Simplified Wave Energy Device Without One-way Clutches

Abstract

This invention is a greatly simplified device for transforming the energy of water waves into useable energy. The invention is a device for transforming the energy of water waves into useable energy comprising two or more buoys or buoys, and structural members connecting buoys, whereby motions of buoys relative to one another generates torque, and a means for transferring torque to one or more generators, and a means by which to enable all generator currents to flow in a single beneficial direction. Novel systems for interconnecting such devices are also described herein.

1 . A device for transforming the energy of water waves into useable energy comprising two or more buoys, and structural members connecting said buoys, at least two hinge points, whereby motions of said buoys relative to one another generates torque, one or more shafts or other means by which to transfer torque connected to one or more generators, and a means by which to ensure that one or more generator output currents flow in a single useful direction despite the reversing of generator rotation. 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  with one or more slip clutches or other means by which to automatically disengage torque at appropriate times. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  with a means by which to control electrical load or otherwise control the flexibility of the device at hinge points. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1  whereby one or more transmissions or gearboxes are added which increase the speed of one or more generators. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  whereby one or more structural members are made automatically adjustable in length resulting in improved energy production. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  whereby an interconnect system is included. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  whereby one or more buoys are sufficiently weighted resulting in useful torque during both upward and downward buoy motions. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1  with a means by which to temporarily submerge the device when environmental conditions are deemed too onerous. 
     
     
         9 . A device for transforming the energy of water waves into useable energy comprising two or more buoys, and structural members connecting said buoys, at least three hinge points, whereby motions of said buoys relative to one another generates torque, one or more shafts or other means by which to transfer torque connected to one or more generators, a means by which to ensure that one or more generator output currents flow in a single useful direction despite the reversing of generator rotation, and a means by which to control electrical load or otherwise control the flexibility of the device at hinge points. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9  with one or more slip clutches or other means by which to automatically disengage torque at appropriate times. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 9  whereby one or more transmissions or gearboxes are added which significantly increase the speed of one or more generators. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 9  whereby one or more structural members are made automatically adjustable in length resulting in improved energy production. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 9  whereby an interconnect system is included. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 9  whereby one or more buoys are sufficiently weighted resulting in useful torque during both upward and downward buoy motions. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 9  with a means by which to temporarily submerge the device when environmental conditions are deemed too onerous. 
     
     
         16 . A device for transforming the energy of water waves into useable energy comprising two or more buoys, and structural members connecting said buoys, three or more hinge points that are elevated above mean water level, whereby motions of said buoys relative to one another generates torque, one or more shafts or other means by which to transfer torque connected to one or more generators, a means by which to protect one or more shaft locations from water penetration, a means by which to ensure that one or more generator output currents flow in a single useful direction despite the reversing of generator rotation, and a means by which to control electrical load or otherwise control the flexibility of the device at hinge points. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 16  with one or more slip clutches or other means by which to automatically disengage torque at appropriate times. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 16  whereby one or more transmissions or gearboxes are added which significantly increase the speed of one or more generators. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 16  whereby one or more structural members are made automatically adjustable in length resulting in improved energy production. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 16  whereby an interconnect system is included. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 16  whereby one or more buoys are sufficiently weighted resulting in useful torque during both upward and downward buoy motions. 
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 16  with a means by which to temporarily submerge the device when environmental conditions are deemed too onerous.