Patent Abstract:
A wave powered energy conversion system operable to convert the motion of ocean waves into a usable form of energy such as electricity. The wave powered energy conversion system includes a storage tank operable to store air pressurized to a pressure greater than that of atmospheric air. A frame assembly circumferentially surrounds the storage tank and consists of sub-frame assemblies organized into quadrants. The frame assembly is movable and has operably coupled thereto a plurality of buoyant objects. A plurality of air pumps are present that are connected to the frame assembly and further connected to an air delivery pipe network. The buoyant objects are operable to move at least a portion of the frame assembly so as to operate at least a portion of the plurality of air pumps so as to produce pressurized air to be distributed to the storage tank.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to energy production devices, more specifically but not by way of limitation, an energy production device that captures the motion of ocean waves and converts that motion into a usable energy form. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Global demand for energy is increasing year after year. Despite recent economic stagnation in various parts of the world, energy consumption and the requirement for more alternative sources of energy has increased. The increased demand for conventional energy sources such as but not limited to oil, has placed an increased focus on generating energy from alternative sources. Alternative energy sources such as wind and solar have been developed but are struggling to be commercialized and achieve market penetration due to issues such as but not limited to high component cost. 
     Alternative energy sources such as wind and solar have additional shortcomings that have limited the use of these energy sources. Solar technology has yet to develop the needed capacity to operate anything but small devices without the need for a significant amount of photovoltaic cells, which create logistic, and many other issues for implementation. Wind power generation has garnered negative social feedback, as many residents do not want wind farms in their area due to noise levels and aesthetic concerns. 
     Hydro powered devices have been utilized for many years but with limited exposure. It is well known that river dams are equipped with hydroelectric equipment and have successfully generated power for decades. While river currents and the manipulation thereof have been utilized to generate power, there has been minimal attempt to harness the power of the ocean in order to create a sustainable source of power. Approximately 38% of the population lives within 100 km of a coast. The ocean consistently generates energy in the form of tides and waves as a result of gravity and other atmospheric conditions. The undulating motion of the waves and the virtual consistent presence thereof represents a significant opportunity to transform that energy into a usable energy source such as but not limited to electricity. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus that can convert the undulating motion of ocean waves into a usable energy form that can be subsequently distributed to communities proximate the coastal regions and beyond. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is the object of the present invention to provide a power generation device that converts the energy in ocean waves into a usable energy source. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a power generation device that converts the energy of ocean waves into a usable source that utilizes a network of buoyant objects operable to engage waves of various heights. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a device operable to convert the energy of ocean waves into a usable form of energy wherein the network of buoyant objects are operably coupled to a framework of support rods. 
     Still a further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that converts the motion of ocean waves into a usable energy source wherein the framework of support rods are configured in multiple levels. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that converts the undulating motion of ocean waves into a usable energy wherein the buoyant objects are operably coupled to air pumps having pistons that are disposed within cylinders that generate air pressure as the buoyant objects move in an upwards-downwards motion. 
     Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that converts ocean wave motion into a usable energy form that collects the air pressure generated by the air pumps into a central storage tank. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that converts the undulating motion of ocean waves into a usable energy form that includes an additional air storage tank located onshore that is operably coupled to a pneumatic generator, air driven turbine or other device operable to convert air pressure into a energy source such as but not limited to electricity. 
     To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic top view of an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic of the pistons and air collection pipes of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic of the air supply pipes of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a wave powered energy conversion system  100  constructed according to the principles of the present invention. 
     Referring in particular to  FIG. 4 , the wave powered energy conversion system  100  further includes a tank  2  having at least one wall  4 , top  6  and a bottom  8  operable to form an interior volume. The tank  2  is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to aluminum and functions to store pressurized air therein. Pressurized air is introduced into the tank  2  via a network of air collection pipes  12  as discussed herein. The tank  2  is equipped with conventional pneumatic valves and is constructed so as to maintain a pressure therein that is greater than that of atmospheric pressure. The tank  2  is operably coupled to support posts  10  which are driven into the sea floor utilizing suitable techniques to provide stability for the wave powered energy conversion system  100 . The support posts  10  are generally cylindrical in shape and constructed of a suitable durable material such as metal. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that any number of support posts  10  could be utilized to support the tank  2 . Superposed the tank  2  and integrally secured thereto is an air tower  14  that is generally modified cylindrical in shape having an opening  15  proximate the top  16 . The air tower  14  is secured to the tank  2  utilizing suitable techniques and functions to supply air to the network of air supply pipes  18  (discussed further herein). While not illustrated herein, the air tower  14  and thus the main air supply pipe  20 , are pneumatically isolated from the interior volume of the tank  2  proximate the top  6  of the tank  2  utilizing conventional isolation construction techniques and/or valves. The pneumatic isolation functions to allow the air supply pipes  18  to have introduced thereinto a constant supply of air while maintaining the tank  2  can be pressurized to a desired air pressure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the air tower  14  could be pneumatically isolated utilizing numerous different techniques and/or valving. Proximate the top  16  of the air tower  14  is cover  22 . The cover  22  is suspendly mounted utilizing conventional techniques over the opening  15  so as to substantially inhibit rain or ocean water from entering the opening  15 . While no height for the air tower  14  is required it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the air tower  14  extends above the water level  1  so as to substantially avoid any water entry from wave splashes or the like. While the tank  2  and air tower  14  are illustrated as having a particular shape in the drawings submitted herewith, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the tank  2  and air tower  14  could be manufactured in numerous different sizes and shapes. 
     As shown in particular in  FIG. 2 , a support ring  24  is circumferentially mounted to the tank  2 . The support ring  24  is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to aluminum and is mounted to the tank  2  utilizing conventional fasteners (not illustrated herein). The support ring  24  is mounted to the tank  2  such that a void  25  is present between the support ring  24  and the wall  4  of the tank  2 . The void  25  allows the main support rod  27  connected at joint  28  sufficient room for a pivotal connection. Extending outward from the support ring  24  are a plurality of main support rods  27 . The main support rods  27  are organized in parallel pairs  31  and are manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to corrosion resistant metal. The main support rods  27  are manufactured from a lightweight material and are generally hollow being sealed so as to increase their inherent buoyancy. The main support rods  27  are pivotally connected to the support ring  24  at joint  28  with fastener  29 . Fastener  29  is generally surroundably mounted to the support ring  24  and is movably coupled thereto so as to allow an upwards-downwards movement of the main support rods  27 . As discussed further herein, the main support rods  27  function to drive the third level air pumps  80 . The main support rods  27  function to provide a structural support framework and are operably coupled with the plurality of secondary support rods  30 . It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the main support rods  27  could be configured in numerous different lengths dependent upon the surface area of ocean that the wave powered energy conversion system  100  is configured to cover. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, there are four parallel pairs  31  of the main support rods  27 . The four parallel pairs  31  define quadrant areas  201 . The drawings submitted herewith provide illustration of either one or a portion of the quandrant areas  201 . 
     Extending generally perpendicular to the main support rods  27  are a plurality of secondary support rods  30 . The secondary support rods  30  are movably coupled to the main support rods  27  at point  32  utilizing suitable durable techniques and are manufactured from a corrosion resistant material. Further the secondary rods  30  are lightweight, rigid and generally hollow being sealed in construction so as to increase their natural buoyancy. The secondary support rods  30  are manufactured to a desired length so as to provide sufficient length to allow a sufficient quantity of first level air pumps  90  to be operably coupled thereto in a particular quadrant area  201 . It is contemplated within the scope of the invention that numerous different quantities of secondary support rods  30  could be operably coupled to the main support rods  27  so as to be configured for distribution across a desired surface area of the ocean. 
     Operably connected to the secondary support rods  30  are a plurality of lever arms  35 . The lever arms  35  are movably mounted to the secondary support rods  30  and are generally perpendicular thereto. The lever arms  35  are manufactured from a suitable durable material and are movably coupled so as to allow an upwards-downwards movement thereof with respect to the secondary support rods  30 . The lever arms  35  include a first end  36  and second end  37 . Secured to the second end  37  of the lever arm  35  is a buoyant object  40 . The buoyant object  40  is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to plastic and has a positive buoyancy so as to maintain a position at the surface of the water level  1 . The buoyant object  40  functions to move the lever arms  35  in an upwards-downwards motion as the water level undulates due to natural wave activity. As the lever arms  35  move in the aforementioned manner, the piston rod  42  is also moved in an upwards-downwards motion consistent with the lever arm  35 . 
     The piston rod  42  is operably coupled to the lever arm  35  and secured thereto utilizing suitable durable techniques. The piston rod  42  is secured in a manner such that it is extending generally upward from the lever arm  35 . The main support rods  27 , secondary support rods  30  and lever arms  35  are operably connected as described herein and function to move in an upwards-downwards motion being driven by the buoyant objects  40  as a result of the natural undulating motion of ocean waves. The piston rod  42  is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as aluminum and is operably coupled to the piston  44  that is disposed within the first level air pump  90 .  FIG. 2  herein illustrates the lever arm  35 , piston rod  42  and piston  44  without the first level air pump  90  in order to provide views thereof.  FIG. 4  submitted herewith illustrates the piston rod  42  and piston  44  wherein the piston  44  is disposed within the first level air pump  90  and further illustrates the air collection pipe  70  operably coupled therewith. The first level air pump  90  is manufactured from a suitable durable material and is generally cylindrical in shape have a wall  91  forming an interior volume  92 . The first level air pump  90  is a conventional air pump and operates such that the reciprocating movement of the piston  44  within the interior volume  92  pressurizes the interior volume  92  and the pressurized air is subsequently transferred to the passage  69  of the air collection pipe  70  for distribution to the tank  2  thus increasing the air pressure within the tank  2 . 
     Each of the buoyant objects  40  is independently movable with respect to the adjacent buoyant object  40 . As each buoyant object  40  moves on the surface of the water level  1  the lever arm  35  is reciprocated so as to further reciprocate the piston rod  42  driving the piston  44  disposed within the first level air pump  90 . As the first level air pump  90  is operated, pressurized air is delivered to the tank  2  via the air collection pipe  70 . The air collection pipe  70  is a conventional hollow pipe that delivers the pressurized air to the tank  2 . The air collection pipe  70  is flexibly coupled to the tank  2  so as to ensure consistent engagement therewith in the event of any movement of the air collection pipe  70 . The independently movable configuration of each lever arm  35  allows relatively small movements, i.e. smaller ocean waves that may or may not be present in all of the quadrant areas  201 , to be utilized to drive the first level pumps  90  so as to capture the energy of the smaller waves and operate the first level air pumps  90  to create pressurized air delivery to the tank  2 . Additionally, support braces  298  are secured intermediate the air collection pipe  70  and main support rod  27 . The support braces  298  function to provide structural rigidity and a resistive force that allows the buoyant object  40  to move the lever arm  35  in a manner that effectively moves the piston  44  within first level air pumps  90 . This configuration inhibits the air collection duct  70  from moving in sync with the main support rod  27  in an upward direction, which would negate the amount of travel of the piston  44  within the first level air pump  90 . The support braces  298  are manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to metal tubing and/or metal rod. This configuration allows the wave powered energy conversion system  100  to capture wave motion that may only be present in a small area proximate thereto or when the natural ocean waves are smaller in size. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that any number of first level air pumps  90  could be present. Furthermore, it should be noted that  FIG. 2 , herein illustrates only an exemplary configuration of first level air pumps  90  and buoyant objects  40  and it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the first level air pumps  90  and buoyant objects could be configured such that they completely surround the tank  2  in the aforementioned quadrant areas  201 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , a plurality of second level air pumps  85  are present. The second level air pumps  85  have second level pistons  86  operably disposed therein that are moved in a reciprocating manner by the second level piston rod  87 . The second level piston rod  87  is operably coupled to support rod  50 . Support rod  50  is secured to adjacent secondary support rods  30  distal to the second level air pumps  85  and is generally perpendicular with respect to the adjacent secondary support rods  30 . The second level air pumps  85  are driven by wave sizes that are larger than wave sizes that are operable to drive the first level pumps  90 . By way of example but not limitation, as a wave engages the buoyant objects  40  attached to secondary support rods  110 ,  111  such that all of the buoyant objects  40  are lifted to a maximum height as allowed by the lever arms  35  this results in the upward movement of the secondary support rods  110 ,  111  thus providing operation of the second level air pump  85 . The upwards-downwards movement of the secondary support rods  110 ,  111  causes the second level piston  86  to completely cycle within the second level air pump  85  so as to create pressurized air. This configuration allows the wave powered energy conversion system  100  to utilize large waves to drive the plurality of second level air pumps  85 . While the second level air pumps  85  are illustrated herein as being operably coupled to support rod  50  so as to be operably connected to adjacent secondary support rods  30 , it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the wave powered energy conversion system  100  could be configured with second level air pumps  85  such that each second level air pump  85  is operably coupled to one secondary support rod  30 . Additionally, it is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that any quantity of second level air pumps  85  could be present. Similarly to the first level air pumps  90 , the second level air pumps  85  are operably coupled to a second air collection pipe  75  so as to distribute the pressurized air generated by the second level air pumps  85  to the tank  2  in order to further increase the air pressure within the tank  2 . The second air collection pipe  75  is flexibly coupled to the tank  2  proximate end  74 . This flexible coupling allows for maintenance of a secured connection despite any possible movement of the second air collection pipe  75 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the wave powered energy conversion system  100  further includes a plurality of third level air pumps  80 . The third level air pumps  80  are operably coupled with the tank  2  via duct  88  and as described herein for the first level air pumps  90  and second level air pumps  85  function to provide increased air pressure within the tank  2 . The third level air pumps  80  include piston  81  and piston rod  82  wherein the piston rod  82  is operably coupled to the main support rod  27 . The third level air pumps  80  are designed to capture the energy of a wave that exceeds the limitations of the first level air pump  90  and second level air pump  85 . If a wave size is present such that all of the buoyant objects  40  in a exemplary quadrant area  201  are lifted generally simultaneously, the buoyant objects  40  in the quadrant area  201  move the main support rod  27  in an upwards-downwards motion as large waves cycle past the wave powered energy conversion system  100 . As the buoyant objects  40  of an exemplary quadrant area  201  are all moved generally together by a larger wave, the third level air pump  80  generates pressurized air to be distributed to the tank  2  via duct  88  so as to increase the pressure within the tank  2 . It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that numerous different quantities of third level air pumps  80  could be present. It should further be recognized that the wave powered energy conversion system  100  could be adapted to utilize more than three categories of wave sizes. Additionally, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the wave powered energy conversion system  100  could be configured in a manner wherein the transition between the levels of air pumps  199  could occur at various different wave height ranges. The configuration of the wave powered energy conversion system  100  as detailed herein facilitates the capture of waves relatively small in height, such as but not limited to twelve inches in height to wave sizes that are relatively large in height such as but not limited to seventy-two inches. The plurality of first level air pumps  90  facilitates the ability for sufficient pressure to be developed within the tank  2  even during relatively calm ocean conditions. 
     Referring in particular to  FIG. 3 , the air supply pipe network  18  is illustrated therein. The air supply pipe network  18  is operable to supply air to the air pumps  199 . The air supply pipe network  18  includes a main air supply pipe  20  that is operably coupled to the air tower  14 . As previously mentioned herein, the air tower  14  is pneumatically isolated from the tank  2 . Air enters the air supply pipe network  18  via opening  15  and flows through the main air supply pipe  20 . The main air supply pipe  20  is operably coupled to the third level air pumps  80  via tube  119 . Tube  119  is a conventional hollow tube having a passage that allows the transfer of air from the main air supply pipe  20  into the third level air pumps  80  where the air disposed therein can be pressurized and distributed to the tank  2 . The main air supply pipe  20  additionally has operably coupled thereto a plurality of secondary air supply pipes  120 . The secondary air supply pipes  120  function to provide airflow to the second level air pumps  85  so as to permit the second level air pump  85  to function as described herein. The secondary air supply pipes  120  extend generally perpendicular from the main air supply pipe  20  and function to further transport airflow to the tertiary air supply pipes  125 . The tertiary air supply pipes  125  are operably coupled to the first level air pumps  90  and function to provide airflow thereto in order to permit the first level air pumps  90  to function as described herein. While the air supply pipe network  18  is illustrated as having a particular configuration herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the air supply pipe network  18  could be configured in numerous different manners and achieve the desired functionality as described herein. While not illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the air supply pipe network  18 , air collection pipes  12  are isolated with conventional valves to ensure pneumatic isolation and to provide unidirectional airflow. 
     Illustrated in particular in  FIG. 2 , an air outlet pipe  140  is operably coupled to the tank  2 . The air outlet pipe  140  is a conventional hollow pipe constructed of a suitable durable material. The air outlet pipe  140  functions to transfer the pressurized air stored within the tank  2  to a power-generating device such as but not limited to a turbine for electricity generation. While not illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the air outlet pipe  140  is pneumatically isolated from the tank  2  with a conventional valve, wherein the valve functions to release the air within the tank  2  subsequent a pre-determined pressure having been achieved. A delivery air pump  145  is operably coupled to the air outlet pipe  140 . The delivery air pump  145  functions to provide pressurized assistance in moving the airflow through the air outlet pipe  140 . The delivery air pump  145  functions similarly to the air pumps  199  as described herein having a piston and a piston rod (not illustrated). The delivery air pump  145  is operably coupled to rod  147 . Rod  147  is movably coupled to the support ring  24  and further includes a float  146  distal to the support ring  24 . As described herein for the air pumps  199 , the delivery air pump  145  provides additional air pressure to the air outlet pipe  140  so as to assist in the transfer of air through the air outlet pipe  145 . While an air delivery pump  145  is illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the wave powered energy conversion system  100  could be configured without the air delivery pump  145 . Air is transferred via the air outlet pipe  140  to an alternate location or device such as a turbine generator for use in generating electrical power. 
     Referring to the drawings submitted herewith, a description of the operation of the wave powered energy conversion system is as follows. In use, the wave powered energy conversion system  100  would be positioned within an ocean adjacent to a coastal area. The support posts  10  are secured to the ocean floor utilizing suitable techniques. As the buoyant objects  40  traverse across the surface of the undulating movement of the waves of the ocean the air pumps  199  begin to pressurize the air stored within the tank  2 . During the presence of small waves, the first level pumps  90  will operate independently of each other such that each lever arm  35  is moved in an upwards-downwards movement by the buoyant object operably coupled thereto. This provides operation of the first level air pumps  90 . During the presence of waves of sufficient height such that all of the buoyant objects  40  operably coupled to a secondary support rod  30  are lifted simultaneously, the second level air pumps  85  are activated and generate air delivered via the air collection pipes to the tank  2  and provide increased air pressure within the tank  2 . In the event of the presence of larger waves such that the wave height is sufficient to lift the buoyant objects  40  present in an exemplary quadrant area  201 , the third level air pumps  80  are activated and provide air to the tank  2  via duct  88 . Ensuing the tank  2  meeting or exceeding a predetermined air pressure, the air pressure is transferred to a power-generating device via the air outlet pipe  140 . 
     In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5