Apparatus for converting ocean wave energy to electrical energy

• US 7,365,445 B2
• Filed: 02/01/2007
• Issued: 04/29/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 03/21/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Burcik Marilena
• Original Assignee: Frank Burcik
• Inventors: Burcik, Frank
• Primary Examiner(s): Schuberg; Darren
• Assistant Examiner(s): Mohandesi; Iraj A.
• Application Number:
  US11/701,266
• Publication Number:
  US 20070290508A1
• Time in Patent Office: 453 Days
• Field of Search: 290/53, 290/42, 290/43, 290/54
• US Class Current: 290/53
• CPC Class Codes: F03B 13/1855 where the connection between wom and conversion system takes tension and compression F03B13/187, F03B13/1875 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F03B 13/1875 and the wom is the piston or the cylinder in a pump
• CPC Class Codes: F03B 13/24 to produce a flow of air, e.g. to drive an air turbine F03B13/142 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F05B 2260/4031 as in toothed gearing
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/30 Energy from the sea, e.g. using wave energy or salinity gradient

Abstract

A wave motion generator having a bore hole at a coastline of an ocean. The bore hole lower end communicates with the ocean underwater while the upper end is above water level, allowing wave motion within the bore hole. A float disposed within the bore hole may travel along the borehole between at least two positions. A linkage attached to the float converts the motion of the float to rotary motion of a generator shaft so as to induce electric current in the generator. The linkage may be pneumatic, in which the float motion induces pressurized air to drive a turbine, or it may be a chain drive, a shaft drive, etc.

Claims

1. A wave energy generator for use at a coastline of a body of water having a water level and wave action, the wave energy generator comprising:

a bore hole located at such coastline, the bore hole having an open lower end communicating with such water at a level under such water and an upper end located above such water level;

a float disposed within the bore hole, the float having a first lower position and a second higher position, the float free to travel within the bore hole between the first and second positions as a result of such wave action,

an electrical generator having a shaft arranged so that rotation of the shaft induces electrical energy in the generator; and

a linkage in physical engagement to the float, the linkage causing rotation of the generator shaft in response to motion of the float said linkage further comprises a chain attached to the float and moving with the float and at least one cog wheel engaged to the chain, the cog wheel attached to the shaft, whereby motion of the float causes motion of the shaft.

2. The wave energy generator of claim 1, further comprising:

a flywheel disposed upon the shaft.

3. The wave energy generator of claim 1, further comprising:

a bore hole wall; and

a seal applied to the bore hole.

4. The wave energy generator of claim 1, wherein the linkage further comprises:

a crankshaft attached to the shaft and having a vertical rod connecting the crankshaft to the float.

5. The wave energy generator of claim 1, wherein the linkage further comprises:

at least a second cog wheel engaged to the chain, the second cog wheel attached to the shaft, whereby motion of the float causes motion of the shaft.

6. The wave energy generator of claim 5, wherein the cog wheels further comprise:

ratchet mechanisms allowing the first cog wheel to freely rotate in a first direction and the second cog wheel to freely rotate in a second direction, whereby the motion of the shaft will be driven in a first direction of rotation regardless of which direction the float is moving.

7. The wave energy generator of claim 1, further comprising:

a safety screen disposed near the open lower end of the bore hole, so as to prevent ingestion of objects from the body of water into the bore hole.

9. The wave energy generator of claim 1, further comprising:

a flywheel disposed upon the shaft.

10. The wave energy generator of claim 1, further comprising:

a bore hole wall; and

a seal applied to the bore hole.

11. The wave energy generator of claim 1, wherein the linkage further comprises:

a crankshaft attached to the shaft and having a vertical rod connecting the crankshaft to the bellows.

12. The wave energy generator of claim 1, wherein the linkage further comprises:

at least a second cog wheel engaged to the chain, the second cog wheel attached to the shaft, whereby motion of the bellows causes motion of the shaft.

13. The wave energy generator of claim 12, wherein the cog wheels further comprise:

ratchet mechanisms allowing the first cog wheel to freely rotate in a first direction and the second cog wheel to freely rotate in a second direction, whereby the motion of the shaft will be driven in a first direction of rotation regardless of which direction the bellows is moving.

14. The wave energy generator of claim 1, further comprising:

a safety screen disposed near the open lower end of the bore hole, so as to prevent ingestion of objects from the body of water into the bore hole.

8. A wave energy generator for use at a coastline of a body of water having a water level and wave action, the wave energy generator comprising:

a bore hole located at such coastline, the bore hole having an open lower end communicating with such water at a level under such water and an upper end located above such water level;

a bellows disposed at the bore hole, the bellows having a first lower position and a second higher position, the bellows free to travel between the first and second positions as a result of such wave action,

an electrical generator having a shaft arranged so that rotation of the shaft induces electrical energy in the generator; and

a linkage in physical engagement to the bellows, the linkage causing rotation of the generator shaft in response to motion of the bellows said linkage further comprises, a chain attached to the float and moving with the float and at least one cog wheel engaged to the chain, the cog wheel attached to the shaft, whereby motion of the float causes motion of the shaft.