Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02592896 2007-06-19
WAVE MOTION ENERGY CONVERSION APPARATUS AND METHOD OF
MANUFACTURING SAME
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of energy conversion and, in particular,
to
an apparatus and method for converting energy in the motion of a wave for a
body of water to pressurize fluid useable to drive a generator.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The energy in the wave motion of water waves in seas, oceans and other
bodies of water has been used to generate electricity.
Some schemes for doing so have involved the use of a generally
spherically shaped float that moves up and down on the surface of the body of
water in response to its wave motion. The float is attached to a generator
that
generates electricity from the buoyant vertical movement of the float.
However,
such float systems cannot capture the force of the wave motion apart from such
buoyant vertical movement.
Accordingly, a need exists for capturing the force of wave motion for a
body of water. Other objects of the invention will be apparent from the
description that follows and accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above shortcomings may be addressed by providing, in accordance
with one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for converting energy in the
motion of a wave for a body of water to pressurize fluid useable to drive a
generator. The apparatus includes a support having a longitudinal axis; a wave
capturing member defining a wave capturing surface, the wave capturing
member being connectable to the support at a first connection point of the
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support and operable to be actuated by the motion of the wave; and a fluid
pump
operable to be driven by actuation of the wave capturing member.
The first connection point may be adjustable along the longitudinal axis of
the support. The wave capturing member may be operable to move substantially
arcuately relative to the longitudinal axis of the support. The wave capturing
member may be operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the support.
The wave capturing member may include first and second substantially planar
sections disposed at an obtuse angle relative to each other and forming an
inward side defining the wave capturing surface of the wave capturing member.
The wave capturing member may include a pair of side walls attached at
opposing sides of the wave capturing member, thereby defining a wave capturing
volume of the wave capturing member. The wave capturing member may
include a transport support projecting from the wave capturing member, the
transport support being dimensioned to facilitate transport and installation
of the
wave capturing member. The fluid pump may include a first fluid pump end and
a second fluid pump end opposite the first fluid pump end, the fluid pump
being
connected at the first fluid pump end to the wave capturing member and being
connected at the second fluid pump end to the support. The apparatus may
include a plurality of frame members having respective opposing ends connected
to the wave capturing member. The fluid pump may include a piston slidably
coupled within a cylinder having a first cylinder end and a second cylinder
end
opposite the first cylinder end. The fluid pump further may include an air
passage for permitting air flow into and out of the cylinder at the first
cylinder end,
a fluid inlet valve and a fluid outlet valve, the fluid inlet valve and the
fluid outlet
valve being disposed at the second cylinder end, the piston being operable to
cause a fluid to flow into the cylinder through the fluid inlet valve and out
of the
cylinder through the fluid outlet valve. Each of the fluid inlet valve and the
fluid
outlet valve may include a one-way valve, and the fluid may include water of
the
body of water. The cylinder may be hingedly connected at the first cylinder
end
to the wave capturing member and wherein a wave capturing surface angle of
the wave capturing member is adjustable relative to the support. The apparatus
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may include a plurality of piston rings disposed about the piston, the piston
having one or more piston ring grooves for receiving the plurality of piston
rings,
the piston being dimensioned to receive a lubricant between at least one pair
of
adjacent the piston rings. The fluid pump may include a piston rod attached to
the piston, the piston rod extending from the piston through the second
cylinder
end. The piston rod may be moveably connected to the support, thereby
permitting the wave capturing member to move substantially arcuately relative
to
the support. The support may be substantially elongated along a direction of
elongation defining the longitudinal axis. The support may be fixed to a floor
beneath the body of water and extends longitudinally therefrom. The support
may include a first connection bracket rotatably connected about the support,
the
first connection bracket comprising a first pair of substantially parallel,
spaced
apart connection plates projecting substantially transversely from the
support, the
first pair of connection plates having substantially aligned apertures for
receiving
a first connection pin. The first connection bracket may be slidably attached
to
the support at the first connection point such that the first connection
bracket is
adjustable along the longitudinal axis. The apparatus may include one or more
spars having opposing first and second spar ends, respectively, the spars
being
attached at the first spar ends to the wave capturing member and having at one
or more of the second spar ends one or more spar apertures forming a venturi-
shaped channel therethrough for receiving the first connection pin to form a
first
connection between the spars and the first pair of connection plates, the
apparatus further comprising a first seal for sealing the first connection.
The
support may include a second connection bracket rotatably connected about the
support between upper and lower bracket collars, the second connection bracket
comprising a second pair of substantially parallel, spaced apart connection
plates
projecting substantially transversely from the support, the second pair of
connection plates having substantially aligned apertures for receiving a
second
connection pin. The fluid pump may have a venturi-shaped aperture
therethrough for receiving the second connection pin to form a second
connection between the fluid pump and the second pair of connection plates,
the
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apparatus further including a second seal for sealing the second connection.
The
support may include a fluid storage tank disposed within the support and a
fluid
inlet for receiving pressurized fluid from the fluid pump, the fluid storage
tank
including a fluid outlet for supplying the pressurized fluid. The apparatus
may
include one or more fluid conduits providing fluid communication between the
fluid pump and the fluid inlet, and an overpressure release valve in fluid
communication with the fluid storage tank. The apparatus may include a reel
attached to the wave capturing member and a cable attached at a first cable
end
to the reel, the cable passing through the wave capturing member and being
attached at a second cable end opposite the first cable end to the support,
the
reel being operatively coupled to the fluid pump, the fluid pump being a
hydraulic
pump operable to pressurize the fluid.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an
apparatus for converting energy in the motion of a wave for a body of water to
pressurize fluid useable to drive a generator. The apparatus includes: wave
capturing means for capturing the motion of the wave; support means for
supporting the wave capturing means such that the wave capturing means is
operable to be actuated by the motion of the wave; and pump means for
pressurizing the fluid, the pump means being operable to be driven by
actuation
of the wave capturing means.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a
method of converting energy in the motion of a wave for a body of water to
pressurize fluid useable to drive a generator. The method involves: actuating
a
wave capturing member by the motion of the wave; and driving, by the wave
capturing member, a fluid pump operable to pressurize the fluid.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a
method of securing a cylinder sleeve to a cylinder having one or more
apertures.
The method involves: inserting the cylinder sleeve within the cylinder such
that a
gap is formed between the cylinder sleeve and the cylinder; injecting into the
gap
through one of the one or more apertures a resin operable to adhere the
cylinder
sleeve to the cylinder when disposed in the gap; and plugging the one
aperture.
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The method may involve injecting the resin into the gap through successive
apertures of the one or more apertures and successively plugging the
successive
apertures.
Other aspects of the invention will be appreciated by reference to the
detailed description of the embodiments, and to the claims that follow
thereafter,
in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the invention will be described by reference to the drawings
thereof in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for converting energy in the
motion of a wave for a body of water to pressurize fluid useable to
drive a generator in accordance with a first embodiment of the
invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the underneath of a wave capturing float of
the apparatus shown in Figure 1, showing a bracket joint;
Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the bracket joint shown in Figure 2, showing a
venturi shaped channel;
Fig. 4 is a sectional view of a bracket of the apparatus shown in Figure 1,
showing a venturi shaped channel;
Fig. 5 is a sectional view of a variation of the bracket shown in Figure 4,
showing a limiter;
Fig. 6 is a sectional view of a bracket of the apparatus shown in Figure 1,
showing a rotational limiter;
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Fig. 7 is a sectional view of a variation of the bracket shown in Figure 6,
showing a lubricant boot;
Fig. 8 is a sectional view of a bracket shown in Figure 1, showing a sleeve
gap between a plate sleeve and a collar sleeve;
Fig. 9 is a sectional view of a one-way valve of the apparatus shown in
Figure 1, showing the one-way valve in the open position;
Fig. 10 is a sectional view of connecting rod and manifold of the apparatus
shown in Figure 1, showing a bearing;
Fig. 11 is a sectional view of a cylinder and a cylinder lining of the
apparatus shown in Figure 1, showing a plurality of cylinder
apertures and a plug;
Fig. 12 is a flow diagram of a method of a method of securing the cylinder
lining to the cylinder shown in Figure 11;
Fig. 13 is a perspective view of an apparatus for converting energy in the
motion of a wave for a body of water to pressurize fluid useable to
drive a generator in accordance with a second embodiment of the
invention;
Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figure 13, showing
a plurality of support poles and wave capturing floats;
Fig. 15 is a perspective view of an apparatus for converting energy in the
motion of a wave for a body of water to pressurize fluid useable to
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drive a generator in accordance with a third embodiment of the
invention; and
Fig. 16 is a front view of a roller module of the apparatus shown in Figure
15.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
An apparatus for converting energy in the motion of a wave for a body of
water to pressurize fluid useable to drive a generator includes: wave
capturing
means for capturing the motion of the wave; support means for supporting said
wave capturing means such that said wave capturing means is operable to be
actuated by the motion of the wave; and pump means for pressurizing the fluid,
said pump means being operable to be driven by actuation of said wave
capturing means.
Referring to Figure 1, the apparatus in accordance with a first and
preferred embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 10. The apparatus
10 functions to convert energy in the motion of a wave of a body of water to
pressurize fluid useable to drive a generator (not shown in Figure 1), operate
desalination equipment or useable for other purposes.
In the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, the fluid being pressurized is
water of the body of water. In some embodiments, however, the fluid is a
hydraulic fluid such as air, water, oil, oil-based fluid, biodegradable
hydraulic
fluid, other suitable fluids or combinations thereof.
The apparatus 10 includes a support such as the support pole 12 shown in
Figure 1. The support pole 12 is elongated along a vertically longitudinal
axis
and is anchored or otherwise fixed to the floor of the body of water by a
plafform
14. The support pole 12 may have a substantially hollow interior. In some
embodiments, the platform 14, a lower portion of the support pole 12, or both
the
platform 14 and the lower portion of the support pole 12 is inserted into the
floor
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of the body of water and stabilizing rods or other projections (not shown)
extend
transversely from the apparatus 10 beneath the floor of the body of water.
Preferably, the top of the support pole 12 is located above the surface of
the body of water. Figure 1 shows a support tower 15 attached to the top of
the
support pole 12 by a tripod arrangement of legs, although other arrangements
are possible. The support tower 15 advantageously permits the use of a safety
light, such as an electric powered light for assisting navigation and to alert
boat
and ship operators of the presence of the apparatus 10. The support tower 15
also advantageously facilitates installation, maintenance and repair of the
apparatus 10. A wind powered generator (not shown) may also be installed on
the support tower 15 for generating additional electricity. Further features
of the
support tower 15 are described herein below.
The apparatus 10 includes a wave capturing float 16, which is attached to
the support pole 12 in a manner that permits the wave capturing float 16 to
move
relative to the support pole 12. In the preferred embodiment, the wave
capturing
float 16 is shaped for capturing the force of a wave, such as the exemplary
wave
18 whose outline is shown in Figure 1, along a wave capturing surface of the
wave capturing member.
The wave capturing float 16 includes in the first embodiment a top sheet
20 and an end sheet 22, which are angled relative to each other at an obtuse
angle, thereby giving the wave capturing float 16 a concave shape for
capturing
the force of the wave 18. A concave shape advantageously permits the wave
capturing float 16 to move in response to the force of the wave 18 motion in
addition to or instead of merely in response to changes in water height.
Side walls 24 are attached to the top sheet 20 and the end sheet 22. In
the first embodiment, at least a portion of each side wall 24 defines a
substantially triangular shape along a lower edge thereof and the edges of the
top sheet 20 and the end sheet 22 attached to the side walls 24. In some
embodiments, the side walls extend above the top sheet 20 (not shown).
However, as shown in Figure 1, the side walls 24 can extend below the
triangular
shaped portion in an downwardly outward direction to form a scoop, thereby
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defining or increasing a wave capturing volume of the wave capturing float 16
and enhancing its wave capturing effect.
In some embodiments, the end sheet 22 extends past the portions of
opposing edges of the end sheet 22 attached to the side walls 24. This
extending portion of the end sheet 22 may be implemented by a separate sheet
of the wave capturing float 16 and may be removably attachable to the end
sheet
24, for example. Figure 1 shows the extending portion integrally formed with
the
remainder of the end sheet 22. The extending shape of the wave capturing float
16 advantageously increases the wave capturing volume of the of the wave
capturing float 16, thereby enhancing its wave capturing effect. The extending
shape also advantageously facilitates the descent of the wave capturing float
16
in response to returning wave motion after the wave 18 has passed.
While in the first embodiment of the invention the wave capturing float 16
includes substantially planar sections or sheets, some embodiments of the
invention includes substantially curved or arcuate sections, for example.
Other
shapes and arrangements of shaped components which provide a wave
capturing surface are within the scope of the present invention. For example,
an
alternative wave capturing float 16 may be made by using a pipe or
cylindrically
shaped object (not shown) having a rounded cross-section, a pipe or
cylindrically
shaped object (not shown) having an oval cross-section, or a pipe or
cylindrically
shaped object (not shown) having a rounded cross-section which is pressed into
an oval cross-section. The ends of the object, if open, are enclosed to form a
closed flotation structure (not shown). The apparatus 10 advantageously
permits
arcuate movement of the structure within the apparatus 10.
The wave capturing float 16 preferably includes a transport support 26 for
facilitating lifting, maneuvering, or other manipulations of the apparatus 10
and
the wave capturing float 16. The transport support 26 may be suitably used to
facilitate in situ installation of the wave capturing float 16 and the
apparatus 10,
replacement of the wave capturing float 16, maintenance of the apparatus 10,
repair of the apparatus 10 and combinations thereof, for example.
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Cable supports 27 are shown in Figure 1 at two corners of the top sheet
20.
The wave capturing float 16 is attached by spars, such as angled beams
28 and beam 30, to the support pole 12 at a first connection point such as the
upper connection 32 shown in Figure 1. The wave capturing float 16 is also
attached in the first embodiment to the support pole 12 at a lower connection
33
thereof.
The apparatus 10 may also include a reinforcement beam 34 extending,
between lower and upper ends thereof, substantially perpendicularly to the
beam
30. Reinforcement cables 35 are attached between the lower and upper ends of
the reinforcement beam 34 and the wave capturing float 16, including being
attached to the wave capturing float 16 at top and bottom points distal from
the
upper connection 32. Additionally or altematively, reinforcement cables 35 are
attached between the lower and upper ends of the reinforcement beam 34 and
points of the apparatus 10 near the upper connection 32, including possibly
being
attached to top and bottom sides of the beam 30.
The upper connection 32 and the lower connection 33 each include a
bracket 36.
The upper bracket 36 at the upper connection 32 is disposed around a
slider 37, which in turn is disposed around the support pole 12. The apparatus
10 may also include bearings, bushings or similar components (not shown) to
facilitate movement of the upper bracket 36 relative to the support pole 12.
The
slider 37 may be removably attachable to advantageously facilitate maintenance
and repair of the apparatus 10. The slider 37 may be made of any corrosion
resistant material such as nylon or teflon, for example, and preferably
provides a
low friction sliding surface. In some embodiments, the slider 37 comprises
elongated strips of material (not shown) oriented along the vertical axis of
the
support pole 12.
The lower bracket 36 at the lower connection 33 is disposed around the
support pole 12 between an upper collar 38 and a lower collar 39. In some
embodiments, the upper collar 38 is not used and the lower bracket 36 rests on
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the lower collar 39 only. In some embodiments, a lower slider (not shown) is
disposed around the support pole 12 at the lower connection 33, and may be
made of the same, similar or different material from that of the slider 37.
Other
components, such as bearings, bushings, elongated strips of material or
similar
components (not shown) may be included in some embodiments to facilitate
movement of the lower bracket 36 relative to the collars 38 and 39. Such other
components may be removably attachable to advantageously facilitate
maintenance and repair of the apparatus 10.
Each bracket 36 can rotate about the vertical axis of the support pole 12,
which permits the wave capturing float 16 to transversely rotate about the
support
pole 12. The ability of the brackets 36 to freely rotate about the vertical
axis
advantageously permits waves 18 to push the wave capturing float 16 to an
optimal angle at which the waves 18 strike the wave capturing member head-on.
The degree to which the wave capturing float 16 is permitted to transversely
rotate may be limited, including being limited by cables, rope or similar
materials
(not shown in Figure 1) connected between the wave capturing float 16, such as
at the cable supports 27, and the support pole 12 or other components of the
apparatus or the floor of the body of water, for example. In some embodiments,
for ease of manufacturing or assembly, each bracket 36, upper collar 38 and/or
lower collar 39 is formed from two separable halves attachable to each other
around the support pole 12. However, it is within the scope of the invention
to
include in an embodiment thereof a unitary bracket 36, a unitary upper collar
38
and/or a unitary lower collar 39.
In the first embodiment, the apparatus 10 is operable to adjust the vertical
height of the upper bracket 36 along the support pole 12, thereby adjusting
the
height of the wave capturing float 16. In this manner, the height of the wave
capturing float 16 relative to the surface of the body of water can
advantageously
be adjusted to optimize the wave capturing properties of the wave capturing
float
16, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the apparatus 10. Additionally
or
alternatively, the height of the wave capturing float 16 can be adjusted to
reduce
the effect of energy in the wave motion, such as during a storm or other
period of
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large wave activity, thereby maintaining fluid pressure of the apparatus 10
within
a safety limit. Adjusting the height of the wave capturing float 16 may also
advantageously adjust the angle and/or force at which the wave capturing
member is struck by the wave 18.
For the purpose of height adjustment, the apparatus 10 according to the
first embodiment includes one or more height adjustment cables 41 attached
between the upper bracket 36 and a winch 41. The winch 41 is operable to
upwardly retract the height adjustment cables 41, thereby raising the upper
bracket 36 relative to the slider 37 and the support pole 12. The winch 41 is
also
operable to release a length of the attachment cables 41, thereby permitting
the
upper bracket 36 to slide downwards along the slider 37. The height adjustment
cables 41 are preferably attached to the upper bracket 36 at more than one
attachment point, as shown in Figure 1, thereby advantageously minimizing
sliding friction and the possibility of jamming during height adjustment. The
apparatus 10 may also include one or more pulleys (not shown) operatively
connected between the winch 41 and the upper bracket 36. The winch 41 may
be electrically actuated, mechanically actuated, hydraulically actuated,
actuated
by other suitable actuation techniques and combinations thereof, for example.
Preferably, the winch 41 is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis of
the
support pole 12, thereby advantageously permitting the winch 41 to remain in
substantial alignment with the upper bracket 36. For example, the winch 41 may
be rotatably attached to the hub 42. In some embodiments, the winch 41 is
attached to a boom (not shown) rotatably attached to the hub 42.
The height adjustment cables 41 may be controlled for optimal
performance of the apparatus 10 in varying environmental conditions. For
example, a control system may be suitably operated to raise the height of the
upper bracket 36, thereby raising the wave capturing float 16, to optimally
capture large or steep waves 18 and suitably operated to lower the height of
the
upper bracket 36, thereby arcuately lowering the wave capturing float 16, to
increase the contact area of the wave capturing surface when only small waves
are present. Such control system may include an automated or computerized
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controller as may be known in the art, for example. The control system may
include a flow meter for measuring the flow rate of pressurized fluid produced
by
the apparatus 10, such that the flow rate can be optimized, for example.
Still referring to Figure 1, a fluid pump is attached at one end to the wave
capturing float 16 and at its other end to the support pole 12, such as at the
lower
connection 33. In the first embodiment, the fluid pump is implemented by a
cylinder 44 housing a piston 46, which is slidably coupled within the cylinder
44.
The cylinder 44 preferably includes a cylinder lining 45 for facilitating
sliding of
the piston 46 within the cylinder 44. The cylinder lining 45 may be
manufactured
and installed within the cylinder 44 by any suitable methods, including the
methods described herein further below. The cylinder lining 45 may be made of
any non-corrosive material, including plastic such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
plastic. In some embodiments, the cylinder lining 45 is made of metal and is
coated, such as being chrome plated, to minimize the possibility of corrosion.
In
some embodiments, the cylinder 44 is coated with a coating such as chrome,
teflon, carbon fiber or other non-corrosive coating materials.
The piston 46 preferably includes one or more piston grooves containing
piston rings 48 for minimizing sliding friction between the piston 46 and the
cylinder 44 at the cylinder lining 45. The piston 46 is preferably dimensioned
for
receiving lubricant between pairs of substantially parallel piston rings 48 in
a gap
between the piston 46 and the cylinder lining 45. Such lubricant may be
grease,
for example. The piston 46 may also include in some embodiments one or more
circumferential piston recesses (not shown) between pairs of piston rings 48
for
receiving an additional volume of lubricant. The piston rings 48 can be
installed
in the piston grooves in an offset configuration such that the location of any
expansion gaps in the piston rings 48 are not aligned, thereby advantageously
enhancing the effectiveness of the piston rings 48 to prevent any lubricant
from
passing the piston rings 48.
The piston 46 shown in Figure 1 includes a piston skirt 50, which may
have skirt apertures (visible in Figure 1) for facilitating the movement of
lubricant
along and near the cylinder 44 wall.
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In the first embodiment, a piston rod such as the connecting rod 52 is
threadedly attached to the piston 46 by a threaded nut (not shown).
Additionally
or alternatively, a seal (not visible in Figure 1) is in some embodiments
disposed
at one or more attachment points of the piston 46 and connecting rod 52. The
connecting rod 52 extends from the piston 46 and passes through a sealed end
54 of the cylinder 44. The connecting rod 52 extends to the lower connection
33
where is it hingedly attached to the lower bracket 36. The hinged connection
of
the connecting rod 52 to the support pole 12 advantageously permits arcuate
movement of the wave capturing float 16 relative to the support pole 12.
In some embodiments, the apparatus 10 includes a plurality (not shown) of
substantially parallel, spaced apart fluid pumps operating in parallel with a
single
support pole 12. In such embodiments, the plurality of fluid pumps may be
implemented as substantially parallel, spaced apart cylinders 44 and
associated
connecting rods 52 attached between the wave capturing float 16 and the lower
connection 33. The plurality of fluid pumps are preferably offset to each
other
such that each connecting rod 52 is substantially aligned along its own axis
extending between the longitudinal axis of the support pole 12 and an
attachment
point on the wave capturing float 16. The plurality of fluid pumps can be
offset,
relative to each other, longitudinally and circumferentially with respect to
the
support pole 12, for example.
The cylinder 44 includes a manifold 55 having one or more fluid inlet
passageways 56 which provide fluid communication between a fluid inlet 58 and
the interior of the cylinder 44 between the piston 46 and the sealed end 54.
In
the first embodiment, the fluid inlet 58 is operable to accept, as fluid,
water from
the body of water and directs such water into the cylinder 44 via the fluid
inlet
passageways 56. The fluid inlet 58 can include a screen (not visible in Figure
1)
to advantageously permit the entry of fluid absent debris or fish that may be
present in the body of water.
The manifold 55 also includes one or more fluid outlet passageways 60
which provide fluid communication between a fluid outlet 62 and the interior
of
the cylinder 44 between the piston 46 and the sealed end 54. In the first
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embodiment, the fluid outlet 62 directs fluid exiting from the cylinder 44 to
a fluid
communication pathway such as the conduit 64 shown in Figure 1.
In the first embodiment, the fluid inlet 58 and the fluid outlet 62 are
removably attachable to the apparatus 10 to advantageously facilitate
installation
and replacement of the fluid inlet 58 and the fluid outlet 62 and components
thereof. However, in some embodiments, either or both of the fluid inlet 58
and
the fluid outlet 62 are integrally attached to the cylinder 44 at the sealed
end 54,
for example. Other locations and attachments techniques are within the scope
of
the present invention.
The various portions of the conduit 64 can be made from rigid materials
such as rigid tubing, flexible materials such as flexible tubing or hose
materials,
or combinations thereof, for example.
In some embodiments, one or more overpressure valves 66 are located
along the conduit 64 to permit a release of fluid should pressure in the
conduit 64
become excessive. Excessive fluid pressure may occur during a storm or other
large wave activity, for example.
Figure 1 shows the conduit 64 extending from the fluid outlet 62 alongside
the cylinder 44 to one overpressure valve 66. A preferably flexible section of
the
conduit 64 extends from the cylinder 44 past the overpressure valve 66 to the
beam 30. A preferably rigid section of the conduit 64, shown in Figure 1 as
tube
67, extends along the beam 30 towards the support pole 12. The conduit 64
preferably includes two flexible sections thereof extending from the beam 30
to
opposing ends of a pair of rigid sections forming conduit 64 crossbars. The
conduit 64 crossbar sections place are in fluid communication with a tank
inlet
68. The tank inlet 68 directs fluid from the conduit 64 into a tank 70 located
within the support pole 12, thereby providing fluid communication between the
fluid pump and at least one component of the support pole 12.
The fluid in the tank 70 exits the tank via the tank outlet 72 and is directed
towards a generator 73 for the generation of electricity, for example. A
control
valve (not shown in Figure 1) may be suitably used to control fluid flow from
the
tank outlet 72 to the generator 73. Such control valve may be manually
CA 02592896 2007-06-19
operated, or operated via automated control, for example. A tank overpressure
outlet 74 includes an overpressure valve which permits the release of fluid
from
the tank 70 should pressure in the tank 70 become excessive.
In some embodiments, the tank 70 is operable to receive pressurized air
via an air inlet (not shown). Injecting pressurized air into the tank 70
advantageously permits fluid to flow through the tank outlet 72 in response to
a
desired pressure.
In the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, the cylinder 44 includes an air
passageway 76 to permit air to freely flow in and out of the interior of the
cylinder
44 between the piston 46 and the end of the end of the cylinder 44 opposite
the
sealed end 54. The air passageway 76 is preferably routed from the cylinder 44
to an air outlet 78 located above the top sheet 20 of the wave capturing float
16.
Additionally or alternatively, the air passageway 76 can be routed to any
point
above the surface of the body of water, for example. The air passageway 76
may advantageously be used to remove contaminants such as fluid, including
water, oil, lubricant, or other substances which may accumulate in the
interior of
the cylinder 44 above the piston 46. Such contaminants may be removed by
vacuum suction, such by vacuum suction through tubing which may be nylon
tubing, for example. The air passageway 76 may include screens or other
filtering devices to prevent the entry of contaminants into the cylinder 44.
As shown in Figure 1, slack lengths of the conduit 64 and the air
passageway 76 are preferably provided to permit movement of the wave
capturing float 16 without reaching a length limitation or over-stretching of
the
conduit 64 or the air passageway 76.
In some embodiments, such as embodiments in which the fluid is not
water from the body of water, a return conduit (not shown in Figure 1) is
operable
to transfer fluid from the generator 73 back to the fluid inlet 58. In such
embodiments, the fluid inlet 58 is not in fluid communication with the body of
water, but rather with an output (not visible in Figure 1) of the generator
73.
Preferably, a substantial portion of the route of the return conduit is
alongside the
conduit 64. Also, the overpressure valves 66 and the tank overpressure outlet
74
16
CA 02592896 2007-06-19
do not release fluid into the body of water, but rather act as bypass valves
and
conduits bypassing the generator 73 to return fluid to the fluid inlet 58.
Still referring to Figure 1, the first embodiment includes a cylinder support
such as the spring 80 attached between the cylinder 44 and the support pole
12.
Preferably, the cylinder support provides resilient support for the cylinder
44 such
that the cylinder 44 is permitted to move, including swinging arcuately,
relative to
the support pole 12 within a limited range. The spring 80 advantageously
reduces wear on other moving components of the apparatus 10 such as end
bearings. In some embodiments, the spring 80 is slidably attached to the
support
pole 12, including possibly being attached to the upper connection 32, such
that
the height of the cylinder support is adjustable.
In the first embodiment, one or more support legs 82 attached to the
support pole 12 provide additional support to maintain the support pole 12 in
its
vertical position. The support legs 82 typically extend from the support pole
12 at
a downward slope toward the floor of the body of water where the support legs
82 may be anchored. Although the support legs 82 are shown in Figure 1 as
being attached at a particular point along the support pole 12, in general the
support legs 82 may be attached at any point along the support pole 12, for
example. Typically, the support legs 82 are not attached to the support pole
12
at a location that would interfere with height adjustment of the upper bracket
36.
The lower ends of the one or more support legs 82 may be attached to the
platform 14 at separated locations thereof (not shown) on a side of the
support
pole 12 opposite the wave capturing float 16, for example. Each support leg 82
may be made of a rigid material, such as a post, a flexible material such as a
cable material, or combinations thereof.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the wave capturing float 16 is shaped to
provide a wave capturing surface oriented for contact with the wave 18. The
wave capturing surface or portions thereof may be curved or planar, for
example.
In the first embodiment, the wave capturing surface is defined by the bottom
sheet 84, only a portion of which is shown in Figure 2, and the bottom surface
of
the scoop (not shown in Figure 2) formed by the side walls 24. Thus, the wave
17
CA 02592896 2007-06-19
capturing surface is concave and defines a wave capturing volume for capturing
the force of the wave 18. Preferably, the bottom sheet 84 is substantially
rectangular and extends between the four corners of the main portion of the
wave
capturing float 16 shown in Figure 2. The bottom sheet 84 itself may have a
concave shape (not shown) to increase the wave capturing volume. In some
embodiments, the bottom sheet 84 is not extensive or is not included and the
wave capturing surface is predominantly defined by the bottom surfaces of the
top sheet 20 and the end sheet 22 and the inward surface of the side walls 24.
In
such embodiments, the wave capturing surface also has a concave shape for
capturing the force of the wave 18.
Referring to Figure 2, the top sheet 20, end sheet 22 and side walls 24 of
the wave capturing float 16 are supported by frame members such as the frame
beams 86 and the upper frame beam 87, which advantageously enhance the
ability of the wave capturing float 16 to withstand the force of the wave 18.
The
frame beams 86 and the upper frame beam 87 preferably form the frame of the
wave capturing float 16.
The bottom sheet 84 is preferably attached between the frame beams 86
and the beam 30, and preferably attached between the frame beams 86 and the
angled beams 28. In some embodiments, however, the beam 30 and/or the
angled beams 28 can be disposed between the top and bottom of the wave
capturing float 16, such as being centrally disposed therebetween for example.
In various embodiments, the frame beams 86, upper frame beam 87,
angled beams 28, beam 30 and similar components can be I-beams, J-beams,
straight beams, similar structural components or combinations thereof, for
example. The frame beams 86, upper frame beam 87, angled beams 28, beam
and similar components can be attached by any suitable technique, including
by welding, bolting, screwing, adhering or combinations thereof, for example.
Figure 2 shows the wave capturing float 16 hingedly connected to the
upper end of the cylinder 44 via a joint such as the bracket joint 88. In some
30 embodiments, the bracket joint 88 may be a universal joint (not shown). In
the
first embodiment, however, the bracket joint 88 is a joint substantially
similar in
18
CA 02592896 2007-06-19
design to the bracket 36 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the bracket
joint 88 is attached between the bottom sheet 84 and a cylinder flange 90 of
the
cylinder 44. The bracket joint 88 includes a bracket flange 91 attached to the
cylinder flange 90. The hinged connection of the wave capturing float 16 to
the
cylinder 44 advantageously permits the wave capturing float 16 to move about
in
response to wave motion while retaining the ability to transfer energy in the
wave
motion to linear movement of the cylinder 44 relative to the piston 46 (Figure
1).
Still referring to Figure 2, the wave capturing float 16 includes in some
embodiments a ballast 92 for adjusting buoyancy of the wave capturing float
16.
The ballast 92 may include a substance having a density greater than that of
water to assist in weighing down the wave capturing float 16. Additionally or
alternatively, the ballast 92 may include a substance having a density less
than
that of water to assist in increasing or maintaining buoyancy of the wave
capturing float 16. The ballast may include materials such as concrete, metal,
rock, sand, water, plastic, foam, enclosed air, other materials of a known
density,
and combinations thereof, for example. The ballast 92 may be implemented as a
single block as shown in Figure 2. Additionally or alternatively, the ballast
92
may be distributed within the wave capturing volume and may be attached along
the wave capturing surface. One or more ballasts 92 may be be attached to the
wave capturing float 16 at its center of buoyancy and/or along the extreme
forward edge thereof distal from the support pole 12, for example. Adjusting
the
amount of ballast, in conjunction with height adjustments of the upper bracket
36,
advantageously adjusts the angle at which the wave capturing surface is struck
by the wave 18 and the surface area of the wave capturing surface making
contact with the wave 18.
Referring to Figure 3, the bracket joint 88 includes connection plates such
as the plates 94 (visible in Figures 1, 2 and 3). The plates 94 are located
substantially parallel to each other and project from the bottom sheet 84. A
gap
96 between the plates 94 is traversed by a connection pin such as the bracket
rod 98 shown in cross-section in Figure 3. In the first embodiment, the
bracket
rod 98 is attached at opposing ends thereof to corresponding plates 94 by
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CA 02592896 2007-06-19
bracket screws 100, although other attachment techniques may suitably be
employed. The bracket screws 100 also fasten at each end of the bracket rod 98
a seal such as the o-ring seal 102 shown in Figure 3. The o-ring seal 102 may
be made of non-corrosive materials, such as neoprene, plastic or rubber for
example. In some embodiments, a key (not shown) is included to assist in
preventing the bracket rod 98 from rotating relative to the plates 94 during
operation of the apparatus 10.
The bracket rod 98 is received within an aperture 104 of the bracket
flange 91 such that the wave capturing float 16 and the cylinder 44 can rotate
relative to each other about a longitudinal axis defined by the length of the
bracket rod 98.
In the first embodiment, the size of the aperture 104 is defined by a
bushing 106 having a convex inner surface, thereby forming a venturi-shaped
channel within the beam aperture 104. Such venturi-shaped aperture 104
advantageously permits the bracket flange 91 to move transversely relative to
the
bracket rod 98 and to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis
of the bracket rod 98. Linings 108 of the bracket 88 provide a surface for
limiting
the angle of transverse rotation of the bracket flange 91. In some
embodiments,
the bushing 106 and the linings 108 may be removably attachable to permit
replacement after wear, thereby advantageously providing ease of maintenance
of the apparatus 10. The bushings 106 and the linings 108 can be made of a
hard rubber, hard plastic, teflon or similar material, for example.
The bracket 88 includes a nipple 110 disposed at one end of the bracket
rod 98. The nipple 110 is operable to receive a lubricant, such as grease,
that
can travel along the lubricant passage 112 disposed within the bracket rod 98
to
the aperture 104. The aperture 104 and surrounding area thus can be filled
with
the lubricant to facilitate movement of the bracket flange 91 relative to the
plates
94. The lubricant may advantageously increase the useable lifetime of the
bracket flange 91, plates 94, bushings 106 and/or the linings 108. Lubricant
is
contained within the bracket 88 by a lubricant boot 114. The lubricant boot
114
surrounds the portion of the bracket rod 98 disposed between the plates 94.
The
CA 02592896 2007-06-19
lubricant boot 114 is preferably flexible in shape to accommodate movement of
the bracket flange 91 relative to the plates 94, and may be resiliently
shaped,
including possibly being shaped as a spring or including a spring. By way of
example as shown in Figure 3, the lubricant boot 114 may have a corrugated
cross-section. The lubricant boot 114 can be made of non-corrosive flexible
material such as plastic or rubber, for example.
Referring to Figure 4, the upper bracket 36 (also shown in Figure 1) in
some embodiments includes plates 94, gap 96, bracket rod 98, bracket screws
100, o-ring seals 102, apertures 104, bushings 106, linings 108, nipples 110,
lubricant passages 112 and lubricant boots 114 in a manner similar or
analogous
to that described above in respect of the bracket 88. The plates 94 project
from
the portion of the bracket 36 surrounding the support pole 12, thereby
projecting
from the support pole 12 substantially perpendicularly to the vertical axis of
the
support pole 12. The aperture 104 is formed within the beam 30 such that the
beam 30, and hence the wave capturing float 16, can rotate about the
longitudinal axis of the bracket rod 98, move transversely relative to the
bracket
rod 98 and rotate about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the
bracket rod 98. Additionally or alternatively, the upper bracket 36 can
include a
key (not shown) to assist in preventing the bracket rod 98 from rotating
relative
to the plates 94 during operation of the apparatus 10.
The lower bracket 36 is formed in an analogous manner as the upper
bracket 36. Thus, Figure 4 can be seen as illustrating a cross-section of the
lower bracket 36 by replacing the beam 30 with the connecting rod 52 such that
the connecting rod 52, and hence the cylinder 44, can rotate about the
longitudinal axis of the bracket rod 98, move transversely relative to the
bracket
rod 98 and rotate about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the
bracket rod 98.
Referring to Figure 5, a maximum angle of transverse rotation of the beam
can also be achieved by attaching limiters 116 to either or both sides of the
30 beam 30 and along the beam 30 on either or on both opposing sides of the
beam
aperture 104. Figure 5 shows four limiters 116 located on both sides of the
beam
21
CA 02592896 2007-06-19
30 and along the beam 30 on opposing sides of the beam aperture 104. The
limiters 116 can be removably attached to the beam 30 or integrally formed
with
the beam 30, for example, and can be made of the same, similar or different
material as the bushings 106, linings 108 or the beam 30. The limiters 116 can
b
solid blocks of material or have generally hollow interiors. Figure 5 can be
seen
as illustrating a cross-section of the lower bracket 36 by replacing the beam
30
with the connecting rod 52.
In Figure 6, the beam 30 is shown in cross-section formed as an I-beam.
A rotational limiter 118 is attached to the beam 30 by fasteners (not shown)
for
limiting the rotation of the beam 30 about the axis perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the bracket rod 98. The rotational limiter 118 includes a
slot
120 shown in dotted lines in Figure 6. The rotational limiter 118 and its slot
120
are dimensioned to permit the bracket rod 98 and the lubricant boot 114 to
pass
through the slot 120. As seen in Figure 6, the upper and lower edges of the
slot
120 limit the perpendicular rotation of the beam 30. Preferably, two
rotational
limiters 118 are attached to opposing sides of the beam 30, as shown in Figure
6.
Figure 7 illustrates embodiments in which separate rotational limiters 118
are provided along the beam 30 on opposing sides of the beam aperture 104
(see Figure 5 for example) such that the rotational limiters 118 are not
visible in
cross-section at the bracket rod 98 due to the lubricant boot 114; embodiments
in
which a pair of rotational limiters is provided only provided on one side of
the
bracket rod 98 not visible in Figure 7; embodiments in which no rotational
limiters
118 are included; and similar embodiments in which no rotational limiter 118
is
visible in cross-section as shown in Figure 7.
In some embodiments, two opposing bushings 106 define the aperture
104 as shown in Figures 3 to 6. Altematively, only one bushing 106 on one side
of the bracket rod 98 is included in some embodiments as shown in Figure 7.
Where only one bushing 106 is provided, that bushing 106 is preferably
provided
on the upper side of the bracket rod 98 where the action of gravity upon the
apparatus 10 will force contact between the bushing 106 and the bracket rod
98.
22
CA 02592896 2007-06-19
Referring to Figure 8, each plate 94 of the lower bracket 36 is shown
connected between the upper and lower collars 38 and 39, which in tum are
attached to the support pole 12. The support pole 12 is attached to and
extends
below the platform 14. The plate 94 shown in Figure 8 is attached to, or
alternatively can be integrally formed with, a plate sleeve 120 that surrounds
the
support pole 12. The plate sleeve 120 is rotatably coupled to a collar sleeve
122
that connects the upper and lower collars 38 and 39. The collar sleeve 122
surrounds the support pole 12 and is disposed within the plate sleeve 120. The
plate sleeve 120 and the collar sleeve 122 are separated by a sleeve gap 124.
A
sleeve nipple 126 is operable to receive a lubricant, such as grease, that can
fill
the sleeve gap 122. The lubricant is contained within the sleeve gap 124 by a
seal such as the pair of o-rings 128. The o-rings 128 are held in place by an
end
cap 130 attached to the bracket 36 on opposing sides of the sleeve gap 124.
The lubricant advantageously facilitates rotation of the plate sleeve 120
relative
to the collar sleeve 122. The lubricant may advantageously increase the
useable
lifetime of the lower bracket 36.
Referring to Figure 9, each of the fluid inlet 58 (Figure 1) and the fluid
outlet 62 (Figure 1) preferably includes a one-way valve 132 for permitting
fluid to
flow in one direction only and inhibits fluid from flowing in the opposing
direction.
In th first embodiment, the one-way valve 132 includes a housing 134 shown in
cross-section in Figures 4 to 6. The housing 134 defines an entry 136 through
which fluid may enter the one-way valve 132, an exit 138 through which fluid
may
exit, and one or more exit apertures 140 through which fluid may flow. A check
ball 142 is moveable within the housing 134 between the entry 136 and the exit
138. In particular, the check ball 142 is operable to move between the entry
136
and exit apertures 140 in response to fluid pressure. The check ball 142 may
have any suitable shape, including spherical, quadrilateral or polygonal, for
example.
The one-way valve 132 is in the open position when the check ball 142 is
in a position away from the entry 136 and towards the exit 138. The check ball
142 may be maintained in the open position by fluid pressure causing fluid
flow
23
CA 02592896 2007-06-19
from the entry 136 to the exit 138 via the exit apertures 140, as shown in
Figure
9. When the check ball 142 is away from the entry 136, fluid is permitted to
flow
from the exterior of the one-way valve 132 through the entry 136, past the
check
ball 142, through the exit apertures 140 and out through the exit 138. The one-
way valve 132 is in the closed position (not shown) when the check ball 142 is
in
a position away from the exit 138 and towards the entry 136 such that fluid
flow is
not permitted to pass the check ball 142. The closed position prevents fluid
from
exiting the one-way valve 132 through the entry 136. The check ball 142 is
typically maintained in the closed position by fluid pressure originating from
the
exit 138.
Referring back to Figure 1, the fluid inlet 58 and the fluid outlet 62 are
preferably oriented such that gravity urges their respective one-way valves
132
towards closed positions. Such orientation prevents fluid from entering the
cylinder 44 through the fluid inlet valve 58 or exiting the cylinder 44
through the
fluid outlet 62 absent sufficient pressure, typically caused by movement of
the
piston 46 relative to the cylinder 44, to open the one-way valve 132.
In some embodiments, one or both of the fluid inlet 58 and the fluid outlet
62 includes a valve positioner (not shown) to permit fluid to flow through the
one-
way valve 132 in both directions when the valve positioner is actuated. The
valve
positioner may include a plunger operable to contact the check ball 142 so as
to
maintain the check ball 142 in its open position, for example. The valve
positioner may be actuated by hydraulic pressure supplied by a hydraulic line,
electrically actuated, mechanically actuated, actuated by other suitable
actuation
techniques, or any combination thereof, for example. The valve positioner may
be remotely operated and may be computer controlled, for example. The valve
positioner may be suitably employed to permit fluid to flow out from the
cylinder
44 via the fluid inlet 58 (Figure 1), thereby reducing the effectiveness of
the
apparatus 10 fluid pump. A reduced effectiveness may be desirable in
circumstances such as storm conditions where fluid pressure at the fluid
outlet 62
(Figure 1) may become excessive.
24
CA 02592896 2007-06-19
Referring to Figure 10, the connecting rod 52 is slidably coupled to the
manifold 55 by a bearing 144. The bearing 144 surrounds the connecting rod 52
and is disposed within the manifold 55 adjacent an inner wall 146 of the
manifold
55. The bearing 144 has at least one elongated recessed portion thereof
forming
a manifold gap 148 between the connecting rod 52 and the bearing 144. A
manifold nipple 150 is operable to receive a lubricant, such as grease, that
can fill
the manifold gap 148. The lubricant is contained within the manifold gap 148
by
a seal such as the upper o-ring 152 and the lower o-ring 154. The upper and
lower o-rings 152 and 154 can be held in place by any suitable technique or
method which may be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. In the
first
embodiment, the lower o-ring 154 provides the seal of the sealed end 54 of the
cylinder 44. The lubricant advantageously facilitates sliding movement of the
connecting rod 52 relative to the manifold 55. The lubricant may
advantageously
increase the useable lifetime of the manifold 55 and the connecting rod 52.
In some embodiments, the manifold 55 includes a second lubricant
passage (not shown) in addition to the manifold nipple 150 lubricant passage
shown in Figure 10 between the manifold nipple 150 and the manifold gap 148.
Such second lubricant passage may be disposed at an opposite end of the
manifold gap 148 from the manifold nipple 150 lubricant passage shown in
Figure
10. Such pair of lubricant passages advantageously permit a flow of lubricant,
such as oil, through the manifold gap 148, entering at one end of the manifold
gap 148 and exiting at its opposite end. Such flow of lubricant can be a
continuous flow, such as in a continuous flow lubrication system, for example.
Other lubrication points of the apparatus 10 can be similarly modified for
continuous flow lubrication.
Various components of the apparatus 10 which may come into contact
with water of the body of water or in contact with a lubricant are preferably
made
of non-corrosive materials, including materials known to a person of ordinary
skill
in the art. Non-corrosive materials of the apparatus 10 may include materials
such as plastics, including polymers such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and
nylon;
non-corrosive metals such as brass, titanium and other non-corrosive metals;
CA 02592896 2007-06-19
coated materials, including painted metals or chrome plated metals; ceramics;
rubber; fiberglass; or combinations thereof, for example.
Thus, there is provided an apparatus for converting energy in the motion
of a wave for a body of water to pressurize fluid useable to drive a
generator, the
apparatus comprising: a support having a longitudinal axis; a wave capturing
member defining a wave capturing surface, said wave capturing member being
connectable to said support at a first connection point of said support and
operable to be actuated by the motion of the wave; and a fluid pump operable
to
be driven by actuation of said wave capturing member.
Operation
Referring back to Figures 1 and 2, the wave capturing float 16 typically
contains appropriate and sufficient amounts of ballast 92 such that the wave
capturing float 16 rests on the surface of the water when no wave 18 is
present.
The height of the wave capturing float 16 is typically adjusted such that when
no
wave 18 is present, the piston is in a retracted position relative to the
cylinder 44
where the cylinder 44 volume above the piston 46 (i.e. proximate to the wave
capturing float 16) is near a minimum volume and the cylinder 44 volume below
the piston 46 is near a maximum. Typically, the cylinder 44 volume above the
piston 46 is filled with air and the cylinder 44 volume below the piston 46 is
filled
with fluid such as water of the body of water.
When the wave 18 strikes or othenniise impacts the wave capturing
surface of the wave capturing float 16, energy in the wave motion causes the
wave capturing float 16 to rotate in an upwardly arcuate direction relative to
the
upper connection 32, thereby pulling the cylinder 44 upwards relative to the
piston 46 and extending the connecting rod 52 relative to the cylinder 44. The
extension of the connecting rod 52 causes fluid within the cylinder 44 volume
below the piston 46 to be expelled under pressure from the cylinder 44 via the
fluid outlet 62. Air is permitted to enter the cylinder 44 volume above the
piston
46 via the air passageway 76. The expelled fluid enters the tank 70, which in
26
CA 02592896 2007-06-19
turn expels, under pressure, fluid from the tank 70, thereby making
pressurized
fluid available for driving a generator.
After the wave 18 has passed the apparatus 10, the wave capturing float
16 descends with the descending surface of the water, thereby retracting the
connecting rod 52 relative to the cylinder 44. The retraction of the
connecting rod
52 and consequent travelling of the piston 46 within the cylinder 44 causes a
suction effect that draws fluid, such as water of the body of water, into the
cylinder 44 via the fluid inlet 58. Any air pressure building up within the
cylinder
44 on the opposing, upward side of the piston 46 is expelled through the air
passageway 76.
The pumping process described herein above repeats with each new
wave 18 impacting the wave capturing surface, thereby continually pressurizing
fluid useable to drive a generator. The tank 70 may be suitably used to dampen
variations in the flow of pressurized fluid to the generator.
Thus, there is provided a method of converting energy in the motion of a
wave for a body of water to pressurize fluid useable to drive a generator, the
method comprising: actuating a wave capturing member by the motion of the
wave; and driving, by said wave capturing member, a fluid pump operable to
pressurize the fluid.
Method of manufacturina
Referring to Figure 11, manufacturing the apparatus 10 (Figure 1) includes
securing a cylinder sleeve such as the cylinder lining 45 to the cylinder 44.
To
facilitate securing the cylinder lining 45 to the cylinder 44, cylinder
apertures 156
are made in the cylinder 44. In some embodiments, the cylinder 44 is
manufactured with the cylinder apertures 156. Additionally or alternatively,
one
or more cylinder apertures 156 may be drilled in the wall of the cylinder 44
after it
has been manufactured. Preferably, each cylinder aperture 156 is threaded and
dimensioned to receive a plug 158. The cylinder lining 45 and the cylinder 44
are
preferably dimensioned such that a cylinder gap 160 exists between the
cylinder
27
CA 02592896 2007-06-19
lining 45 and the cylinder 44 when the cylinder lining 45 is inserted within
the
cylinder 44.
Figure 11 shows the cylinder 44 being attachable to the manifold 55 by
mating a cylinder 44 flange and a manifold 55 flange. Such cylinder 44 flange
is
disposed at the opposite end of the cylinder flange 90 (Figure 2). In some
embodiments, a cable or rod (not shown) can be disposed between the cylinder
44 flange shown in Figure 11 and the cylinder flange 90 (Figure 2), thereby
providing additional tensile strength for the cylinder 44.
Referring to Figure 12, steps of a method of securing the cylinder lining 45
to the cylinder 44 is shown generally at 162.
The first step 164 involves inserting the cylinder lining 45 within the
cylinder 44 such that the cylinder gap 160 is formed between the cylinder
lining
45 and the cylinder 44. One of the cylinder apertures 156 is selected as the
injection aperture, or currently active aperture, at step 166. Preferably, the
cylinder 45 is oriented vertically and the first injection aperture to be
selected is
the lowest cylinder aperture 156.
At step 168, resin is injected into the injection aperture until the level of
of
resin reaches an adjacent aperture immediately adjacent the injection
aperture.
Typically, a resin is selected that is operable to adhere the cylinder lining
45 to
the cylinder 44 when injected into and disposed within the cylinder gap 160. A
selected resin type might be epoxy cement or similar, for example. When the
cylinder 44 is oriented vertically and resin is being injected into the lowest
aperture, resin will fill the cylinder gap 160 until it reaches the next
lowest cylinder
aperture 156 at which point injecting any more resin will cause resin to spill
out of
the next lowest cylinder aperture 156. Such spilling of resin when the resin
level
has reached an unplugged cylinder aperture 156 is minimized or prevented by
ceasing to inject further resin.
At step 170, the injection aperture is plugged by a plug 158.
At step 172, it is determined whether the adjacent aperture is the only
cylinder aperture 156 that has not yet been plugged. If not, the process
proceeds
to step 174.
28
CA 02592896 2007-06-19
At step 174, the adjacent aperture is selected as the injection aperture for
receiving further resin. In cases where the cylinder 44 is vertically oriented
and
only the lowest aperture has been plugged, the next lowest aperture is
selected
as the injection aperture and resin is injected into the next lowest aperture
(at
step 168) until the resin level reaches the successively adjacent cylinder
aperture
156. In this manner, steps 168 to 174 are iterated until the (currently)
adjacent
aperture is the only unplugged aperture that remains.
When it is determined at step 172 that the (current) adjacent aperture is
the only remaining unplugged cylinder aperture 156, then the process proceeds
to step 176.
At step 176, the last remaining aperture (i.e. the adjacent aperture) is
plugged and the process ends.
Thus, there is provided a method of securing a cylinder sleeve to a
cylinder having one or more apertures, the method comprising: inserting the
cylinder sleeve within the cylinder such that a gap is formed between said
cylinder sleeve and said cylinder; injecting into said gap through one of said
one
or more apertures a resin operable to adhere said cylinder sleeve to said
cylinder
when disposed in said gap; and plugging said one aperture.
Additionally or altematively, the cylinder lining 45 may be secured to the
cylinder 44 by bending a substantially rectangular lining sheet having a
plurality
of apertures into a cylindrical shape; inserting the cylindrically shaped
lining into
the cylinder 44; fastening, such as by welding, the lining at the apertures;
and
processing the inner surface of the lining to produce the cylinder 44 with a
smooth cylinder lining 45.
Second Embodiment
In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, the apparatus
10 is modified to permit the use of a plurality of the support poles 12 and
accompanying components of the apparatus 10, each support pole 12 and
accompanying components being spaced apart and each operable to pressurize
29
CA 02592896 2007-06-19
fluid useable to drive one or more generators 73. In this manner, a plurality
of
wave capturing floats 16 are operable to drive a plurality of fluid pumps for
producing an advantageously greater amount of pressurized fluid.
Referring to Figures 13 and 14, a plurality of tanks 70 are in fluid
communication with each other via inter-pole conduits 178 connected between
adjacent support poles 12. For example, a plurality of tanks 70 may be in
fluid
communication with a primary tank 70 or other system outlet (not shown) for
driving one or more generators 73, or driving a desalination station. In the
second embodiment, one or more generators 73 are disposed along the inter-
pole conduits 178 at desired locations. However, in some embodiments, the
inter-pole conduits 178 are in fluid communication with a conduit extending to
an
on-shore location where pressurized fluid can be suitably used. A control
system
(not shown) may be included for controlling the generators 73, including
turning
generators 73 on and off and/or controlling valves located along a fluid
conduit of
the apparatus 10.
The various portions of the conduits 64 and 178 can be made from rigid
materials such as rigid tubing, flexible materials such as flexible tubing or
hose
materials, or combinations thereof, for example. Preferably, at least a
portion of
the conduit or conduits 178 extending proximate to the tank 70 within the
support
pole 12 is made from a flexible material.
In the second embodiment, suspension cables 180 extend between the
support towers 15, thereby advantageously permitting vertical support cables,
straps or similar to be connected between the suspension cables 180 and the
inter-pole conduits 178. As shown in Figure 14, vertical support cables 182
support the inter-pole conduits 178, including at locations near the placement
of a
generator 73.
Although Figure 14 shows one platform 14 for each support pole 12,
multiple support poles 12 may be secured to the same platform 14 in some
embodiments.
CA 02592896 2007-06-19
Third Embodiment
Referring to Figure 15, the apparatus 10 in accordance with a third
embodiment of the invention includes a cable 184 attached to the lower end of
the support pole 12 proximate the platform 14. The cable 184 extends upwardly
from the support pole 12 towards the wave capturing float 16. In the third
embodiment, the wave capturing float 16 has a channel 186, shown in dotted
and solid lines in Figure 15, through which the cable 184 passes. A roller 188
is
located at the lower end of the channel 186 to eliminate or reduce sliding
friction
between the cable 184 and the wave capturing float 16. Additionally, a
plurality
of rollers 188, as described herein below, and/or skid plates (not shown) may
be
included at various points of potential contact with the cable 184.
Additionally or
alternatively, the cable 184 may be slidably disposed within a sheath (not
shown)
extending within the channel 186, for example.
The cable 184 passes through the channel 186 to a reel 190 around which
one end of the cable 184 is wound.
The fluid pump of the apparatus 10 is implemented by a hydraulic pump
192, which is preferably mechanically connected to the reel 190 and is
actuated
by the rotation of the reel. Pressurized fluid, such as pressurized hydraulic
fluid,
is generated by the hydraulic pump 192 and produced at the hydraulic pump
outlet 194 for the generation of electricity. Additionally, a plurality of
hydraulic
pumps 194 may be included in the apparatus 10 and operated in parallel.
In the third embodiment, hydraulic pump outlet 194 is typically in fluid
communication with the support pole 12 at the tank inlet 68. One or more tanks
(not shown) contained within the support pole 12 may provide storage for the
pressurized fluid. Pressurized fluid stored in the one or more tanks may be
removed from the support pole 12 at the tank outlet 72 and used to drive a
generator (not shown) or desalination equipment (not shown), for example. The
fluid is returned, such as being returned from the generator, via the return
conduit
196 to the hydraulic pump 192. Additionally, the apparatus 10 according to the
third embodiment may include an overpressure bypass valve 198 which is
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CA 02592896 2007-06-19
operable to return the fluid to the hydraulic pump 192 directly from the
hydraulic
pump outlet 194, thereby bypassing the tank 70 and the tank outlet 72.
In operation according to the third embodiment, when the wave 18 impacts
the wave capturing surface causing the wave capturing float 16 to raise, the
cable 184 is drawn from the reel 190, thereby causing the reel 190 to rotate.
The
rotation of the reel 190 actuates, such as by mechanically driving, the
hydraulic
pump 192. The hydraulic pump is driven to pressurize fluid useable to drive a
generator. After the wave 18 has passed the wave capturing float 16, the wave
capturing float 16 is permitted to descend to an adjustable lower height in
preparation for the next wave 18. The reel 190 is operable to wind up any
slack
in the cable 184 by techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art,
including by spring return. The reel 190 may be a ratcheting reel with a
return
spring (not shown), for example. The third embodiment advantageously does not
limit the extent of travel of the wave capturing float 16 by the limited
distance a
piston can travel within a cylinder.
Referring to Figure 16, the apparatus 10 may include a roller module 200
that is removably attachable to the bottom sheet 84 (Figure 2) of the wave
capturing float 16. The roller module 200 includes a module frame 202
dimensioned to be removably fastened to the bottom sheet 84, such as by having
frame apertures 204 for receiving fasteners (not shown). Roller axles 206
connect the rollers 188 to the module frame 202. In some embodiments, two end
rollers 208 of the rollers 188 have concave shapes. The roller module 200 is
operable to receive one or more cables 184 within the space defined between
the rollers 188. The modular design of the roller module 200 advantageously
facilitates installation, maintenance and repair of the apparatus 10.
It will thus be seen that a new and novel wave motion conversion
apparatus has been illustrated and described and it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein
without departing from the spirit of the invention. While specific embodiments
of
the invention have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be
considered illustrative of the invention only. The invention may include
variants
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CA 02592896 2007-06-19
not described or illustrated herein in detail. For example, the apparatus may
include combinations of various embodiments of the present invention and
components thereof. Thus, the embodiments described and illustrated herein
should not be considered to limit the invention as construed in accordance
with
the accompanying claims.
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