Wave energy converter with rotary hydraulic spring
US9115686B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 26, 2012 |
| Grant date | Aug 25, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 21, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The generally up and down movement of a reaction mass is converted into rotary motion which is used to drive a rotary hydraulic spring comprised of a rotary hydraulic pump motor and an accumulator to produce a “spring” function. The invention is particularly applicable to wave energy converters (WECs) having a reaction mass which needs to be coupled to a spring to ensure its oscillation and to cause it to be centered about its center of travel. The linear up-down motion of a reaction mass may be converted via a linear-to-rotary translator to rotary motion to drive a rotary hydraulic pump/motor so as to provide spring action to the reaction mass and ensure its oscillation and proper positioning.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.