Venturi based ocean wave energy conversion system

Abstract

By optimizing the degree to which water is accelerated through a venturi device, the amount of power that an energy device extracts from the ocean is maximized. Prior venturi-based wave energy devices have proven to be inefficient because of the relatively small amount of power that they generate relative to their size and cost. By optimizing the venturi effect created within the submerged venturi components of such devices, the speed of the water moving through the narrowest portions of such a devices is maximized with respect to the wave environments in which they operate, and a maximal amount of energy is extracted from the ocean. This optimization of a wave energy device's power is sufficient to render such devices cost effective. The method of extracting energy from the accelerated flow of water moving through such venturi devices is not limited, and many alternatives exist, each with its own potential benefits.

1 . Apparatus for generating electrical energy comprising:
 A. a flotation member to be disposed adjacent to the ocean surface;   B. a venturi having a mouth and a throat disposed in the ocean beneath the flotation device;   C. means connected between said flotation device and said venturi for supporting said venturi in the ocean beneath said flotation device so that said venturi moves responsive to wave action;   D. the cross sectional area of the throat of said venturi relative to the cross sectional area of the mouth of said venturi causing water flowing through said throat of said venturi to have a velocity of more than two times the velocity of water at said mouth of said venturi but no more than the choke speed of said venturi;   E. means for generation of motion disposed in, around, or near, said throat of said venturi;   F. an electrical generator; and   G. means connecting said means for generation of motion to said electrical generator to produce electrical energy.   
     
     
         2 . Apparatus for generating electricity as defined in  claim 1  wherein said means for connecting said venturi to said flotation device is rigid. 
     
     
         3 . Apparatus for generating electricity as defined in  claim 1  wherein said means for connecting said venturi to said flotation device is flexible. 
     
     
         4 . Apparatus for generating electricity as defined in  claim 1  wherein said means for generation of motion is a water-activated rotation device. 
     
     
         5 . Apparatus for generating electricity as defined in  claim 1  wherein said means for generating motion is a water-sucking device. 
     
     
         6 . Apparatus for generating electricity as defined in  claim 1  wherein said means for generating motion is an air-sucking device. 
     
     
         7 . Apparatus for generating electricity as defined in  claim 1  wherein said throat of said venturi includes first and second ends, said mouth of said venturi being at said first end of said throat and which further includes a second mouth at the second end of said throat. 
     
     
         8 . Apparatus for generating electricity as defined in  claim 4  wherein said rotation device is a turbine. 
     
     
         9 . Apparatus for generating electricity as defined in  claim 1  wherein the relative cross sectional area of the throat of said venturi as compared to the mouth of said venturi is established so that the amount of power made from the water flowing through said venturi in response to a predetermined choke speed and a predetermined pattern of wave heights and wave period is maximized. 
     
     
         10 . Apparatus for generating electricity as defined in  claim 9  wherein said predetermined wave heights are between 0 3 meters and 8.0 meters. 
     
     
         11 . Apparatus for generating electricity as defined in  claim 9  wherein said predetermined wave periods are between twelve seconds a six seconds. 
     
     
         12 . Apparatus for generating electricity as defined in  claim 9  wherein said predetermined choke speed is between ten meters per second and fifty meters per second. 
     
     
         13 . Apparatus for generating electricity as defined in  claim 1  which further includes means coupled between said flotation member and said venturi for mechanically moving said venturi. 
     
     
         14 . Apparatus for generating electricity as defined in  claim 13  which further includes a fixed platform disposed adjacent to the ocean surface and said venturi is connected to said fixed platform. 
     
     
         15 . Apparatus for generating electricity as defined in  claim 14  wherein said venturi moves responsive to a combination of wave action and mechanical action. 
     
     
         16 . Apparatus for generating electricity as defined in  claim 1  which further includes a platform and lifting means, first means coupling said lifting means to said platform, second means coupling said generator to said platform, said means for generation of motion and said venturi being relatively positionable by said lifting means.