CA1079611A - Wave floating island dynamos - Google Patents
Wave floating island dynamosInfo
- Publication number
- CA1079611A CA1079611A CA298,942A CA298942A CA1079611A CA 1079611 A CA1079611 A CA 1079611A CA 298942 A CA298942 A CA 298942A CA 1079611 A CA1079611 A CA 1079611A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- column
- float
- island
- power
- force linking
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
- F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
- F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
- F03B13/14—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy
- F03B13/16—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem"
- F03B13/18—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem" where the other member, i.e. rem is fixed, at least at one point, with respect to the sea bed or shore
- F03B13/1805—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem" where the other member, i.e. rem is fixed, at least at one point, with respect to the sea bed or shore and the wom is hinged to the rem
- F03B13/181—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem" where the other member, i.e. rem is fixed, at least at one point, with respect to the sea bed or shore and the wom is hinged to the rem for limited rotation
- F03B13/1815—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem" where the other member, i.e. rem is fixed, at least at one point, with respect to the sea bed or shore and the wom is hinged to the rem for limited rotation with an up-and-down movement
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/30—Energy from the sea, e.g. using wave energy or salinity gradient
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The invention provides for a floating island for pro-ducing power from waves. The floating island is comprised of columns fixed to the ocean bed,and a float interconnected to the column by gimbal mounting means. The gimbal mounting means allow the float to tilt in relation to the wave motion.
The up and down motion of the float on the column, in response to the waves, is translated into power by force linking means, and electrical generating means convert this power into use-ful electricity. Suitable force linking means may be com-prised of pulley gear mechanisms, helical drive mechanisms, rack and pinion mechanism, induction mechanisms, and hydraulic mechanisms.
The invention provides for a floating island for pro-ducing power from waves. The floating island is comprised of columns fixed to the ocean bed,and a float interconnected to the column by gimbal mounting means. The gimbal mounting means allow the float to tilt in relation to the wave motion.
The up and down motion of the float on the column, in response to the waves, is translated into power by force linking means, and electrical generating means convert this power into use-ful electricity. Suitable force linking means may be com-prised of pulley gear mechanisms, helical drive mechanisms, rack and pinion mechanism, induction mechanisms, and hydraulic mechanisms.
Description
.
SPECIFICATION
The invention relates to a system to produce electricity for domestic, commercial and industrial use by harnessing the power of the waves of the oceans or large lakes.
Electricity is produced from fuel, coal, radioactive materials, wind, waterfalls or sun rays. Natural consumable energy resources are limited and their use often pollutes the environ-ment. Radioactive material processing, use and even the disposal ~-of radioactive materials are usually hazardous. Fuel, coal and sun energy are not yet economically feasible.
.
Ocean wave resource is cost free, continous, unlimited, ever-lasting, non-hazardous and non-pollutant. The method o~ this invention to harness wave power is simple and inexpellsive.
The invention is composed of one group and preferably many groups of artificial floating islands installed in the ocean or large lakes locations where the waves are the greatest and reasonably constant year around. Each island, rises and falls at the rhythm and amplitude of the waves, and is celltel~æd ~n a column which footing is fixed in the ocean or lake bottom.
The floating island operates a mechanism which drives a generator mounted on the floating island and which produces pulsating direct current.
A wiring network carries the electric current produced by each island to a power station installed in the vicinity where it is converted into alternating current , and then transmitted to the mainland through a submarine cable. This system can be coupled with another power station on the mainland which is driven by conventional resources to supplement occasional low production and meet required levels.
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention:
,, ~
SPI~CIFICATIO~ (CONT ' D) Figure 1 is a plan view of the island and post or column.
Figure 2 is a side view of the float .
Figure 3 is a side view of,an embodiment of the invention ' showing the mounting for the base of the post or column.
Figure 4 is a schematic drawing showing the height of the post or column, and the levels of high tide, average wave height, unusual wave height and steel rope bracing.
Figure 5 is a side elevation of the invention showing the braced structure for a group of islands and posts.
Figure 6 is a cross-section of the gimbal mechanism.
Figure 7 is a plan view of the gimbal mechanism.
Figure 8 is a representational series of views of the float meet-ing waves at different angles.
Figure 9 is a fragmentary schematic longitudinal section of an island showing a standard gearing mechanism.
Figure 10 is a fragmentary schematic longitudinal section of an island showing a rope pulley gearing mechanism.
Figure 11 is a fragmentary schematic longitudinal section of an island showing a helical drive mechanism.
Figure 12 is a schematic longitudinal section of an island showing a hydraulic mechanism.
Figure 13 is a side elevation of a floating island centred on a column attached to an anchored partly submerged buoy.
Figure 14 is a schematic longitudinal section of an island showing direct electrical force generating mechanism.
.. ..
107961~
SPECIFICATION ( CONT'D?
Figure 14(b) is a cross section of the generating mechanism taken along lines 14B - 14B of Figure 14.
OCEAN AREA CHARACTER~STICS - To obtain maximum performance, the is-lands are installed in locations of the ocean or large la~es where the waves are the most constant and the greatest on the average, year around. They are not installed in shiplanes nor where there are icebergs. The water should not be too deep, in order to keep the length of the columns and bracing ropes as short as possible, since only the very top portion of the column is used. Tides have ~;
no effect at all on the island's production capacity, neither have -the ocean currents.
ISLAND CHAR~CTERISTICS - The floating island has a sha~e simil~r to that shown in Figures 1 and 2. In the horizontal plane, its circu-lar shape permits the island to operate at a constant efficiency independent of the directions of the winds and waves. In the ver-tical plane its elliptical shape offers the least resistance to the waves on account of its capability to smoothly cut the crest of the waves, especially the higher waves. Spherical and other shapes would also serve the purpose but would cause more friction on the cb~umn, and result in loss of efficiency.
rrhe diameter of the floating island is equivalent to half of the average ocean wavelength where it is installed, in order to permit the island to go down to the very bottom of the trough Letwecn two crests, and in so doing, permits the island's up and down movements to cope with the entire amplitude of the waves, and thereby opti-mize the vertical distance travelled on the column.
The weight of the floating island is the greatest possible and is limited only by the island's capability to remain completely afloat during the whole wave cycle. Achieving optimum island weight is of major importance since it governs the productivity during the fall-10~79611 SPECIFICATION (CONT'D) ing half cycle of each wave.
The floating capability permits the maximum possible island weight to cope with the full amplitude range of the waves. This character-istic determines the productivity during the rising half cycle o~
each wave.
COLUMNS AND T~EIR BRACINGS - AS shown in Figure 3, the column is installed at substantially right angles to the sea level 4. The foot of the column is fixed permanently to a cement base 5, in the sea floor 6, by a universal joint 7. The universal joint adjusts for the elasticity and tension of the steel rope bracing lsed to hold the column in place The length of the column 2 shown in Figure 4 equals the depth of the sea at high tide 8, plus the average wave amplitude 9, plus an additional 30% greater height to capitalize on on occasional greater than average wave size 10, plus an additional length for top bracing purposes 11.
In order to remain steady and at right angles 3 with the sea level 4 each column 2 is braced, at a point 12 on its length - shown in Figure 5. The point 12 is approximately 20 feet below the lowest point of the average wave amplitude, at low tide. me column is also braced at point 13 at the top of the column 2. The column 2 is braced, at lower point 12, with four steel ropes 14, 15, 16, and 16f (not-shown) anchored at cement bases 17, 18, l9 and 20, (the latter base is not shown) respectively, which are buried in the sea floor 6. Top bracing 13 of column 2 is connected to top bracing 13a of neighbouring column 2a and top bracing 13a is connected in turn to its neighbouring column 13b. Columns 2 and 2d, located at the periphery, are connected at positions 13 and 13c to anchors 23 and 24 respectively by steel rope bracings 22 anc~ 21 resp~c-tively.
SPECIFICATION (CONT'D) POST/ISLAND FIXTURE - Each floating island 1 is fixed to the col-umn 2 by gimbals shown in a cross-section and a plan view in ~ig-ures 6 and 7 respectively. The gimbal mechanism consists of a first ring 25 which rides up and down on post 2 Oll four ~oulle set wheels 26-27, 28-29, 30-31, 32-33, and a second ring 34 which is attached to ring 25 by two pivot pins 35 and 36. The gimbal mechanism is attached to the floating island structure 1 by the two pivot pins 37 and 38.
The gimbals permit the island to tilt as itfollows ~;-e rising half-cycle and the lowering half-cycle of each wave a variable angle not exceeding the one formed by the sea level and the slope of the average wave. This tilting or operating angle eases the wave following, increases the island rising power, and smooths its descent, independently of the wave directions.
Figure 8 shows the tilting angle variations of a floating island during a complete wave cycle. During the first quarter cyclc or in between two waves the tilting angle 39 is nil or the angle of column/floating is 80, and the island is at a stand still and non-productive. During the second quarter cycle 40, the island tilts between about 30 and 45 as the ascending part of the wave comes in and lifts the island which is fully productive. During the third quarter 41, at the peak of the wave where the same con-ditions described during the first quarter pre~il. Durin~3 thP
fourth quarter 42, the island tilts forward at approximately the same angle as during the second quarter, and the island is again fully productive.
THE MECE~NIC~L POWER OF THE ISLAND - The linear mechanical power developed by the islandls vertical movements has two component for-ces. First, the lifting force developed by tl~ islall~ whi]e ~ein~
raised by each rising half wavelengtll, which is equal to the is-- land's floating capacity above its own weight. Secondly, the lower-- 10796~1 SP~CIFICATION (CONT'D) ing force developed by the island weight during the descending half cycle of each lowering half wavelength. The floating capabil-ity of the island equals twice its weight in order to o~tain equal li~ting and lowering forces. There are thO very brief 1ea~ ~oints, one at the peak and one at the bottom of each wavelength, due to the inertia of the island while reversing its movement from rising to descending and from descending to rising.
THE MECHANISM DRIVING THE GENERATOR - Many types of mechanisms can be used to convert the linear lifting-lowering force into a rota-ting force capable of driving the generator; a standard gearil~gmechanism, a gear-chain mechanism, a rope-pulley mechanism, a helical mechanism or a h~draulic mechanism.
STANDARD G~ARING MECHANISM - ~ --Wave Rising On a rising wave the gear 44 rides up tlle gcar ~r~c~ 43 on tl-e post and rotates clockwise driving a chain 91 which in turn drives gear 45 and 46 clockwise. Gear 46 is engaged by a spring loaded pawl and drives gear 47 clockwise which in turn drives the power -~
shaft 49 clockwise.
Gear 50 rotates clockwise and drives gears 51 and 52 clockwise so that the spring loaded pawl is not engaged. Gear 53 is driven ~y 47 counterclockwise in a free wheeling fashion.
~ave Falling As the wave falls gear 44 rotates counterclockwise driving gears 45 and 46 in a counterclockwise free wheeling direction.
~ear 50 is driven counterclockwise and in turn drives gears 51 and 52 via a chain 93 in a counterclockwise direction. As gear 52 moves in the counterclockwise direction it engages a spring load .
SPECIFICATION (CONT'D) pawl on gear 53, driving gear 53 counterclockwise. Gear 53 en-gages gear 47 and drives it in a clockwise direction.
GEARING MECHANISM NARR~TIVE
The gearing mechanism drives shaft A which is directly coupled to a generator and a flywheel.
ROPE-PUL~EY G~AR MECHA~ISM
Wave is Rising When the wave is rising and the island is moving upwards alon-J thc post, wire rope 54 is taut and is unreeling from drum 53. As ~ ;
the wire rope is pulled off drum 53, the pawl 57A engages the sprocket on shaft 58 and drives the shaft in a counterclockwise direction. The shaft 58, drives the chain 59 which drives the power shaft 60.
When the wave is rising and the wire rope 54A is ~eil-g pull~d o~f drum 53, gear 55 engages gear 56 and drives it so that the slack in wire rope 54A is taken up.
Wave is Falling When the wave is falling wire rope 54A becomes taut and unreels from drum 57. As the wire rope is pulled off drum 57, pawl 61 engages when the angular velocity of the drum e~cee-ls tile an~ulal-velocity of the shaft 62. When the pawl 61 engages, the unreel-ing drum drives the shaft 62 which in turn drives the chain 59 and the power shaft 60.
When the wave is falling the unreeling gear 56 engages gear 55 and drives gear 55 so that the slack is taken up in wire rope 54.
Wave is at the Peak .
SPECIFICATION (CONT'D) When the wave is at its peak the vertical motion of the island is temporarily halted and the wire ropes are both slack. At this point the flywheel on the power shaft 60 continues to drive the chain 59. The chain 59 continues to drive the shafts 58 and 62 in a clockwise direction. Both pawls 57 and 61 disengage and the wire rope drums cease to turn.
HELICAL DRIVE MECHANISM - NARRATIV~:
As the wave moves in the vertical direction the island exerts a force on the collar (77) of the gimbal mechanism which in tur exerts an upward or downward force on the collar 78 which is con-nected to collar 79 through roller bearings 80.
The collar 79 transmits the upward or downward force to the wheels 81 which travel on the helical track 82 imparting a rotating motion to the collar 78.
Guide wheels 83 act to keep the collar 7~ centrcd on tlle post.
The guide wheels swivel to permit them to follow the helical path forced upon them by the motion of collar 78.
The rotating power of collar 79 is transmitted to the power take-off gears 84 and 85. Gear 84 is engaged by the pawl 86 when the collar 78 is rotating in a clockwise direction. 85 is engaged by pawl 87 when the collar 78 is rotating in a counterclockwise di-rection. Both take-off gears 84 and 85 are moullted Oll bearillg~
which ensure that the power take-off gears rotate freely unless engaged by a pawl.
Take-off gears 84 and 85 could be connected via a chain drive to a power shaft mounted in bearings and driYing a generator. The power shaft would be mounted in bearings on a plate attached to collar 79.
To counter-act a tendency of the whole island to rotate, the is-,~ -8-107961~
SPECIFICATION 'CONT'D) land could be fitted with keels or fins that would resist any tendency to rotate resulting in the bulk of the power generated by the helical drive being transmitted to the power shaft.
HYDRAULIC SYSTE~I
Wave Rising - Power Stroke When the wave is rising the island lifts the piston 63. The rising piston forces water from the piston chamber 64 past check valve 65 and through the piston shaft to the turbines 66. The exhaust from the turbines is returned to reservoir 67 through the centre of the piston shaft 96. On the power stro~e chec~ valve 68 is closed and check valve 69 is open.
Wave Falling - Intake Stroke When the wave is falling, the island descends and pushes the pis-ton 63 down. Check valves 65 and 69 close and check valve 68 opens. Fluid is forced from the reservoir 67 into the piston chamber 64.
FLOATING ISLAND II - NARRATIVE
The floating island is made up of a buoy 71 anchored to the sea floor by a chain 72 attached to base 73, and free floating island 1 centred on post 2 which is a part of the buoy.
The floating islalld 1 rides up and down on tl~e post ~ and it i~
this linear motion relative to post 2 that is used to provide power. The floating island 1 is kept centred on the post 2 by a gimbal mechanism 74.
The post 2 on the buoy is equal to the maximum rise of the tide plus the maximum expected wave height.
The buoy is designed so that its buoyancy when the post is above water is well in excess of the buoy's total ~eight plus the C _ g _ 10796i1 SPECIFICATION (CONT'D) weight of the island. This results in the buoy remaining in position at the full length of its anchor chain and reduces the pendulum action that results from the island changing its angle as it slides down the surface of a wave.
DIRECT ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATING
The post contains a series of coils wound around soft iron cores.
The coils are connected to a device to either:
-convert electrical energy to heat and heat to mechanical energy and electricity;
-store electrical energy;
-convert electrical pulses to steady D.C. electricity;
-convert electrical pulses to A-C electricity.
The island is connected to an iron ring with two poles 75 and 75B which ride up and down the post with the waves. The poles 75 and 75B each carry a coil denoted as 99 and 97 respectively connected to a D.C. supply. Coils 99 and 97 produce an electro-magnetic field in the ring and as the poles 75 and 75B pass the coils 76, mounted in the post an electric current is generated in the coils 76.
THE CURRENT PROVIDED BY ONE ISLAND - The quantity of electLic31 power produced by the island will vary with the amplitude of the waves, and thus may vary from hour-to-hour, and from day-to-day.
10796~
.
SPECIFICATION (CONT ' D) THE ARCHIPELAGO POWER STATION AND OUTPUT - A wiring network gath-ers the electricity produced by each island and carries it to a power station where the total direct current is convertcd to alter-nating current.
'
SPECIFICATION
The invention relates to a system to produce electricity for domestic, commercial and industrial use by harnessing the power of the waves of the oceans or large lakes.
Electricity is produced from fuel, coal, radioactive materials, wind, waterfalls or sun rays. Natural consumable energy resources are limited and their use often pollutes the environ-ment. Radioactive material processing, use and even the disposal ~-of radioactive materials are usually hazardous. Fuel, coal and sun energy are not yet economically feasible.
.
Ocean wave resource is cost free, continous, unlimited, ever-lasting, non-hazardous and non-pollutant. The method o~ this invention to harness wave power is simple and inexpellsive.
The invention is composed of one group and preferably many groups of artificial floating islands installed in the ocean or large lakes locations where the waves are the greatest and reasonably constant year around. Each island, rises and falls at the rhythm and amplitude of the waves, and is celltel~æd ~n a column which footing is fixed in the ocean or lake bottom.
The floating island operates a mechanism which drives a generator mounted on the floating island and which produces pulsating direct current.
A wiring network carries the electric current produced by each island to a power station installed in the vicinity where it is converted into alternating current , and then transmitted to the mainland through a submarine cable. This system can be coupled with another power station on the mainland which is driven by conventional resources to supplement occasional low production and meet required levels.
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention:
,, ~
SPI~CIFICATIO~ (CONT ' D) Figure 1 is a plan view of the island and post or column.
Figure 2 is a side view of the float .
Figure 3 is a side view of,an embodiment of the invention ' showing the mounting for the base of the post or column.
Figure 4 is a schematic drawing showing the height of the post or column, and the levels of high tide, average wave height, unusual wave height and steel rope bracing.
Figure 5 is a side elevation of the invention showing the braced structure for a group of islands and posts.
Figure 6 is a cross-section of the gimbal mechanism.
Figure 7 is a plan view of the gimbal mechanism.
Figure 8 is a representational series of views of the float meet-ing waves at different angles.
Figure 9 is a fragmentary schematic longitudinal section of an island showing a standard gearing mechanism.
Figure 10 is a fragmentary schematic longitudinal section of an island showing a rope pulley gearing mechanism.
Figure 11 is a fragmentary schematic longitudinal section of an island showing a helical drive mechanism.
Figure 12 is a schematic longitudinal section of an island showing a hydraulic mechanism.
Figure 13 is a side elevation of a floating island centred on a column attached to an anchored partly submerged buoy.
Figure 14 is a schematic longitudinal section of an island showing direct electrical force generating mechanism.
.. ..
107961~
SPECIFICATION ( CONT'D?
Figure 14(b) is a cross section of the generating mechanism taken along lines 14B - 14B of Figure 14.
OCEAN AREA CHARACTER~STICS - To obtain maximum performance, the is-lands are installed in locations of the ocean or large la~es where the waves are the most constant and the greatest on the average, year around. They are not installed in shiplanes nor where there are icebergs. The water should not be too deep, in order to keep the length of the columns and bracing ropes as short as possible, since only the very top portion of the column is used. Tides have ~;
no effect at all on the island's production capacity, neither have -the ocean currents.
ISLAND CHAR~CTERISTICS - The floating island has a sha~e simil~r to that shown in Figures 1 and 2. In the horizontal plane, its circu-lar shape permits the island to operate at a constant efficiency independent of the directions of the winds and waves. In the ver-tical plane its elliptical shape offers the least resistance to the waves on account of its capability to smoothly cut the crest of the waves, especially the higher waves. Spherical and other shapes would also serve the purpose but would cause more friction on the cb~umn, and result in loss of efficiency.
rrhe diameter of the floating island is equivalent to half of the average ocean wavelength where it is installed, in order to permit the island to go down to the very bottom of the trough Letwecn two crests, and in so doing, permits the island's up and down movements to cope with the entire amplitude of the waves, and thereby opti-mize the vertical distance travelled on the column.
The weight of the floating island is the greatest possible and is limited only by the island's capability to remain completely afloat during the whole wave cycle. Achieving optimum island weight is of major importance since it governs the productivity during the fall-10~79611 SPECIFICATION (CONT'D) ing half cycle of each wave.
The floating capability permits the maximum possible island weight to cope with the full amplitude range of the waves. This character-istic determines the productivity during the rising half cycle o~
each wave.
COLUMNS AND T~EIR BRACINGS - AS shown in Figure 3, the column is installed at substantially right angles to the sea level 4. The foot of the column is fixed permanently to a cement base 5, in the sea floor 6, by a universal joint 7. The universal joint adjusts for the elasticity and tension of the steel rope bracing lsed to hold the column in place The length of the column 2 shown in Figure 4 equals the depth of the sea at high tide 8, plus the average wave amplitude 9, plus an additional 30% greater height to capitalize on on occasional greater than average wave size 10, plus an additional length for top bracing purposes 11.
In order to remain steady and at right angles 3 with the sea level 4 each column 2 is braced, at a point 12 on its length - shown in Figure 5. The point 12 is approximately 20 feet below the lowest point of the average wave amplitude, at low tide. me column is also braced at point 13 at the top of the column 2. The column 2 is braced, at lower point 12, with four steel ropes 14, 15, 16, and 16f (not-shown) anchored at cement bases 17, 18, l9 and 20, (the latter base is not shown) respectively, which are buried in the sea floor 6. Top bracing 13 of column 2 is connected to top bracing 13a of neighbouring column 2a and top bracing 13a is connected in turn to its neighbouring column 13b. Columns 2 and 2d, located at the periphery, are connected at positions 13 and 13c to anchors 23 and 24 respectively by steel rope bracings 22 anc~ 21 resp~c-tively.
SPECIFICATION (CONT'D) POST/ISLAND FIXTURE - Each floating island 1 is fixed to the col-umn 2 by gimbals shown in a cross-section and a plan view in ~ig-ures 6 and 7 respectively. The gimbal mechanism consists of a first ring 25 which rides up and down on post 2 Oll four ~oulle set wheels 26-27, 28-29, 30-31, 32-33, and a second ring 34 which is attached to ring 25 by two pivot pins 35 and 36. The gimbal mechanism is attached to the floating island structure 1 by the two pivot pins 37 and 38.
The gimbals permit the island to tilt as itfollows ~;-e rising half-cycle and the lowering half-cycle of each wave a variable angle not exceeding the one formed by the sea level and the slope of the average wave. This tilting or operating angle eases the wave following, increases the island rising power, and smooths its descent, independently of the wave directions.
Figure 8 shows the tilting angle variations of a floating island during a complete wave cycle. During the first quarter cyclc or in between two waves the tilting angle 39 is nil or the angle of column/floating is 80, and the island is at a stand still and non-productive. During the second quarter cycle 40, the island tilts between about 30 and 45 as the ascending part of the wave comes in and lifts the island which is fully productive. During the third quarter 41, at the peak of the wave where the same con-ditions described during the first quarter pre~il. Durin~3 thP
fourth quarter 42, the island tilts forward at approximately the same angle as during the second quarter, and the island is again fully productive.
THE MECE~NIC~L POWER OF THE ISLAND - The linear mechanical power developed by the islandls vertical movements has two component for-ces. First, the lifting force developed by tl~ islall~ whi]e ~ein~
raised by each rising half wavelengtll, which is equal to the is-- land's floating capacity above its own weight. Secondly, the lower-- 10796~1 SP~CIFICATION (CONT'D) ing force developed by the island weight during the descending half cycle of each lowering half wavelength. The floating capabil-ity of the island equals twice its weight in order to o~tain equal li~ting and lowering forces. There are thO very brief 1ea~ ~oints, one at the peak and one at the bottom of each wavelength, due to the inertia of the island while reversing its movement from rising to descending and from descending to rising.
THE MECHANISM DRIVING THE GENERATOR - Many types of mechanisms can be used to convert the linear lifting-lowering force into a rota-ting force capable of driving the generator; a standard gearil~gmechanism, a gear-chain mechanism, a rope-pulley mechanism, a helical mechanism or a h~draulic mechanism.
STANDARD G~ARING MECHANISM - ~ --Wave Rising On a rising wave the gear 44 rides up tlle gcar ~r~c~ 43 on tl-e post and rotates clockwise driving a chain 91 which in turn drives gear 45 and 46 clockwise. Gear 46 is engaged by a spring loaded pawl and drives gear 47 clockwise which in turn drives the power -~
shaft 49 clockwise.
Gear 50 rotates clockwise and drives gears 51 and 52 clockwise so that the spring loaded pawl is not engaged. Gear 53 is driven ~y 47 counterclockwise in a free wheeling fashion.
~ave Falling As the wave falls gear 44 rotates counterclockwise driving gears 45 and 46 in a counterclockwise free wheeling direction.
~ear 50 is driven counterclockwise and in turn drives gears 51 and 52 via a chain 93 in a counterclockwise direction. As gear 52 moves in the counterclockwise direction it engages a spring load .
SPECIFICATION (CONT'D) pawl on gear 53, driving gear 53 counterclockwise. Gear 53 en-gages gear 47 and drives it in a clockwise direction.
GEARING MECHANISM NARR~TIVE
The gearing mechanism drives shaft A which is directly coupled to a generator and a flywheel.
ROPE-PUL~EY G~AR MECHA~ISM
Wave is Rising When the wave is rising and the island is moving upwards alon-J thc post, wire rope 54 is taut and is unreeling from drum 53. As ~ ;
the wire rope is pulled off drum 53, the pawl 57A engages the sprocket on shaft 58 and drives the shaft in a counterclockwise direction. The shaft 58, drives the chain 59 which drives the power shaft 60.
When the wave is rising and the wire rope 54A is ~eil-g pull~d o~f drum 53, gear 55 engages gear 56 and drives it so that the slack in wire rope 54A is taken up.
Wave is Falling When the wave is falling wire rope 54A becomes taut and unreels from drum 57. As the wire rope is pulled off drum 57, pawl 61 engages when the angular velocity of the drum e~cee-ls tile an~ulal-velocity of the shaft 62. When the pawl 61 engages, the unreel-ing drum drives the shaft 62 which in turn drives the chain 59 and the power shaft 60.
When the wave is falling the unreeling gear 56 engages gear 55 and drives gear 55 so that the slack is taken up in wire rope 54.
Wave is at the Peak .
SPECIFICATION (CONT'D) When the wave is at its peak the vertical motion of the island is temporarily halted and the wire ropes are both slack. At this point the flywheel on the power shaft 60 continues to drive the chain 59. The chain 59 continues to drive the shafts 58 and 62 in a clockwise direction. Both pawls 57 and 61 disengage and the wire rope drums cease to turn.
HELICAL DRIVE MECHANISM - NARRATIV~:
As the wave moves in the vertical direction the island exerts a force on the collar (77) of the gimbal mechanism which in tur exerts an upward or downward force on the collar 78 which is con-nected to collar 79 through roller bearings 80.
The collar 79 transmits the upward or downward force to the wheels 81 which travel on the helical track 82 imparting a rotating motion to the collar 78.
Guide wheels 83 act to keep the collar 7~ centrcd on tlle post.
The guide wheels swivel to permit them to follow the helical path forced upon them by the motion of collar 78.
The rotating power of collar 79 is transmitted to the power take-off gears 84 and 85. Gear 84 is engaged by the pawl 86 when the collar 78 is rotating in a clockwise direction. 85 is engaged by pawl 87 when the collar 78 is rotating in a counterclockwise di-rection. Both take-off gears 84 and 85 are moullted Oll bearillg~
which ensure that the power take-off gears rotate freely unless engaged by a pawl.
Take-off gears 84 and 85 could be connected via a chain drive to a power shaft mounted in bearings and driYing a generator. The power shaft would be mounted in bearings on a plate attached to collar 79.
To counter-act a tendency of the whole island to rotate, the is-,~ -8-107961~
SPECIFICATION 'CONT'D) land could be fitted with keels or fins that would resist any tendency to rotate resulting in the bulk of the power generated by the helical drive being transmitted to the power shaft.
HYDRAULIC SYSTE~I
Wave Rising - Power Stroke When the wave is rising the island lifts the piston 63. The rising piston forces water from the piston chamber 64 past check valve 65 and through the piston shaft to the turbines 66. The exhaust from the turbines is returned to reservoir 67 through the centre of the piston shaft 96. On the power stro~e chec~ valve 68 is closed and check valve 69 is open.
Wave Falling - Intake Stroke When the wave is falling, the island descends and pushes the pis-ton 63 down. Check valves 65 and 69 close and check valve 68 opens. Fluid is forced from the reservoir 67 into the piston chamber 64.
FLOATING ISLAND II - NARRATIVE
The floating island is made up of a buoy 71 anchored to the sea floor by a chain 72 attached to base 73, and free floating island 1 centred on post 2 which is a part of the buoy.
The floating islalld 1 rides up and down on tl~e post ~ and it i~
this linear motion relative to post 2 that is used to provide power. The floating island 1 is kept centred on the post 2 by a gimbal mechanism 74.
The post 2 on the buoy is equal to the maximum rise of the tide plus the maximum expected wave height.
The buoy is designed so that its buoyancy when the post is above water is well in excess of the buoy's total ~eight plus the C _ g _ 10796i1 SPECIFICATION (CONT'D) weight of the island. This results in the buoy remaining in position at the full length of its anchor chain and reduces the pendulum action that results from the island changing its angle as it slides down the surface of a wave.
DIRECT ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATING
The post contains a series of coils wound around soft iron cores.
The coils are connected to a device to either:
-convert electrical energy to heat and heat to mechanical energy and electricity;
-store electrical energy;
-convert electrical pulses to steady D.C. electricity;
-convert electrical pulses to A-C electricity.
The island is connected to an iron ring with two poles 75 and 75B which ride up and down the post with the waves. The poles 75 and 75B each carry a coil denoted as 99 and 97 respectively connected to a D.C. supply. Coils 99 and 97 produce an electro-magnetic field in the ring and as the poles 75 and 75B pass the coils 76, mounted in the post an electric current is generated in the coils 76.
THE CURRENT PROVIDED BY ONE ISLAND - The quantity of electLic31 power produced by the island will vary with the amplitude of the waves, and thus may vary from hour-to-hour, and from day-to-day.
10796~
.
SPECIFICATION (CONT ' D) THE ARCHIPELAGO POWER STATION AND OUTPUT - A wiring network gath-ers the electricity produced by each island and carries it to a power station where the total direct current is convertcd to alter-nating current.
'
Claims (12)
1. Apparatus for producing electricity by harnessing the power of waves comprising at least one power unit, said power unit in turn comprising a column, said column being disposed in a vertical direction so that said column is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the body of water, said column being per-manently fixed relative to the bed of the body of water;
a float having an opening therethrough adja-cent the center of gravity of said float, said opening being of such size that said column may pass therethrough so that said float may move vertically relative to said column in response to wave motion;
gimbal mounting means interconnecting said column and said float for permitting said float to occupy different vertical and angular positions in response to wave motion;
force linking means connecting said column and said float for transmitting power avail-able when said float moves vertically rela-tive to said column in response to wave motion; and electrical generating means connected to said force linking means whereby power available when said float moves vertically relative to said column is transmitted to said electrical generating means.
a float having an opening therethrough adja-cent the center of gravity of said float, said opening being of such size that said column may pass therethrough so that said float may move vertically relative to said column in response to wave motion;
gimbal mounting means interconnecting said column and said float for permitting said float to occupy different vertical and angular positions in response to wave motion;
force linking means connecting said column and said float for transmitting power avail-able when said float moves vertically rela-tive to said column in response to wave motion; and electrical generating means connected to said force linking means whereby power available when said float moves vertically relative to said column is transmitted to said electrical generating means.
2. Apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the force linking means consists of gear rack means on one of said column and said float, and gear means on the other of said column and said float, said rack and said gear means being operatively connected.
3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the force linking means consists of a helical gear combination having a central helix and an outer matching helical member, the helix being on said column and the helical member on said float and surrounding said helix.
4. Apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the force linking means includes gear speed-multiplying apparatus.
5. Apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the force linking means consists of piston means connected to the float valve means operatively connected to said piston means and said piston chamber means in pumping configuration so that motion of said piston means will cause liquid to be placed under pressure; and piston chamber means on the column; and turbine means connected to said piston means and said piston chamber means for driving said electrical generating means.
6. Apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the force linking means consists of air compressor means for driving said electrical generating means.
7. Apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the force linking means consists of rope drive and drum means.
8. Apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the force linking means comprises induction means consisting of electrical flux producing means mounted on one of said column and said float and electrical flux intercepting coil means on the other of said column and said float whereby an electrical current is induced in said flux intercepting coil means.
9. Apparatus according to Claim 1, in which the shape of the island is round horizontally and elliptical vertically.
10. Apparatus according to Claim 1, in which two or more columns are used for each island.
11. Apparatus according to Claim 1, in which there is a plurality of the apparatus so defined and interconnecting electrical conductor means between each electrical generating means of each of said plurality of power units.
12. Apparatus according to Claim 1, in which the column does not extend to the bed of the body of water, said column being buoyant and permanently fixed to the bed of the body of water by anchor means, such anchor means being in contact with the bed of the body of water.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA298,942A CA1079611A (en) | 1978-03-15 | 1978-03-15 | Wave floating island dynamos |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA298,942A CA1079611A (en) | 1978-03-15 | 1978-03-15 | Wave floating island dynamos |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1079611A true CA1079611A (en) | 1980-06-17 |
Family
ID=4110996
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA298,942A Expired CA1079611A (en) | 1978-03-15 | 1978-03-15 | Wave floating island dynamos |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1079611A (en) |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2574862A1 (en) * | 1984-12-17 | 1986-06-20 | Deflisque Georges | Device for converting swell and wave energy |
| ES2319847A1 (en) * | 2008-10-27 | 2009-05-12 | Pere Bonet Subirana | Mechanism for transforming an alternative movement in a rotating movement (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
| CZ303631B6 (en) * | 2012-03-12 | 2013-01-16 | Kocar@Jirí | Apparatus for employing kinetic and buoyancy energy of waves for generation of electric power |
| GB2527311A (en) * | 2014-06-17 | 2015-12-23 | Blue Tidal Energy Ltd | Water turbine |
| CN110627221A (en) * | 2019-10-12 | 2019-12-31 | 徐魁 | Can resist ecological chinampa of strong wind |
| CN112628059A (en) * | 2020-12-14 | 2021-04-09 | 湖南工程学院 | Wave energy collecting device |
-
1978
- 1978-03-15 CA CA298,942A patent/CA1079611A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2574862A1 (en) * | 1984-12-17 | 1986-06-20 | Deflisque Georges | Device for converting swell and wave energy |
| ES2319847A1 (en) * | 2008-10-27 | 2009-05-12 | Pere Bonet Subirana | Mechanism for transforming an alternative movement in a rotating movement (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
| CZ303631B6 (en) * | 2012-03-12 | 2013-01-16 | Kocar@Jirí | Apparatus for employing kinetic and buoyancy energy of waves for generation of electric power |
| GB2527311A (en) * | 2014-06-17 | 2015-12-23 | Blue Tidal Energy Ltd | Water turbine |
| CN110627221A (en) * | 2019-10-12 | 2019-12-31 | 徐魁 | Can resist ecological chinampa of strong wind |
| CN112628059A (en) * | 2020-12-14 | 2021-04-09 | 湖南工程学院 | Wave energy collecting device |
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