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Patent 2661596 Summary

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(12) Patent Application: (11) CA 2661596
(54) English Title: FLOATING CYLINDER WAVE ENERGY CONVENTOR
(54) French Title: HOULOMOTRICE SOUS FORME DE CYLINDRE FLOTTANT
Status: Dead
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • F03B 13/18 (2006.01)
  • F03B 13/20 (2006.01)
  • F03B 17/06 (2006.01)
  • F03G 3/08 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • SANTAS, SPYRIDON (Greece)
(73) Owners :
  • SANTAS, SPYRIDON (Canada)
(71) Applicants :
  • SANTAS, SPYRIDON (Canada)
(74) Agent: NA
(74) Associate agent: NA
(45) Issued:
(86) PCT Filing Date: 2007-07-27
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 2008-04-03
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/GR2007/000041
(87) International Publication Number: WO2008/038055
(85) National Entry: 2009-02-23

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
20060100534 Greece 2006-09-26

Abstracts

English Abstract

The invention refers to a Floating Energy Flywheel-carrying Cylinder (1), small to giant, for the production of electricity from renewable energy sources, that is the upward, downward and horizontal movement of sea waves, as well as the water's kinetic energy, flood and ebb-tide, sea currents and even river currents. It consists of a cylinder (1) that seats and rotates on the surface of the water (10a) on a rotation axis (2). Its circumference bears a great load in order to create great inertia that is supported on the water and not on the axis (2). The balance of both the rotation and anchorage is achieved through the axis (2). The cylinder (1) rotates and produces many ton meters of energy by the upward and downward wave movement, which it then transfers through its axis to an adjoining system of machinery and electric generator on the buoy (18). In order to exploit the water currents, the cylinder (1) is vested in all its length either with various types of fins (33, 34, 35), or with a worm screw (36, 36a, 36b), which can be extended lengthwise or by diameter, according to the needs.


French Abstract

L'invention concerne un cylindre flottant supportant un volant accumulant l'énergie (1), de taille petite à gigantesque, pour la production d'électricité à partir de sources d'énergie renouvelable, telles que le mouvement ascendant, descendant et horizontal des vagues, de même que l'énergie cinétique de l'eau, les inondations et la marée descendante, les courants marins et même les courants de rivière. Il s'agit d'un cylindre (1) qui repose et tourne à la surface de l'eau (10a) sur un axe de rotation (2). Sa circonférence supporte une charge importante afin de créer une grande inertie qui est imprimée sur l'eau et non sur l'axe (2). L'axe (2) assure l'équilibre à la fois de la rotation et de l'ancrage. Le cylindre (1) tourne et produit de nombreuses tonnes métriques d'énergie grâce au mouvement ascendant et descendant des vagues, qu'il transfère ensuite à travers son axe à un système contigu de machines et générateur électrique sur la bouée (18). Pour exploiter les courants d'eau, le cylindre (1) est équipé sur toute sa longueur de divers types d'ailettes (33, 34, 35) ou d'une vis sans fin (36, 36a, 36b), qui peut se déployer en longueur ou en diamètre, selon les besoins.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



CLAIMS
1. Floating Energy Flywheel-carrying Cylinder that seats and rotates on the
sea.
Creating energy due to its great inertia and is qualified by the fact that
instead of one
cylinder, it has two identical cylinders A and B for dealing with
eccentricity. They consist
of an outer cylinder (1), with caps at their end (3), a rotation axis (2) or
two halve axles
(2a) with supports (2b) and rotating ball bearing (21) to support the
anchoring (20). On
the rotation axis' (2) extension there is universal joint (19) connected to
the axis of the
machinery and electric generator of known technology on the buoy (18),
flywheel-
carrying cylinder (1) and buoy (18) that are anchored with a number of
anchorages (20).
The Floating Energy Flywheel-carrying Cylinder seats and rotates on the sea,
on the
cylinder's (1) web (10a) and is qualified by the fact that it acquires inertia
from either a
thick metallic wall (1a), or iron girders (5), or concrete posts (6), or
filling of the ring (8c)
that is formed from the interior cylinder (8) and the exterior one (1) with
cast concrete
(7) or water (9), or even with partitions (3a) and filling of the space (3b)
with a mass of
cast concrete (7) or water (9).
The two cylinders A and B are connected to each other with a metallic strap
(12) after
the eccentricity has been nullified by placing the two cylinders through
rotation in
different positions (12a), (12b), (12c) etc. (Figure 5, 6, 7) until nil
eccentricity is
achieved. The rotation of the flywheel-carrying cylinder is accomplished
either from one
or many waves. For its rotation from one wave, it bears on one end of its axis
(2), in
contact with the cap (3), a gear wheel (13de) with a clockwise ratchet (one
way bicycle
clutch). A sprocket chain (14de) is placed on it whose one end is gripped to
the seabed
(17) and with a weight suspended on its other end (15). On the second end of
the axis
(2) there is a wheel (13ar) with a counter clockwise ratchet (one way bicycle
clutch) and
on top of this a sprocket chain (14ar), that has one end gripped to the seabed
(17) and
a weight placed on the other (16).

2. Floating Energy Flywheel-carrying Cylinder, according to Claim 1 for its
rotation
through multiple waves of great area exists an auxiliary complex that consists
of a very
long tubular axis (23) that is kept on the waterline through a series of
gripped (17)
anchorages (20) via ball bearings (21). On one side there are upward buoys
(24) with
two levers - beams (26) that are connected to the buoys through the belts
(30). There
are metal braking straps (28) at the end of the levers and a regulating
braking
mechanism (29). On the other side there are downwards buoys (25), with levers -

beams (27), buoy joints (30) and metal straps (28) at the end of the levers
with a
braking mechanism (29).
The concentrated energy from the buoys on the axis (23) is transmitted to the
rotation
axis (2) via wheels and sprocket chains (figures 17, 18, 19) and then to the
flywheel-
carrying cylinder and afterwards to the buoy with the machinery and the
electric
generators.

3. Floating Energy Flywheel-carrying Cylinder, according to Claim 1 for its
rotation
through all sorts of water currents is qualified by the fact that the cylinder
(1) is vested
following selection with radial (33), angular (34) or concave (35) fins that
extend in all its
length for the currents' vertical impact. In this case all anchorages take
place in the
upstream except in the case of ebb and flow where the anchorages are on both
sides.
Also, in the case of ebb and flow a mechanism to change the direction of the
rotation
(a1) is set on the buoy (18). For the rotation of the flywheel-carrying
cylinder, besides
vesting the cylinder with fins (1), the cylinder (1) may be bested with a worm
screw
(27a), with a choice of one (36), two (36a) or three (36b) threads,
positioning the
cylinder (1) at a 60° degree angle to the current. In flow and ebb two
worm screws are
used, one for each current direction. The anchorages are towards the upstream,
except
in the case of ebb and flow where they are in both directions.


4. Floating Energy Flywheel-carrying Cylinder, according to Claims 1 and 3, is

qualified by the fact that the construction of the screw is done by cutting
the disks as
follows:
a) One-thread screw (36) (figure 28): The metal sheet is cut with an inner
radius 2r (r =
cylinder radius) (figure 26), outer radius 2r x 3,545 and a fin width of outer
radius minus
inner radius = .pi..
b) Two-thread screw (36a) (figure 30): The metal sheet is cut with an inner
radius 2r (r =
cylinder radius) (figure 26), outer radius 2r + .pi./2 and a fin width of
outer radius minus
inner radius = .pi./2.
c) Three-thread screw (36b) (figure 29): The metal sheet is cut with an inner
radius 2r (r
= cylinder radius) (figure 26), outer radius 2r + .pi./3 and a fin width of
outer radius minus
inner radius = .pi./3.
The discs are cut out radially (Fig 26) and the fins are put together by
connecting the
end of one disc (b) with the beginning of the other disc (b) (Fig 25). When
the fin is laid
out on the body of the cylinder (1) it forms a worm screw (27a).

5. Floating Energy Flywheel-carrying Cylinder, according to Claims 1, 2 and 3,
is
qualified by the fact that in case of lack of space for the machinery and the
generator,
they are set in an elevated platform (52) with a small pavilion (51), over the
cylinder (1)
(figure 37). More precisely, two posts (43) are placed at the cylinder (1)
axis' (2) ball-
bearings and on their top evolve the platform where the machinery and the
pavilion will
be placed. To balance this construction, four beams (47) and (48) are placed -
which
form a rectangular parallelogram - on top of which the four buoys (44) will
rest. The
vertical posts are supported with cross beams to the horizontal beams (47).
The rotation
of the axis of the machinery and the electric generator is achieved with a
sprocket chain
(14) from the axis of the flywheel-carrying cylinder. The anchoring (20) is
towards the
upstream.

11

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



CA 02661596 2009-02-23
WO 2008/038055 PCT/GR2007/000041
FLOATING CYLINDER WAVE ENERGY CONVENTOR

DESCRIPTION
The invention is about a Floating Energy Flywheel-carrying Cylinder, small to
giant,
for the production of electricity from renewable energy- sources, that is the
upward,
downward and horizontal movement of sea waves, as well as the water's kinetic
energy, flood and ebb-tide, sea and river currents.
The already classically used flywheel of the compact wheel, due to its great
inertia, is
only used for the normalization of the speed fluctuation of a rotating system
and it
accumulates kinetic energy, when the angular velocity reduces, such as for
example in
single cylinder engines and in the initial movement of car engines (wheel).
Yet for large build-ups of kinetic energy, in an object with great inertia in
the
aforementioned flywheel, accumulation of heavy weight is required; its support
on the
two ends of the axis is tremendously difficult, and so the rotation of the
said flywheel is
very difficult too, if not impossible.
Furthermore, this is very easily attained with the Floating Energy Flywheel-
carrying
Cylinder (small to giant) that can accumulate small to large quantities of
kinetic energy.
Thus the question of the body's support on the sea surface is resolved and the
axes are
only used for the balance of the rotation and anchorage.

Many inventions for the production of electric energy from sea waves, sea
currents
(flood and ebb-tide) as well as river currents are registered in the
international
bibliography, complete with full drawings and descriptions.
In addition, there is a special edition of a E.U. issue which refers to this
subject and
which includes lots of data with descriptions and drawings. There is likewise
an edition
of the Center of Renewable Energy Sources (KAPE, in Greek) that contains
everything
ever used to this day on floating or fixed constructions on river-banks.
There are even more inventions, small or large, yet secondary in use, like the
KAIMAI
ship (Japanese - English - USA experiment) whereas through the compression and
suction of air into chambers, due to the surge of the sea, could set in motion
wind
generators. Furthermore, the COCKEREIL CONTORIN RAFT can compress water for
energy through water pumps or from the Gyroscope Power Take Off System through
wave energy in order to produce power. In addition, there are inventions such
as the
Salter Modding - Duck - Wave Energy Convention System of Great Britain, the
Bristol
Cylinder and even the two blade propeller in Sweden for flood and ebb-tide,
20meters in
diameter, producing electric energy of 80 Kilowatt (KW) only.

All the aforementioned systems were complex, costly and of large scale with
yet low
yield. Therefore they did not succeed and were abandoned.

The current invention of the Floating Energy Flywheel carrying Cylinder steps
in to
correct all disadvantages of the aforementioned existing devices for the
production of
electricity from renewable energy sources. Due to the fact that it disposes a
large
peripheral inertia and the rotation it acquires from the energy of the waves
and of all
sorts of water currents. So it can produce many ton meters of kinetic energy
which is
then transmitted to a system of mechanical devices of well-known technology
and an
electric generator, thus producing electric power of many kilowatts (KW) and
even many
Megawatt (MW).

The unit consisting of the Floating Energy Flywheel-carrying Cylinder and the
buoy
with the electric generator mechanisms will be anchored with all the required
number of
anchorages in order to remain in a fixed position while floating up and down.
In this
fixed position there is a rotating mechanism of the cylinder on the axis' (2)
two ends,
producing kinetic energy from the waves.

1


CA 02661596 2009-02-23
WO 2008/038055 PCT/GR2007/000041
One way to achieve great inertia of the Floating Energy Flywheel-carrying
Cylinder is to
place an inner concentric cylinder, creating thus a ring in between the
cylinder (1) and
so the ring is filled with concrete or water of high peripheral homogenous
weight.
Alternatively the walls of the cylinder (1) can be constructed right from the
start from a
thick metal casing for greater peripheral strength.

Another way is to omit the second inner cylinder and cover the peripheral
weight of the
inertia throughout its length with iron beams or cement columns, fixed in any
possible
way.
A third way of creating a Floating Energy Flywheel-carrying Cylinder is to:
Construct on both ends of the cylinder's inner space an area with two inner
diaphragms
and in an equal distance from the cylinder's outer caps, following
calculations. This area
shall be filled either with cement or with water and it will constitute the
bulk of the
cylinder's inertia. The space between the two extreme volumes shall be empty.

For the cylinder's efficient rotation, without eccentricity hindering it, two
identical half
cylinders in weight and scheme are constructed. The sum of their length is the
desired
(length) of the whole cylinder. We place the two floating half cylinders heads
together,
composing one cylinder through a temporary joint. We let this construction
settle and if
there is eccentricity we repeat this process until we achieve full, nil
eccentricity and we
then join the two cylinder parts finally into one part.

Producing electric power through the surge of the sea
Two wheels are fitted on the two ends of the axis of a functional Floating
Energy
Flywheel-carrying Cylinder. One is a clockwise ratchet wheel and the other a
counter-
clockwise one (bicycle clutch).
On each of these two wheels a sprocket chain is engaged. One end of the
sprocket
chain is extended downwards vertically with an anchor stem to the bottom of
the sea
where it is gripped. From the other end of the sprocket chain hangs a free
weight - load.
This way, as a wave arrives the cylinder rises and the one ratchet wheel
rotates the
cylinder while the other spins freely (without making the cylinder turn).
When the wave recedes the cylinder descends, causing the first ratchet wheel
to
become inert and spin freely too, while the other ratchet wheel spins the
cylinder
assisted by its free load that descends. Thus, there is a continuous one way
rotation of
the Floating Energy Flywheel-carrying Cylinder. Until the next wave arrives
the cylinder
through its excess momentum, as calculated, continues rotating the electric
generator
founded on the next buoy at the extension of the axis of the flywheel-carrying
cylinder
where one or two universal joints are placed in between, thus producing
electric power.
Another way to exploit the energy of many waves simultaneously is the
following:
On a sea segment, following calculations, we fix on the calm sea water-line a
tubular
rotating axis with vertical anchorages, reaching the seabed with grips. The
anchoring
starts at the perimeter of the ball bearings in order to hold the axis at the
calm sea
water-line and to prevent its vertical movement. This anchoring is repeated at
intervals
throughout the length of the axis.
In addition, at these same anchoring points, double anchoring anchors
immobilize
horizontally the tubular rotating axis, left and right. Acting on this axis
are buoys with
appropriate (directional) band-break around the axis; each one of them has two
levers -
beams, (perpendicular to axis), on whose ends the brakes are applied with a
powerful
metallic band that surrounds the axis and ends once again at the buoy's beam.
(The
buoys may have any solid geometric shape).
Throughout the cylinder's length, on one side, there are buoys that add
rotations and
great energy to the axis during the upward movement of the waves, and on the
other
2


CA 02661596 2009-02-23
WO 2008/038055 PCT/GR2007/000041
side, there are also buoys on the entire length that add rotations and great
energy
during the downward movement of the waves.
All these buoys heave in a disorderly manner, as the waves too arrive in an
irregular
way, and it looks like many pistons are at work, which however, each one
separately
from the other add rotations and great energy without being affected by the
rising or the
descending buoys. Thus, at any given time, there is a random sum amount to the
benefit of rotation. And great energy on this axis that the tubular axis
transmits to the
axis of the Floating Energy Flywheel-carrying Cylinder through a system of
pulleys and
(closed) sprocket chains and the end ratchet (one way bicycle clutch). The
process is
then normalized through its inertia upon the Floating Energy Flywheel-carrying
Cylinder,
which produces kinetic energy, transmitting it in turn through its axis to the
axis of the
machinery and the buoy's electric generator by an intermediate universal
joint, thus
producing many Megawatt (MW).

Electric energy production from renewable energy sources, i.e. sea currents,
flood and
ebb-tide and even river currents.

Floating Energy Flywheel-carrying Cylinder for the aforementioned energy
sources from
water currents. It is vested on its length, depending on its usage, either
with transverse
fins, linear radial along the entire cylinder length, or angular fins -
semicircular or curved
- throughout its length; this vesting conduce the Floating Energy Flywheel-
carrying
Cylinder to act as a light type "PELTON" propeller.
Also throughout its length can be vested with a worm screw of one, two or
three threads
of hyperbolic curve where the flywheel-carrying cylinder acts as a light type
"KAPLAN"
propeller.

To construct the worm screw we cut concentric discs from a stainless plate
appropriately thick, cutting them radially, interrupting the continuity of the
disc once.
We connect the two disks by bonding the end of the first one with the
beginning of the
second (the next one). When this is spread on the body of the flywheel-
carrying
cylinder, a perfect screw of hyperbolic cross-section is formed which rests on
the
thread's two ends. When the thread is stretched, it braces the screw like a
boa
constrictor and stabilises itself.
For the flood and ebb-tide we use the vesting with vertical fins.
The cylinder is anchored with at least four anchors and we connect its axis by
extension of the buoy that has the mechanism and the electric generator so as
to
produce electricity.
The vertical fins render rotation to the cylinder. For example the flux of the
ebb-tide with
clockwise rotation which are therefore transmitted to the electric generator.
When the
ebb-tide stops and flood arrives from the opposite direction, the vertical
fins of the
flywheel-carrying cylinder rotate it counter clockwise to itself, immediately
through the
connection of the clutch mechanism to the equipment buoy. It has an automatic
system
that acts and the clockwise rotations become counter clockwise for the
generator.
The buoy is well anchored in alignment to the floating flywheel-carrying
cylinder's
extension.
We could however, instead of this construction, place otherwise two floating
flywheel-
carrying cylinders. Vested with a worm screw funnel, according to our
calculations, of
one, two or three threads, in about a 60 degree angle to the direction of the
flood and
ebb-tide current. And in a fixed position with double anchorages, so that they
remain in
their precise location and each cylinder will work in turn, either the ebb-
tide or the flood.
In the continuation of the axis of each worm screw there will be a buoy with
the
equipment and the electric generator. These will be doubly well anchored.

For the rest of the river currents, depending on the case, floating flywheel-
carrying
cylinders vertical to the current flow are used. With the appropriate row of
fins or
preferably with an oblique positioning of a worm screw floating cylinder,
which has the
3


CA 02661596 2009-02-23
WO 2008/038055 PCT/GR2007/000041
possibility of being extended as much as the existing current permits (and the
river
depth ).
In this case, the anchorages are all in one direction to the current's
upstream. Here too,
in all cases, the equipment buoy is set on the extension of the axis of the
floating
flywheel-carrying cylinder.
When it concerns a floating flywheel-carrying cylinder small in length and the
space in
the river is limited in order to fit the equipment buoy and the electric
generator, then all
the necessary equipment and the electric generator can be placed on an
elevated
platform, over the flywheel-carrying cylinder, standing accordingly on posts,
on the
cylinder's rotation bearings, with the required cross-beams with the chamber's
support
truss, in a small pavilion. This can also be done above the water level
supported on the
platform's posts and cross beams in proper distances. Four buoys will keep the
balance
of the platform on the generator's axis. The cylinder's revolutions are
transmitted to the
generator on the terrace by a sprocket chain.
The floating flywheel-carrying cylinder for the water currents of the sea and
of the rivers,
with the casing of the curved, oblique, vertical fins, or the one, two or
three thread worm
screw I when they rotate out of the currents of the semi-immersed cylinders
and due to
the flow property from the water surface at the cylinder's point up to its
lower part, the
currents gain acceleration. For this reason there is a better yield than other
systems.
The invention is described below using an example per each application and
with_
reference to the attached designs, which:
Figure 1 presents a front view of the floating energy flywheel-carrying
cylinder (1), with
the base of that side (3), its rotation axis (2) and the seating of the entire
system on the
virtual sea generatrix bearing (10a).

Figure 2: presents a perspective view of one front base (3) and the length of
the floating
flywheel-carrying cylinder (1), its rotation axis (2) and the lengthwise
expanding
possibility (1a), the ideal and even bearing of the cylinder on virtual sea
generatrix
bearing (10a) , due to the water's incompressibility.

Figure 3: presents a longitudinal cross-section of the floating flywheel-
carrying cylinder
(1). Where the main exterior cylinder (1), the interior cylinder (8) that
separates the
interior in two sections: the central (8b) consisting the void displacement
space and the
part between the two cylinders, the peripheral section (zone) (8c) that is
filled either with
concrete (7) or with water (9). That weight of the cement or water constitutes
the great
inertia of the flywheel-carrying cylinder. The radial cross beam (8a) may be
added if the
walls need support.

Apart from the ideal bearing, due to the water's incompressibility with the
side (10a) as
on a virtual sea generatrix there is yet another advantage by its bearing. Due
to the
water's viscosity and its molecular composition, it is like its entire surface
is seating on
thousands of ball bearings' (virtual massive ball bearings) (10). And the
cylinder's
rotation on its axis (2) is easy since the axis (2) does not uphold any of the
cylinder's
weight but only exists for its rotation, its equilibrium and its anchorage
(20), setting off
from its rotation ball-bearings (21).
The start. of the cylinder's rotations is achieved with a peripheral force
(4),
approximately equal in weight to 1 hundredth (1/100) of the total weight of
the inertia
and of the structure.
Should we omit the structuring cast cement (7) or water (9) and if therefore
we do not
install the cylinder (8), we can cover the inertia's peripheral weight inside,
circumferentially on. cylinder (1). With the cylinder's own body, if it is
constructed, as
mentioned before, with a thick coat (1 b) over its entire surface.
Otherwise, the perimeter is covered through its whole length either with very
heavy iron
girders (5) one next to the other or with concrete piles (6) secured
technically in any
other way.
4


CA 02661596 2009-02-23
WO 2008/038055 PCT/GR2007/000041
We can have a new form of peripheral weight, If we install in equal distance
from the
cylinder's bases (3), following calculations, two diaphragms (3a), at the same
level as
the bases (3). Fixing them in a waterproof way, and filling the space (3c)
between base
3) and the diaphragm (3a) of each side, either with a mass of cast concrete or
with
water, , Fig. 40.

Figure 4 presents a frontal lengthwise cross-section perspective view. Figure
4 is a
perspective account of Figure 3.
Figure 5 shows a lengthwise view of the Floating Energy Flywheel-carrying
Cylinder
with the beginning and the process of the construction, the balancing and
concluding to
one cylinder, without any rotational eccentricity.

For this, two identical half cylinders (A) and (B) are constructed with the
same material
and construction plans; afterwards they are loaded with the appropriate weight
(oads
that will form their inertia; the cylinder's heads are then fitted together,
Figure 5, and
once they have settled from any possible eccentricity, they are marked with
the letters
(a - a) on both halves. Both halves are then fastened together temporarily
through any
kind of system (12) on four points, fastening them crossways, doing the same
in the
diametrically opposite side.
If the eccentricity persists, the aforementioned process is repeated at a
greater distance
of the lines (a - a) (Figure 6) and attach them crossways to the new position
of points
(12c). If the eccentricity persists, the aforementioned process is repeated in
the new
positions (a - a) (Figure 7), attaching points (12d) crossways. After the
distance (a - a)
is set in a new position and provided the balancing has nil eccentricity, the
two cylinder
halves (A) and (B) are joined and applied to the joint (11). Then with a
strong metal strip
(12), the entire joint (11) and strip (12) are peripherally welded. Now the
floating energy
flywheel-carrying cylinder is ready to use.
Figure 8 shows a floating energy flywheel-carrying cylinder in a rotation mode
through
the sea waves, its connection to a buoy (18), where a= clutch, b = gearbox, c
=
revolution control, d= electric generator and inside the pavilion any other
known
technology instruments, cylinder and buoys properly anchored through anchors
(20),
allowing the cylinder's movement up and down on the spot.

Figure 9: A front view of the flywheel-carrying cylinder. It shows the
application of a gear
wheel on its axis (2), fixed onto the base (3) of the cylinder that disposes a
counter-
clockwise rotating mechanism with a ratchet (one way bicycle clutch) (13de).
Thus
enabling the cylinder to rotate when the wave rises and to spin freely when
the wave
recedes. The gear wheel's mechanism is clockwise here.

Figure 11: The course of the gear wheel (1 3de) from its lowest position (b)
where it
transfers the balancing weight (15), to the highest point (a2). The cylinder
had a
clockwise rotation (22).

Figure 12: This shows the opposite course from the other end of the axis of
the cylinder
(2) where the ratchet (one way bicycle clutch) (13ar) is fixed. As the right
one (13de)
was rising this one was spinning freely. Now that the cylinder will start
descending as
the wave recedes and move from position (a) to the low position (b), the
weight (16) of
the sprocket chain (14a) will also move downward, making the cylinder spin
with the
same rotation (22). This way, the flywheel-carrying cylinder has constant
rotation from
each wave's arrival and departure.
During a dead period of about three seconds (3") before the Mediterranean wave
arrives and the spins resume, the flywheel-carrying cylinder (1), since by
calculations it
5


CA 02661596 2009-02-23
WO 2008/038055 PCT/GR2007/000041
disposes greater sufficiency of kinetic energy than the electric generator'
complex of
instruments, continues to rotate the generator through its momentum.
Figure 10 shows a plan view of the entire complex with its strong anchoring
(20) that
can be reinforced if necessary.
The anchoring (20), Figure 9, starts at the ball bearing (21) of the axis (2)
and the
anchor (20) is connected to the exterior ball bearing casing via a strong
collar that
tightens up the ball bearing.

Figure 13 shows a long axis (23) which on one side is surrounded by a large
number of
upward buoys (24) and on the other side by a large number of downward buoys
(25). In
this way the axis (23) and the buoys (24 and 25) cover simultaneously a large
area of
many waves and add to the axis (23) rotations and great energy from waves that
arrive
from any wind direction.
Double anchoring (20), left and right, at given intervals, keep the axis (23)
aligned. The
axis (23) is held at the calm sea waterline, Figure 17, through vertical
anchoring with
grip (17) at given intervals of its length. Keeping the axis at the waterline
level allows
the buoys to delineate the biggest possible rotation arc of the axis (23).
The upward and downward movement of the buoys is disorderly, as disorderly is
the
arrival of the waves. Each buoy acts on its own without hindering the action
of the
others. So, there comes a time when the action of a group of buoys, regardless
of which
one, coincides on the axis with the advantage of great energy and rotation.
Figure 14, side view and Figure 15 ground plan, show buoys (24 and 25) similar
in
shape and in dimensions, either cylindrical, either cubic or conical etc, of a
fixed
capacity where the buoys (24) are secured on two levers - beams (26) and the
buoys
(25) on two angular levers - beams (27).
The buoys (24) are empty and act upwards with the wave pressure, whilst the
buoys
(25) are half filled with water in order to float on one hand and act
downwards with their
weight as the waves recede on the other: This way there is a constant
advantageous
action.
A strong metal strap (28) is applied at the ends of the lever-beams of all the
buoys,
surrounding the entire perimeter of axis (23), ending up onto the same lever-
beam,
connected to it with a micrometrical regulating mechanism (29) of the breaks,
with a
second type lever. The fulcrum is the lever's end on the axis. The action of
power is the
buoy and the implementation of the braking work is point (29).
Instead, there could be a bolt tightening device (nut) with ratchet, or a gear
mechanism
with ratchet (one way bicycle clutch).
Strong metal perimetric straps (30) support and connect the buoys with the
lever-
beams.
The vertical anchoring of the cylinder's axis start from it clasping a ball
bearing (21)
which is there to ensure its unimpeded rotation. A gear wheel (gear) (13a) is
embodied
at the end of the axis (23) towards the flywheel-carrying cylinder.
A-closed sprocket chain (14a) is fitted around this gear surrounding it,
setting in motion
another double gear wheel (gear) (13b) upon which a closed sprocket chain
(14b) is
fitted, surrounding it, surrounding also the gear wheel (gear) (13) with a
backwards
rotating ratchet (one way bicycle clutch) which (13) is.on the axis (2) of the
floating
energy flywheel-carrying cylinder.
The double gear (13b) rests on a particular axis (32) with its two extremities
free. For its
rotation it has one ball bearing (21) each; upon which hangs a weight (31)
with a chain
that surrounds the ball bearings (21). These two weights (31) are suspending,
but keep
the entire suspension system, double gear (13b) and chained belts (14a and
14b) in a
vertical state as well as in a functioning position.
6


CA 02661596 2009-02-23
WO 2008/038055 PCT/GR2007/000041
The virtual triangle between the axis (13a), (13b) and (13). When the flywheel-
carrying
cylinder moves up and down due the surge of the sea changing the angle of the
triangle
and consequently the triangle's shape, continuing its rotation due to the
balance
provided by the weights, as we have mentioned before, keeping thus the system
in a
functioning position.
The length of the straps should be such as to cover 2 - 3meter waves (storm).

Figure 16 (side view): The Floating Flywheel-Carrying Cylinder is connected
from its
axis (2) via a four ball bearing universal joint (14) to the axis of the
instruments on their
buoy (18) which also includes a small pavilion to protect them. There is also
the
anchoring (20).

Figure 19, general ground plan presenting the entire complex, the layout of
many buoys
(24 and 25), the very long axis (23), the sprocket chain's mechanism (14a and
14b), the
floating energy flywheel-carrying cylinder (1), as well as the buoy (18) with
all the
machinery and the generator for the production of electricity. The generated
electricity
will be transferred to the shore via an underwater cable.

As far as sea water currents are concerned, flood and ebb-tide and river
currents, the
floating energy flywheel-carrying cylinder, according to its use, is vested
(fig. 20) in its
entire length with vertical, radial fins (33), e.g. for flood and ebb-tide.
For the remaining
types of currents (Fig 21) the cylinder is vested in its entire length with
either angular
fins (34) or semi-circular - curved ones (35) and thus the cylinder behaves
like a light
type "Pelton" propeller. Finally, the vesting in Figure 23 with worm screw
fins (36) (Fig
28) with two coils (36a) (Fig. 30) and also with three coils (36b) (Fig 29)
that act as a
light type "Kaplan" propeller.

All the aforementioned cylinders and their casings, due to their immersion in
water (Fig
24), as the water currents with a relative velocity (a) fall on them during
their impact on
any of the cylinders mentioned earlier, travel the distance from the point of
impact of the
current's surface (49) to the lower part of the cylinder (50) with
acceleration (al) in order
to cover this vertical distance. Thus the cylinders have a greater yield.

Discs are cut from an appropriate metal. sheet to construct a one thread screw
(36),
where:
r = cylinder radius
disc inner radius = (r x 2)
disc outer radius = (r x 2 x 3,545)
fin width = disc outer radius - disc inner radius = rr
Two thread screw (36a):
disc inner radius = (r x 2)
disc outer radius = (r x 2 + rr/2)
fin's thread width = (rr/2)
Three thread screw (36b):
disc inner radius = (r x 2).
disc outer radius = (r x 2+-rr/3)
thread width = (1r/3)
The discs are cut radially (Fig 26) and the thread is assembled by uniting the
end (b) of
each disc to the end (a) of the other disc, Fig. 25.

When the thread is spread on the body of the cylinder (1) a worm screw (27a)
is formed
with all the mathematical data, pitch - diameter etc.
Each thread is fixed at its beginning and its end firmly in any way, e.g.
welding, etc and
also in between occasionally to secure it better.
7


CA 02661596 2009-02-23
WO 2008/038055 PCT/GR2007/000041
The curve which will be created by the discs, when they will spread on the
said
cylinder's periphery, is a worm screw of hyperbolic curve. And the other
elements, e.g.
pitch, disc height etc will be formed automatically on their own and normally
for each
diameter of the cylinder and also by the thread's stretching on the cylinder's
body. Each
coil embraces tightly the cylinder like a boa.
Additional adjacent flow forces come into play due to the properties of the
worm screw
(27a) created by each coil during the cylinder's rotation, and also by the
formed
eventual coil and cylinder diameter.
The flywheel-carrying cylinder has the greatest yield, because apart from its
gained
acceleration due to the cylinder's submersion, it also has the advantage of
the incoming
said adjacent forces (a) Fig. 27 during the cylinder's rotation, due to the
special curve
the funnel is forming.
The thread is fixed at the beginning and end of its placement and also in
between for
security reasons and greater robustness.
For Example: In a screw cylinder, on a 1 mZsurface, enters flow for energy
1:10m2 of
water current, whilst in a 1 rn2 perfect two-fin propeller enters 0.60m2water
current for
energy. Consequently there is a 40% energy loss.

For flood and ebb-tide we put together (Fig 20) a floating flywheel-carrying
cylinder, with
the appropriate length and diameter for a given place. The cylinder is vested
with radial
vertical fins (33). The cylinder is then positioned vertically to the
currents. The cylinder's
axis is then placed together with the axis of the buoys' machinery (18) via a
ball-bearing
(21) universal joint (19) and the whole system (36) is anchored with double
anchors
(20).

If we assume that the fan wheel (33) (Fig 36) turns clockwise with the current
of the
ebb-tide (40) and so does the generator when the current is reversed with the
flood
(39), the fan wheel will rotate counter clockwise. For this reason another
automatic
mechanism (a1) is added to the mechanism's buoy (18) (Fig 34) together with
the clutch
(18a) that converts the counterclockwise rotations to clockwise ones for the
generator's
function.

Instead of the previous solution, for flood and ebb-tide one can place a
floating screw
flywheel-carrying cylinder on the ebb-tide current (40) (Fig 31) with a vested
screw of
one thread (Fig 28), of two threads (Fig 30) or three coils (Fig 29). The
selection is
determined depending on the local current conditions. The cylinder will be
positioned in
a 60 angle at the ebb-tide current (40) and will be anchored with double
anchors (20),
so as not to move during the flood (39).
An identical floating screw flywheel-carrying cylinder (Fig 32) will be placed
for the flood
(39), again in a 60 angle at the flood current (39).
So during the ebb-tide the flywheel-carrying cylinder of the flood (39) will
remain
motionless while in the flood it is the flywheel-carrying cylinder of the ebb-
tide (40) that
stays motionless.
Thus, two cases follow: the connection of the screw axis via a universal joint
(19) with a
ball-bearing (21) and the connection with the axis of the generator and
machinery on
the buoy (18) (Fig 31 and Fig 32).

For sea and river currents the floating screw flywheel-carrying cylinder is
fitted (Fig 33)
with a vested screw of one threads (36) (Fig 28), two threads (36a) (Fig 30)
or three
threads (36b) (Fig 29) depending on the local conditions of each current. The
anchoring
(20) is only done on the current's upstream.

In case the river's width, or for any other reason e.g. sailing in rivers,
does not allow
space for the buoy with the machinery and the generator, these may be placed
(Fig 27
8


CA 02661596 2009-02-23
WO 2008/038055 PCT/GR2007/000041

- side view) on an elevated chamber (52), propped up over the flywheel-
carrying
cylinder.
The chamber (52) is suspended to this end with two posts (43) supported on the
axis'
(2) ball-bearings (21) with a tightening socket on the ball-bearing.
The flooring of the chamber (52) is developed from - post to post (43) with
the
appropriate cross beam (41) but high enough so as not to hinder the rotation
of the fan
wheel. A little over the water level a horizontal beam (Fig 38) develops,
fixed at its base
(47) together with the post (43) and on both posts. It is further reinforced
with diagonal
cross beams (47a).
Four buoys (44) are attached to the ends of its beams, thus preventing the
pavilion from
turning over. A small pavilion (51) is created on this chamber to protect the
machinery
and the electric generator of known technology.
The fan wheel's rotations are transmitted to the machinery axis with a
sprocket chain
(14). A ladder (45) is used to go up to the pavilion.
The generated electricity is conveyed towards the riverbank through an aerial
cable
(53).
A cross beam (48), Fig 39 - construction ground plan, connects the buoys
vigorously.
The anchoring that starts at the fan's rotation ball-bearings is done at the
current's
upstream. In case of drought, therefore lack of water in a river, the whole
system (38)
lies at the bottom of the riverbed with its existing four legs - webs (46) and
so the fan is
not destroyed.

All the aforementioned floating energy flywheel-carrying cylinders and their
anchoring
(20) go up and down according to the water level each time. All the
accessories at issue
in the sea are either of stainless steel or are protected from rust
(oxidation) with special
paints.

9

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Administrative Status , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Administrative Status

Title Date
Forecasted Issue Date Unavailable
(86) PCT Filing Date 2007-07-27
(87) PCT Publication Date 2008-04-03
(85) National Entry 2009-02-23
Dead Application 2011-07-27

Abandonment History

Abandonment Date Reason Reinstatement Date
2010-07-27 FAILURE TO PAY APPLICATION MAINTENANCE FEE

Payment History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Amount Paid Paid Date
Application Fee $200.00 2009-02-23
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 2 2009-07-27 $50.00 2009-02-23
Expired 2019 - The completion of the application $200.00 2009-06-10
Back Payment of Fees $350.00 2011-05-26
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
SANTAS, SPYRIDON
Past Owners on Record
None
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
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Description 
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Drawings 2009-02-23 28 521
Claims 2009-02-23 2 133
Abstract 2009-02-23 1 63
Description 2009-02-23 9 694
Representative Drawing 2009-06-26 1 10
Cover Page 2009-06-26 1 48
Correspondence 2009-05-26 1 20
Fees 2011-05-26 4 225
PCT 2009-02-23 16 672
Assignment 2009-02-23 5 157
Correspondence 2009-06-10 3 159
Correspondence 2010-06-04 1 10
Correspondence 2011-06-03 1 19