably, the submersible winch includes a drum, a brake for braking and a spring for biasing the brake in a brake position in which unwinding of the rope is prevented, wherein the submersible winch further includes a release piston for releasing the brake from the drum and / or the brake position to enable unwinding of the rope from the drum.
[0028] Preferably, the release piston is configured to be remotely controlled preferably such that upon receiving a release command the release piston releases the brake from the drum to thereby enable unwinding of the rope.
[0029] Preferably, the submersible waterproof housing includes a coupling, preferably a tubular coupling, and the mechanical wave energy generator or the servicing arrangement comprises a submersible mobile service tunnel configured for being coupled to the coupling. Preferably, the mobile service tunnel comprises a tube, steps and a pin mounted at a bottom of the steps, wherein the pin is releasably couplable to the rope and wherein the submersible winch is configured for pulling on the rope such that the mobile service tunnel is pulled towards the waterproof housing for coupling with the coupling.
[0030] Preferably, the mobile service tunnel includes a water pump for pumping water out of the tunnel.
[0031] Preferably, the submersible waterproof housing includes a waterproof lid configured to provide access to an inside of the waterproof housing, the waterproof lid being arranged inside the tunnel when the tunnel is coupled to the coupling.
[0032] Preferably, the mobile service tunnel is made of a floating material and / or buoyant material and / or made of a material that floats.
[0033] Preferably, the mobile service tunnel includes a waterproof rubber band for providing a sealing between the tunnel and the coupling.
[0034] Preferably, the submersible winch is configured to be remotely controlled, preferably such that by an unwind control the winch is configured to unwind the rope, preferably by releasing a brake from a drum of the winch, for allowing the auxiliary float to float on the water, and preferably allowing a technician to disconnect the rope from the auxiliary float and connect the rope to the mobile service tunnel, and such that by a wind control the winch is configured to rewind the rope for pulling the mobile service tunnel that is connected to the rope towards the submersible waterproof housing for coupling the mobile service tunnel to the coupling of the waterproof housing.
[0035] Preferably, the mechanical wave energy converter comprises at least one pulley positioned inside the waterproof housing and mounted on the shaft using a one-way pulley bearing that allows the pulley to rotate on the shaft in the opposite direction to the rotation of the shaft, and at least one return spring being connected on one side to the at least one pulley and on the other side to the waterproof housing, wherein the shaft is mounted within the waterproof housing on a one-way shaft bearing that allows a rotation of the shaft when the at least one float is lifted by the waves and moves away from the waterproof housing, whereby the at least one float is connected to the at least one pulley by a cable such that when the float is lifted by the waves and moves away from the waterproof housing, the at least one pulley and the shaft rotate together on the one-way shaft bearing unwinding the cable, and when the at least one float descends with the waves and moves towards the waterproof housing, the pulley slides on the one-way pulley bearing rotating in the opposite direction to the shaft and rewinding the cable under the influence of the return spring.
[0036] Preferably, the waterproof housing includes at least one stand for accommodating the at least one float and wherein the at least one return spring is adjusted to pull the at least one float into the at least one stand to secure the at least one float in a submersed (submerged) position within its stand, preferably in case of adverse weather conditions such as a tsunami. Preferably, the stand is fixedly attached to an outer face of the waterproof housing and preferably shaped according to the at least one float, so that the at least one float rests stably on the at least one stand in a secured position, preferably in case of adverse weather conditions such as a tsunami.
[0037] Preferably, the at least one float is equipped with a bidirectional pump for filling and emptying the at least one float and wherein the at least one float is equipped with a controller for remote controlling of the pump, wherein the controller is configured for activating the pump in a first pumping direction in which the at least one float is filled at least partially with water allowing the at least one float to descend and to be pulled into the at least one stand under the influence of the return spring, and wherein the controller is configured for activating the pump in a second pumping direction in which the at least one float is drained from the water allowing the at least one float to return to its operation position and float on a surface of the water, preferably wherein the pump is activated in the first pumping direction during adverse weather conditions such as a tsunami and activated in the second pumping direction when the adverse weather conditions have passed.
[0038] Preferably, the at least one float includes a battery configured for powering the pump and a solar panel configured for charging the battery.
[0039] Preferably, the at least one pulley and the at least one return spring are accommodated within a protective casing arranged inside the waterproof housing, the protective casing being configured for providing additional waterproof protection for the generator.
[0040] Preferably, the shaft includes a gear connected to the generator by a transfer mechanism, preferably wherein the transfer mechanism includes a gearbox.
[0041] Preferably, the gear is mounted on the shaft using a bearing allowing for rotation of the gear relative to the shaft and wherein the mechanical wave energy generator further comprises a spring, preferably a torsion spring, the spring spiraling around the shaft, wherein a first end of the spring is fixedly connected to the shaft and a second end of the spring is fixedly connected to the gear. By spiraling around the shaft, during rotation of the shaft, the spring gets bent accumulating energy and / or rotations of the shaft and transfers the accumulated energy and / or rotations to the gear thereby driving the gear and thereby the generator. Preferably, the spring is adjusted such that a smooth rotation of the gear is achieved irrespective of a potentially irregular movement of the at least one float due to waves.
[0042] Preferably, the base has a weight that is configured for providing stability on the seabed and / or the base has adjustable legs that allow for leveling in different terrain conditions.
[0043] Preferably, the base includes a female hook at one end of the base and a male hook at the other end of the base, the female hook and the male hook allowing for chain connection of and / or chaining multiple mechanical wave energy converters. Brief Description of the Drawings
[0044] Figure 1 shows a schematic detailed cross-section of an embodiment of the mechanical wave energy converter of the present invention with floats for converting kinetic energy into electrical energy.
[0045] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the converter with four floats during the conversion of energy into electrical energy.
[0046] Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the converter focusing in the figure on a submersible winch and a tubular coupling.
[0047] Figure 4 shows the possibility of chain linking multiple converters.
[0048] Figure 5 shows a schematic detailed cross-sectional view of a float and its stand.
[0049] Figure 6 shows a schematic view of the converter with floats in a protective position during extreme weather conditions such as a tsunami.
[0050] Figure 7 shows a way of connecting a mobile service tunnel to a coupling of the waterproof housing.
[0051] Figure 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the converter connected to the mobile service tunnel and the functioning of service operations in the converter while installed on the seabed.
[0052] Detailed Description
[0053] In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Within the drawings, same components are referenced by the same reference numerals. Different embodiments may be combined in any suitable way.
[0054] Figure 1 shows a schematic detailed cross-section of an embodiment of the mechanical wave energy converter of the present invention. The mechanical wave energy converter is designed to be placed on the seabed 40 or ocean floor to collect wave energy using floats 33 (also referred to active floats). The floats 33 are configured for floating on the surface 39 of the water. The floats 33 are configured for following a movement of the water caused by waves.
[0055] The mechanical wave energy converter includes a base 14 configured to be placed on the seabed 40. The base 14 may be a concrete base 14. The base 14 has a sufficient number of adjustable legs 15 that provide stability to the converter by adapting to different terrains and allowing for leveling. At one end, there is a female hook 16, while at the other end, there is a male hook 17 for chain connection, which contributes to the stability of the power plant, as shown, e.g., in Figures 1, 2, and 4.
[0056] The mechanical wave energy converter further includes a waterproof housing (short: housing) 50 mounted on the base 14. The waterproof housing 50 is configured to be submersed (submerged) in the water. The housing 50 is mounted on the concrete base 14 using four or more screws 48. At the points where the screws 48 are attached, it is desirable for the concrete base 14 to be completely drilled through to connect one or more concrete plates with screws to the housing 50.
[0057] The housing 50 is intended to be made of stainless steel or other durable, corrosion-resistant material, preferably from a material that is heavy, stable and inexpensive to produce, with the complete housing 50 made of concrete with waterproof protection.
[0058] It has a door or waterproof lid 5 for servicing a generator 11 or other components arranged inside the housing 50. To facilitate servicing at lower costs, the issue is addressed with a submersible mobile service tunnel (short: mobile tunnel) 70. The mobile tunnel 70 can be mounted efficiently as needed using a coupling 6, such as a tubular coupling 6 that is integrated externally onto the housing 50, as shown, e.g., in Figures 3, 7, and 8.
[0059] Referring to Figure 3, the tubular coupling 6 can be seen.
[0060] Figure 3 further shows a submersible winch 71. The submersible winch 71 is part of a servicing arrangement for servicing the generator 11 or other components arranged inside the housing 50 without the need to remove the components from the seabed 40.
[0061] The submersible winch 71 is protected from water. The submersible winch 71 includes a winch drum (short: drum) 51 and a rope 54. The winch 71 is configured for unwinding and winding the rope 54.
[0062] The mechanical wave energy converter further includes a submersible auxiliary float 44. The auxiliary float 44 is also part of the servicing arrangement. The auxiliary float 44 is releasably coupled to the rope 54. The submersible winch 71 is connected by the rope 54 to the auxiliary float 44.
[0063] In the embodiment shown, the submersible winch 71 further includes a guide 66. The guide may include an eyelet 67. The rope 54 is threaded through the guide 66. The guide 66 may be a hollow tubular section configured for guiding and / or securing a pin arranged and fitted within the guide 66.
[0064] In the embodiment shown, the auxiliary float 44 includes a pin 76. The pin 76 may be a vertical pin 76 that fits into the guide 66. One end of the pin 76 is connected to the auxiliary float 44. The other end of the pin 76 can attach to the rope 54.
[0065] In the embodiment shown, at the end of the rope 54, a hook 72 is fixed that attaches to the vertical pin 76 of the auxiliary float 44. As will be explained later, the same or a similar pin 76 may be mounted immovably at the bottom of the steps 61 at the center of the tube 60 of the mobile tunnel 70, as shown, e.g., in Figures 3 and 7.
[0066] The winch drum 51 can (re)wind the rope 54. The drum 51 is connected to a gear 73. The gear 73 is secured with a (one-way) brake 65. The brake 65 is configured for braking the drum 51, so that, e.g. unwinding of the rope 54 is prevented. The brake 65 is tensioned or biased into a brake position by a spring 64 so that the brake 65 is engaged with the gear 73. The spring 65, the brake 65 and the gear 73 are arranged such that the drum 51 may rotate in only one direction for winding the rope 54. In other words, unwinding of the rope 54 may be prevented or made impossible.
[0067] The brake 65, the spring 64 and the gear 73 may function similar to a ratchet system that allows only one way of rotation.
[0068] The submersible winch 71 further includes a piston 52. The piston 52 may be an electromagnetic piston. The piston 52 may be remotely controllable, such as by using a remote control (sonar, optical or any other method). By sending a command, such as a release command, the brake 65 may be released from its brake position allowing the unwinding of the rope 54.
[0069] In other words, the submersible winch 71 may be equipped with a remote control and the electromagnetic piston 52 may be activated by a remote control (sonar or optical signal) or by any other existing method.
[0070] By activating the electromagnetic piston 52, the one-way brake 65 is released from the gear 73, allowing the rope 54 to unwind from the drum 51 and the submersed (submerged) auxiliary float 44 to float and rise to the surface 39 of the water as indicated by arrow 75 and shown, e.g., in Figure 3.
[0071] Once the auxiliary float 44 has risen and floats, a location of the submersed (submerged) waterproof housing 50 can be identified, e.g., by a technician. The technician may infer from the position of the auxiliary float 44 a position of the waterproof housing 50 and thereby have an indication where the generator 11 or the other components that need to be serviced or maintenance are located.
[0072] The technician may then disconnect the auxiliary float 44 from the hook 72 of the rope 54 and may attach the hook of the rope 54 to the mobile tunnel 70, as shown, e.g., in Figure 7.
[0073] In Figure 7, the mobile tunnel 70 is shown in more detail. As can be seen, the mobile tunnel 70 includes a tube 60 and steps 61. A vertical pin 76 mounted on the lower axis of the tube 60, preferably at the bottom of the steps 61, as shown in Figure 7.
[0074] The mobile tunnel 70 is made from material that does not sink or from any dual-layer material that has sufficient internal void to remain on the water's surface, thereby facilitating management during the installation of the underwater mobile tunnel 70.
[0075] Once the technician has secured the mobile tunnel 70 to the rope 54, e.g., by inserting the hook 72 into an opening or eyelet on the pin 76, the winch 71 can be activated, e.g., by remote control, and pulls the mobile tunnel 70 towards the housing 50 until the mobile tunnel 70 is positioned in its resting position on the housing 50.
[0076] By pulling on the rope 54, the vertical pin 76 enters the vertical guide 66. In the embodiment shown, the vertical guide 66 is located at the center of the coupling 6. During pulling on the rope 54, the mobile tunnel 70 is moved towards the housing 50 until the mobile tunnel 70 couples with the coupling 6. During pulling, the tube 60 of the tunnel 70 couples with the coupling 6 and simultaneously a waterproof rubber band 63 (example for a sealing element) located at the bottom of the tube 60 slots into a groove 62 on the tube 60 to ensure the waterproofness of the mobile tunnel 70, as shown, e.g., in Figure 8.
[0077] When the mobile tunnel 70 is mounted onto the coupling 6, water is pumped out from the mobile tunnel 70 using a (water) pump (69), as indicated by arrow 74 in Figure 8, marking the extraction of water. Once the water is emptied from the mobile tunnel 70, technicians can comfortably descend the steps 61 to the housing 50.
[0078] As can be seen in Figure 8, a waterproof lid 5 is arranged on the housing 50 such that it is within the tunnel 70 or tube 60 when the tunnel 70 is coupled to the coupling 6.
[0079] The technician can open the waterproof lid 5 for entry into the housing 50. The technician can descend to the generator or any other component arranged inside the housing 50, e.g., via integrated steps 57, as shown in Figure 8.
[0080] After servicing, the lid 5 is closed and components inside the housing 50 are protected. The mobile tunnel 70 may then be removed so that the mechanical wave energy converter can operate smoothly again.
[0081] As indicated in Figure 8, the mobile tunnel 70 has hooks 68 for extraction and loading onto a service vessel with a crane.
[0082] Referring, e.g., again to Figure 1, as can be seen, the waterproof housing 50 further includes one or more stands 25. Each stand 25 is designed to accommodate a respective float 33. The stand 25 may be shaped according to the shape of the float 33.
[0083] The float 33 is connected by a cable 28 that passes through a sealing ring 27 and a waterproof cuff 26, and then through a linear bearing 24 to a pulley 20.
[0084] As shown in greater detail in Figure 1, the mechanical wave energy converter includes a shaft 1 arranged inside the housing 50. The shaft 1 is mounted on the housing 50 using one-way shaft bearings 19, allowing rotation of the shaft 1 only in one direction, which in this embodiment occurs when the floats 33 rise. The pulley 20 is mounted on the shaft 1 using a one-way pulley bearing 18. When the float 33 rises due to the movement of waves, the pulley 20 locks onto the mentioned shaft 1 and rotates with the shaft 1 on the shaft's one-way shaft bearings 19, while the cable 28 unwinds from the pulley 20. When the float 33 descends, the pulley 20 rotates in the opposite direction to the shaft 1 on its one-way pulley bearing 18.
[0085] The shaft 1, in addition to the pulley 20, includes a return (torsion) spring 4. The return spring 4 winds the cable 28 when the float 33 descends. It is mounted with one end 21 on the pulley 20, while the other end 22 is attached to a bracket 23 secured to the housing 50. The spring 4 is tightened when the float 33 is lifted and stretches or untightens or loosens as it winds the float's cable 28 during its descent. In other words, when the float 33 descends with the waves and moves towards the housing 50, the pulley 20 slides on its pulley-bearing 18 rotating in the opposite direction to the shaft 1 and rewinding the cable 28 under the influence of the return spring 4.
[0086] For additional protection, the pulley 20 and the return spring 4 are surrounded by a protective casing 49 with the shaft 1 extending through the protective casing 49 using a sealing ring 47. The protective casing 49 provides additional waterproof functionality which ensures safety and functionality of the converter.
[0087] As mentioned, the cable 28 passes through a sealing ring 27 and a waterproof cuff 26.
[0088] As indicated in Figure 2, the cuff 26 has a corresponding stroke, indicated by the arrow 56, that matches the movement of the float 33 during the operation of the converter, while the arrow 46 indicates the extension of the cable 28 depending on the depth of the water.
[0089] As shown in Figure 1, the sealing ring 27 is mounted on the upper part of the cuff 26 and serves as a barrier against water entering the inside of the housing 50. The sealing ring 27 is designed so that the cable 28 can slide only under certain conditions (when the cuff 26 is fully opened or closed), for example, during extreme weather conditions when the floats 33 are lowered into the stands 25, as will be explained later.
[0090] The mechanical wave energy converter further includes a spring 3, preferably a torsion spring, which spirals around the shaft 1. The spring 3 may be referred to as "accumulative spring" as it accumulates the rotations of the shaft 1. One end (first end) 41 of the spring 3 is secured to the shaft 1 in a groove 43 allowing it to rotate together with the shaft. The other end (second end) 42 of the spring 3 is connected to a (primary) gear 7 which is rotationally mounted on the shaft 1 using standard bearings 45. The gear 7 may rotate freely on the shaft 1 biased by the spiraling spring 3. The gear 7 meshes with an input gear 8 of a gearbox 12, which itself is connected to the generator 11 using further gears 9, 10. The output gear 9 of the gearbox 12 meshes with the generator gear 10 of the generator 11. The output gear 9 is larger than the generator gear 10 of the generator 11 and serves to increase the rotational speed to meet the generator's requirements for electricity production.
[0091] To allow for the rotation of the second end 42 of the spring 3 and thereby the gear 7, the shaft 1 must perform a greater number of rotations at the first end 41 of the accumulative spring 3. In this way, the accumulative spring 3, under the influence of one or more floats 33, accumulates a significant number of rotations of the shaft 1 necessary for the stable rotation of the generator 11, regardless of the unstable movements of the floats 33. This enables efficient electricity production even in variable marine conditions.
[0092] During rising of the floats 33, the shaft 1 rotates for driving the generator 11 for producing electric energy.
[0093] Terms such as pulley, gear, cable, and similar expressions are not limiting and serve to clarify the invention; any suitable transfer mechanisms may be used in their place. The mechanical wave energy converter is further configured with a safety arrangement which may be used, for example during adverse weather conditions, such as a tsunami.
[0094] For safety reasons, the floats 33 may then be pulled into their stands 25 for securely positioning the floats 33 in a submersed (submerged) position. Hence, the safety arrangement of the converter may be configured for submersing the floats 33 into a safe position on the housing 50.
[0095] As shown, e.g., in Figures 1 and 5, the float 33 is equipped with a solar panel 34, a bidirectional pump 30, a battery 29, and a controller 31 for remote or mechanical activation of the pump 30.
[0096] The solar panel 34 is connected by an electric cable 35 to the battery 29, pump 30, and controller 31. The solar panel 34 is solely used for charging the battery 29, which in turn powers the pump 30.
[0097] The pump 30 can be operated in two directions. In a first pumping direction, water 58 is pumped into the float 33. In a second pumping direction, water 58 contained inside the float can be expelled or discharged from the float 33.
[0098] The pump 30 may be a component of the safety arrangement.
[0099] The pump 30 may be used only in cases of extreme weather conditions such as a tsunami.
[0100] The pump has an outlet hose 37 and an inlet hose 38 that serve, as needed, for filling and emptying the float. When there is a threat of high waves or a tsunami 2 (indicated in Figure 6), the pump is activated by mechanical or electronic command, preferably remotely, to fill the floats 33 with water 58 through the opening in the outlet hose 37. Due to its weight, the respective float 33 need not be completely filled, but only to the extent that it can sink. Air 55 is compressed in the upper part of the float 33. The air may remain inside the float 33. As the float 33 is filled at least partially with water and sinks or at least no longer float, the return spring 4 can pull on the cable 28 and pull the float 33 into the stand 25, as shown in Figure 6. The float 33 is securely positioned in the stand 25.
[0101] Once the danger has passed, the pump 30 may be active in the opposite pumping direction to drain water 58 from the float 33. The float 33 may rise and float to return to its operational position at the surface of the water.
[0102] The following may be preferred aspects of this disclosure:
[0103] 1. The mechanical wave energy converter, comprising: at least one float (33) configured for floating and following a movement of water (58) caused by waves, a base (14) configured to be placed on a seabed (40), a waterproof housing (50) mounted on the base (14) and configured to be submersed (submerged) in the water (58), a generator (11) arranged inside the waterproof housing (50), a shaft (1) arranged inside the waterproof housing (50), the shaft (1) being mounted within the waterproof housing (50) for rotational movement only in one direction, the shaft (1) being coupled to the at least one float (33) and to the generator (11) so that during movement of the at least one float (33) the shaft (1) rotates for driving the generator (11), and preferably further comprising a servicing arrangement for enabling servicing of the generator (11), the servicing arrangement including a submersible winch (71) arranged on the waterproof housing (50), the submersible winch (71) including a rope (54), and a submersible auxiliary float (44) releasably coupled to the rope (54), wherein the submersible winch (71) secures the submersible auxiliary float (44) on the submersible waterproof housing (50) and wherein the submersible winch (71) is configured for unwinding the rope (54) so that the submersible auxiliary float (44) is able to float. The mechanical wave energy converter of aspect 1, wherein the submersible winch (71) includes a guide (66) through which the rope (54) is threaded, wherein the submersible auxiliary float (44) includes a pin (76), wherein one end of the pin (76) is connected to the auxiliary float (44) and the other end of the pin (76) is releasably coupled to the rope (54), and wherein the submersible winch (71) is configured to pull on the rope (54) so that the pin (76) is inserted into the guide (66) and securely positioned within the guide (66). The mechanical wave energy converter of aspect 1 or aspect 2, wherein the submersible winch (71) includes a drum (51), a brake (65) for braking the drum (51) and a spring (64) for biasing the brake (65) in a brake position such that unwinding of the rope (54) is prevented, wherein the submersible winch (71) further includes a release piston (52) for releasing the brake (65) to enable unwinding of the rope (54) from the drum (51). The mechanical wave energy converter of aspect 3, wherein the release piston (52) is configured to be remotely controlled preferably such that upon receiving a release command the release piston (52) releases the brake (65) from the drum (51) to thereby enable unwinding of the rope (54). The mechanical wave energy converter of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the submersible waterproof housing (50) includes a coupling (6), preferably a tubular coupling (6), and the mechanical wave energy converter or the servicing arrangement comprises a submersible mobile service tunnel (70) configured for being coupled to the coupling (6). The mechanical wave energy converter of aspect 5 in combination with any of aspects 2-4, wherein the mobile service tunnel (70) comprises a tube (60), steps (61) and a pin (76) mounted at a bottom of the steps (61), wherein the pin (76) is releasably couplable to the rope (54) and wherein the submersible winch (71) is configured for pulling on the rope (54) such that the mobile service tunnel (70) is pulled towards the waterproof housing (50) for coupling with the coupling (6). The mechanical wave energy converter of aspect 6, wherein the mobile service tunnel (70) includes a water pump (69) for pumping water out of the tunnel (70). The mechanical wave energy converter of aspect 7 , wherein the submersible waterproof housing (50) includes a waterproof lid (5) configured to provide access to an inside of the waterproof housing (50), the waterproof lid (5) being arranged inside the tunnel (70) when the tunnel (70) is coupled to the coupling (6). The mechanical wave energy converter of any one of aspects 5-8, wherein the mobile service tunnel (70) is made of a floating material and / or includes a waterproof rubber band (63) for providing a sealing between the tunnel (70) and the coupling (6). The mechanical wave energy converter of any one of aspects 5-9, wherein the submersible winch (71) is configured to be remotely controlled, preferably such that by an unwind control the winch (71) is configured to unwind the rope (54), preferably by releasing a brake (65) from a drum (51) of the winch (71), for allowing the auxiliary float (44) to float on the water, and preferably allowing a technician to disconnect the rope (54) from the auxiliary float (44) and connect the rope (54) to the mobile service tunnel (70), and such that by a wind control the winch (71) is configured to rewind the rope (54) for pulling the mobile service tunnel (70) that is connected to the rope (54) towards the submersible waterproof housing (50) for coupling the mobile service tunnel (70) to the coupling (6) of the waterproof housing (50). The mechanical wave energy converter of any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising: at least one pulley (20) positioned inside the waterproof housing (50) and mounted on the shaft (1) using a one-way pulley bearing (18) that allows the pulley (20) to rotate on the shaft (1) in the opposite direction to the rotation of the shaft (1), and at least one return spring (4) being connected on one side to the at least one pulley (20) and on the other side to the waterproof housing (50), wherein the shaft (1) is mounted within the waterproof housing (50) on a one-way shaft bearing (19) that allows a rotation of the shaft (1) when the at least one float (33) is lifted by the waves and moves away from the waterproof housing (50), whereby the at least one float (33) is connected to the at least one pulley (20) by a cable (28) such that when the float (33) is lifted by the waves and moves away from the waterproof housing (50), the at least one pulley (20) and the shaft (1) rotate together on the one-way shaft bearing (19) unwinding the cable (28), and when the at least one float (33) descends with the waves and moves towards the waterproof housing (50), the pulley (20) slides on the one-way pulley bearing (18) rotating in the opposite direction to the shaft (1) and rewinding the cable (28) under the influence of the return spring (4). The mechanical wave energy converter of aspect 11, wherein the waterproof housing (50) includes at least one stand (25) for accommodating the at least one float (33) and wherein the at least one return spring (4) is adjusted to fully pull the at least one float (33) into the at least one stand (25) to secure the at least one float (33) in a submersed (submerged) position within its stand (25), preferably in case of adverse weather conditions such as a tsunami. The mechanical wave energy converter of aspect 12, wherein the stand (25) is fixedly attached to an outer face of the waterproof housing (50) and preferably shaped according to the at least one float (33), so that the at least one float (33) rests stably on the at least one stand (25) in a secured position, preferably in case of adverse weather conditions such as a tsunami (2). The mechanical wave energy converter of aspect 12 or aspect 13, wherein the at least one float (33) is equipped with a bidirectional pump (30) for filling and emptying the at least one float (33) and wherein the at least one float (33) is equipped with a controller (31) for remote controlling of the pump (30), wherein the controller (31) is configured for activating the pump (30) in a first pumping direction in which the at least one float (33) is filled at least partially with water (58) allowing the at least one float (33) to descend and to be pulled into the stand (25) under the influence of the return spring (4), and wherein the controller (31) is configured for activating the pump (30) in a second pumping direction in which the at least one float (33) is drained from the water (58) allowing the at least one float (33) to return to its operation position and float on a surface (39) of the water (58), preferably wherein the pump (30) is activated in the first pumping direction during adverse weather conditions such as a tsunami, and activated in the second pumping direction when the adverse weather conditions have passed. The mechanical wave energy converter of aspect 14, wherein the at least one float (33) includes a battery (29) configured for powering the pump (30) and a solar panel (34) configured for charging the battery (29). The mechanical wave energy converter of any one of aspects 11-15, wherein the at least one pulley (20) and the at least one return spring (4) are accommodated within a protective casing (49) arranged inside the waterproof housing (50), the protective casing (49) being configured for providing additional waterproof protection for the generator (11). The mechanical wave energy converter of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the shaft (1) includes a gear (7) connected to the generator (11) by a transfer mechanism, preferably wherein the transfer mechanism includes a gearbox (12) The mechanical wave energy converter of aspect 17, wherein the gear (7) is mounted on the shaft (1) using a bearing (45) allowing for rotation of the gear (7) relative to the shaft (1) and wherein the mechanical wave energy generator further comprises a spring (3), preferably a torsion spring, the spring (3) spiraling around the shaft (1), wherein a first end (41) of the spring (3) is fixedly connected to the shaft (1) and a second end (42) of the spring (3) is fixedly connected to the gear (7). The mechanical wave energy converter of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the base (14) has a weight that is configured for providing stability on the seabed (40) and / or wherein the base (14) has adjustable legs (15) that allow for leveling in different terrain conditions. The mechanical wave energy converter of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the base (14) includes a female hook (16) at one end of the base (14) and a male hook (17) at the other end of the base (14), the female hook (16) and the male hook (17) allowing for chain connection of multiple mechanical wave energy converters. Mechanical wave energy converter with active floats contains:
[0104] - waterproof housing (50) featuring tubular coupling (6) fixedly attached to the upper horizontal surface of the housing;
[0105] - mobile tunnel (70) designed to connect to tubular coupling (6), allowing efficient access to the converter for regular maintenance and repairs without the need to remove the converter from the seabed;
[0106] - stand (25) for accommodating active float (33) in a protective position;
[0107] - submersible winch (71);
[0108] - waterproof lid (5);
[0109] - shaft (1) mounted for rotational movement in only one direction;
[0110] - at least one active float (33);
[0111] - at least one pulley (20) positioned in housing (protective casing) (49) and mounted to rotate on shaft (1) in the opposite direction to the rotation of the shaft;
[0112] - at least one return torsion spring (4);
[0113] - accumulative spring (3);
[0114] - primary gear (7);
[0115] - gearbox (12); - generator (11);
[0116] - concrete base (14). Mechanical wave energy converter with active floats, according to aspect 21, wherein the shaft (1) is horizontally mounted within the housing (50) on one-way shaft bearings (19) that allow its rotation when the float (33) is lifted by the waves, moving away from the housing (50), whereby the float (33) is connected by a cable (28) to the pulley (20) mounted on the shaft (1) using a one-way pulley bearing (18) that allows the pulley (20) to rotate in the opposite direction relative to the primary shaft (1), such that when the active float (33) is lifted by the waves relative to the housing (50), the pulley (20) and shaft (1) rotate together on the one-way shaft bearings (19), unwinding the cable (28), and when the active float (33) descends with the waves, the pulley (20) slides on the one-way pulley bearing (18), rotating in the opposite direction to the shaft (1) and rewinding the cable (28) under the influence of the return spring (4), which is connected on one side to the pulley (20) and on the other side to the housing (50), adjusted to fully pull the float into its stand (25) in a protective position when such a command is given, whereby the primary shaft (1) further contains a gear (7) mounted on standard bearings (45) that allow its rotation relative to the shaft (1) and an accumulative spring (3) which is fixedly connected at its first end (41) to the shaft (1) and at its second end (42) to the gear (7), connected by transfer mechanisms to the gearbox (12), and the gearbox is connected to the generator (11). Mechanical wave energy converter with active floats, according to aspect 21 or aspect 22, wherein the stand (25) is immovably attached to the upper surface of the converter and shaped according to the active float (33), so that the mentioned float rests stably on the stand (25) in a protective position during adverse weather conditions, such as a tsunami (2). Mechanical wave energy converter with active floats, according to any one of aspect 21-23, wherein the submersible winch (71) is equipped with a remote control for winding the rope (54) on the winch drum (51), which has an attached gear (73) on which a one-way brake (65) is mounted that is tensioned by a spring (64), in such a way that allows only the winding of the rope (54), while for unwinding the rope (54), the winch has an electromagnetic piston (52) that releases the brake (65) from the gear (73) via remote control, whereby the submersible winch (71) further comprises a vertical guide (66) through which the rope (54) is threaded, which at the end has a hook (72) and an auxiliary float (44). Mechanical wave energy converter with active floats, according to any one of aspects 21-24, wherein the auxiliary float (44) includes a vertical pin (76) attached at its upper end to the auxiliary float (44) while at its lower end it has a ring opening for connection to the rope (54) using the hook (72), whereby the submersible winch (71) pulls the auxiliary float with the mentioned rope and secures the auxiliary float (44) with the vertical pin (76) in the vertical guide (66). Mechanical wave energy converter with active floats, according to any one of aspect 21-25, wherein the mobile tunnel (70) has a tubular shape, made of material that does not sink, wherein the mentioned tunnel (70) has hooks (68) at the upper end for lowering and extracting it from the seawater, in the central part has steps (61) for the technician's access to the converter, at the lower end has a pump (69) for expelling water from the mentioned tunnel when connected to the tubular coupling (6), further the mentioned tunnel contains a waterproof rubber band (63), positioned at the internal lower end of the tunnel in the groove (62), to ensure a waterproof connection with the tubular coupling (6), and in the central lower end has a welded axially vertical pin (76). Mechanical wave energy converter with active floats, according to any one of aspects 21-26, wherein the active float (33) is equipped with a bidirectional pump (30) for filling and emptying the float (33), a battery (29), a controller (31) for remote activation of the pump, and a solar panel (34) for maintaining the charge of the battery (29) that powers the bidirectional pump (30) for filling and emptying the float with seawater (58), allowing the float (33) to be pulled into the stand (25) during adverse weather conditions, and when the danger passes, the pump (30) is activated to drain the float (33), allowing it to return to its operational position at the surface of the seawater (39). Mechanical wave energy converter with active floats, according to any one of aspects 21-27, wherein the submersible winch (71) enables automatic retrieval of the rope (54) to the water's surface, through remote control so that the float (44) can come to the surface of the water with the rope (54), allowing the technician to disconnect the said rope from the auxiliary float (44) and connect it to the mobile tunnel (70) so that activation of the winch for rewinding the mentioned rope pulls the mobile tunnel (70) to connect to the tubular coupling. Mechanical wave energy converter with active floats, according to any one of aspects 21-28, wherein the cable (28) is attached at one end to the pulley (20), and at the other end, it is connected to the float (33) positioned outside the housing (50) in such a way that the mentioned cable exits the housing through the linear bearing (24) and the waterproof cuff (26), which serves as an external waterproof protector with a corresponding range of motion to follow the movement of the mentioned float (33), whereby the mentioned cuff is connected waterproofly at its lower end to the mentioned housing, while at its upper end, it has a waterproof sealing ring (27). Mechanical wave energy converter with active floats, according to any one of aspects 21-29, wherein the pulley (20) and the return spring (4) are positioned within a protective casing (49) through which the shaft (1) passes protected by waterproof sealing rings (47), whereby the mentioned casing serves as an additional internal waterproof protection for the converter. Mechanical wave energy converter with active floats, according to any one of aspects 21-30, wherein the accumulative spring (3) is connected in such a way that it accumulates a large number of rotations and converts the stepwise movements of the float (33) into stable rotation. Mechanical wave energy converter with active floats, according to any one of aspects 21-31, wherein the concrete base (14) has an appropriate weight that ensures the stability of the converter on the seabed, adjustable legs (15) that allow for leveling in different terrain conditions, a female hook (16) at one end of the base and a male hook (17) at the other end, which serve for chain connection of the converter, whereby the ends of the base are shaped to be securely mounted to the housing (50).
Claims
CLAIMS1. A mechanical wave energy converter, comprising: at least one float (33) configured for floating and following a movement of water (58) caused by waves, a base (14) configured to be placed on a seabed (40), a waterproof housing (50) mounted on the base (14) and configured to be submersed in the water (58), a generator (11) arranged inside the waterproof housing (50), a shaft (1) arranged inside the waterproof housing (50), the shaft (1) being mounted within the waterproof housing (50) for rotational movement only in one direction, the shaft (1) being coupled to the at least one float (33) and to the generator (11) so that during movement of the at least one float (33) the shaft (1) rotates for driving the generator (11), and a servicing arrangement for enabling servicing of the generator (11), the servicing arrangement including a submersible winch (71) arranged on the waterproof housing (50), the submersible winch (71) including a rope (54), and a submersible auxiliary float (44) releasably coupled to the rope (54), wherein the submersible winch (71) secures the submersible auxiliary float (44) on the submersible waterproof housing (50) and wherein the submersible winch (71) is configured for unwinding the rope (54) so that the submersible auxiliary float (44) is able to float. The mechanical wave energy converter of claim 1, wherein the submersible winch (71) includes a guide (66) through which the rope (54) is threaded, wherein the submersible auxiliary float (44) includes a pin (76), wherein one end of the pin (76) is connected to the auxiliary float (44) and the other end of the pin (76) is releasably coupled to the rope (54), and wherein the submersible winch (71) is configured to pull on the rope (54) so that the pin (76) is inserted into the guide (66) and securely positioned within the guide (66). The mechanical wave energy converter of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the submersible winch (71) includes a drum (51), a brake (65) for braking the drum (51) and a spring (64) for biasing the brake (65) in a brake position such that unwinding of the rope (54) is prevented, wherein the submersible winch (71) further includes a release piston (52) for releasing the brake (65) to enable unwinding of the rope (54) from the drum (51).
4. The mechanical wave energy converter of claim 3, wherein the release piston (52) is configured to be remotely controlled preferably such that upon receiving a release command the release piston (52) releases the brake (65) to thereby enable unwinding of the rope (54).
5. The mechanical wave energy converter of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the submersible waterproof housing (50) includes a coupling (6), preferably a tubular coupling (6), and the mechanical wave energy generator or the servicing arrangement comprises a submersible mobile service tunnel (70) configured for being coupled to the coupling (6).
6. The mechanical wave energy converter of claim 5 in combination with any one of claims 2-4, wherein the mobile service tunnel (70) comprises a tube (60), steps (61) and a pin (76) mounted at a bottom of the steps (61), wherein the pin (76) is releasably couplable to the rope (54) and wherein the submersible winch (71) is configured for pulling on the rope (54) such that the mobile service tunnel (70) that is coupled to the rope (54) is pulled towards the waterproof housing (50) for coupling with the coupling (6).
7. The mechanical wave energy converter of claim 6, wherein the mobile service tunnel (70) includes a water pump (69) for pumping water out of the tunnel (70).
8. The mechanical wave energy converter of claim 7, wherein the submersible waterproof housing (50) includes a waterproof lid (5) configured to provide access to an inside of the waterproof housing (50), the waterproof lid (5) being arranged inside the tunnel (70) when the tunnel (70) is coupled to the coupling (6).
9. The mechanical wave energy converter of any one of claims 5-8, wherein the mobile service tunnel (70) is made of a floating material and / or includes a waterproof rubber band (63) for providing a sealing between the tunnel (70) and the coupling (6).
10. The mechanical wave energy converter of any one of claim 5-9, wherein the submersible winch (71) is configured to be remotely controlled, preferably such that by an unwind control the winch (71) is configured to unwind the rope (54), preferably by releasing a brake (65) from a drum (51) of the winch (71), for allowing the auxiliary float (44) to float on the water, and preferably allowing a technician to disconnect the rope (54) from the auxiliary float (44) and connect the rope (54) to the mobile service tunnel (70), and such that through a wind control the winch (71) is configured to rewind the rope (54) for pulling the mobile service tunnel (70) that is connected to the rope (54) towards the submersible waterproof housing (50) for coupling the mobile service tunnel (70) to the coupling (6) of the waterproof housing (50).
11. The mechanical wave energy converter of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: at least one pulley (20) positioned inside the waterproof housing (50) and mounted on the shaft (1) using a one-way pulley bearing (18) that allows the pulley (20) to rotate on the shaft (1) in the opposite direction to the rotation of the shaft (1), and at least one return spring (4) being connected on one side to the at least one pulley (20) and on the other side to the waterproof housing (50), wherein the shaft (1) is mounted within the waterproof housing (50) on one-way shaft bearings (19) that allow a rotation of the shaft (1) when the at least one float (33) is lifted by the waves and moves away from the waterproof housing (50), whereby the at least one float (33) is connected to the at least one pulley (20) by a cable (28) such that when the float (33) is lifted by the waves and moves away from the waterproof housing (50), the at least one pulley (20) and the shaft (1) rotate together on the one-way shaft bearings (19) unwinding the cable (28), and when the at least one float (33) descends with the waves and moves towards the waterproof housing (50), the pulley (20) slides on the one-way pulley bearing (18) rotating in the opposite direction to the shaft (1) and rewinding the cable (28) under the influence of the return spring (4).
12. The mechanical wave energy converter of claim 11, wherein the waterproof housing (50) includes at least one stand (25) for accommodating the at least one float (33) and wherein the at least one return spring (4) is adjusted to fully pull the at least one float (33) into the at least one stand (25) to secure the at least one float (33) in a submersed position within its stand (25), preferably in case of adverse weather conditions such as a tsunami.
13. The mechanical wave energy converter of claim 12, wherein the stand (25) is fixedly attached to an outer face of the waterproof housing (50) and preferably shaped according to the at least one float (33), so that the at least one float (33) rests stably on the at least one stand (25) in a secured position, preferably in case of adverse weather conditions such as a tsunami (2).
14. The mechanical wave energy converter of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the at least one float (33) is equipped with a bidirectional pump (30) for filling and emptying the at least one float (33) and wherein the at least one float (33) is equipped with a controller (31) for remote controlling of the pump (30), wherein the controller (31) is configured for activating the pump (30) in a first pumping direction in which the at least one float (33) is filled at least partially with water (58) allowing the at least one float (33) to descend and to be pulled into the stand (25) under the influence of the return spring (4), and wherein the controller (31) is configured for activating the pump (30) in a second pumping direction in which the at least one float (33) is drained from the water (58) allowing the atleast one float (33) to return to its operation position and float on a surface (39) of the water (58), preferably wherein the pump (30) is activated in the first pumping direction during adverse weather conditions such as a tsunami, and activated in the second pumping direction when the adverse weather conditions have passed.
15. The mechanical wave energy converter of claim 14, wherein the at least one float (33) includes a battery (29) configured for powering the pump (30) and a solar panel (34) configured for charging the battery (29).
16. The mechanical wave energy converter of any one of claims 11-15, wherein the at least one pulley (20) and the at least one return spring (4) are accommodated within a protective casing (49) arranged inside the waterproof housing (50), the protective casing (49) being configured for providing additional waterproof protection for the generator (11).
17. The mechanical wave energy converter of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft (1) includes a gear (7) connected to the generator (11) by a transfer mechanism, preferably wherein the transfer mechanism includes a gearbox (12)18. The mechanical wave energy converter of claim 17, wherein the gear (7) is mounted on the shaft (1) using bearings (45) allowing for rotation of the gear (7) relative to the shaft (1) and wherein the mechanical wave energy generator further comprises a spring (3), preferably a torsion spring, the spring (3) spiraling around the shaft (1), wherein a first end (41) of the spring (3) is fixedly connected to the shaft (1) and a second end (42) of the spring (3) is fixedly connected to the gear (7).
19. The mechanical wave energy converter of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base (14) has a weight that is configured for providing stability on the seabed (40) and / or wherein the base (14) has adjustable legs (15) that allow for leveling in different terrain conditions.
0. The mechanical wave energy converter of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base (14) includes a female hook (16) at one end of the base (14) and a male hook (17) at the other end of the base (14), the female hook (16) and the male hook (17) allowing for chain connection of multiple mechanical wave energy converters.