Articulated-raft/rotary-vane pump generator system

摘要

An apparatus and method for generating electricity from ocean wave energy by using a floating device having a first portion that is movably coupled to a second portion. A hydraulic pump is coupled between these portions such that when the floating device is exposed to ocean wave energy, the hydraulic fluid within the pump is displaced. A flow rectifier is used to create a unidirectional hydraulic fluid flow that is dispensed through a rotary-vane pump which, in turn, is coupled to an electrical generator. Thus, as the rotary-vane pump is activated by the unidirectional hydraulic fluid flow, the rotary-vane pump turns the electrical generator for generating electricity. A plurality of hydraulic pumps and associated flow rectifiers, rotary-vane pumps and electrical generators can be coupled between the first and second portions. In addition, the floating device can include a third portion that is also movably coupled to the second portion and a plurality of hydraulic pumps and associated flow rectifiers, rotary-vane pumps and electrical generators can be coupled between the second and third portions.

主权项

1. An apparatus for generating electricity from ocean wave energy, said apparatus comprising:
a floating device having a first portion movably coupled to a second portion; at least one bi-directional hydraulic pump coupled between said first portion and said second portion, said bi-directional hydraulic pump driving a hydraulic fluid whenever said first portion moves with respect to said second portion due to ocean wave energy, said at least one bi-directional hydraulic pump driving the hydraulic fluid in a first flow direction when said bi-directional pump moves in a first pump direction and driving the hydraulic fluid in a second flow direction, opposite said first flow direction, when said at least one bi-directional pump moves in a second pump direction, opposite said first pump direction; a fluid rectifier, in fluid communication with said at least one bi-directional hydraulic pump, said fluid rectifier generating a unidirectional hydraulic fluid flow from the hydraulic fluid driven in said opposite first and second flow directions generated by said at least one bi-directional pump's opposite motions in said first and second pump, said fluid rectifier comprising a housing separate from said at least one bi-directional hydraulic pump; a rotary vane pump, coupled to said fluid rectifier, that uses said unidirectional flow to generate a rotational motion via a drive member; and a rotating electrical generator that is coupled to said drive member, said drive member causing said rotating electrical generator to generate electricity when said drive member is rotating.