Multistage Concentrative Wave Energy Rectifier

A concentrative wave energy rectifier having a plurality of surge vessels and expansion chambers fluidly connected by a pneumatic manifold, the manifold having an intake end or ends and an exhaust end, the manifold includes a load or regulator valve at the exhaust end and check valves placed to direct flow of air from the intake end to the surge vessels and expansion chambers until released through the load or regulator valve, and when subject to wave action, the wave energy rectifier stores and generates power on demand.

• The wave energy rectifier of claim 1, in which a cumulative head pressure that is accumulated in the surge vessels and expansion chambers defines a stored potential energy, and the potential energy is released to do work through the exhaust end.
• The wave energy rectifier of claim 1, which comprises a linear array of surge vessels connected by a linear pneumatic manifold in series or in parallel.
• The wave energy rectifier of claim 1, which comprises a curvilinear array of surge vessels connected by a linear pneumatic manifold in series or in parallel.
• The wave energy rectifier of claim 1, which comprises a branching array of surge vessels connected by a branched pneumatic manifold.
• The wave energy rectifier of claim 1, which comprises a regulator configured to bleed a compressed air supply to a load at a steady pressure.
• The wave energy rectifier of claim 1, which comprises a release valve configured to bleed air to a load as required per load demand.
• The wave energy rectifier of claim 1, which comprises a pneumatic power converter enabled to perform work by converting potential energy of the head pressure to mechanical, electrical or chemical work.
• The wave energy rectifier of claim 8, wherein the pneumatic power converter defines a load or is coupled to a load.
• The wave energy rectifier of claim 1, wherein the rectifier is configured to provide compressed air for energy conversion.
• The wave energy rectifier of claim 1, which comprises a turbine operatively coupled between a surge vessel and the exhaust end.
• The wave energy rectifier of claim 1, which comprises an electric generator operatively coupled between the array and the exhaust end.
• The wave energy rectifier of claim 1, which comprises a plurality of check valves configured to direct air unidirectionally from a first expansion chamber to a last expansion chamber, wherein the last expansion chamber is reversibly connectable to a load.
• The wave energy rectifier as illustrated and described in this disclosure.
• A method of rectifying wave energy for storage and use, which comprises a step for operating an apparatus of this disclosure.