Wave energy conversion
US8480381B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 17, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jul 9, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 21, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/36
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus (10) for harnessing ocean wave energy and for converting the harnessed energy to high pressure sea water, typically above 100 psi and preferably above 800 psi. The high pressure seawater generated by the apparatus (10) can be piped to shore for use in any appropriate purpose. The apparatus (10) comprises a float (12) buoyantly suspended within the body of seawater (1) and a pump (13) operatively connected to the float (12). The pump (13) comprises an intake chamber (47), a discharge chamber (49) and a piston (61) extending between the intake and discharge chambers (47, 49). The piston (61) comprises a tube (63) having a flow passage (102) extending between the intake and discharge chambers (47, 49). The piston (61) and discharge chamber (49) cooperate to define a pumping chamber (100) adapted to undergo expansion and contraction in response to reciprocatory motion of the piston. The piston (61) is operatively connected to the float (12) to be driven by upward movement of the float. The pump may have provision for treatment of the seawater which it delivers through use of an electrolysis process receiving electric current from a linear current generator incorporated in the…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.