Utility-scale wave energy converters
OwnerLi Leeinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention discloses methods and apparatus for converting water wave energy into electricity on a utility scale. The device comprises: (1) an oscillating body that effectively responds to waves in all six degrees of freedom: surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw, (2) a restraining system to prevent the oscillating body from being displaced by steady environmental loads, and (3) a power takeoff system comprising linear generators which are directly driven by the oscillating body to generate electricity. The devised devices excel in harnessing wave energy across a wide spectrum of frequencies and are well-suited for deployment in both shallow and deep ocean waters.
Claims20
A utility-scale wave energy converter in a body of water, comprising:
- an oscillating body floating on the water surface;
- a plurality of slender, flexible elements, each connected at a first end to said oscillating body and at a second end to a fixed object;
- and
- a plurality of slender, linear generators, each connected at one end to the oscillating body and at the other end to a fixed earth structure, with all connections made via universal joints, comprising a Stewart platform configuration.
A method for inventing a utility-scale wave energy converter in a body of water, comprising:
- configuring the top, movable plate of a Stewart platform into an oscillating body floating on the water surface to respond to waves, and converting the actuators of the Stewart platform into linear generators to produce electricity, such that a traditionally actuator-driven system is reversed into a energy-harvesting system;
- designing the oscillating body to have a positive metacentric height, enabling free movement in all six degrees of freedom, and allowing for adaptability with ballast weights, foldable plates, and one or more mechanical resonators;
- developing a restraining system, comprising a plurality of slender, flexible elements, which secures said oscillating body to a fixed object, against displacement by steady environmental load and returns said oscillating body to pre-disturbed position;
- and
- creating multiple linear generators for power take-off, connecting the oscillating body to a fixed earth structure, with all connections made via universal joints, in a Stewart platform configuration.
A method for employing indirect wave energy converters as dampers on ocean platforms situated in shallow and deep waters, and utilizing the generated electricity for powering these platforms, comprising:
- structuring the indirect wave energy converters in a Stewart platform configuration;
- designing an oscillating body responding to ocean platforms' motion due to waves, capable of movement in all six degrees of freedom;
- developing a restraining system comprising a Plurality of expandable and retractable cables that secure the oscillating body to a base plate fixed on the ocean platforms, preventing excessive displacement and returning the oscillating body to pre-disturbed position;
- and
- creating multiple linear generators for power take-off, connecting the oscillating body to the base plate fixed on the ocean platforms, with all connections made via universal joints, in a Stewart platform configuration.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.