Harnessing wave energy refers to the process of capturing the energy of ocean waves and converting it into usable forms of energy, such as electricity. This can be done through a variety of methods, including the use of wave energy converters (WECs), which are devices that are placed in the ocean to convert the motion of the waves into electrical energy. Other methods of harnessing wave energy include the use of wave energy buoys, which float on the surface of the ocean and convert wave motion into mechanical energy that can be converted into electricity, and the use of wave energy pumps, which use the motion of the waves to pump water onto shore, where it can be used to generate electricity.
There are several patents filed on harnessing wave energy, many of which focus on creating devices that can convert the kinetic energy of ocean waves into electrical energy. These devices include:
Oscillating Water Column (OWC) systems are a type of wave energy converter that use the motion of ocean waves to generate electricity. The basic principle of an OWC system is that it captures the energy from the up and down motion of ocean waves and converts it into electricity. The OWC system consists of a chamber with an opening at the top and bottom, which is placed in the ocean. As waves pass through the chamber, the water level inside the chamber rises and falls, creating a flow of air through a turbine, which is connected to a generator to convert the airflow into electricity.
Patents for OWC systems have been granted to various inventors and organisations around the world. These patents cover various aspects of the OWC system including the design of the chamber, the turbine and generator, and the control systems that are used to optimise energy generation. Some of the key features that are protected by these patents include the shape and size of the chamber, the materials used to construct the chamber, and the methods used to control the flow of air through the turbine.
One example of an interesting patent related to Oscillating Water Column (OWC) systems is the US Patent No. US 10,066,853 B2, issued to Voith Hydro Wavegen Limited. This patent covers an OWC wave energy conversion system that uses a turbine and a generator to convert the motion of ocean waves into electricity. The system consists of a chamber with an opening at the top and bottom, which is placed in the ocean. As waves pass through the chamber, the water level inside the chamber rises and falls, creating a flow of air through a turbine, which is connected to a generator to convert the airflow into electricity.
One of the key features of this patent is that it covers a novel design of the turbine and generator system, which is optimised to work efficiently with the OWC system. The turbine and generator system is designed to be more efficient than previous systems, and it can generate more electricity from the same amount of wave energy. The patent also covers methods for controlling the flow of air through the turbine and generator system to optimise energy generation.
Another interesting aspect of this patent is that it covers a system for monitoring the performance of the OWC system, which allows for real-time adjustment of the system to optimise energy generation. This monitoring system can also be used for predictive maintenance, which can help to minimise downtime and reduce costs.
A Point Absorber is a type of wave energy converter that consists of a buoyant structure that moves up and down with the motion of ocean waves. The movement of the buoyant structure is converted into mechanical energy, which is then converted into electricity using a generator. Point absorbers are considered to be a type of “surface” wave energy converter, as they are located on the surface of the ocean and do not require the construction of large, fixed structures.
There are many patents that have been issued for point absorber systems, covering various aspects of the design and operation of these systems. Some of the key features that are protected by these patents include the design of the buoyant structure, the methods used to convert mechanical energy into electricity, and the control systems that are used to optimise energy generation.
One example of an interesting patent on a point absorber system is the US Patent No. 10,848,812 B2, issued to Carnegie Wave Energy Limited, covers a point absorber system that uses a buoyant structure that is attached to a mooring system and a power take-off (PTO) system. The buoyant structure is designed to move up and down with the motion of the waves, and the PTO system is used to convert this motion into mechanical energy. The mechanical energy is then converted into electricity using a generator. The patent also covers methods for controlling the movement of the buoyant structure to optimise energy generation.
One interesting patent on overtopping devices is US Patent No. 9,811,857, which was issued to a company called “Overtopping Energy LLC” in 2017. The patent relates to a device for capturing wave energy, which is designed to be placed in bodies of water such as oceans or lakes.
The device is essentially a floating platform that is anchored to the bottom of the body of water. Attached to the platform are a series of vertical blades or “airfoils” that move up and down as waves pass by. The motion of the airfoils generates electricity, which is then transmitted to shore via underwater cables.
One of the key advantages of the device is that it is able to capture energy from waves that are larger than the device itself. This is known as “overtopping,” and it allows the device to capture energy from a much wider range of wave conditions than other wave energy devices.
The patent also claims that the device is able to capture energy from both the up and down motion of the waves, which allows it to be more efficient and produce more power than other wave energy devices. Additionally, the device is also designed to be modular, which allows it to be easily scaled up or down depending on the amount of energy that needs to be generated.
It’s worth noting that wave energy is still considered as a young technology and many of these patents are still in the experimental phase. Also, wave energy is highly location dependent and the efficiency of these systems will vary depending on the location and the characteristics of the waves at that location.