IL246193A - System for extracting energy from sea waves comprising shock absorber - Google Patents

Description

Methods for Hydro Cylinder's Application as Means of Extracting Additional Energy from Waves and Preventing Breakage Description TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention refers to a power plant that generates electricity from sea waves and comprises unique components that enable the power plant to adjust itself to various weather conditions and to the location of the power plant relative to the shore. Such components include unique pontoons; systems and components that raise the pontoons above the water, remove them from the water, submerge them to the bottom of the sea, and raise them back to water level according to wave and weather conditions; an electrochemical protection system; a system for protection joints from breaking in case of extreme weather and waves; a method and system designed to enable the cylinder to be attached to the jib (might be also referred to as arm or lever) at several locations, a method and systems for adjusting the orientation of the pontoons and their deployment; and a system for the efficient regulation and utilization of energy stored in the power plant's oil/air tanks (accumulators).

BACKGROUND ART Power plants that generate electricity from sea waves (wave hydroelectric power plants) have been known for several years. The principle of their operation is as follows: a pontoon (usually more than one) floats on the surface of the water and rises and falls with the motion of the waves; a jib is attached to the pontoon, fixing it to an anchoring point; the anchoring jib or the pontoon itself is attached to a cylinder (piston) such that the cylinder's repeated compression and release action compresses oil (or another working liquid) into a tank (accumulator); the oil pressure in the tank rises and transfers the energy accumulated in it to a hydro-motor that, in turn, "translates" the oil pressure to rotational motion; finally, a generator converts the rotational motion into electricity. Although generation electricity from sea waves has been a major field of interest for several decades, it seems that currently known power plant and their components require development and upgrading. At present, there are no active commercial power plants capable of generating sufficient electricity for an entire city or region. We believe this is due to significant shortcoming of the various existing power plants. Offshore power plants, for instance, are characterized by high construction costs due to their high-sea location, sky-high maintenance costs, constant breakdown of systems due to sea storms, and failure to remove their pontoons sufficiently fast from the sea to safety in case of storms. On the other hand, onshore and near shore sea wave power plants, like the one described in the present invention, are usually very standard and essentially indistinguishable from one another. It seems that inventors of currently known power plants did not take into consideration that individual power plants must be adjustable according to the sea conditions, the shore structure, and the kind of waves they function in.

Weather conditions, shore conditions, and even types of waves vary from one another, from region to region, and even from season to season. Thus, a power plant must be capable of self-adjusting to momentary changes in sea conditions otherwise even a short storm that lasts few seconds might destruct it.

It is evident that designers of standard, present-day power plants have failed to find the perfect balance between generating sufficient amounts of energy and maintaining the integrity of the system. Very high waves equal very high energy, but at the same time they can also damage the system and power plant. As a result, existing power plants of this kind tend to be smaller than optimal, resulting in smaller amounts of energy that is generated primarily from low waves. Additional shortcomings of such power plants include maintenance difficulties due to the need to use boats and cranes to remove the pontoons from the water, a process that is not economically worthwhile and is slower than desired, especially if the pontoons must be removed urgently from the water due to a force majeure. Present day systems are also incapable of offering consumers sufficient and stable supplies of electricity since when the sea is calm and there are no waves, the systems cannot generate electricity and when the sea waves are too high, systems are shut down for fear of wave damage.

The present invention refers to a power plant that is designed to generate electricity from sea waves and that takes into consideration all possible changes in the weather, the shore structure, and the shape and height of the waves. The invention enables to construct a commercial power plant with thousands of pontoons that is capable of taking maximum advantage of the wave height and benefits of stormy seas without incurring damage and breakage to the system.

We believe that all of the power plant's components, which will be specified and explained later on, are critical to the proper function of the system and that in order to function properly, such system's components must be adjustable", as described in detail later on. The present invention describes several methods, systems and components designed to upgrade and improve the performance of sea wave power plants and, particularly, to enable the erection of onshore and near shore power plants.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The intention of the drawings attached to the application is not to limit the scope of the invention and its implementation. The drawings are intended only to illustrate the invention and they constitute only one of many possibilities for its implementation.

Drawing No. 1 presents a cross-section of a pontoon (1).

Drawing No. 2 depicts the joining of the two jibs (22) (23) to the pontoon (1) and the positions of the pontoon (1) according to the height of the waves. Drawing No. 3 depicts the pontoon (1) in low waves.

Drawings No. 4A-4E depict the pontoon (1) in medium-height waves.

Drawings No. 5A-5D depict the pontoon (1) in high waves.

Drawings Nos. 6 and 7 depict the pontoon (3).

Drawing No. 8 depicts the joining of the pontoon (1), the jib (2), and the cylinder (41) to a wall (200).

Drawings Nos. 9A-9D depict the socket ratchet (91) and its joining to the jib (2) and the wall (200).

Drawings Nos. 9E-9H depict the system when pontoon is raised above water level, removed from the water, submerged, and raised from the sea bottom, respectively.

Drawings Nos. 10-12 depict another method and system for complete removal of the pontoon from sea to shore.

Drawing No. 13 depicts the electrochemical protection system.

Drawing No. 14 depicts a protection system that includes the use of shock absorbers (93).

Drawing No. 15 depicts the jib (2) with several joining points (25) (26) (27). Drawing No. 16 depicts a joining method that utilizes cylinders/hydro-dampers to shorten the elongation of the jibs (2).

Drawings No. 17A-17C depict different ways of deploying the pontoons. Drawing No. 18 depicts a pontoon (1) that activates two cylinders (4) (42). Drawing No. 19 depicts the power plant with a set of electronic boards for more efficient use of the energy in the main accumulators.

Drawings Nos. 20 and 21 Presents a pontoon shape (31), which combines the unique characteristics of Pontoon (1) and Pontoon (3) THE TNVENTTON We first describe all of the proposed power plant's unique components, followed by a description of the entire plant and its method of operation, which enables to convert the energy of sea waves into substantial amounts of electrical energy with no risk of damage to the system.

The First objective of the invention is to provide a pontoon (1), designed for use in a power plant that utilizes the energy of sea waves to generate pressure (hydraulic, electrical, etc.) that can be used for the production of electricity or other uses (Hereinafter "the power plant"). The proposed pontoon (1) has an innovative shape that gives it unique properties that enable to utilize the energy of different types of sea waves. Drawings Nos. 1-5 depict the general design of the pontoon (1).

In order to explain the special properties of the pontoon (1), we begin with a general explanation of two kinds of typical sea waves: (a) Waves in the open sea, at a distance from the shore, rise and fall mainly in a serial manner and behave like a classical wave. In other words, the water mass barely moves along the horizontal axis and in fact stays "in one place", rising and falling like a classical wave. Thus, an object floating on such waves will rise and fall in a serial manner but will stay in place in terms of its spatial location (b) On the other hand, onshore and near shore waves usually exhibit a combination of those two behaviors: they rise and fall like a classical wave and at the same time they flow towards the shore, exhibiting the behavior of river water (hereinafter a "progressing wave").

Pontoons currently used in power plants are generally designed for classical waves and so are located primarily in the open sea and at a distance from the shore line. The location of power plants at a distance from the shore line is, in general, detrimental to the energy utilization and profitability of generating energy from sea waves. In addition, currently existing pontoons can generate energy only as a result of wave movement and they generate no energy when the sea is "flat", i.e. there are no waves. This creates extended periods of time during which the pontoons are motionless and no electricity is generated.

As depicted in the drawings, the pontoon (1), subject of the present invention, has an elongated rectangular profile whose front and bottom (which is sunk in the water), is narrow and tapered and its rear slants downward in rounded external and internal radius. The rounding will enable floater's protection against reflection of waves. The rounded rear comers of the pontoon will also cause the water to flow back towards the pontoons in a wave-like manner after hitting the wall located behind them, thus enabling further utilization of the waves' energy. Drawing No. 1, which presents a cross-section of the pontoon (1), displays the bending point (11).

The special structure of the pontoon (1) gives it the ability to harness the energy of both classical and progressing waves. Lifting force acts on the pontoon (1) when classical waves, progressing waves, and a combination thereof are present. As mentioned, waves located close to the shore are usually a combination of progressing waves and classical waves and so using the pontoon (1), subject of the present invention, enables to build onshore and near shore power plants, increasing the potential energy utilization and profitability of the power plant.

In the case of low waves, which are primarily classical waves, the pontoon (1) rises since it is less dense than water and the upward force (buoyancy) that acts on it is affected by the volume of the pontoon (1), like the action of the pontoons used on offshore power plants. Drawing No. 3 depicts the action of the pontoon (1) in the case of low waves.

In the case of medium size waves, i.e. mainly progressing waves, the jib (2) is generally in a horizontal position and the main lifting force that acts on the pontoon (1) is created by an air pocket or bubble (14), created beneath the pontoon when the wave front covers the pontoon (1), causing an upward force to act on the pontoon. This air pocket essentially also constitutes added volume for the pontoon, without adding any weight to the weight of the pontoon, which enables to generate yet more energy. Drawing No. 4 depicts a progressing wave covering a pontoon (1) and creating an air pocket (14) beneath it.

When waves are high and break after passing the pontoon (1), the main lifting force that acts on the pontoon (1) is created according to the hydrodynamic principle: water flowing around the pontoon (1) creates a lifting force (higher pressure applied to the bottom part of the pontoon relative to the pressure applied to its upper part) that acts on the pontoon (1), causing it to rise. In addition, an upward force (buoyancy) acts on the pontoon (1) according to Archimedes' principle. In addition, the progressing wave exerts a kinetic force (propulsion) on the bottom part of the pontoon (1) at the bending point (11) that also causes the pontoon (1) to rise. Drawing No. 5 depicts a wave covering the pontoon (1) and creating a lifting force around it.

Furthermore, the pontoon can generate energy even when there are no waves at all. Its unique shape creates a lifting force that causes the pontoon to move due to changes in water level or water flow velocity, and so it can operate in rivers as well.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a power plant pontoon (3) with an innovative design that enables the deployment of a large number of pontoons (3) in a relatively crowded manner without the risk of pontoons colliding forcefully in a way that might damage them.

Drawings Nos. 6 and 7 depict the modification of pontoon (1) to pontoon (3), which has the general shape of a rectangular box whose two front comers are truncated in a slightly concave manner to form a kind of triangle and whose two rear comers are rounded, and it is not elongated in the bottom. When the sea waves progress and hit the pontoons (3), water flows in between the pontoons (3) in a funnel-like manner and prevents them from colliding. The rounded rear comers of the pontoons (3) cause the water to flow back towards the pontoons (3) in a wave-like manner after hitting the wall located behind them, thus enabling further utilization of the waves' energy. In addition, when the pointy front of the pontoon hits the waves it separates the water and moves them to the sides of the pontoon, thereby causing the pontoon to sink deeper in the water. As a result, in the upward motion of the pontoon it moves a greater distance and generates more electricity, in accordance with the principles of Archimedes.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a power plant pontoon, described in Drawings 20 and 21, with an innovative design, which represents a combination of pontoon (1) and pontoon (3). The two front comers of this pontoon (31) are truncated in a slightly concave manner to form a kind of triangle, and the rear of such pontoon slants downward at an rounded radius (although the invention and application refer also to larger or smaller radiuses). Such Pontoon (31) will benefit from all advantages described for pontoon number 1, and all advantages portrayed in pontoon number 3.

At least a 2 pairs of jibs (2) can and should be attached to the pontoon (1) at two points: an upper jib (or several) (22) is attached to an upper attachment point (12) and to the wall on the upper rear part of the pontoon (1) and a lower jib (or several) (23) is attached to a lower attachment point (13) on the bottom rear part of the pontoon (1), as depicted in Drawing No. 2, which depicts the pontoon (1) in several positions.

When two pairs of jibs (22) (23) are attached to the pontoon (1), utilization of the wave energy is increased since the front of the pontoon that faces the wave front slants upwards and increases both the lifting force and the kinetic force acting on the bending point (11). It is furthermore emphasized that when the waves are low and the pontoon is low, the waves can exert force on the upper part of the pontoon whereas we are interested that an upward force be exerted on it.

Thus, when the pontoon is low, its front part slants upward so that it is lifted by the progressing wave. When the waves are high, the front part of the pontoon is oriented toward the wave front and thus takes maximum advantage of the hydrodynamic lifting force. In other words, if we attach the pontoon in such a way (using two jibs), the pontoon will not only be able to rise and fall, but also to rotate around its own axis. Since the movement of the waves is sinusoidal, the pontoon must be "adjusted" so that it its lowest position never sinks.

If the pontoon sinks, the wave creates a resistance force that detrimentally affects the lifting force. Thus, in its lowest position, the front of the pontoon will rise. On the other hand, when the pontoon is in its highest position and the wave profile is different, the front of the pontoon must be lower so that the pontoon is as flat as possible. The front of the pontoon should be on the wave and not protrude from it. What we are actually trying to do is cause the pontoon to mimic the behavior of the wave profile.

Clarification: The forces acting on any of the pontoons as described above, generally act in any wave configuration, although the dominant forces change according to the wave height. For instance, the buoyancy force is dominant in low waves, impulse due to the air pocket is dominant in medium-height waves, and the lifting force is dominant mainly in high waves.

It is important to note that all proposed shapes, will create energy when going up (due to the movement of the waves), but also in the downward movement of the pontoons, an energy will be extracted from the pontoon's self- weight. In order to utilize the downward movement of the pontoon, by using a two-stroke hydro cylinder, the plunger area of the hydro cylinder will be used, as well as an additional smaller-size hydro accumulator (4 times or more smaller than our standard main accumulators). As already known, inside the hydro cylinder, there is a plunger, and the plunger can contain about 4 times less oil than the actual hydro cylinder. Therefore, if we connect a smaller hydro accumulator to it (4 times smaller than our main accumulators), and adjust the necessary fixed pressure then we will be able to utilize the downward motion of the pontoon as well. Without such technique, when using a two stroke hydro cylinder, the pontoon will be going upward fast, but the downward movement will be very slow. The Pontoon might actually get stuck for a couple of seconds in the air, during each movement, which will slow down and even damage the energy production.

One of the main advantages of using the additional smaller scale accumulator is that our system will not suffer from oil-spilt, and therefore there will not be a need to attach and use additional pipes to carry oil leftovers from the system.

In other words, usually in the plunger area, there are oil leftovers; therefore there is a need of using leftovers pipes. However, if we utilize the downward movement of the pontoons, even such oil leftovers will be used for creating energy from the downward movement as it will flow into the smaller accumulator, and this way there will be no leftovers in the plunger area of the hydro cylinder. The extra energy from the downward movement can be used as additional energy to be transferred to the main Generator and/or it can be used for providing energy for the actual operation of the system. The guiding principle is to always have energy in our system, in order to prevent any need in external sources of energy.

Moreover, the proposed pontoons will be hermetic, maintaining a fixed air pressure of 0.2 to 0.3 atmospheres (or KG to CM2). Such pressure will serve to create Tensile Force, which will resist the Contraction Force that harmfully influences the metal of the Pontoons, due to the wave run up. In addition, the fixed air pressure will assist in immediately recognizing and solving the slightest and even invisible damages that might occur to the pontoon. The proposed system will obtain a sensor constantly following the fixed air pressure in the pontoon. In case of sensor showing a change (a decrease) in the air pressure level, we will be immediately notified of the fact that there is a crack in the pontoon, through which the air is leaving the pontoon, and could provide service to the pontoon, before the damage increases.

Pontoons can be also made of elastic materials, enabling a release of air on purpose during stormy conditions and inflating of the pontoons when the storm passes.

The Second objective of the present invention is to provide a Storm Protection Mechanism, and breakage prevention during stormy conditions, that may include a system that will raise the pontoon (1) and jib (2) above sea level so as to prevent them from being damaged in case of a stormy sea and high and powerful waves. Easy removal of the pontoon from the water also facilitates maintenance work and reduces its cost, since such operations usually involve the use of boats and cranes which, in turn, requires substantial time and economical resources. The proposed method enables to remove or raise the pontoon above sea level quickly and without requiring any external assistance. It should be recalled that a cylinder (41) (or several cylinders) containing oil, or another working liquid, is attached to the jib (2) and that when the jib (2) rises and falls repeatedly, following the rise and fall of the pontoon (1), oil is compressed into the main accumulator (100). The present patent application describes three methods of removing the pontoon (1) and jib (2) from the water.

The first method makes use of a two-stroke hydro-cylinder (41) with two Plungers (hereinafter referred to also as a "double cylinder") in which the primary Plunger compresses oil into the main accumulator (100) due to the action of the pontoons (1), whereas the secondary, reverse-action cylinder removes the jib (2) and pontoon (1) from the water by intaking oil from the main accumulator (100).

Drawing No. 8 depicts the jib (2), which is attached to the pontoon (1) by means of a hinge connection and whose rear end is attached by means of a hinge connection to the wall (200). Also depicted is the cylinder (41) that connects the wall (200) and the jib (2). The dashed lines depict the situation after the double cylinder (41) is used to remove the system from the water.

The second method involves the use of a wheel-shaped socket ratchet (91) whose circumference has teeth (911) on one part (fixation area) and is smooth (912) on the other part (working area). As was mentioned, the jib (2) is attached by means of a hinge to the wall (200) and has a short extension that ends with a tooth (21). When the waves are of average height and the pontoon (1) rises and falls, the tooth (21) slides back and forth over the smooth part (912) of the socket ratchet (91) accordingly. However, in high waves, the pontoon (1) and jib (2) rise and fall at a very irregular angle and the tooth (21) then locks onto the teeth (911) on the socket ratchet (91), whereby each additional oscillation of the pontoon (1) causes the tooth (21) to advance over the teeth (911). As a result, the jib (2) actually turns the socket ratchet (91) and since it is attached to a lifting mechanism, it causes the jib (2) and the pontoon (1) to slowly lift out of the stormy waters.

Drawing No. 9A depicts the socket ratchet (91) when waves are average height and the tooth (21) is on the smooth part of its circumference (912). Drawing No. 9B depicts the socket ratchet (91) when waves are high and the tooth (21) is locked on the ratchet teeth (911).

Another method of protecting the pontoon (1) and jib (2) is to submerge them so that they are not affected by the waves, which act primarily at sea level. The pontoon (1) and jib (2) may be submerged by fastening them to the structure (wall, shore, breakwater) or to the sea bottom, as depicted in Drawing No. 9D. Thus, it is possible, for instance, to flood the pontoon (1) with water and sink it along with the jib (2), or when a double cylinder (41) is used, the jib (2) may be pushed downward, as depicted in Drawing No. 9D (dashed lines) or if pontoon is made of an elastic inflated material, pontoon can be sunk through the release of air from the pontoon. When the storm subsides down, the pontoon (1) and jib (2) may be raised by pumping compressed air from the main accumulator (100) [which contains both compressed air and oil]. Drawings Nos. 9E-9H depict the removal of the pontoon from the water, its submersion, and its raising from the sea bottom.

The third method for completely removing the pontoon (1) and jib (2) from the water to the shore is as follows: In those countries where the sea is rough the most part and the shore is high and is not always equipped with piers, cutwaters, breakwaters and other structures, the wave hydroelectric power plant can be more mobile. Drawings Nos. 10, 11 and 12 show an example of a hydroelectric plant diagram, where questions of pontoon flooding or its extraction ashore and dismantle are solved more operatively.

In operational position, the pontoon (1) oscillates and pumps working liquid into the hydraulic accumulator (100) through its hydro-cylinders (41). The working liquid is taken from the hydraulic tank (130). When pressure in the hydro -pneumatic accumulator reaches a sufficient level, the working liquid flows to the hydraulic engine (110), which rotates the electric generator (120). The waste liquid (leftovers) flows back to the hydraulic tank.

The pontoon is connected to a shore support platform (70) by two supporting poles (40), a luffing jib (30) and two elevating levers (50). In the course of operation, these components provide a rigid construction that can withstand considerable force acting on the side of the pontoon.

When the onset of a storm is detected, a wave level sensor orders the flooding the pontoon, as described above. At this time, hold-downs of rotary racks open and the pontoon is lowered to the sea bottom (Drawing No. 12). To return the pontoon to working position, the flood valve is closed and compressed air is fed from the hydro -pneumatic accumulator (100) into the pontoon. The pontoon then surfaces, the rotary racks return to their place, and the hold downs close.

When a strong storm occurs, this installation enables to extract the pontoon ashore even from an underwater position using the above-described lever system. For this purpose, the pontoon must be brought to working position and working liquid is fed under pressure from the accumulator (100) into the hydraulic lift cylinder (60) (Drawing No. 11).

The pontoon (1) is connected to a luffing jib (30) by means of a fixed roller (90). To extract the pontoon to shore, the roller (90) must be loosened and the pontoon rolled to the opposite end of the luffing jib (30) using the roller.

The whole lever system is based on the support platform (70), which is installed on the upper plane of the shore (pier, breakwater or any other structure).

The platform allows placement of rather powerful fastenings to the shore (vertical pits with under-poured anchor bolts), offers good resistance to the effects of waves, and is not expensive to construct. Every system can deploy one, two or all of the storm protection mechanisms to enable reliability and long life span to the systems.

Another objective of the invention is to provide an electrochemical protection system designed to prevent the accumulation of rust on the pontoon (1) or any of the parts thereof. When power plant pontoons are customarily made of metal, which rust over time. The proposed system comprises an electrical power supply and a metal plate (92) (hereinafter "the anode plate"). The (+) pole of an electrical power supply is connected to the anode plate, while the (-) pole of the power supply is connected to the pontoon (1). Since sea water is salty, electrical current flows between the anode plate (92) and the pontoon (1). As a result of the said electrical connection, a layer of salt is deposited on the pontoon (1) which, in turn, prevents the accumulation of rust on it as well. Naturally, the anode plate (92) corrodes over time and must be replaced from time to time; anode plates are, however, relatively inexpensive. Using the said anode plate (92) and electrical connection extends the expected life time of the pontoon (1) from two years to at least thirty years. Drawing No. 13 depicts the anode plate system (92).

The Third objective of the invention relates to a unique uses of the hydro cylinder as means of extracting additional energy from waves and preventing breakage and to provide a system designed to prevent breakage of the connections between the jib (2) and the wall (200) in case of shock waves. The system comprises a damping hydro-cylinder (93) (hereinafter referred to as "the shock absorber"), one end of which is attached to the wall (200) by means of a hinge and the other end of which is attached to the jib (2). A rod (931) connects the connection point of the cylinder and jib to the wall (200), as depicted in Drawing No. 14. The shock absorber (93) absorbs the impact of the waves and prevents breakage of the connections between the jib (2) and the wall (200). The shock absorber is also connected to the accumulator, which accumulates energy (by compressing oil) whenever it is exposed to irregularly high waves (shock waves). The principle of operation of the shock absorber (93) is explained below.

Shock waves of high amplitude (both single and serial) bear high energy, and off-design dynamic overloads are produced upon collision with the structure, inevitably resulting in mechanical breakages and damage to equipment. To prevent this, a mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic damper may be used to absorb some of the energy and minimize peak mechanical moments.

This structure works as follows: The damping hydro-cylinder is initially under a rated pressure at which loadings capable causing breakage do not appear in the operating mode and at the rated wave amplitude. In standard operating mode, a damping hydro-cylinder provides the system with a practically fixed support; damping is not allowed at rated wave amplitudes, since it reduces the efficiency of the system. The main (working) hydro-cylinder operates within the design parameters.

In the event of an abnormal situation in which an incident wave creates excessive mechanical moment and the working hydro-cylinder experiences overloads due to resistance of hydro mains, inertness of the working liquid mass and of the mechanics as a whole, the load on the main lever axis increases as does the force applied to the rod of damping cylinder, and while moving, it absorbs a part of energy in the external hydraulic accumulator.

When the wave front passes and the loading on the damper decreases, the structure is reset using the energy accumulated in the external hydraulic accumulator. In order for the amortization mechanism to operate properly in each specific case, a requirement must be met whereby the shock reducer is activated when the pressure in the working hydro-cylinder exceeds a predefined value. A flow sensor may also be provided in the main amortization system to track and correct its operation.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a method and system designed to balance the need to maximize utilization of the waves' energy with the need to prevent damage to the cylinders, jibs and pontoons. Thus, the design of the jib (2) may include several attachment points (24) (25) (26) or a rail that enables to attach the cylinder (41) at multiple points. The closer the cylinder (41) is attached to the wall (200), the lower the utilization of the wave energy and the smaller the risk of breakage and damage to the attachment points, and vice versa. We recommend making the initial attachment according to the average wave height expected at the power plant location and adjusting such attachment later on according to need. Drawing No. 15 depicts several options for attaching the cylinder (41) to the jib (2).

Another objective of the invention is to provide a method and system designed to orient the front of the pontoon (1) to face the wave front in order to better utilize the energy by letting the waves hit the pontoon directly and in a way that minimizes lateral movement of the jibs (2). The orientation of the pontoon (1) is changed by shortening the two parallel jibs (2) and/or hydro cylinders that connect it to the wall (200). When the wave front is parallel to the shore, the two jibs (2) should be of equal length so that the front of the pontoon (1) faces the wave front head on. If the waves are at an angle to the shore, like in the case in which they are coming from the right, for example, then the right-hand jib (2) is shortened.

The rear end of each of the jibs (2) is connected to a damping hydro -cylinder (94), which, in turn, is attached to the wall (200) and which shortens or extends itself according to the amount of oil compressed into it from the main accumulator. Drawing No. 16 depicts two situations in which a pontoon (1) is attached to the wall (200) by means of two jibs (2).

Another objective of the invention is to provide a method of deploying the pontoons (1) according to weather conditions. Drawing No. 17A depicts pontoons (1) deployed in a straight line which is suitable for fair weather and steady waves.

Drawing No. 17B depicts the deployment of pontoons (1) when sudden changes in weather occur. In this configuration, a small pontoon (112) is positioned between the jibs of the larger pontoon (111). The rationale for this configuration is that the smaller pontoon (112) better utilizes the energy of lower waves whereas the larger pontoon (111) is better suited for high waves both in terms of energy utilization and resistance. Thus, when waves are low, both pontoons are active and when high waves begin, the smaller pontoon (112) is raised and the larger pontoon (111) remains and continues to power the power plant. Drawing 17C depicts the deployment of pontoons (1) in the case of very high seas, in other words, when there are high and large high-energy waves.

In such case, two rows of pontoons (1) can be deployed since the energy of the waves is sufficient to lift two or more rows of pontoons (1). When conducting the deployment of the wave farm, all the shapes of the pontoons can be deployed in order to enable maximal generation in different wave conditions.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a method and system to better utilize the pontoon's movement and save space by attaching the pontoon (1) to a cylinder (41) as depicted in the drawings and to another cylinder (42) that is moored to the sea bottom (300) such that when the pontoon (1) rises, it activates both cylinders (41) (42), as depicted in Drawing No. 18.

The Fourth objective of the invention is to provide a comprehensive method and system for the generation of electricity from sea waves, which includes all of the components described in this application, and which operates as follows: [Note: Numerals in the following explanation refer to drawing 19.] The pontoon (1) makes oscillating motions along the axis of a pontoon hanger lever (222), i.e. a power stroke up and a power stroke down; in such a way, a certain mechanical moment is created on the lever due to surfacing force and hydrodynamic quality, as well as the pontoon weight on auxiliary power strokes. It is important to note that all proposed pontoon shapes, will create energy when going up (due to the movement of the waves), but also in the downward movement of the pontoons, an energy will be extracted from the pontoon's self- weight. In order to utilize the downward movement of the pontoon, by using a two-stroke hydro cylinder, the plunger area of the hydro cylinder will be used, as well as an additional smaller-size hydro accumulator (4 times smaller than our standard main accumulators). As already known, inside the hydro cylinder, there is a plunger, and the plunger can contain about 4 times less oil than the actual hydro cylinder. Therefore, if we connect a smaller hydro accumulator to it (4 times smaller than our main accumulators), and adjust the necessary fixed pressure then we will be able to utilize the downward motion of the pontoon as well. Without such technique, when using a two stroke hydro cylinder, the pontoon will be going upward fast, but the downward movement will be very slow. The Pontoon might actually get stuck for a couple of seconds in the air, during each movement, which will slow down and even damage the energy production. One of the main advantages of using the additional smaller scale accumulator is that our system will not suffer from oil-spilt, and therefore there will not be a need to attach and use additional pipes to carry oil leftovers from the system.

In other words, usually in the plunger area, there are oil leftovers; therefore there is a need of using leftovers pipes. However, if we utilize the downward movement of the pontoons, even such oil leftovers will be used for creating energy from the downward movement, and this way there will be no leftovers.

The extra energy from the downward movement can be used as additional energy to be transferred to the main Generator and/or it can be used for providing energy for the actual operation of the system. The guiding principle is to always have energy in our system, in order to prevent any need in external sources of energy.

The number of working hydro-cylinders can vary depending on constructive expediency and can range from 1 to 4 for various mechanical configurations A mechanical moment is transmitted through the lever to the working hydro cylinder (41); on power strokes, it pumps hydraulic liquid through the main and through the power stroke valve (7) with a built-in back valve, which prevents a backflow of hydraulic liquid from the hydraulic accumulators to the hydro-cylinder, hydro-allocator (230), and lock valve of the hydraulic accumulators (220), and into hydraulic accumulators (250), accumulating a certain volume of hydraulic liquid under certain pressure. The main working damper (5) smooth out the over-pressure shocks, stabilizes the flow, and suppresses hydro blows when the pontoon (1) rises steeply.

During the descent of the pontoon (1), the hydraulic liquid accumulates in the under-pressure area of the hydro-cylinder (41) due to suction and under not high excess pressure in the hydraulic tank (9).

The accumulated hydraulic liquid flows from the hydraulic accumulators (250), through the hydro-allocator (230) and lock valve of hydraulic accumulators (220), to the hydraulic liquid pressure regulator (210). The outlet pressure from the regulator is controlled by the monitoring and control unit (26).

Another objective of the invention is to provide a method and system for better and smarter regulation of the pressure in the accumulators. When the waves are low, the power plant needs lower pressure in the accumulators, in order to produce higher amounts of energy. As opposed, when the waves are high, the sea wave power plant needs to obtain higher pressure in the accumulators, in order to produce higher amounts of energy. As a result, we propose to add an option of regulating the pressure in accordance to the wave height. This will be achieved by adding at least two gas/air tanks to the accumulators. This in turn would create three different pressure options for the system.

When the waves are low, the gas/air in the accumulators will be able to exit to both external gas/air tanks, which will significantly decrease pressure in the main accumulator and prompt energy generation.

When the waves are medium, the gas/air in the accumulators will be able to exit to only one of the gas/air tanks, which will create higher pressure in the accumulators, and prompt energy generation.

When the waves are high, the sensors on the floaters will send a signal to close all exit valves to external gas/air tanks, which will maintain all the pressure in the accumulators, and prompt highest energy generation.

Then the working liquid flows under predefined pressure via the main to the hydraulic motor (16), which converts a stream of a hydraulic liquid under certain pressure to an angular momentum on the shaft.

Waste hydraulic liquid at low pressure passes through the filtration unit (1100) and flows into the hydraulic tank (9). When volume of hydraulic liquid changes, the pres sure -sustain valve on the tank (1000) supports some excess pressure inside the hydraulic tank, preventing hydrosystem airlocking and creating additional hydrostatic upthrust for quick system filling.

The shaft of hydraulic motor (16) is mechanically connected to the generator shaft (18), and upon activation of the hydraulic motor, which has variable diameter that changes according to the amount of fluid in the system through the smart automation system, an angular momentum is transmitted directly to the generator, which produces electric current of proper voltage. A flywheel (17) is installed on the generator shaft, smoothing out mechanical moment fluctuations on the generator shaft at transient states. Since parameters of current produced by the generator (18) can vary within certain limits depending on rotational rate, the frequency converter with a generator control unit (20) is used to stabilize and standardize frequency and voltage of output current, which eventually is delivered to the end user. Another objective of the invention is to provide a method and system for better and smarter utilization of the energy accumulated in the main accumulator (1000) [the system can and should have several main accumulators]. In general, power plants convert the energy accumulated in the main accumulator (1000) to electricity as follows: The main accumulator (1000) is connected to a hydro motor (400) that turns the oil pressure into rotational motion that is transferred to a generator (500), which in turn turns the rotational motion into electricity. The proposed method and system for smart utilization of the energy in the main accumulator (1000) comprises an electronic board (51) that determines the amount of electricity it must supply at any given time (if more electricity is generated than is needed, it is wasted). The information from the electronic board (51) is transmitted to another electronic board (52) that controls the hydro motor (400) and issues a command as to the amount of energy to consume from the main accumulator (1000). Drawing No. 19 presents the schematic structure of the system.

The valve of the pontoon lift control (8) is used to lift pontoons in case of a storm. Pressure is pumped from the hydraulic accumulators (250) to the secondary chamber of the working hydro-cylinder (41), which lifts the pontoon from the working area to the storage area.

The monitoring and control unit (2600) analyzes data received from the frequency converter (20) on current consumption of electricity from the generator. If it is necessary to decrease or increase the intake of energy accumulated in the hydraulic accumulators (250), it sends a signal that controls the flow of working liquid to the pressure regulator (2100) and a signal for the hydraulic motor control unit (1300), which using the actuating mechanism (15) changes hydraulic motor parameters so that current consumption of working liquid and mechanical moment created by the hydraulic motor (16), i.e. power produced by the hydraulic motor, correspond to consumed electrical power received from the generator (18). Such an adjustment mechanism enables efficient consumption of energy accumulated in hydraulic accumulators.

The monitoring and control unit (2600) exerts control using the working liquid pressure sensors (2400), hydraulic motor RPM sensor (14), working liquid flow sensor (1200), and hydraulic accumulator filling sensors (29), and controls the operation of the system as a whole using actuating mechanisms. The remote monitoring unit (27) allows transfer of data on all current system parameters for remote processing and control.

The shock reducer (44) with hydraulic damper (6) is used to smooth out impact of quick incident non-nominal high-energy waves and to prevent mechanical overloads and breakages.

The cathode protection unit (19) and protective cathode (28) work independently from the generator used to power the mechanism for electrochemical protection of metal parts from corrosion.

The system implies a flexible modular structure; it means that one or several pontoons can work in concord for the same hydroelectric plant. In addition, load redistribution on working modules can be carried out using multiple pontoons and several hydroelectric plants if repair or maintenance of any system device is needed, whether it is a pontooning mechanism or hydroelectric plant; for example, when one hydroelectric plant is being serviced, pontoons working for this hydroelectric plant can be transferred to other working modules. The appendix attached to the present patent application is an integral part of the application and contains additional explanations and drawing pertaining to the methods, systems, and components described above.