Process for conversion of ocean wave energy into electric power and apparatus
US4178517A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 27, 1978 |
| Grant date | Dec 11, 1979 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 27, 1998 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus is provided for direct conversion of ocean wave energy into electric power. The apparatus has no moving parts, and uses wave motion to vary the pressure of hydrogen gas in one of the cavities of a two-cavity chamber. The resulting imbalance of pressures in the cavities is relieved by conduction of hydrogen ions through a protonic conductor separating the cavities, and by conduction of electrons through an external circuit, enabling hydrogen gas to be formed on the low-pressure side of the chamber. The conduction of electrons constitutes a usable electric current. Virtually no hydrogen is consumed in this power generation process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.