Abstract

A wave energy conversion system comprising a wave energy absorber, which in a first arrangement is configured to reduce parametric resonance which causes large pitch motion in the wave energy absorber, and thus optimise power conversion efficiency. In a second arrangement, the wave energy absorber is configured to have a variable water piercing area so as to experience parametric resonance, which can be exploited to increase power capture.

IPC Classes  ?

• F03B 13/16 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member and another member

Abstract

A wave energy conversion system is described. The system comprises a wave energy absorber for absorbing wave energy. At least one switched reluctance machine is driven by the wave energy absorber for converting mechanical energy to electrical energy. The switched reluctance machine has a generating mode and a motoring mode. A sensing means is provided for sensing an operating parameter generated by the wave energy absorber. A control means is co-operable with the sensing means for controlling the mode of the switched reluctance machine in response to the sensed operating parameter.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02K 7/18 - Structural association of electric generators with mechanical driving motors, e.g.with turbines
• F03B 13/20 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member and another member wherein both members are movable relative to the sea bed or shore
• H02J 3/38 - Arrangements for parallelly feeding a single network by two or more generators, converters or transformers

Abstract

A wave energy conversion system operably coupled to an electrical grid is described. The system comprises a wave energy absorber for absorbing wave energy. At least one mechanical energy converter is driven by the wave energy absorber for converting mechanical energy to electrical energy. The mechanical energy converter has a generating mode for providing power to the electrical grid and a motoring mode for extracting power from the electrical grid. A sensing means is provided for sensing an operating parameter of the wave energy absorber. A control means is co-operable with the sensing means for controlling the mode of the mechanical energy converter in response to the sensed operating characteristic of the wave energy absorber.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02K 7/18 - Structural association of electric generators with mechanical driving motors, e.g.with turbines
• F03B 13/20 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member and another member wherein both members are movable relative to the sea bed or shore
• H02J 3/38 - Arrangements for parallelly feeding a single network by two or more generators, converters or transformers

Abstract

A wave energy conversion system which includes a wave absorber that moves in response to passing waves. A power take off (PTO) is provided which comprises a plurality of individually selectable actuators. The wave absorber is operable coupled to the actuators for facilitating driving the actuators. Each actuator has an associated damping characteristic. A combination of the damping characteristics of each actuator defines a PTO damping characteristic. A controller is operable to determine a desired PTO damping characteristic in response to a sensed parameter of the wave absorber. The controller is further operable for selectively activating one or more actuators to provide the desired PTO damping characteristic in response to the sensed parameter.

IPC Classes  ?

• F03B 13/18 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member and another member wherein the other member is fixed, at least at one point, with respect to the sea bed or shore
• F03B 13/20 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member and another member wherein both members are movable relative to the sea bed or shore

Abstract

A connector system is described which is useful in coupling two bodies of a wave energy converter. The system includes at least one cable that is coupled to each of the two bodies and on which are threaded a number of discs. The cable and disc combination provide a stack that allows for a flexing of the two bodies relative to one another yet maintains the two bodies substantially co-linear.

IPC Classes  ?

• F16C 7/04 - Connecting-rods or like links pivoted at both endsConstruction of connecting-rod heads with elastic intermediate part or fluid cushion
• F03B 13/16 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member and another member
• F03B 13/20 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member and another member wherein both members are movable relative to the sea bed or shore