# US 11,994,096 B2 · Combined marine hydrokinetic energy harvesting from currents and waves

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- Number: US 11,994,096 B2
- Document ID: US11994096B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 18/128,293
- Filed: 2023-03-30
- Published: 2023-11-09
- Granted: 2024-05-28
- Earliest claimed: 2022-03-30
- Assignees: The Regents of the University of Michigan; Vortex Hydro Power LLC
- Applicants: The Regents of the University of Michigan; Vortex Hydro Power LLC
- Inventors: Michael M. Bernitsas; Stergios I. Liapis
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11994096B2

## CPC

- F03B 13/20: wherein both members {, i.e. wom and rem} are movable relative to the sea bed or shore
- F03B 17/06: using liquid flow {with predominantly kinetic energy conversion}, e.g. of swinging-flap type {, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head" (F03B13/264 takes precedence)}
- F03B 13/16: using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, {i.e. a "wom"} and another member, {i.e. a reaction member or "rem"}
- F03B 13/1885: {and the wom is tied to the rem}
- F03B 13/264: {using the horizontal flow of water resulting from tide movement}
- F05B 2240/40: Use of a multiplicity of similar components
- F05B 2240/93: on a structure floating on a liquid surface
- F05B 2240/95: offshore
- Y02E 10/20: Hydro energy
- Y02E 10/30: Energy from the sea, e.g. using wave energy or salinity gradient
- F03B: MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS (positive-displacement engines for liquid F03C; machines for liquids and gases F01; positive-displacement machines for liquids F04, rotary fluid gearing of the hydrokinetic type F16H41/00)
- F05B: INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- Y02E: REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION

## Abstract

A VIVACE converter to harness energy from currents as well as from waves— that is, the present teachings provide a method and apparatus to collect energy from both currents and waves—using the same physical components. The present teachings are particularly useful in that either currents and/or waves may exist on their own nearly everywhere in the oceans and frequently coexist.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A vortex induced vibration for aquatic clean energy (VIVACE) converter comprising:
a plurality of bodies on spring elements configured to experience flow induced oscillation and wave-induced motions as a result of hydrokinetic energy from at least one of the group consisting of ocean currents, tides, rivers, and waves, wherein the spring elements comprise adjustable spring constants such that the plurality of bodies can comprise an adjustable natural period of oscillation to enable oscillation resonance of the plurality of bodies in response to incident waves to capture a maximum of incoming wave energy; and
a controller configured to adjust the adjustable spring constants such that the natural period of oscillation of the plurality of bodies is equal to an incident wave period.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The VIVACE converter according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of bodies are configured to be submerged within a wave-zone, wherein the wave-zone comprises an upper portion of a water body where waves are present to a depth equal to no less than half of the length of the longest wave present.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The VIVACE converter according to claim 2 wherein the plurality of bodies is configured to respond to wave excitation while remaining submerged in the wave zone.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The VIVACE converter according to claim 1 wherein the spring elements for a first of the plurality of bodies has a first spring constant and the spring elements for a second of the plurality of bodies has a second spring constant, the first spring constant being different than the second spring constant.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The VIVACE converter according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of bodies each has a cross-sectional shape chosen from the group consisting of circular, elliptical, or polygonal.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The VIVACE converter according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of bodies are rigid.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The VIVACE converter according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of bodies are flexible.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The VIVACE converter according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of bodies are solid.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The VIVACE converter according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of bodies are hollow.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The VIVACE converter according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of bodies each comprises a smooth exterior surface configured to promote flow induced oscillations consisting of Vortex Induced Vibrations, galloping, and their coexistence.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The VIVACE converter according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of bodies each comprises a rough exterior surface configured to promote flow induced oscillations consisting of Vortex Induced Vibrations, galloping, and their coexistence.