Method and apparatus for harnessing hydro-kinetic energy
OwnerSaeHeum Songinventor
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Abstract
Apparatus and method is disclosed for generating usable power derived from oscillatory hydro-kinetic energy available in the movement of waves having a given height and being spaced apart by a predetermined distance at the surface of a body of water. Apparatus and method is disclosed for generating usable power derived from hydro-kinetic energy available in a body of water moving in at least one direction of movement, the at least one direction being substantially horizontal or substantially vertical. Apparatus and method is disclosed for generating usable power derived from hydro-gravitational forces available at a site having a source of water at a first elevation higher than a second elevation at a selected location where the usable power is to be derived.
Claims7
Apparatus for generating usable power derived from oscillatory hydro-kinetic energy available in the movement of waves having a given height and being spaced apart by a predetermined distance at the surface of a body of water, the apparatus comprising:
- at least two power chambers spaced apart from one another and being capable of floating upon the surface of the body of water to follow changes in elevation corresponding to the given height of the waves, each power chamber having an interior;
- a conduit interconnecting the power chambers and providing passages connecting the interiors of the power chambers;
- and
- an energy conversion device located within the conduit for actuation in response to a flow of a kinetic energy material through the passages from one to another of the power chambers to actuate the energy conversion device and thereby convert the flow of kinetic energy material to usable power;
- the two power chambers being spaced apart by a distance so related to the predetermined distance between adjacent waves as to effect alternation of the relative elevation of the two power chambers and thereby induce the flow of kinetic energy material from the one to the another of the power chambers and effect actuation of the energy conversion device to generate usable power.
A method for generating usable power derived from oscillatory hydro-kinetic energy available in the movement of waves having a given height and being spaced apart by a predetermined distance at the surface of a body of water, the method comprising:
- providing at least two power chambers spaced apart from one another;
- floating the power chambers upon the surface of the body of water to follow changes in elevation corresponding to the given height of the waves, each power chamber having an interior;
- providing passages connecting the interiors of the power chambers;
- locating an energy conversion device within the passages for actuation in response to a flow of a kinetic energy material through the passages from one to another of the power chambers to actuate the energy conversion device and thereby convert the flow of kinetic energy material to usable power;
- and
- spacing the two power chambers apart by a distance so related to the predetermined distance between adjacent waves as to effect alternation of the relative elevation of the two power chambers and thereby induce the flow of kinetic energy material from the one to the another of the power chambers and effect actuation of the energy conversion device to generate usable power.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.