Wave energy converter (WEC) device and system
US7140180B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 22, 2004 |
| Grant date | Nov 28, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 29, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A wave energy converter system comprises two floats; a first being generally flat and heaving up and down in phase with passing surface waves on a body of water, and the second being elongated and heaving up and down out of phase with the passing waves. Preferably, the first float is annular with a central vertical opening therethrough, and the elongated float, with a weighted bottom end, extends vertically through the central opening of the first float. The two floats thus move out of phase with one another, thus providing a relatively large relative motion between the two floats giving rise to highly efficient energy conversion. Each float serves as a “ground” for the other; thus avoiding the need for anchoring the floats to the floor of the body of water.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.