Abstract

Wave energy convertor (WEC) 100 and related control methods. The WEC has at least one cell 102 of variable volume containing an energy transfer fluid and at least partially bounded by a movable flexible membrane 106, and the at least one cell has a substantially constant membrane pressure differential during at least part of a respective cell volume deflation or inflation stroke. Pressure differential between the exterior and interior surfaces of the membrane of the respective cell can be maintained as stable and constant as possible for a substantial part of the volume change during deflation and inflation of the membrane/cell. Membrane and/or cell inclination angle can range between 35° and 50°. Chord ratio of the flexible membrane of at least one cell can be between 1.01 and 1.3 during operation. A control surface 108 can modify the available membrane surface or limit of operation of the membrane for operation and/or modify an internal wall or surface of the cell.

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
• E02B 9/08 - Tide or wave power plants
• F03B 13/14 - 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
• F03B 13/24 - 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 to produce a flow of air, e.g. to drive an air turbine

Abstract

Wave energy convertor (WEC) 100 and related control methods. The WEC has at least one cell 102 of variable volume containing an energy transfer fluid and at least partially bounded by a movable flexible membrane 106, and the at least one cell has a substantially constant membrane pressure differential during at least part of a respective cell volume deflation or inflation stroke. Pressure differential between the exterior and interior surfaces of the membrane of the respective cell can be maintained as stable and constant as possible for a substantial part of the volume change during deflation and inflation of the membrane/cell. Membrane and/or cell inclination angle can range between 35° and 50°. Chord ratio of the flexible membrane of at least one cell can be between 1.01 and 1.3 during operation. A control surface 108 can modify the available membrane surface or limit of operation of the membrane for operation and/or modify an internal wall or surface of the cell.

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
• E02B 9/02 - Water-ways
• F03B 13/24 - 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 to produce a flow of air, e.g. to drive an air turbine

Abstract

ABSTRACT Wave energy convertor (WEC) 100 and related control methods. The WEC has at least one cell 102 of variable volume containing an energy transfer fluid and at least partially bounded by a movable flexible membrane 106, and the at least one cell has a substantially constant membrane pressure differential during at least part of a respective cell volume deflation or inflation stroke. Pressure differential between the exterior and interior surfaces of the membrane of the respective cell can be maintained as stable and constant as possible for a substantial part of the volume change during deflation and inflation of the membrane/cell. Membrane and/or cell inclination angle can range between 35° and 50°. Chord ratio of the flexible membrane of at least one cell can be between 1.01 and 1.3 during operation. A control surface 108 can modify the available membrane surface or limit of operation of the membrane for operation and/or modify an internal wall or surface of the cell.

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 13/24 - 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 to produce a flow of air, e.g. to drive an air turbine
• E02B 9/02 - Water-ways

Abstract

A wave energy converter (WEC) 10 has a body portion 18 with a face 20 and at least one flexible membrane 16 bounding at least part of a volume of a fluid to form a variable volume cell 22. The membrane is inclined from vertical providing a flow smoothed passage for wave energy from a wave 14 to travel over the WEC whilst deforming the at least one membrane towards the body to compress the fluid. The cell(s) can be submerged or floating. The inclination of the at least one membrane assists conversion of potential and kinetic energy of the wave to pressure within the fluid. Fluid pressure within the WEC cell(s) and/or system can be optimised to suit wave and/or performance conditions.

IPC Classes  ?

• F03B 13/22 - 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 flow of water resulting from wave movements, e.g. to drive a hydraulic motor or turbine
• 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 13/16 - 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 13/12 - 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
• F03D 9/00 - Adaptations of wind motors for special useCombinations of wind motors with apparatus driven therebyWind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations
• F03B 13/24 - 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 to produce a flow of air, e.g. to drive an air turbine

Abstract

A wave energy converter (WEC) (10) has a body portion (18) with a face (20) and at least one flexible membrane (16) bounding at least part of a volume of a fluid to form a variable volume cell (22). The membrane is inclined from vertical providing a flow smoothed passage for wave energy from a wave (14) to travel over the WEC whilst deforming the at least one membrane towards the body to compress the fluid. The cell(s) can be submerged or floating. The inclination of the at least one membrane assists conversion of potential and kinetic energy of the wave to pressure within the fluid. Fluid pressure within the WEC cell(s) and/or system can be optimised to suit wave and/or performance conditions.

IPC Classes  ?

• F03B 13/14 - 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
• F03B 13/12 - 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

Abstract

A wave energy converter (WEC) (10) has a body portion (18) with a face (20) and at least one flexible membrane (16) bounding at least part of a volume of a fluid to form a variable volume cell (22). The membrane is inclined from vertical providing a flow smoothed passage for wave energy from a wave (14) to travel over the WEC whilst deforming the at least one membrane towards the body to compress the fluid. The cell(s) can be submerged or floating. The inclination of the at least one membrane assists conversion of potential and kinetic energy of the wave to pressure within the fluid. Fluid pressure within the WEC cell(s) and/or system can be optimised to suit wave and/or performance conditions.

IPC Classes  ?

• F03B 13/14 - 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
• F03B 13/12 - 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