System and method for generating electricity using grid of wind and water energy capture devices
US8803346B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 9, 2010 |
| Grant date | Aug 12, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/727
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for maintaining buoyant, energy-capture devices in general relative position in water in the presence of surface waves allows heeling of the energy capture devices while preventing collision. The system includes a grid of structural members that resists compression while permitting limited relative surface displacement between the first and second energy-capture devices. The structural members may be partially compressible and provide a restoring force, and they may allow heeling. Electricity from wave energy capture devices is combined in a way that smoothes variations inherent in wave action. Electricity from wind energy capture devices is combined with energy from wave energy capture devices for transmission to shore.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.