Abstract:
An ocean wave electrical generating system is described. The generating system is adapted to harness the energy of ocean waves in a wide variety of applications and conditions. The system reduces the effect of the variable input energy from ocean waves by initially storing the energy in the form of potential energy and subsequently transforming the potential energy to kinetic energy. The release of kinetic energy is coupled with generators which are isolated from the effects of the variable input energy into the system by this process. This system is developed to utilize the variable potential energy available and to provide a constant kinetic energy output.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/096,896, filed Sep. 15, 2008, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to an electrical generation system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system adapted to convert the energy of an ocean wave into electricity. Specifically, a preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to an electrical generator adapted to use the kinetic energy of an ocean wave to drive an electrical generator at 60 hertz for connection to the electrical grid. 
     2. Discussion of the Related Art 
     As is known to those skilled in the art, ocean waves possess a significant amount of energy and present a largely, untapped source of renewable energy. However, harnessing this energy presents significant challenges, including: variable wave properties, periodic wave input, and a severe operating environment. 
     Attempts to harness this energy have most commonly utilized a float member connected to a push rod. The push rod is then connected to one of several means of generating energy. For example, a magnetic core may be connected, either directly or through a drive mechanism, to the push rod. The motion of the rod causes a magnetic core to pass back and forth through a coil, generating an electric current. Similarly, the push rod may drive a hydraulic motor which, in turn, rotates the shaft of a generator. Still other methods allow the wave to pass directly through a turbine to generate electricity. 
     However, such generators have not been fully met without incurring various disadvantages. One common disadvantage of such generators is that the electricity is only produced as the wave passes through the generator. While the generator is waiting for the next wave to arrive, no electricity is produced. Although some generators have improved construction to generate electricity during both a peak and a trough of the wave, the electrical output is still not constant. Variables, such as wave height and frequency, result in periodic output of varying magnitude and duration. Therefore, a preferred solution will convert the variable and periodic wave energy input to a constant electrical energy output. 
     In addition, the wave generators function in a harsh operating environment. They must be installed in oceans or other bodies of water with consistent wave energy. Previous generators typically required installation substantially as a single unit. Such an installation is challenging in this environment. Further, repair and maintenance of such generators are similarly challenging. Therefore, a preferred solution will provide an easier method of construction and maintenance of the generation system. 
     SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Consistent with the foregoing and in accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, an ocean wave electrical generator is described in suitable detail to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, an electrical generation system is disclosed which converts periodic kinetic energy from an ocean wave input into the generation system into a constant electrical energy output. The generation system includes a tapered water channel The tapered water channel has an input end wherein a volume of water enters as a wave and an output end containing a discharge opening, through which the water exits. The discharge opening is positioned above a water wheel such that the water exiting the discharge opening causes the water wheel to rotate. 
     The generation system further includes a generator tower. The generator tower includes a first endless drive, such as a belt, chain, rope, or cable. The first endless drive runs from the upper end to the lower end of the tower and returns to the upper end of the tower. Supports are connected to the first endless drive and travel up and down the tower with the endless drive to support a pallet or a weight, e.g., a heavy ball. The generator tower further includes a sprocket which is rotated by the motion of the first endless drive. The sprocket, in turn, causes a second endless drive to move. The second endless drive connects the sprocket and a pulley, or a series of pulleys, which turn generators. 
     The generation system further includes a helical pallet return member. The helical pallet return member includes a third endless drive that engages each pallet at an input feed of the pallet return member. The third endless drive is driven by the rotation of the water wheel and transfers the pallets from the input feed, up the spiral of the return member, and out the output feed of the return member. As a pallet support, connected to the first endless drive of the generator tower, moves past the output feed of the return member, a pallet moves onto the pallet support. The weight of the pallet causes the endless drive to continue moving until the pallet reaches the input feed of the helical pallet return member. The pallet then moves off the pallet support and back onto the input area of the return member. 
     These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and accompanying drawings, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S) 
       Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a first embodiment of an ocean wave electrical generator. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the generator of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the generator of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the generator of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the tapered water channel; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the tapered water channel; 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of the helix; and 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of the helix. 
     
    
    
     In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention which are illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the words “connected,” “attached,” or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art. 
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description. 
     1. System Overview 
     In basic form, an ocean wave electrical generator converts periodic kinetic energy from ocean waves into constant electrical energy. Incoming ocean waves are channeled through the tapered chute, and the water is discharged over a water wheel, causing it to turn. As the water wheel turns, it drives the pallet drive chain, which, in turn, moves pallets from the bottom of the helix to the top of the helix. The pallets are then gravity fed onto pallet support members on the generator towers. The water wheel, pallet drive, helix, and pallets are designed to provide a constant supply of pallets ready to enter the next pallet support as it passes the output feed portion of the helix. 
     The weight of the pallets causes the pallet support members to lower down the generator tower. As each pallet reaches the lower end of the generator tower, it is returned to the input feed of the helix. The returned pallet again engages the pallet drive to repeat the cycle as it begins moving back up to the top of the helix. By maintaining a continuous queue of pallets to be transferred to the pallet support members, a constant weight of pallets, and consequently a constant force, is present on the pallet support members. This constant force causes the pallet support members and the pallet support drive to which they are connected to move at a constant speed. 
     The generator tower has a sprocket which is rotated as a result of the motion of the pallets lowering down the generator tower. The sprocket is further connected to a pulley mounted on a shaft of a generator by a drive member. Because the force generated by the weight of the pallets drives the pallet supports downward at a constant speed, the sprocket similarly rotates at a constant speed. This, in turn, drives the generator at a constant speed. Preferably, the ratio of the sprocket and the generator pulley results in sixty hertz electrical energy generation. 
     Further, the generator system is preferably modularly constructed. The generator system has a platform on which the remaining assemblies are affixed. The remaining assemblies consist generally of a tapered water chute, a water wheel, at least one helical member and at least one generator tower. The tapered water chute is connected near the rear of the platform and extending beyond the platform such that the intake opening is positioned to allow waves to enter. The water wheel is generally positioned centrally on the platform such that the discharge output of the tapered water chute is positioned over the water wheel. A helix is mounted near the rear of the platform and to one side of the tapered water chute. Preferably, a second helix is mounted on the opposing side of the tapered water chute. A generator tower is mounted near the front of the platform, and one generator tower is mounted for each helix. The generator tower is further configurable to provide sufficient generating capacity based on the input energy entering the wave generator. Preferably, a two-by-two matrix of generators is mounted near the upper end of the tower generator. Such modular construction will ease installation and maintenance of the generation system. 
     2. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments 
     Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be further described by the following, non-limiting examples which will serve to illustrate various features of significance. The examples are intended to merely facilitate an understanding of ways in which the present invention may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the present invention. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. 
     Turning initially to  FIGS. 1-4 , a preferred embodiment of an ocean wave electrical generation system  20  is depicted. The generation system  20  is designed for modular construction and consists generally of a platform  25 , a tapered water channel chute  30 , a water wheel  40 , and, preferably, two helixes  50  and generator towers  60 . 
     The tapered water channel chute  30 , as best seen in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , includes an input end  32  and an output end  34 . According to the illustrated embodiment, an upper surface  37  is disposed substantially in a horizontal plane. A lower surface  39  extends along a slope from its lowest point at the input end  32  of the chute  30  to a higher point at the output end  34  of the chute  30 . Each side  38  extends between the upper surface  37  and the lower surface  39  and tapers inward such that the two sides  38  are furthest apart at the input end  32  and closest together at the output end  34  of the chute  30 . An intake opening  35  is defined at the input end  32  by the upper surface  37 , lower surface  39 , and the two sides  38 . A discharge opening  36  is defined in the lower surface  39  at the output end  34 . The discharge opening is aligned above the water wheel  40 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-4 , the water wheel  40  is composed of a series of troughs  42  radially positioned about the wheel  40 . The water wheel  40  drives the pallet drive chain pulley  44  preferably by directly coupling the pallet drive chain pulley  44  to an axle of the water wheel  40 . However, the pallet drive chain pulley  44  may be driven by the water wheel  40  according to any means known in the art, including but not limited to a gearbox, a chain drive, and a belt drive disposed between the water wheel  40  and the pallet drive chain pulley  44 . 
     The pallet drive chain pulley  44  is, in turn, coupled to the pallet drive  58 . The pallet drive  58  is an endless drive, for example, a belt, a chain, a rope, a cable, or other suitable drive member. The pallet drive  58  extends along the length of the helix  50  and engages a plurality of drive chain engagement members, not shown. Each drive chain engagement member is mounted on a pallet  70  and is configured to releasably engage the pallet  70  to the pallet drive  58 . 
     The helix  50 , as best seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , is comprised generally of a track  110  designed to carry the pallets  70  and is affixed to the platform  25  adjacent to the chute  30 . The helix  50  is preferably made up of an extruded plastic material, but may be made of any suitable material. In the illustrated embodiment, the track  110  consists of a generally smooth upper surface  112  with a raised edge  114  on each side of the upper surface  112 . The upper surface  112  of the track  110  supports the wheels of each pallet  70  as the pallets  70  move along the helix  50 . Each raised edge  114  provides a guide to the wheels of each pallet  70  to retain the pallet  70  on the helix  50 . While one method of engaging the track  110  and pallet  25  is disclosed in detail herein, it is contemplated that the track and pallet engagement may consist of any combination known to one in the art, including but not limited to glides, runners, pads, and the like. The helix  50  further includes an input feed area  52 , and output feed area  54 , and a spiral area  56 . The input feed area  52  is on the lower end of the track and engages the lower pallet transfer member  80  at a first end. The second end of the input feed area  52  is connected to the spiral area  56  of the helix  50 . The spiral area  56  of the helix  50  curls the track  110  in an upward fashion, connecting the input feed area  52  and a first end of the output feed area  54  of the helix  50 . The second end of the output feed area  54  of the helix  50  engages the upper pallet transfer member  80 . 
     The pallet transfer member  80  is sized to hold a single pallet  70 . The upper pallet transfer member  80  pivots from a first position in which it engages the output feed area  54  of the helix  50  to a second position in which it engages a pallet support member  90 . In the first position, the upper pallet transfer member  80  is biased such that it slopes toward the output feed area  54 . In the second position, the upper pallet transfer member  80  slopes toward the pallet support member  90 , and the distal end of the pallet transfer member  80  is elevated above the surface of the track  110  on the output feed area  54  creating a stop such that another pallet  70  cannot move onto the transfer member  80 . 
     The generator tower  60 , preferably, includes a pair of pallet support endless drives  62 ; however, it is contemplated that either a single or more than two pallet support endless drives  62  could similarly be used. Each endless drive  62  is connected to an upper and a lower pallet support pulley  64 . Each set of drive  62  and pulleys  64  is aligned generally parallel to each other and extends substantially in a vertical plane. The generator tower  60  further includes a series of pallet support members  90 . Each pallet support member  90  is connected to and extends between the pallet support endless drives  62  on a first side of the pallet support member  90 . Further, the pallet support member  90  extends generally away from the endless drives  62 . The end of the support member  90  furthest from the endless drives  62  engages the upper and lower pallet transfer members  80 . 
     At least one of the pallet support pulleys  64  is coupled to a sprocket  66  on the generator tower  60 . The pulley  64  and sprocket  66  may be directly coupled by an axle extending between the two, or alternately may be coupled by any means known to one in the art, such as a gearbox, a belt, a chain, or a cable. The sprocket  66  drives at least one generator pulley  104 . The sprocket  66  uses at least one endless drive to rotate the generator pulleys  104 . 
     Each generator pulley  104  is mounted on a shaft of a generator  100 . The rotation of each generator pulley  104  causes each generator  100  to rotate and to generate electricity. The size of the sprocket  66  and each generator pulley  104 , as well as the drive coupling the sprocket  66  and the generator pulley  104 , are designed such that the generator pulley  104  rotates at the desired speed for each generator  100  to produce sixty hertz electrical energy. 
     In operation, the ocean wave electrical generation system  20  converts the periodic kinetic energy of an ocean wave into constant electrical energy. The tapered water channel chute  30  is designed to direct the water from a wave entering the intake opening  35  wave through the chute  30  and out the discharge opening  36  into a trough  42  on the water wheel  40  positioned below the discharge opening  36 . The size of the intake  35  and discharge openings  36 , the slope of the lower surface  39 , and the taper between the sides  38  are adaptable to the local wave conditions. 
     Each trough  42  is aligned below the discharge opening  36  such that, as each trough  42  is filled with water, the weight of the water increases until it creates sufficient force for the water wheel  40  to rotate forward, driving the pallet drive  58 . As the water wheel  40  rotates forward, the water empties out of trough  42  until the wheel  40  can no longer drive the pallet drive  58  forward. At this point, the next trough  42  is positioned under the discharge opening  36  and the cycle is repeated. The diameter of the water wheel  40 , as well as the size and volume of the troughs  42 , may be adjusted to accommodate the local wave conditions. In this manner, the waves create a continuous, incremental motion of the water wheel  40  and the pallet drive  58 . 
     The pallet drive  58  engages each pallet  70  as it is transferred onto the input feed  52  of the helix  50  and moves the pallets along the track  110  as it is driven by the water wheel  40 . The pallet  70  moves up the spiral  56  of the helix  50  until it reaches the output feed area  54 . At this point, the pallet  70  disengages from the pallet drive  58 . The output feed area  54  is generally sloped downward, such that gravity forces each pallet  70  in the output feed area  54  toward the upper pallet transfer member  80 . 
     The upper pallet transfer member is sized to hold a single pallet  70 . Therefore, if the upper pallet transfer member  80  is already holding a pallet  70 , the pallet  70  most recently released by the pallet drive  58  will stop on the output feed area  54  until each of the previous pallets  70  has cleared the upper pallet transfer member  80 . The upper pallet transfer member  80  is biased such that it slopes toward the output feed area  54 . As a pallet support member  90  approaches the upper pallet transfer member  80 , an end of the pallet support member  90  engages the upper pallet transfer member  80  causing the pallet transfer member  80  to pivot. The upper pallet transfer member  80  pivots such that the input side of the pallet transfer member  80  raises above the track  110  on the output feed  54 , creating a stop by which the next pallet  70  on the track  110  is prevented from entering the pallet transfer member  80 . Further, the pivoting of the upper pallet transfer member  80  causes the upper surface of the pallet transfer member  80  to be sloped toward the pallet support member  90  currently engaged with the pallet transfer member  80 . The pallet  70  on the pallet transfer member  80  is, therefore, gravity-fed onto the pallet support member  90 . As the pallet support member  90  continues to move downward, it disengages the upper pallet transfer member  80 . The upper pallet transfer member  80  is again biased such that it slopes toward the output feed area  54 . Another pallet  70  is then gravity-fed onto the pallet transfer member  80 , and the cycle repeats as the next pallet support member approaches the upper pallet transfer member  80 . 
     The weight of the pallets  70  on the pallet support members  90  cause the pallet support members  90  to move downward. The motion in the pallet support members  90  drives the pallet support endless drive  62  to which the support members  90  are coupled. As the pallets  70  and pallet support members  90  reach the lower portion of the generator tower  60 , the pallet support member  90  engages the lower pallet transfer member  80 . The lower pallet transfer member  80  slopes toward the input feed  52  of the helix  50 . The pallet  70  on the pallet support member  90  engaged with the lower pallet transfer member  80  is then gravity-fed onto the input feed  52 . The drive chain engagement member coupled to the pallet  70  then engages the pallet drive  58  and the pallet  70  repeats its cycle as it begins to travel back up the helix  50 . 
     The motion of the pallet support endless drives  62  causes the sprocket  66  on the generator tower  60  to rotate. The sprocket  66 , in turn, causes the endless drive to rotate the generator pulley  104 . The generator pulley  104 , in turn, rotates the shaft of the generator, causing the generator to output electrical energy. 
     Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications, and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept. 
     Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in the disclosed shapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could be provided in virtually any shape, so as to provide a paver block with a cavity capable of storing fluid. Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosed features of every other disclosed embodiment except where such features are mutually exclusive. 
     It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions, modifications, and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the present invention are differentiated by the appended claims.