US 5,167,786 A · Wave-power collection apparatus

Abstract

A novel tidal and wave-power collection apparatus is disclosed which is adapted to produce hydrogen and/or oxygen gas. The apparatus is particularly well suited for oceanic installations. In the preferred embodiment, a matrix of gas producing units is easily assembled at sea, each being bridged and reinforced by catwalks extending therebetween which form trilateral gas producing modules having such units at each of the corners thereof. Each gas producing unit comprises a central tubular pilaster embedded in the ocean floor around which is disposed a toroidal float which moves up and down with the waves and tide and which acts to drive a DC generator while rising and falling. The output of the generator is utilized to electrolytically produce hydrogen and/or oxygen gas, which is compressed for storage in the float's chamber. The apparatus is efficient, economical and capable of capturing and storing large quantities of gas. In an alternative embodiment, the DC generator drives a high pressure pump which forces sea water through the microporous membrane of a reverse osmosis unit, thereby converting the sea water into potable water.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A wave-power collection apparatus for installation in a body of water for converting wave energy into at least hydrogen gas and for at least collecting said gas in said apparatus, comprising:

(a) pilaster means located extending to protrude for a preselected distance above the high water line of said body of water;
(b) float means trackingly mounted for movement along said pilaster means in response to tidal and wave motion;
(c) generating means mounted on said pilaster, for generating current from the movement of said float means;
(d) electrolysis means electrically connected to said generating means, and in liquid communication with said body of water, said electrolysis means generating hydrogen and oxygen utilizing said current generated by said generating means, said electrolysis means comprising at least two opposingly charged electrodes;
(e) gas separation means mounted on said pilaster means generally disposed between said electrodes, for separating oxygen and hydrogen gases produced by said electrolysis means;
(f) compressor means mounted on said pilaster means, for compressing at least hydrogen gas separated by said gas separation means;
and,
(g) gas storage means for at least storing hydrogen gas, said storage means comprising at least a portion of said float means, said gas storage means being in fluid communication with the output of said compressor means.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Wave-power collection apparatus

Life of this patent

Wave-power collection apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18