Float for wave energy converter (WEC)
US8464527B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 5, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49826
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A float structure for a WEC is designed to have a tapered underside to reduce the impact due to wave slam and bending moments while providing little reduction in the surface area responding to the wave surface in order to maintain the beneficial power generating capability of a “flat” float. The underside of the float presents an inverted wedge section to decrease loads associated with wave slamming. The float may have a generally toroidal or elliptical configuration at and about the “still” water line with the generally submerged underside of the float having a cross section shaped to have one or more inverted triangular sections extending between the outer perimeter of the float and its center to reduce impact loading due to wave slamming while maintaining power producing capability.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.