Ocean wave energy absorbing kite system and method
OwnerThomas W Beininventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An ocean wave energy absorbing kite system 200 captures an ocean wave's kinetic energy as a force on a submerged, reciprocating panel 202 that drives the panel back and forth in an oscillating motion. The force applied to the panel is transmitted to a power generator 244 through opposed flexible ropes or lines 214, 224 loaded in tension. Potential energy is captured from the wave as a vertical force when a buoyant volume attached to the energy absorbing panel or kite member 202 rises on a passing ocean wave's peak, and transmits the force through flexible ropes or lines in tension to a power generator. Optionally, the shape of the panel is configurable to limit or restrict absorbed wave energy, thereby preventing damage from larger storm-generated waves.
Claims23
A wave energy kite configured to capture energy from ocean waves at a selected situs having an ocean mean waterline above an ocean bottom surface or sea floor, comprising:
- a. a first reciprocating energy absorbing kite panel submerged in a substantially vertical orientation, said kite panel having a first side surface opposing a second side surface,
- b. a first plurality of tension-force transmitting members or suspension lines each having a proximal end opposite a distal end, each first suspension line's proximal end being connected to said kite's first side surface and wherein each of said first suspension lines extend distally in a substantially perpendicular alignment away from said kite's first side surface,
- c. a second plurality of tension-force transmitting members or suspension lines each having a proximal end opposite a distal end, each second plurality line's proximal end being connected to said kite's second side surface and extending distally in an alignment opposing the alignment of said first suspension lines, said second suspension lines extending distally away from kite's said second side surface,
- d. a pulley or block and tackle tension force transmission system configured to receive and support said first and second suspension lines,
- e. a power converter fixed to a sea bottom configured to generate power in response to force transmitted through said first and second suspension lines,
- f. a winch drum connected to said power converter in such a manner that said first and second suspension lines will cause said converter to generate power as the reciprocating or oscillating forces of ocean waves act on said energy absorbing kite panel.
A method for efficiently harnessing kinetic and potential energy of ocean waves to generate power, comprising the steps of:
- a) selecting a situs in an ocean, at a selected distance from a nearest shore, said situs having an ocean mean waterline level above an ocean bottom surface,
- b) determining a mean depth for the situs,
- c) configuring a kite member having a first side surface opposite a second side surface, both kite side surfaces terminating along a top edge with a selected length defining the kite's lateral width which is greater than said situs mean depth, wherein said kite member has a submerged panel height which is less than said situs mean depth,
- d) installing said kite member at said situs by submerging said kite member and extending said kite's top edge to be substantially parallel to a nearest shoreline,
- e) attaching a first plurality of tension-force transmitting members or suspension lines to said kite's first side surface, and
- f) attaching a second plurality of tension-force transmitting members or suspension lines to said kite's second side surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.