A floatable wave energy converter and a method for improving the efficiency of a floatable wave energy converter

• Main Authors: MCCARTHY, MICHAEL JOHN MARTIN, WHELAN, MICHAEL MARTIN
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 27.10.2010
• Subjects: BLASTING; HEATING; LIGHTING; MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER; WEAPONS; WIND, SPRING WEIGHT AND MISCELLANEOUS MOTORS

A wave energy converter (1) comprises a housing (2) extending between a forward end (3) and an aft end (4). Three upstanding air chambers (15) are located in the housing (2) and three corresponding water accommodating ducts (16) extend aft from the air chambers (15) and terminate in aft water accommodating openings (17) for accommodating water into and out of the air chambers (15) as the housing (2) oscillates by pitching in response to passing waves. An air accommodating duct (21) communicates with the air chambers (15) through a manifold (20) for accommodating air into and out of the air chambers (15) as the water level (19a) falls and rises within the air chambers (15) as the housing (2) oscillates. A self-rectifying turbine (22) located in the air accommodating duct (21) powers an electrical generator (24) for generating electricity. A buoyancy tank (31) is located on the housing (2) above the water accommodating ducts (16) aft of the air chambers (15) for maintaining the housing (2) floating in the water. A first stabilising plate (28) extending in a generally forwardly downwardly direction extends from a lower sloping portion (27) at the forward end (3) of the housing (2) for controlling the pitching oscillating motion of the housing (2) relative to wave motion for in turn enhancing the power output produced by the converter (1). A forward ballast tank (31) and a pair of second stabilising plates (30) extending upwardly from the housing (2) enhance the stability of the converter (1).