BRPI0610714A2 - installation comprising a wave energy apparatus and a support structure therefor. - Google Patents

Abstract

INSTALLATION UNDERSTANDING A WAVING ENERGY APPARATUS AND A SUPPORTING FRAMEWORK FOR IT. The present invention relates to a wave energy apparatus 302 including a plurality of rotatably supported arms 322 each of which support a float 324 at its free end such that a transitional motion float, caused by a wave, results in arm rotation. The apparatus comprises energy converting devices (128, 130) for converting wave-transmitted energy to the arms into electrical energy, for example a hydraulic system. The plurality of apparatuses are arranged in a row, so that a wave passing through the row of arms causes the arms to rotate successively with a mutual phase change. In this way a uniform power output can be obtained and the need for frequency converters can be reduced or eliminated. Preferably, each arm is connected to a hydraulic cylinder (328) of the hydraulic system, whereby a plurality of arms feeds the hydraulic motor or motors (s) through common hydraulic tubes (180).

Description

Report of the Invention Patent for "INSTALLATION UNDERSTANDING A WAVING ENERGY APPLIANCE AND A SUPPORTING FRAMEWORK FOR IT".

Technique Field

The present invention relates to a facility comprising a wave energy apparatus for converting ocean or ocean wave energy to useful energy such as electricity. The installation according to the invention specifically has as its object to provide a system which can be conveniently erected and at which a uniform effective power output can be obtained.

Background of the Invention

Sea waves are known to constitute a virtually unlimited source of energy that, if exploited efficiently, could possibly solve a significant part of the world's energy problems. But despite many attempts to harness the energy of marine rigs, to date, no commercially successful system has been designed to convert marine wave energy into electricity.

In general, three different types of wave energy apparatus have been proposed in the prior art. One such apparatus is described in US 6,476,511, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of floating cylindrical body members interconnected at their ends to form an articulated, chain-like structure. Each pair of adjacent cylindrical members is connected. each other by a connecting member, which allows relative rotational movement of the cylindrical members about a transverse axis. Adjacent connecting members may allow relative rotation around mutually orthogonal transverse axes. Each connecting member is provided with elements, such as a set of hydraulic pistons, which resist and extra-energy the relative rotational movement of the body members. The rig floats freely on the sea surface and is moored at the bottom of the sea.

A second type of wave energy apparatus comprises one or more floats capable of moving along the tidal surface under the action of waves, and a reference member which is fully submerged in the sea to a certain depth and which is substantially unaffected by waves, see for example US 4,453,894. Floating motion on the sea surface causes the displacement of a hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic system comprising hydraulic devices that interconnect the surface float or floats and the reference member, with which useful energy can be extracted from the hydraulic system. . It should be understood that this device is also moored at the bottom of the sea.

Finally, a third type of wave energy apparatus is one with one or more arms supported by a support structure that contains one or more floats, which are moved by the waves. Energy from moving waves is transmitted to the arms and can be transported to a hydraulic system, as in the US 4.013.382 system, or to a mechanical axis system which, by means of a mechanical transmission system, drives one or more generators. for the production of electricity, as in the system of WO01 / 92644.

The present invention generally relates to the third type of wave energy apparatus mentioned above. It is an object of preferred embodiments of the invention to provide a convenient and inexpensive installation. It is an additional objective of preferred embodiments by providing a system with a wave energy apparatus, which enables a uniform effective energy power of the energy conversion devices of the apparatus, that is, an effective energy power. which is substantially constant over time. It is another preferred objective of the embodiments to provide a kerosene system or eliminate the need for frequency converters. It is another object of the preferred embodiments to provide a wave power apparatus which may be conveniently removed from operation, for example, to prevent icing in various parts of the apparatus during operation. It is yet another object of the preferred embodiments of the invention to provide apparatus which provides convenient maintenance access to the arms and floats, particularly preferably, which provides maintenance access to individual arms and floats. systems comprising a plurality of arms each equipped with a float. It is yet another object of the preferred embodiments to make available an apparatus that can be conveniently transported from an onshore production facility to the open operational site. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a wave energy apparatus that can be secured to an existing structure on land or at sea.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a facility comprising a wave energy apparatus comprising a plurality of arms, each of which is rotatably supported on an end by an axis, and each arm supporting each other. a float at its other end, which is opposite the supported end, so that a translational movement of the float caused by a wave results in arm rotation about the axis, the apparatus comprising energy conversion devices for converting energy transmitted by the round to the arms in electrical energy, the plurality of arms being arranged in a row, so that a wave passing through the row of arms causes the arms to rotate successively around the shaft, and the arms are arranged at distances so that the passage of a wave causes the arms to rotate with a mutual phase change, and where the arms and Energy conversion are supported by a support structure that is permanently attached to the seabed or land.

The supporting structure may comprise an existing or pre-erected structure, such as a naturally created formation, such as earth or rock formation, or such as a jetty, breakwater, pier or orals, or it may comprise a Offshore structure originally prepared for a different purpose, such as an oil or gas exploration facility, such as an oil drilling rig.

Thanks to the pre-formed support structure, the wave energy apparatus can be installed cheaply. Ground supports such as moles, breakwaters, etc. They have the added benefit that the wave energy equipment can be maintained cheaply, as the maintenance e-team and equipment can be conveniently transported to the device using ground transport devices. surveillance and operation is made easier, as there is no need to move staff to a facility at sea.

Each arm may extend in (or define) a longitudinal direction, with the support structure extending in a transverse direction to the longitudinal direction. This allows the arms to extend away from the support structure to allow the arms to be lifted out of the ocean, for example in the event of abnormal weather and / or wave conditions. To facilitate access to the arms, each arm can be individually supported by the support structure, with the arms being arranged at mutual distances along the support structure.

The support structure may include a portion above the sea surface, in which case each arm is preferably supported by evaporation of the support structure above the sea surface.

The axle or shafts supporting each arm preferably form part of a bearing, each arm being preferably supported by at least one bearing, which is secured to the support structure. Each arm can be supported by a truss structure, which is attached to the support structure.

As mentioned above, each arm preferably extends longitudinally away from the support structure, so that the frame is at least pivotable to a horizontal position. Therefore, the frame may be lifted off the ocean surface in the event of abnormal weather conditions and / or abnormal wave conditions. In preferred embodiments, the arms may be raised to a higher than horizontal position, that is, a position in which the tip of each arm is at a level higher than the pivot axis of the arm. Reliable multi-tidal operation, the rotational support of each arm can allow an angular rotation of the arm to at least -30 ° from the horizontal, preferably horizontal. This way, the device can compensate for varying water levels within the arm. at least the arm length multiplied by sin (30 °), ie half the arm length. For example, in the case of a 10 m arm length, the rotational support may compensate for the variation caused by tidal water levels of 5 m. To compensate for additional variations, the rotational support of each arm may allow an annular arm rotation for at least -45 °.

In order to efficiently protect the wave apparatus from damage due to, for example, stormy or freezing conditions as described below, the rotational support of each arm can allow an angular rotation of the arm to at least + 10 ° from horizontally, that is, to lift the float out of the sea, where it can be locked in a position above the sea or ocean surface. Each arm can be rotated, for example, to at least + 15 ° or at least +20 ° in relation to the horizontal.

The arms are preferably arranged at mutual distances, so that at any time at least two of the arms simultaneously provide an energy contribution to the energy conversion device. The energy conversion devices preferably comprise a hydraulic activation element associated with each arm, the hydraulic activation elements feeding a hydraulic medium to at least one hydraulic motor via shared hydraulic tubes. Consequently, effective power can be obtained. uni-form power supply of the power conversion device. This is particularly true in apparatus embodiments comprising a large number of fractions, floats and activation elements, for example 60, since the sum of the energy contributions of the individual activation elements is essentially constant over time. Possible depression ripples on the pressure side of the hydraulic motor can be essentially eliminated by means of a surge suppression device, which is known, and the surge suppression device is arranged in fluid communication with the shared hydraulic tubes. Preferably, the sum of all energy contributions is essentially constant for a particular wave characteristic, that is, wavelength and wavelength. Wave characteristic changes can be compensated by means of a control circuit which controls the displacement volume per engine revolution to keep the engine rpm essentially constant. In order to generate alternating current at a certain frequency without using a frequency converter, the motor rpm must be controllable within +/- 0.1-0.2%. If a different type of hydraulic motor is applied or if the rpm is not controlled exactly, a frequency controller can be used to fine-tune the frequency of the generated AC current.

In preferred embodiments, the apparatus of the present invention comprises at least 5 arms, such as at least 20 arms, preferably at least 40 arms, preferably 50-80 arms, such as 55-65 arms, for example 60 arms. The arms of the apparatus are preferably distributed so that at least five arms, preferably at least 10 arms, per wavelength of oceanic probes are provided. In the open sea, the wavelength of oceanic waves is typically 50-300 m, such as 50-200 m. In protected waters, the wave length of the waves is typically 5-50 m.

In preferred embodiments, the apparatus extends over at least two wavelengths. This leads to the possibility of arranging a row of arms and floats at a relatively wide angle with respect to the top of the wave, for example at +/- 60 °, since the wavelength projected over the orientation of the row of floats extends -about at least 2 χ cos (60 °) wavelengths, ie at least one wavelength, which ensures that an energy contribution is provided at any time.

The plurality of arms is preferably arranged in one or more rows, for example in a V or hexagon star formation, as described in WO 01/92644. In order to efficiently exploit wave energy, the row of arms is preferably oriented such that it is at the top of the wave that the row forms a +/- 60 ° angle to the top of the wave.

It has been found that the efficiency of the apparatus according to the invention increases with increasing float buoyancy with respect to its dry weight. Accordingly, in preferred embodiments of the invention, the buoyancy of the float is at least 10 times its dry weight, such as at least 20, 30 or 50 times, preferably 20-40 times. For example, the dry weight of a float is typically 100 kg or less per cubic meter of buoyancy, with saltwater buoyancy typically being approximately 1050 kg / m3. A float is typically made of hard, lightweight, or balsa wood foam materials that are coated with a composite such as reinforced fiberglass composite or a combination of fiberglass and carbon fiber composites. Alternatively, a float may be made of a sandwich layer of reinforced fiber material, with a hard foam being provided in the center of the sandwich and at the bottom and top of the float, the foam layers being separated with a honeycomb structure. of reinforced fiber materials.

Efficiency also increases with increasing diameter of the float with respect to its height. Preferably, the diameter of the float is at least 5 times its height, such as at least 7 times, such as at least 10 times, or 5-20 times. In preferred embodiments, the float has an essentially circular cross-section, and in order to optimize the float's dynamic fluid properties, it may have a rounded corner portion acting as an aerodynamic element.

Each float may define a convex bottom surface, preferably a double-convex, that is, convex surface on two planostransversal surfaces, having, for example, a hemispherical shape. For applications in which the small weight of the float is not crucial, or in which a relatively large weight of the float is desirable, the float may be made of a material having a density of at least 1000 kg / m3, such as concrete, such as reinforced or pre-stressed concrete. Concrete is a widely used material that is available at low cost in all regions of the world, and the wave energy float can be inexpensively assembled from concrete.

The energy conversion device preferably comprises a hydraulic drive system with a hydraulically added motor. For example, each arm may be connected to the hydraulic drive system by means of at least one activation element, which causes a hydraulic medium of the hydraulically driven system to be displaced to a hydraulic motor, with the drive element (s) being activation is / are arranged to displace the hydraulic medium to the hydraulic body through the hydraulic pipe means. In the case of several arms and various activating elements, the hydraulic medium is preferably moved to the engine via shared hydraulic tubes. In other words, multiple hydraulic activating elements can power a single hydraulic motor through a shared tubing system. More preferably, the hydraulic medium is not accumulated in a hydraulic storage tank to accumulate hydraulic medium under pressure, from which pressure is released to the engine. Consequently, the activation elements feed hydraulic medium directly to the hydraulic motor. However, as described below, a battery of hydraulic accumulators may advantageously be applied for an entirely different purpose, that is, to force a float into a wave near a wave depression. As in preferred embodiments, a plurality of activating elements simultaneously transmit power to the engine, there is no need for a hydraulic storage tank, since the engine is capable of running at substantially constant speed and an inlet. constant energy, thanks to the power supply in the hydraulic system shared by a plurality of activating elements at the same time. It should be understood that more than one isolated hydraulic motor may be provided. Preferably, two, three or more motors may be arranged in parallel at the end of the shared hydraulic pipe. Thus, the power supplied through the shared hydraulic pipe may drive several motors. If, for example, the hydraulic drive system produces 4 MW, eight motors, each delivering 500 kW, can be connected in parallel to the shared hydraulic pipe. Motors may provide the same rated power output, or may provide different rated power ratings. For example, one motor can supply 400 KW1 one can provide 500 kW etc.

All hydraulic motors can also be connected via the same idler shaft, which drives at least one common electric generator, or all hydraulic motors can drive a sprocket, which drives at least one common electric generator.

In order to enable the hydraulic system to force the efflutator arm (s) to any desired direction, each actuation element may comprise a double acting cylinder which may be used to draw energy from the arms to the system. hydraulic and feed energy from the hydraulic system to the arm, that is, to force the float into a round near a wave depression as explained in detail below in connection with the hydraulic accumulators.

In preferred embodiments, the apparatus comprises devices for forcing the float (s) into the waves in wave depressions to increase the vertical distance traveled by the float to increase energy power in a wave cycle. Such devices may comprise, for example, one or more hydraulic accumulators for intermittently storing energy in the hydraulic drive system. The energy stored in hydraulic accumulators can be advantageously derived from the release of potential energy when the float is drawn from the water at the crest of a wave. In other words, when a float moves from a submerged position on a wave near the crest of a wave to a position above water, potential energy is released. This energy can be accumulated in the accumulator or in a battery of -accumulators, whereby different accumulators are charged at different pressures, eg pressure graduations according to the number of accumulators. In embodiments incorporating such hydraulic accumulators, the hydraulic drive system may be controllable to release the energy stored in the accumulator (s) when a float is passed through a wave depression to force the sustained float. by the arm into the wave. To improve the efficiency of the accumulator system, a plurality of accumulators, such as at least 2, such as 3-20, such as typically 6-12, which preferably store hydraulic media at different grades of pressure may be used. are. In preferred embodiments, the float is forced a certain distance into the wave near a wave depression, and is subsequently allowed to move upward on the wave but still submerged in the wave, and on the crest of the wave the float is released. that is, let it move out of the water. As described above, the energy released when the float is released at the crest of the wave is used to charge one or more hydraulic accumulators in which energy is stored to force the float into the wave. Consequently, the potential energy released when the float moves out of the wave near the wave crest is not lost. Rather, it is used to force the float into the wave in the wave depression, whereby the total vertical distance traveled by the float is increased. Consequently, the power-energy of a wave cycle is increased. It is estimated that at a wavelength of 1.5 m, the vertical distance traveled by the float may be increased from approximately 0.75 cm to approximately 1.5 m, thereby doubling the power output. The energy used to force the float into the wave in the wave depression essentially does not cause any loss in the drive system since the energy is provided by releasing the float on the wave crest.

In order to enable precise system control, each cylinder, or at least some selected cylinders, may be provided with a sensor to determine a position and / or speed of movement of the cylinder step, with the sensor arranged. to transmit a signal to a control unit of the associated cylinders and valves so that the power transmission from the individual cylinders to the remaining parts of the hydraulic drive system is individually controllable in response to the signal representing the individual cylinder piston position. and / or speed of movement. In this way, the cylinders may be individually controllable, and one cylinder may be taken out of operation, for example for maintenance, while the remaining cylinders continue to operate, so that the entire system will not be essentially affected by the removal of a single cylinder. The sensor is also preferably used to control the sinking of the float into the water, i.e. to control pressure release of the accumulator battery as described above. The sensor can also be used to control the charge of the batteries. accumulators, that is, to determine the passage of a wave crest. In addition, the sensor is useful for controlling float release on a wave crest, that is, to prevent a float catapult-like projection. The sensor can also be used to monitor the power output of each individual activation element in the hydraulic drive system, whereby the power output of the individual activation elements and the apparatus as such can be optimized.

Although some prior art systems rely on submerged reference members to support devices that convert sea wave energy into useful energy or ground support, it has been found that wave energy is most efficiently exploited in open sea. Accordingly, the apparatus of the invention preferably comprises a support structure which is fixed to the seabed. In a presently preferred embodiment, the support structure is fixed to the seabed by means of a suction anchor or, alternatively, by a gravity foundation, or attached to a composite seabed. The support structure may advantageously comprise a lattice structure, wherein the suction anchor is disposed at a first nodal point of the structure. At least one arm and preferably all arms of the apparatus are supported at second nodal points of the lattice structure, especially preferably at the top of a triangular sub-structure of the lattice structure. The triangular substructure can define two vertices at the bottom of the sea, with a device for connecting the structure to the seabed at each corner. Preferably, the connectors are at least partially incorporated into the seabed, for example below a gravity foundation or a suction anchor. As the connecting devices are arranged at the nodal points of the lattice structure, vertical forces in the lattice structure caused by the buoyancy of the floaters can be effectively neutralized. A truss structure such as described above ensures a maximum degree of system stability while enabling a low overall weight of the support structure.

It has been found that a general problem in prior art systems is to prevent extreme impacts occurring during storms and hurricanes from damaging floats, arms and other parts of wave energy apparatus. Embodiments of the present invention therefore have features that make it possible for a wave power apparatus to withstand extreme sea wave conditions. These modalities comprise a hydraulic lifting system to lift the float out of the ocean and to lock the float higher above the ocean surface.

The hydraulic lifting system preferably comprises one or more pumps for pumping hydraulic medium into the cylinders to lift them out of the ocean.

Thanks to the hydraulic lifting system, the float can be pulled out of the ocean and kept in a locked position above the surface of the ocean in case of a storm, for example, or before a freeze occurs. Thus, the only impact on the glider when it is taken out of the ocean is the impact of the wind, whose forces are significantly less than wave forces. In one instance, the arms may be lifted out of the water by generating a hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic lifting system, causing the arms to be displaced out of the ocean, and by properly closing a valve, preferably by means of a a conical lock pin to maintain lift pressure. The hydraulic lifting system may be controlled from a remote ground location, or by a control system that is part of a wave power machine, which acts in response to a signal indicating a stormy state, such as a signal. of an electronic device to continuously determine wind speed. The control system can be programmed to remove the float and arm from the water at a predetermined high wave. For example, this wavelength may be a certain fraction, for example 30%, of the largest predicted wave at the place of operation of the apparatus, the so-called "100-year wave". At an ocean depth of 20 m, this height is approximately 18 m, and as a result, the control system pulls the float and arm out of the ocean at a wave height of approximately 6 m. The wave height can be determined by a mechanical, optical, electromagnetic or acoustic system, for example a pressure transducer system with a seabed pressure transducer, a float echo sound system. -res, an echo sound system arranged in a fixed support structure of the apparatus and pointing up towards the surface of the waves, or operating in the air, pointing down towards the surface of the water, or a sensor system with light transmission or light-receiving devices arranged on floats and / or fixed supporting structure, such as light, for example, laser light. Alternatively, a deradar system may be provided in the structure. The pressure of a hydraulic medium in the lifting system may be generated by a pump that is part of the hydraulic lifting system. Alternatively, the pressure may be generated by releasing pressurized hydraulic means from an appropriate hydraulic accumulator. The accumulator, for example, may be charged by a hydraulic drive system which, in one embodiment of the invention, comprises the energy conversion device. For example, the accumulator for providing hydraulic lift pressure may be an accumulator or plurality of accumulators in a so-called accumulator battery, to force the float into the wave in a wave depression, as described in detail below.

The hydraulic lifting system is preferably adapted to individually lift each float out of the ocean. For example, the lifting system may comprise a plurality of hydraulic circuits, each of which is associated with one of the arms and each of which comprises valve and / or pump devices for pressurizing the hydraulic circuit for lifting. the arm and float out of the ocean. In one embodiment, the hydraulic lifting system comprises fewer pumps than circuits, such that the or each pump is connected to a plurality of circuits, each circuit with associated valves being assigned to an arm. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the energy conversion device and the arms are arranged such that the arms, which are held in the ocean, can provide energy to the energy conversion device while one or more other arms are held outward. from the ocean. Embodiments incorporating the energy conversion device of WO 01/92644, which is incorporated herein by reference, may allow free movement around a drive shaft of the energy conversion device with arms that are carried outwardly. from the ocean. Modalities based on energy conversion devices, in which the movement of the arms generates pressure in a hydraulic drive system, may comprise a device for taking power conversion devices out of operation, for example, hydraulic activation elements, which are they are associated with an arm that was taken out of the ocean. In a currently preferred embodiment, an arm may be raised out of the ocean and locked in an elevated position by the arm activating member, for example, a double acting cylinder, which may be used to raise and lock the arm.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention also offer a solution to the problem of providing stable rotational arm or arm support that is less vulnerable to horizontal force components. It has been found that the structure of US 4,013,382 is likely to become unstable due to wave-generated horizontal force components. More specifically, the bearing rod bearings are made up of single pins, and any slight loosening of these bearings can cause irreparable damage to the connecting rods and their support. Therefore, the apparatus of US 4,013,382 is unsuitable for installation in the open sea, that is, at relatively large wave forces. The structure described in WO 01/02644 also has the disadvantage that even the slightest loosening in the one direction bearings, which support the swing arms and connecting the swing arm tubes and the power shaft, can damage the bearings. In addition, the apparatus of WO 01/02644, in which a total of approximately 40 swing arms are supported by a single power axis, requires an immensely strong power shaft that, due to its measurements, is necessary to transmit the energy. necessary, would be unfeasible due to its weight, given its large dimensions, and these large dimensions are necessary due to the momentum transmitted by the arms to the axle of force. Preferred embodiments of the apparatus according to the present invention provide improved arm support, which makes the apparatus less vulnerable to horizontal force components. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the invention comprises a pair of pretensioned bearings and essentially free from loosening. Therefore, the bearings are capable of effectively neutralizing radical and axial forces and, consequently, supporting the horizontal force components conferred by the waves. The term "slack free bearing" should be understood to include any bearing that is slack free in a horizontal and axial direction. For example, the bearing pair may comprise two tapered bearings, with their tapered faces opposite each other. In one embodiment, the bearings are pressure lubricated.

In another embodiment, the bearing comprises an inner and an outer ring or cylinder, the inner ring being attached to a rotational axis of the arm, and the outer ring being attached to a fixed bearing, the bearing further comprising a flexible material. between the inner ring and the outer ring. During operation, the inner ring rotates relative to the outer ring, thereby twisting the flexible material. In order to adjust the rigidity of the flexible material, at least one non-material cavity or perforation may be provided. The flexible material may comprise, for example, a demolition member, such as a flat spring. By proper positioning of the perforation (perforations) or proper configuration of the demolishing element (s), the bearing support can be configured to have an ability to withstand force in one direction than in the other direction.

The arm is preferably supported by the bearings at two mounting points which are displaced from a central axis of the arm, whereby the central axis of the bearings is coincident with an axis of rotation of the arms. As each arm is attached to and supported by individual bearings, stable rotational armrest is achieved. In particular, since the two bearings are preferably arranged at a mutual distance along the axis of rotation of the arm, an impact on the shaft resulting from a horizontal force component on the float may be counteracted.

Accordingly, it is understood that the structure of the present apparatus is more stable than the structure of prior art devices. As the present apparatus is intended primarily for offshore construction, stability is a priority concern, due to maintenance costs in offshore locations. Maintenance costs at offshore locations are typically on average 10 times higher than onshore maintenance costs.

According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a structure which is permanently attached to the tame or ground floor as a support for a wave energy apparatus comprising a plurality of arms, each of which is rotatably supported at one end by an axis, and on which each arm carries a float at its other end, which is opposite to the supported end, so that the translational movement of the float caused by a ripple in the rotation of the surrounding arm of the axis, the apparatus comprising an energy conversion device for converting the transmitted energy from the arm to the electrical energy, the plurality of arms being arranged in a row such that a wave passing through the row of arms causes the arms to rotate successively as Around the axis, the arms are arranged at mutual distances, so that the passage of the wave causes the arms to rotate with a mutual phase change.

The wave power apparatus may be either permanently or not permanently attached to the support structure. In one embodiment, the support structure may still be used for the purpose for which it was originally erected, for example, an oil drilling rig may still be used for oil exploration. In another embodiment, the bearing structure may have been removed from its original purpose and instead of removing the structure, it may be used as a support for a wave energy apparatus.

The structure may comprise a breakwater, jetty, jetty, pier, rock or an oil drilling rig.

The advantages mentioned in relation to the first aspect of the invention also apply to the invention according to the second aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for erecting a wave energy apparatus at sea, the wave energy apparatus comprising a plurality of arms, each of which is rotatably supported at one end. by an axis, in which each arm carries a float at its other end, which is opposed to the supported end, so that the translational movement of the wave caused by the wave results in the rotation of the arm around the shaft, the apparatus comprising energy conversion device To convert the energy transmitted from the wave to the arms into electrical energy, the plurality of arms being arranged in a row such that one passing through the row of arms causes the arms to successively spin around the axis, the arms being arranged at distances. The passage of the wave causes the arms to rotate with a mutual phase shift, the method comprising:

- Mount the wave energy apparatus in a supporting structure which is permanently attached to the seabed or land.

The wave energy apparatus may or may not be permanently attached to the support structure. In one embodiment, the supporting structure may still be used for the purpose for which it was originally erected, for example, an oil drilling rig may still be used for oil exploration. In another embodiment, the bearing structure may have been deprived of its original purpose and instead of removing the structure, it may be used as a support for a wave energy apparatus.

The support structure may comprise a breakwater, jetty, pier, pier, rock or an oil drilling rig. The advantages mentioned with respect to the first aspect of the invention also apply to the invention according to the third aspect of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figures 1 and 2 are cross-sectional representations of one embodiment of a wave energy apparatus according to the invention;

Figures 3-5 show three embodiments of a heat structure of one embodiment of a wave energy apparatus according to the present invention;

Figure 6 represents a bee hive structure of a float;

Figure 7 is a support structure for an arm of the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2;

Figures 8-13 show various bearing assemblies for an arm of the apparatus, Figures 14-17 show diagrams of a hydraulic drive system of one embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 18 shows a diagram of a hydraulic lifting system for lifting floats out of the ocean;

Figure 19 is a wave energy apparatus with a series of floats extending across two wave ridges;

Figure 20 shows hydraulic pressure as a function of time on a power line of the prior art wave energy apparatus hydraulic drive system and an apparatus embodiment according to the present invention, respectively;

Figure 21 represents two different displacement paths of a float through a wave;

Figure 22 shows a diagram of a hydraulic drive system with accumulators for forcing the floats into waves in a wave depression;

Figure 23 represents the gradual accumulation of energy in a hydraulic storage system;

Figures 24 and 25 are diagrammatic representations of wave and float movement.

Figures 26 and 27 depict a wave energy apparatus located on a breakwater.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The description below of the drawings describes a plurality of features and options comprised in various embodiments of the wave energy apparatus according to the invention. The operating principles of the broader aspect of the invention are best understood from the description of the reaction forms of Figures 1 and 14-20.

Figures 1 and 2 show a cross section of a wave energy apparatus 102 comprising a lattice structure 104 which may, for example, be of a spatial lattice structure. The lattice structure, which is also shown in Figures 3-5, comprises an essentially triangular lower part having first, second and third strength members 106, 108, 110, and an essentially rectangular upper part 111. The rectangular top can be used to house hydraulic and electrical equipment, including the hydraulic drive and lift system, and can also be used as a pedestrian bridge or bridge for maintenance personnel. As shown in Figures 3-5, the rectangular upper portion extends a perpendicular distance from the plane of Figures 1 and 2, while a plurality of separate lower portions is provided. The lattice structure defines first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth nodal points 112, 114, 116,118 and 120. Preferably1 the force elements are essentially rigid so that they can withstand tension and compression. The first and second nodal points 112, 114 are provided on the sea floor and are retained on the sea floor by, for example, suction anchor 121, shown in Figures 3-5. Alternatively, the first and second notional points 112, 114 may be supported by a concrete foundation in the seabed. Float-holding arms 122 are rotatably supported at or near the third and fourth nodal points 116, 117. Figures 3-5 show a perspective view of the truss structure to support a plurality of arms on either side of the structure. It should be understood that the lattice structure of FIGS. 3-5 may have a larger extension than that effectively shown in FIGS. 3-5, so that it comprises, for example, twenty or thirty triangular sections, whereby one arm may extend. extend out of the lattice structure at each of the nodal points 116, 117. A plurality of lattice structures such as those of Figures 3-5, such as three, six or more lattice structures, may be arranged in a star arrangement, V or hexagonal in order to increase the number of arms and floats included in an installation comprising the apparatus of the invention or a plurality of apparatus according to the invention.

The third, fourth, fifth and sixth nodal points 116, 117,118, 120 are arranged above the sea surface at a height sufficient to ensure that they are also above the sea surface when the rigs are high under stormy conditions. For example, the nodal points 116, 117, 118 and 120 may be arranged 20 meters above the sea surface when the sea is calm. In order to transform the probe energy into hydraulic energy, the wave energy apparatus 102 comprises a plurality of arms 122, each of which comprises at one end a float 124 and the opposite end is connected to an axis 126. The arms are adapted to rotate about the axes 126. The arm 122 is connected to a hydraulic activation element, such as a hydraulic cylinder 128, comprising a piston 130. The hydraulic cylinder128 is rotatably connected to the arm at a first connection point 132e. to the truss structure 104 at a second attachment point 134. The second attachment point is preferably located at a nodal point, i.e. along an edge portion of an essentially retanar structure disposed at the top of the triangular main structure of the lattice structure. The floats 124 move their arms up and down, influenced by wave motion. When the arms move up and down, the piston 130 is moved and thus the wave energy is transformed into hydraulic energy which can be converted into useful electrical energy as described below in connection with Figures 14-18 and 22.

As shown in Figure 2, the hydraulic cylinders 128 are adapted to lock the arms 122 in an elevated position, whereby the waves cannot reach the arms 122 and the floats 124, whereby the arms are carried to their elevated positions by the cylinders. 128. Thus, it is possible to protect the arms 122 and floats 124 during a storm or when ambient temperatures near or below the freezing point of ocean water cause the risk of thaw formation in the floats. Hydraulic cylinders 128 are connected to a hydraulic lift system to lock the hydraulic cylinder in the raised position, and the hydraulic lift system is described in more detail in connection with Figure 18 below. The floats 124 may be rotatably connected with the arms 122. Accordingly, when the arms are raised during a storm, the floats may be turned to a position in which they are essentially paralleled to the wind. In this way, the surface on which the wind acts is limited, and thus the force acting on the floats 124 is reduced and as it is transferred to the truss structure 124 by means of the arms 122 is reduced. In addition, the floats are designed in an aerodynamic shape with rounded corners (not shown) to reduce wind forces on the apparatus.

As shown in Figures 3-5, the lattice frame 104 may include diagonal force members 113, 115 (not shown in Figures 1 and 2) to provide additional support at the nodal points116,117.

In Figures 4 and 5, the truss structure is biased with a downward acting force to reduce the upward forces on the anchors121. The weight is produced by a longitudinally extended weight, such as a water tank 123 (Figure 4), or by a plurality of separate weights, such as water tanks (Figure 5).

Figure 6 shows a structure of an essentially hollow float 124 comprising a beehive structure 127 which supports the outer walls of the float.

Figure 7 shows one of the arms 122, which is rotatably connected to a float 124 and is adapted to rotate about an axis126. The arm is attached to the shaft at a first and second connection point 136, 138, which are offset from the central shaft 140 of the arm. The shaft 126 is rotatably supported by a fixed bearing structure 142 comprising two bearings 144 arranged to counteract radical and axial forces.

In order to provide essentially maintenance-free support bracket for the rotation of the arms 122, the present inventors have proposed bearings as shown in Figures 8-13. The bearings of Figures 8-13 may be incorporated as a bearing 144 into the supporting structure shown in Figure 7 and are particularly well-suited for supporting an axis whose rotational amplitude is 30 degrees or less during normal operation, ie ± 10 degrees. or less. When the arm is to be rotated to the locked position of Figure 2, the locking of the outer ring147 can be loosened so as to allow a greater rotational amplitude, for example ± 40 degrees. Traditional roller or ball bearings have a short service life at these small rotational amplitudes, since their lubrication medium usually only fulfills its intended purpose of continuous rotation at a higher rotational speed than that provided by the arms 122. The bearing Figure 8 includes an inner ring or cylinder 145 and an outer ring or cylinder 147, including a flexible substance 149, for example, a rubber material. Inner ring 145 is fixed to the rotary shaft, and outer ring 147 is fixed to the stationary shaft support. Thanks to the elasticity of the flexible substance 149, the inner ring can rotate relative to the outer ring, allowing the supported shaft to rotate relative to its bearing. As the outer ring 147 is supported by or embedded in a fixed structure, for example, tightly adjusted along its periphery, axial and radial support of the shaft is obtained. The stiffness of flexible substance 149 may be adjusted by providing cavities 151, such as holes or perforations, in the material, the maximum bearing load can be increased by increasing the length of the bearing (i.e. transversely to the plane of Figure 8). The number and dimensions of the cavities 151 may be chosen to fit a specific purpose, for example to minimize tooth sensitivity or to maximize the axial force to be neutralized by the bearing. A similar bearing 344 is shown in Figure 9, which has fewer cavities 151, to increase the ability to withstand bearing forces in one direction.

Similar winding bearings 346, 348 and 354 are shown in Figures 10, 11 and 12, respectively. These bearings comprise inner and outer rings 145, 147 with one or more flat springs that are interposed between the rings. In Figure 10, two flat springs147 are provided, each of which forms the shape of number 3. Arrows 345 to 347 indicate that the ability to withstand force is greater in the vertical direction (arrows 345) than in the horizontal direction (arrows 347). In bearing 348 of Figure 11, there is provided a flat spring element 352 which defines a plurality of cavities 353. Arrows 349 and 350 indicate that the bearing strength of the bearing is greater in the vertical and horizontal directions of the small ones. non-horizontal and non-vertical directions (arrows 350). Bearing 354 of Figure 12 comprises two H-shaped flat spring members 362, each of which defines an outer part and an inner part 364 and 366, as well as an interconnecting part 368. The stiffness of the bearing may be chosen by proper selection of the housing. spring element geometry 362.

For example, interconnecting part 368 may be formed as an S. Assets 355 and 357 indicate that the ability to withstand force is greater in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction.

Inner and outer rings 145, 147 of Figures 8-12 may be made of steel or carbon fiber material. Flat springs 342,352 and 362 may also be made of steel or carbon fiber materials.

The bearing principles of Figures 8-12 can also be used to provide support for hydraulic cylinders 128.

Figure 13 shows a bearing support for an arm 122, the support comprising two flat springs 372, 374. The first flat bearing 372 increases the torsional stiffness as well as the transverse stiffness of the tendon. Flat springs can be made of carbon fiber materials.

In the hydraulic diagram of Figure 14, a plurality of cylinders 128 with respective pistons 138 which are movable up and down are shown, as the arms 122 and floats 124 move in the waves as described above. Although three cylinders are shown in the diagram of Figure 14, it should be understood that the apparatus according to the invention typically comprises a larger number of cylinders, for example 60 cylinders. Cylinders 128 are shown as double acting cylinders, connected at their upper ends to feed pipes 176 for a system hydraulic medium. A pressure valve 178 is provided in each feed tube 176. The feed tubes 176 are fused into a common main tube 180, which feeds a hydraulic motor 182 with variable volume displacement per revolution. In supply pipes 176 and common main pipe 180, an operating pressure p0 is maintained. The pressure p0 may advantageously also be the limit pressure of valve 178, at which the valve changes between its open and closed state. The hydraulic motor drives an electric generator 184, and at the output of the hydraulic motor the hydraulic medium is fed into a reservoir186. From reservoir 186, hydraulic means flows back to cylinders138 by means of a common return pipe 188 and branched return pipes 190.

In each of the cylinders 128, the piston 130 divides the cylinder into upper and lower chamber 192, 194, which are interconnected by tubes 196 and 198. In each tube 196 a two-way valve 200 is provided, and parallel thereto is A pressure valve 202 and a series of flow control valves 204 are provided in tube 198. Finally, each cylinder is provided with a control element 206 for determining the position and / or movement speed of piston 130. of cylinder 128.

When the two-way valve 200 is open, the piston can move freely when the arms 122 (see Figure 1) move in the waves. When control element 206 determines a certain position and / or movement speed of piston 130, a control signal is passed to valve 200 causing valve 200 to close. When the pressure valve 178 is closed, the piston is blocked as the round continues to rise until float buoyancy is large enough to exceed the operating pressure p0 in the supply and main pipes 176, 180 to open. pressure valve 178. Thus, it is understood that float 124 (Figure 1) is at least partially submerged in the wave when valve 178 opens (as also the description below Figure 21). When the pressure valve 178 is open, the hydraulic medium is fed to the motor 182. When the float passes the wave wave, the float is still submerged, but the pressure at the top 192 of cylinder 128 drops, and the pressure valve pressure 178 closes. Subsequently, the two-way valve 200 opens, and hydraulic means is displaced from the lower cylinder part 194 to the upper cylinder part 192 as the float moves downward from the wave crest to the -wave pressure.

It should be noted that, due to the large number of cylinders128, at any time it is ensured that at least two of the same, preferably several, cylinders will provide a hydraulic medium stream for the 182. Engine. form of generator 184, preferably without the need for frequency converters.

The above description of Figure 14 also applies to Figure 15, but in the embodiment of Figure 15 a plurality of hydraulic motors 182, 208, 210 are provided. Each of the hydraulic motors 182, 208, 210 is connected to respective electric generators 184, 212, 214. In Figure 15, only three hydraulic motors and electric generators are provided, but in other embodiments, the wave energy apparatus comprises a higher number of motors and generators. For example, 5, 10 or 20 motors and generators may be provided. The capacity of the hydraulic motors and their corresponding electric generators can be chosen to make it possible to generate different power levels. In one example, the three generators may be capable of producing 0.5 MW, 0, 5 MW and 2 MW respectively. Thus, in order to produce 1 MW, the hydraulic motor of the two 0.5 MW generators can be connected to common main tube 180, while the third generator must be disconnected from main tube 180. In places where wave energy is Substantially constant over time, the capacity of the generators and their corresponding hydraulic motors may be chosen, respectively, to be at the highest possible level in order to reduce the total number of hydraulic motors and generators. In locations with high wave height fluctuation and wave frequency, the capacity of the generators can be chosen from a binary principle, eg 1 MW1 2 MW and 4 MW. By choosing the generators of a binary principle, it is possible to switch these generators on and off using the scheme below to optimize the use of wave energy.

<table> table see original document page 28 </column> </row> <table>

The system of Figure 16 is similar to the system of Figure 15, but in the system of Figure 16 only a single electric generator184 is provided, which is driven by electric motors 182, 208 and 210 via a transmission housing 185. Hydraulic motors can be drive, for example, a toothed crown of an epicyclic gear. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 17, the hydraulic motors 182, 208 and 210 may drive a common generator 184 by means of a common drive shaft 187.

Figure 18 is a hydraulic elevation system for raising floats 124 out of the ocean and for maintaining them in an elevated position where waves cannot reach the floats. Figure 18 also includes a hydraulic drive system similar to the drive system described above in connection with Figs 14-17. As elements equal to or similar to those shown in Figures 14-17 are incorporated into the drive system shown in Figure 18, reference numerals in Figure 6 are used in Figure 8, and reference is made to the above description of Figures 14-17 for a reference. description of these elements and their functionality. The hydraulic lift system of Figure 18 is adapted to individually lift one or more floats 124 out of the water and to decouple the raised float cylinders from the hydraulic drive system. The system of Figure 18 includes, in addition to the common return pipe 188, a pipe 266, which connects the reservoir 186 to a pump 268 driven by a motor 270. The pipe 272 connects the pump direction direction 268 to various valves. 274, the number of one-way valves being equal to the number of floaters and cylinders 128. Tubes 276 connect the respective direction sides of valves 274 to respective two-way valves 278 and valves 280 one-way, in the direction of the current from which pipes 276 merge into a common pipe 282. Tubes 276 communicate with lower cylinder chambers 194 and pipes 198 via pipes 284. In addition, pipes 276 communicate with the upper cylinder chambers 192 and feed tubes 176 by means of tubes 196. Finally, two-way valves 286 are provided on branch return tubes 190, and two-way valves 288 are provided on tubes 198.

When an arm is to be lifted out of the water, valve 278, valve 286 and valve 288 close. Valves 274 and 280 open and pump 268 can force hydraulic means into lower cylinder chamber 194, and the arm associated with the cylinder in question is raised. The hydraulic medium in the upper cylinder chamber 192 is fed to the reservoir 186 via valve 280. The control element 206 detects the arm and with it the piston 130 has reached its desired position, for example its extreme upper position. , and a signal is passed to valves 274 and 280 causing them to close. Accordingly, the piston 130 is locked, and the arm is fixed in a position in which the float 124 is lifted out of the water. The arm 122 may further be supported by a tongue (not shown) which engages the arm.

Figure 19 is a diagrammatic representation showing a plurality of floats 124 and 164 which are connected to a cylindrical hydraulic drive system as described above in connection with Figures 14-18. In Figure 19, these floats, which are located at wave ridges 146, 148 are referred to by reference numeral 164, while all other floats are referred to by reference numeral 124. There is, however, no structural difference between floats 124 and floats 164. First, second and third wave crystals 146, 148, 150 are indicated by double lines in Figure 19, and first and second wave depressions 152, 154 are indicated by single lines in figure. The direction of movement of the wavefronts is indicated by a first arrow 156, with the wavelength being indicated by a second arrow 158 and the rising and falling portions of the waves being indicated by third and fourth arrows 160, 162 , respectively. As indicated in Figure 19, the floats 164, which are in the waves 146 and 148 and thus, have just completed their upward movement caused by the waves. These floats 124, which are between the first wave crest 146 and the first wave depression 152 are on their upward path in the wave, while the floats that are between the second wave crest 148 and the first wave depression 152 are moving down along one side in the direction of the round current. Because the float series 124, 164 extends over a full wavelength, a plurality of floats are on their way upwards in one wave at any given time, ensuring that a plurality of floats provide an energy contribution. to the hydraulic drive system at any time. As described above with reference to Figures 14-17, each of the floats activates a hydraulic cylinder, and hydraulic pressure is created in the main tube 180 (as in Figures 14-17). As a plurality of floats are moving upwards at the same time, a plurality of hydraulic cylinders provide hydraulic pressure simultaneously. Consequently, thanks to the condition of the common main tube 180, connected to a plurality of cylinders with respective floats, and thanks to the extension of the float series over at least one full wavelength, the depression fluctuations in the common main tube 180 and thus the fluctuations of The pressure inlet to hydraulic motor 182 or hydraulic motors 182, 208, 210 may be kept low. Since hydraulic motors 182, 208 and 210 are motors with variable displacement, the engine rpm can be kept essentially constant. This in turn gives the effect that the frequency of AC current generated by generator 184 or generators 184, 212 and 214 is essentially constant, whereby in preferred embodiments of the invention AC current can be generated. no need for frequency converters.

In Figure 19, the wave direction defines an angle θ with respect to the row of floats. The wave direction is parallel to the row of floats when θ = 0 °. It should be understood that the greater the angle θ to 0 °, the longer the row of floats must be, in order to ensure that at any given moment at least one float is moved upward by a wave to provide a pressure contribution to the main pipe. -Common main 180 (as shown in Figures 14-17) of the hydraulic drive system.

When designing the system, the typical wavelength and directions of the location must be taken into account to ensure substantially constant hydraulic pressure in the system. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the relationship between the wave direction (angle Θ) and the length of the wave energy apparatus, i.e. the length covered by the floats 124, 164, can be determined by the following formula:

Wavelength of appliance> wavelength / cos (Θ)

Figure 20 shows the hydraulic pressure 242 in the common main tube 180 (as in Figures 14-17) as a function of time 240. The first curve 244 shows the hydraulic pressure in a supply line of a typical wave energy apparatus. front, with hydraulic cylinders that feed an accumulator with a hydraulic motor. As indicated in Figure 20, the hydraulic pressure fluctuates with a period 246. The hydraulic pressure 248 in one embodiment of the wave energy apparatus of the present invention, comprising a plurality of fractions, floats and cylinders and no accumulators. , floats at a lower amplitude.

Figure 21 represents two displacement paths other than a float on a wave moving in the direction of arrow 171. Upper part of Figure 21 represents a current path in which any measures are taken to increase the vertical displacement distance of float 124, when the float is passed by a wave. The lower part of Figure 21 represents a current path in which the vertical displacement distance of the float is increased by actively forcing the float 124 into the water at wave depression 152.

At the top of Figure 21, at position 172a, the float is moving downward with the wave until the float reaches wave depression 152 at position 172b. At this point, the hydraulic cylinder is blocked when the pressure valve 178 closes (according to figures 14-17), the two-way valve 200 is also closed and, consequently, the float moves horizontally. into the wave for affixing 172d via position 172c. As the wave rises, pressure is formed in the upper chamber 192 of cylinder 128 and upstream tube pressure valve 178 (according to Figures 14-17). At position 172d the pressure is sufficient to exceed the limit pressure of the opening pressure valve 178 whereby the float 124 is allowed to move upward of the wave to position 172f via position 172e. During this movement, the hydraulic cylinder 128 of float 124 feeds the hydraulic medium to the common hydraulic tube 180, whereby an energy contribution is provided to the hydraulic motor 182 or motors 182, 208, 210. At position 172f, when the wave is passing is about to descend, the pressure in the supply pipe 176 drops below the closing limit of the closing pressure valve 178. As pressure valve 178 closes, and two-way valve 200 opens, float 124 is detached from common hydraulic tube 180, and buoyancy of float 124 causes it to move substantially vertically out of the water. , to position 172g. When the wave goes down, float 124 moves low with the wave to position 172h, and the float starts a novocycle on the next wave. Float 124 travels a vertical distance 168.

From the above description of Figure 21, it is observed that the energy contribution of each individual float 124 and associated cylinder 128 to the hydraulic drive system is conferred during the vertical movement of the float.

In order to increase the power output of the wave power apparatus, it is therefore desirable to increase the vertical travel distance of the float 124. The lower part of Figure 21 represents an alternate displacement path of the float 124 on the wave at which measures are taken to increase the vertical distance traveled by the float124. At position 174a, float 124 is descending on the downstream side of a wave. At position 174b, float 124 has reached wave depression152. At this point, the float is forced down into the water for affixing 174c, and the pressure valve 178 and two-way valve 200 close (as in figures 14-17). When the pressure upstream of pressure valve 178 exceeds the closing pressure limit of depression valve 178, valve 178 opens, and float 124 moves to position 174g by means of 174d, 174e and 174f. At position 174f, depression valve 178 closes and two-way valve 202 opens, and float float 124 causes the float to essentially move vertically out of water to position 174h from which the float descends. downstream of the wave to position 174i, and the above cycle is repeated. Thanks to forcing the float into the water at the crest of wave 152, that is, from position 174b to position 174c, the vertical distance 170 traveled by the float is significantly greater than the vertical distance 168 in modalities. , wherein the float is not forced down into the wave at or near a wave depression, as in the upper part of Figure 21. Therefore, the energy contribution of cylinder128 of a float 124 is also significantly greater with respect to the path of the part. Figure 21 than with respect to the upper path of Figure 21.

Of course, a net gain in terms of the total energy power of the wave energy apparatus is presented only if the energy used to force the float 124 into the wave at wave pressure 152 is not deducted from the energy. power output of the appliance. Figure 22 shows a modified embodiment of the hydraulic drive system of Figure 14, which can accumulate potential energy released when a float 124 moves vertically out of a wave near or near a wave crest, that is, from position 174g to position 174hn at the bottom of Figure 21. This energy, which is lost in the embodiments of Figures 14-17, is used to force float 124 into the wave.

More specifically, Figure 22 shows a hydraulic diagram with first, second, third and fourth accumulators 216, 218, 220,222 for forcing the floats down under the waves in depresions. In addition to the system of Figure 14, the hydraulic system of Figure 22 comprises the hydraulic accumulators 216, 218, 220, 222, which are disposed at one end of the hydraulic accumulator tubes 224, 226, 228,230, which are connected. feed tube 176 by first, second, third and fourth two-way valves 232, 234, 236, 238. When a float has passed a wave crest, pressure valve 178 closes as described above in connection with 14, and the float124 moves out of the wave from its submerged position on the wave. The hydraulic means, which is thereby displaced from the top 192 of the cylinder, is fed to the accumulators 216, 218, 220, 222 via valves 232,234, 236, 238 and accumulator tubes 224, 226, 228, 230. In one embodiment, valves 232, 234, 236, 238 are arranged and controlled such that the first valve 232 closes at a first pressure p1, where p1 is lower than the operating pressure pO in the main tube 180.

The second valve 234 opens at the first pressure p1 and again closes a lower second pressure p2. The third valve 236 opens at the second pressure p2 and closes again at a third, lower pressure p3. The fourth valve 238 opens at the third pressure p3 and closes again at a lower fourth pressure p4. At even lower pressure, p5, the two-way valve 200 is opened.

At a wave depression, valve 200 closes, the fourth two-way valve 238 opens, and pressure in the fourth accumulator 222 is used to force the float under water. When the fourth two-way valve 238 closes, the third two-way valve 236 opens, and pressure in the third accumulator 220 is used to force the float further down the water. Thereafter, the third two-way valve 236 closes and the second two-way valve 234 opens, and the pressure on the second accumulator 218 is used to force the float further below the water. Subsequently, the second two-way valve 234 closes, and the first two-way valve 232 opens, so that pressure in the first accumulator 216 is used to force the float further down from the water surface. Finally, the first two-way valve 232 closes and the pressure valve 178 opens.

Thus, it is observed that at least a portion of the potential energy released when the float 124 moves vertically to the forced wave, from position 174g to position 174h (depending on the bottom of Figure 21) can be used to force the float into the water. into a wave depression 152 in order to increase the energy power of the wave energy apparatus. Accordingly, forcing a float down in a manner described above can be considered as a method for utilizing the energy potential released in the wave crests, which would otherwise be lost.

More than four accumulators 216,218, 220 and 222 may be provided. For example, six, eight, ten, twelve, twenty and even more accumulators may be provided.

Figure 23 generally shows a graphical representation of the energy accumulation in N steps, for example, in N accumulators, corresponding to the accumulators 216, 218, 220 and 222 of Figure 22. The first axis indicates the vertical displacement d0 250 of the float in water, and the second axis indicates force F0 252. The area of the shaded triangle, which covers half of the diagram in Figure 23, indicates the optimal maximum energy that is available. However, in order to utilize this energy, the system can comprise an infinite number of steps, that is, an infinite number of accumulators. In other words, the greater the pressure difference between two steps, the greater the energy loss for each step. In Figure 23, the energy pressure is indicated by shaded triangles 254. Each triangle indicates that the float is offset by a vertical distance Ad. The area of one of the small triangles is half the height times length.

Therefore, the loss in each step can be determined by the following formula:

<formula> formula see original document page 36 </formula>

in which

F0 is the excursion force when the float is forced by the distance d0 under water,

Ad = do / N, and

N is the number of steps.

The total energy loss, ie the sum of the small triangles, is defined by the following formula:

<formula> formula see original document page 36 </formula>

Consequently, the greater the number of N steps, the greater the total energy loss.

The effect of the accumulators described above in connection with Figures 22 and 23 is shown in Figure 24, in which curve 256 shows the movement of the float in the wave as a function of time and curve 258 shows the shape of a wave as a function of time. There is a partial overlap of curves 256 and 258 on the downstream, i.e. descending, side of a round. At 260, the two-way valve 200 closes (as in Figure 22), while the pressure valve 178 is also closed, and the float is blocked. At 262, the float moves out of the wave and supplies energy to accumulators 216, 218, 220, and 222. In Figure 25, curve 264 shows effective float pressure in the wave.

Figures 26-27 show a wave energy apparatus 302 supported by an existing structure 303 in the form of a breakwater. The wave energy apparatus 302 comprises a truss structure 304 which comprises force elements 306 which are joined at a peak 308. In Figures 26 and 27, the truss structure comprises four force elements, but in other embodiments the structure may understand only three elements of strength. The wave energy apparatus comprises a plurality of arms 322 having an A-shaped structure. Alternatively, the arms may be V-shaped. The arms are pivotally connected to the truss structure by means of a support. bearings 344. Bearings 344 allow the arms to rotate up and down as indicated by arrow 305 between an angle of -45 ° to horizontal, ie below horizontal and + 20 ° to horizontal, that is, above the horizontal. By allowing the arms to rotate over such a large triangle, the device may be able to operate over a range of water levels of up to 6 meters or more depending on the length of the arms.

In Figures 26-27, the arms are non-rotatably connected to a float 324 having a convex bottom surface 325. One advantage of the convex surface is that for any rotational arm position, the float water line remains the same. . A hydraulic cylinder328 comprising a piston 330 interconnects arm 322 and peak 308 of the lattice structure. The hydraulic cylinder is used for the production of hydraulic energy as described in the above.

In order to protect the arms during a storm, the arms are rotated to the highest position, ie + 20 ° from the horizontal such that waves cannot reach the arms.

The distance 307 between wave power devices can be a few meters to 2000 m. Advantageously, the arms are distributed over a distance corresponding to at least one wavelength such that variations in the energy produced can be minimized as described above with respect to Figures 19 and 20.

Claims (29)

1. An installation comprising a wave power apparatus comprising a plurality of arms, each of which is rotatably supported at one end by an axis, and which frame supports a float at its other end, which is opposite to the supported trembling so that a translational movement of the float caused by a wave results in arm rotation about the axis, the apparatus comprising energy conversion devices for converting energy transmitted by the wave to the arms in electrical energy, since the plurality of arms is arranged in a row, so that a round that is passing through the row of arms causes the arms to rotate successively around the axis, and the arms are arranged mutual distances, so that the passage of the wave causes the arms to rotate with a mutual phase shift, and in which the arms and the energy conversion devices are supported by a supporting structure, which is permanently attached to the seabed or land, in which the frame extends in a longitudinal direction, and in which the support structure extends in a direction transversely to said longitudinal direction, characterized by the supporting structure comprises a breakwater, jetty, pier, quay, rock or oil rig; e- each arm is individually supported by the breakwater, jetty, pier, quay, rock or oil drill; e- the arms are arranged at mutual distances along the breakwater, jetty, pier, quay, rock or oil drill. Installation according to claim 1, wherein the support structure includes a portion above the sea surface, and in which the frame is supported by that portion of the support structure, which is above the sea surface. Installation according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the said shaft is part of a bearing, and in which each arm is supported by at least one bearing, which is attached to the support structure. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each arm is supported by a truss structure which is secured to the support structure. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each arm extends longitudinally away from the support structure, so that each arm is at least pivotable to a horizontal position. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the rotational support of each arm allows an angled rotation of the arm to at least -30 ° from the horizontal. Installation according to claim 6, wherein the rotational support of each arm allows an angular rotation of the arm to at least -45 ° from the horizontal. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the rotational support of each arm allows angled rotation of the arm to at least + 10 ° from the horizontal. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the rotational support of each arm allows an angular rotation of the arm to at least + 20 ° from the horizontal. An installation according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the row of arms is oriented such as to the front of the wave that the row forms an angle of +/- 60 ° to the front. An installation according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each arm intermittently transmits energy to the energy conversion device when a wave passes through the arm float, the arms and floats being arranged. with mutual distances such that at any time at least two effluent arms simultaneously provide an energy contribution to the energy conversion device. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the energy conversion device comprises a hydraulic drive system with a hydraulically driven motor. Installation according to claim 12, wherein the frame is connected to the hydraulic drive system by at least one activation element, which causes a hydraulic medium of the hydraulic drive system to be displaced to the engine, whereby the elements of They are arranged to move the hydraulic medium to the engine via standard hydraulic tubes. An installation according to claim 13, wherein the at least one activation element of each arm comprises a double-acting cylinder. The installation of claim 14, wherein the hydraulic drive system comprises at least one hydraulic accumulator for storing energy intermittently in the hydraulic drive system, and wherein the hydraulic drive system is controllable for release the energy stored in the accumulator when a float is passed by a wave depression to force the arm-held float into the wave. Installation according to claims 13 and 15, wherein the hydraulic medium is fed to the hydraulic accumulator by means of the common hydraulic pipes. An installation according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein each cylinder is provided with a sensor for determining a position and / or speed of movement of the cylinder piston, wherein the sensor is arranged to transmit a signal to a unit. control of associated cylinders and valves, so that the transmission of energy from the individual cylinders to the remaining parts of the hydraulic drive system is individually controllable in response to the signal representing the position of the individual cylinder piston and / or movement speed. . Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising a hydraulic lifting system for raising the float out of the ocean and for locking the float in an upper position above the ocean surface. Installation according to claims 14 and 18, in which the double acting cylinder is part of the hydraulic lifting system, so that the cylinder is controllable to lift the float out of the ocean. 20. Use of a frame, which is permanently attached to the seabed or shore as a support for a stunt power apparatus comprising a plurality of arms, each of which is rotatably supported at one end by an axis, and on which frame carries a float at its other end, which is opposite the supported end, so that a translational movement of the float caused by a wave results in the arm rotating about the axis, the apparatus comprising energy conversion device for converting transmitted energy from the wave to the arms in electric energy, the plurality of arms being arranged in a row such that a wave that runs across the row of arms causes the arms to rotate successively around the axis, the arms being arranged at mutual distances, so that the passing of the wave causes the arms to rotate with a mutual phase shift, the support structure comprising a break at sea, hand, pier, quay, rock or an oil drill, each arm extending in a longitudinal direction, and the supporting structure extending one direction transversely to said longitudinal direction, and in which the frame is individually supported by the breakwater, jetty, jetty, wharf, rock, or oil rig, arms being arranged at mutual distances along the breakwater, jetty, jetty, wharf, rock, or oil rig. Use according to claim 20, wherein the support structure includes a portion above the sea surface, and wherein each arm is supported by that portion of the support structure, which is above the sea surface. Use according to claim 20 or 21, wherein said shaft is part of a bearing, and in which each arm is supported by at least one bearing, which is attached to the support structure. Use according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein each arm is supported by a truss structure, which is attached to the support structure. Use according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein each arm extends longitudinally away from the support structure, such that each arm is at least pivotable to a horizontal position. 25. A method for erecting a wave energy apparatus at sea, the wave energy apparatus comprising a plurality of arms, each of which is rotatably supported at one end by an axle, and in which each arm carries a float at its other. end, which is opposite to the supported end, so that the translational movement of the float caused by a wave results in rotation of the arm to the axis, the apparatus comprising energy conversion device for converting the transmitted energy from the wave to the arms into electrical energy, the plurality of arms being arranged in a row such that a wave passing through the row of arms causes the arms to successively move around the axis, the arms being arranged at mutual distances, such that the passage of the wave causes the arms to rotate with a mutual phase shift, the method comprising: - mounting the wave energy apparatus on a permanent support structure fixed to the seabed or shore, the supporting structure comprising a breakwater, jetty, pier, pier, rock or oil drill, each arm extending in a longitudinal direction, and the supporting structure extending in one direction. transverse to the longitudinal dictation, the assembly step including: - arranging each arm so as to be individually supported by the breakwater, jetty, pier, pier, rock or drill and - arranging the arms at mutual distances along the breakwater , jetty, pier, wharf, rock or oil rig. The method of claim 25, wherein the support structure includes a portion above the sea surface, and wherein the frame is supported by that portion of the support structure, which is above the sea surface. The method of claim 25 or 26, wherein said shaft is part of a bearing, and wherein each arm is supported by at least one bearing, which is secured to the support structure. A method according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein each arm is supported by a truss structure, which is attached to the support structure. A method according to any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein each arm extends longitudinally away from the support structure, so that each arm is at least pivotable for horizontal placement.