Wave/blowhole electrical power generating plant
AssigneePhillip K. Shields
InventorPhillip Kinyon Shields
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This electrical power generating system is applicable in any location where wave action in blowholes produces compressed air. This system uses manmade high-efficiency blowholes, excavated in bedrock by application of conventional mining methods, or harbor quality rip-rapped sea walls, with blowholes constructed of welded steel framework or concrete structures built into the sea walls. The compressed air generated in these manmade blowholes is then utilized to drive air-driven motors, water pumps and turbines. These motors, water pumps, and turbines drive electric generators and second-stage air compressors for related applications (instrument air systems, second-stage high pressure motors, air driven water pumps, and generators).
Claims3
A device constructed in bedrock using conventional mining methods, which is the most durable method for construction of high efficiency, man made blow holes for generating compressed air for operating air-driven motors, turbines, and air driven water pumps, by utilizing manmade blowholes situated in the breakwater between high and low tidal zones, designed to match existing wave characteristics for the area of application, such that wave action entering said blowhole creates a rapidly moving water piston which compresses the trapped air as it moves up into the converging confines of said manmade blowhole shaft, compressed air is allowed to vent through an emergency relief valve during emergency shutdown situations or storms, which will allow the compressed air to vent out through the cliff face when said emergencies occur, under normal operations said compressed air will travel through an emergency shutdown valve, which will only close during said emergency shutdown situations or storms, under said normal operation, said compressed air will then pass through a one-way check valve which will prevent the compressed air from being drawn back into the said blowhole shaft when the said wave subsides, the said subsiding wave forces the air intake valve to open due to the vacuum created by the receding wave in the said blowhole, fresh air is allowed to rush through the air intake valve filling the said blowhole shaft with outside air, this said air is then ready for the next incoming wave piston to compress, said compressed air which passes through said check valve enters the compressed air header pipe this said compressed air can then be used to run air-driven turbines, air motors, air-driven water pumps, excess compressed air can be collected in air dehydration vessels and back up compressed air storage vessels for other applications and shipment through compressed air trunk lines, for use in power generation, or other uses inland.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.