Power generating buoy

• US 20110089696A1
• Filed: 02/26/2009
• Published: 04/21/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 02/26/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Trex Enterprises Corporation
• Original Assignee: Trex Enterprises Corporation
• Inventors: Davis, Edward (Ned) Pettet, Lovberg, John, Johnson, Paul
• Application Number:
  US12/380,473
• Publication Number:
  US 20110089696A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 290/53
• CPC Class Codes: F03B 13/1865 where the connection between wom and conversion system takes tension only F03B13/187, F03B13/1875 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F03B 13/20 wherein both members , i.e. wom and rem are movable relative to the sea bed or shore
• CPC Class Codes: F05B 2240/917 attached to cables
• CPC Class Codes: F05B 2240/97 on a submerged structure
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/30 Energy from the sea, e.g. using wave energy or salinity gradient

Abstract

An electric power generating buoy capable of generating power by scavenging energy from ocean wave motion. The power generating buoy includes float element adapted to float up and down following wave motion and an electric generator system with a spring loaded spool mechanism adapted to drive the rotor of the electric generator. It also includes an anchor element and a tension element attached to an anchor and the spring loaded spool mechanism and adapted to spin the spring loaded spool mechanism to generate electric current when wave action causes the float element to rise relative to the anchor element. Preferred embodiments of the buoy will deliver a minimum of 100 Watts of average power from the wave motion characteristic of moderate sea state (sea state 3), with less power from slight sea state (sea state 2) and more power from higher sea states. The basic power generation scheme will rely on harnessing the mechanical energy of the wave as it repeatedly pushes the buoyant surface float against a ballast force through the distance corresponding to the wave height.

Claims

1. An electric power generating buoy comprising:

A) float element adapted to float up and down following wave motion,

B) an electric generator system comprising

1) an electric generator comprising a rotor,

2) a spring loaded spool mechanism adapted to drive the rotor of the electric generator when spun,

C) an anchor element

D) a tension element adapted attached to an anchor and the spring loaded spool mechanism and adapted to spin the spring loaded spool mechanism to generate electric current when wave action causes the float element to rise relative to the anchor element.

2. The electric power generating buoy as in claim 1 wherein the electric generating system also comprises a voltage regulator and a battery.

3. The electric power generating buoy as in claim 1 wherein the anchor element is a underwater sail.

4. The electric power generating buoy as in claim 1 wherein the anchor element is a sea anchor.

5. The electric power generating buoy as in claim 1 wherein the anchor element is an auger-type anchor comprising a thread type element and electric driven thrusters.

6. The electric power generating buoy as in claim 1 wherein the anchor is a dead weight.

7. The electric power generating buoy as in claim 1 wherein the anchor is comprises electric driven thrusters to provide station keeping.