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AssigneeWave Star Energy APS
InventorsPer Resen Steenstrup, Niels Arpe Hansen, Keld Hansen
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A wave power apparatus includes at least one rotationally supported arm (122) which carries a float (124) at its free end, so that a translational movement of the float caused by a wave results in rotation of the arm (122). The apparatus comprises power conversion means for converting power transmitted from the wave to the arms into electric power, e.g. a hydraulic system, in which a hydraulic medium is displaced by the movement of the arm, the hydraulic system being coupled to an electric generator. The apparatus comprises a hydraulic lifting system for lifting the float out of the ocean and for locking the float in an upper position above the ocean surface, e.g. during extreme sea wave conditions, such as storm. The lifting system may comprise at least one pump for pumping hydraulic cylinders for lifting the arm out of the ocean.
A wave power apparatus comprising at least one arm, the arm being rotationally supported at one end by a shaft and carrying a float at its other end, which is opposite to the supported end, so that a translational movement of the float caused by a wave results in rotation of the arm around the shaft, the apparatus comprising power conversion means for converting power transmitted from the wave to the arms into electric power, characterised by
A wave power apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one arm comprises a plurality of arms which are arranged in a row such that a wave passing the row of arms causes the arms to successively pivot around the shaft, the arms being arranged at mutual distances, so that at all times at least two of the arms simultaneously deliver a power contribute to the power conversion means, the power conversion means comprising a hydraulic actuator associated with each arm, the hydraulic actuators feeding a hydraulic medium into at least one hydraulic motor via common hydraulic conduits.
A wave power apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein buoyancy of the float is at least 10 times its dry weight.
A wave power apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the diameter of the float is at least 5 times its height.
A wave power apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of arms comprises at least five arms per wavelength of waves.
A wave power apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of arms comprises at least five arms spanning over a total length of 50-200 m.
A wave power apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the arms and the floats are made from a material which has a density of at most 1000 kg/m3.
A wave power apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the power conversion means comprises a hydraulic driving system with at least one hydraulically driven motor.
A wave power apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft and the power conversion means are supported by a supporting structure which is anchored to the sea floor by means of a suction anchor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.