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US 2023/0323850 A1Published application
Buoy, wave energy converter comprising such buoy and method of manufacturing a buoy
OwnerMikael Sidenmarkinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A buoy for a wave energy converter system comprises an attachment portion and a plurality of buoyancy block assemblies supported by support portions. By providing the support portions so that they form an integral support structure, an improved buoy design is provided which is easier to manufacture and which exhibits reduced weight and improved durability. A wave energy converter comprising the buoy and method of manufacturing a buoy are also provided.
Claims30
A buoy for a wave energy converter system, the buoy having a top, sides and a bottom, the buoy comprising
- an attachment portion;
- a plurality of buoyancy blocks assemblies supported by support portions,
- wherein
- the support portions form an integral support structure made of concrete, preferably reinforced concrete,
- wherein the buoyancy block assemblies have any of the following cross-sectional shapes:
- hexagonal, square, and rectangular, and
- wherein the support structure comprises walls between adjacent buoyancy block assemblies.
4 more elements
A method of manufacturing a buoy, comprising the following steps:
- providing a mold,
- placing at least one attachment portion in the mold,
- placing a plurality of buoyancy block assemblies in the mold, wherein at least some of the buoyancy block assemblies are placed with spaces between adjacent buoyancy block assemblies, and
- supplying supporting material in liquid form to the mold, wherein, when solidified, the supporting material forms an integral support structure in the spaces between buoyancy block assemblies.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.