US 4,078,871 A · Sea wave energy conversion

Abstract

A fixed structure encloses a vertically spaced plurality of superimposed channels that are open at one end of the sea to receive deep sea waves approaching a shoreline. Each of the channels has an entrance ramp that slopes upwardly shorewardly to induce breaking of a wave at and over an apex of trailer service ramp that merges into a shorewardly downwardly sloping convergent conduit having fluid communication with a pressure chamber of the structure through a one-way valve controlled aperture at which the wave energy is concentrated. A portion of each ramp is overlain by a roof which may comprise the underside of a superimposed ramp of another channel. Each of the ramps is of upwardly convex configuration, transversely to the wave direction, and at opposite sides is provided with re-entrant scuppers for draining backwash from a receding wave. Wave focusing vanes or walls diverge seawardly from the open end of the fixed structure along an axis bisecting a submerged transverse wall member embedded on the sea floor, of a lens configuration for bending and focusing a given linear wave length into the convergent walls. Water is directed from the pressure chamber of the structure into energy recovery devices utilizing the kinetic, hydrostatic and pneumatic energy contained in the pressure chamber, which acts as an accumulator.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A sea wave surge pump energy converter comprising:

a structure having an open rear end to receive incoming waves;
a forwardly upwardly sloping intake ramp longitudinally aligned with said open end to receive incoming waves and of a longitudinal slope to induce wave breaking at a horizontally disposed apex of said ramp,
said ramp comprising part of an intake channel including opposite side walls of said structure to occlude a horizontal segment of an incoming wave therebetween;
a forwardly downwardly convergent conduit in said structure comprising a rigidly integrated continuation of said ramp to receive occluded wave segments breaking over said apex for accellerated forward fall into a pressure vessel in said structure,
a rear end of said conduit contiguous to said apex defining an opening of horizontally elongate configuration to receive the occluded wave segment,
said convergent conduit comprising forwardly convergent lateral side walls for focusing the force of the breaking occluded wave segment upon a forward narrow inner end of said conduit;
an enclosed pressure vessel in said structure in communication with said narrow end of said conduit to contain pressurized sea water received from said conduit;
and a non-return valve at the forward end of said convergent conduit to check the escape from said pressure vessel of water pumped through said valve by sea waves breaking over said apex of said ramp.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Sea wave energy conversion

Life of this patent

Sea wave energy conversion

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19