Energy device powered by the motion of water beneath waves
AssigneeQ, LLC
InventorE. Quimby Smith, Jr.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A device for extracting both kinetic and potential energy from the motion beneath waves over a considerable depth comprising a power member or sail guided to reciprocate with the movement of the water. The power sail is connected to and operates a power device such as an electric generator or pump. A second member, or sail, is located in geometric position relative to the power sail to reflect energy back to the power sail. Sensors, servo systems, and computers may be used to optimize power output. Multiple units can be arranged in "farms" to furnish megawatts of power.
Claims29
Apparatus for extracting energy from the motion of water beneath a traveling wave in a body of water comprising a power member capable of being moved by the water, means for supporting said power member in said body of water with at least a substantial portion thereof beneath the surface of the waves in a manner such that said power member can be moved back and forth by the movement of water beneath the waves, means operatively connecting said power member to a conversion device to transfer the energy extracted by said power member to said conversion device, a secondary member, and means supporting said secondary member in said body of water with at least a substantial portion thereof beneath the surface of the waves at the leeward side of said power member and spaced therefrom a distance such that it receives energy transmitted through said power member and returns some of the received energy back to said power member to work in conjunction with said power member as a unit.
Apparatus for extracting energy from the motion of water beneath a traveling wave in a body of water comprising a power member capable of being moved by the water, means for supporting said power member in said body of water with at least a substantial portion thereof beneath the surface of the waves in a manner such that said power member can be moved back and forth by the movement of water beneath the waves, means operatively connecting said power member to a conversion device to transfer the energy extracted by said power member to said conversion device, a secondary member, and means supporting said secondary member in said body of water with at least a substantial portion thereof beneath the surface of the waves at the leeward side of said power member and spaced therefrom a distance such that it receives energy transmitted through said power member and returns some of the received energy back to said power member to work in conjunction with said power member as a unit, including means for positioning of one of said supporting means relative to the other to vary the basic separation between said members.
A method of extracting energy from the motion of water beneath a traveling wave in a body of water comprising supporting a power member in said body of water with at lease a substantial portion thereof beneath the surface of the waves for back and forth movement by the water, operatively connecting said power member to a conversion device to transfer the energy extracted by said power member to said conversion device, and supporting a secondary member in said body of water with at least a substantial portion thereof beneath the surface of the waves at the leeward side of said power member and spaced therefrom a distance such that it receives energy transmitted through said power member and returns some of the received energy back to said power member to work in conjunction with said power member as a unit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.