Ocean wave energy absorbing kite system and method
OwnerThomas W Beininventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An ocean wave energy absorbing kite system 200 captures an ocean wave's kinetic energy as a force on a submerged, reciprocating panel 202 that drives the panel back and forth in an oscillating motion. The force applied to the panel is transmitted to a power generator 244 through opposed flexible ropes or lines 214, 224 loaded in tension. Potential energy is captured from the wave as a vertical force when a buoyant volume attached to the energy absorbing panel or kite member 202 rises on a passing ocean wave's peak, and transmits the force through flexible ropes or lines in tension to a power generator. Optionally, the shape of the panel is configurable to limit or restrict absorbed wave energy, thereby preventing damage from larger storm-generated waves.
Claims6
A submerged ocean wave energy responsive kite system comprising:
- a) an energy absorbing panel in a substantially vertical orientation that has a first surface opposing a second surface,
- b) a plurality of first suspension lines which are connected to said first surface of the energy absorbing panel and are substantially perpendicular to said first surface of the energy absorbing panel,
- c) a first winch drum connected to said first suspension lines configured to maintain a tensile force in said first suspension lines,
- d) a first power converter connected to said first winch drum fixed to the sea bottom configured to create power,
- e) a plurality of second suspension lines which are connected to said second surface of the energy absorbing panel and are substantially perpendicular to said second surface of the energy absorbing panel,
- f) a second winch drum connected to said second suspension lines configured to maintain a tensile force in said second suspension lines,
- g) a second power converter connected to said second winch drum fixed to the sea bottom configured to create power when said energy absorbing panel reciprocates, moving left to right and then right to left in a substantially horizontal motion in response to a passing ocean wave's orbital velocity which is transmitted by said first suspension lines and said second suspension lines to said first and second winch drums, and
- h) a means to transmit the created power for useful purposes.
A method for efficiently harnessing kinetic and potential energy of ocean waves to generate electrical or hydraulic power, comprising the steps of:
- a) securing a wave motion responsive kite member to a fixed foundation at an offshore situs, and aligning said kite member in a substantially vertical orientation with opposing kite member left and right surfaces, whereby said kite member is responsive to horizontal and vertical vectors of motion of said ocean waves to move with respect to said fixed foundation;
- and
- b) connecting said opposing kite member left and right surfaces by way of movable horizontal or lateral force transmitting cables (e.g., 230, 250) and vertical suspension lines (e.g., 454) to a power convertor (e.g., 460) to cause said convertor to produce an output power in response to reciprocating motion of said kite member when said kite member moves left to right and then right to left in a substantially horizontal motion in response to a passing ocean wave's orbital velocity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.