Patent Abstract:
The high pressure fluid pump includes a driver defined by a float riding on the waves of a sea surface, a fluid pump housing, an impeller operatively attached to the driver and disposed within the fluid pump housing, a backflow check system connected to the fluid pump housing, and an outflow check system controlling the pressure, volume of fluid flow, and direction of fluid flow to various other systems. The pump may be used to pump fluids other than seawater and may include features multiplying pumping mechanical advantage for a given tidal range.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation-in-part of my prior patent application Ser. No. 11/492,162, filed Jul. 25, 2006, now abandoned, which claimed priority to provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/704,373, filed Aug. 2, 2005. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to hydrokinetic energy conversion systems, more particularly, a high pressure fluid pump that converts tidal, wave, swell, wind, and or solar energy to usable energy in the form of a high pressure fluid pump, which may be used for various purposes, including generating power, producing potable water or general cleaning thereof through reverse osmosis membrane processes, irrigation for aqua farms, compressing gaseous fluids, creating vacuum, delivering fluids from one location to another, etc. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Current energy demands require much use of dwindling fossil fuels, nuclear power or other costly man made substitutes. These demands cannot be met indefinitely without serious impact on the world economy or the environment. 
   Alternative energy producing methods have been proposed using natural resources such as solar, air, and water. Solar panels or related use of solar energy is widely well known. These solar energy conversion systems work well in providing alternative energy, but they still suffer from inefficient use of or energy conversion from the source. Moreover, they are a costly investment. Air power via windmills and derivatives thereof is another viable source of energy. However, it requires optimal geographic and weather conditions for these systems to work. Water energy conversion systems utilizing the natural power of the tidal forces have been proposed in an effort to use the immense mechanical energy created, but a significant amount of potential energy is eventually lost to the great heat sink of the seas without other benefits. All of the above systems are viable alternative energy sources, but widespread use have not been seen due to costs or inefficient use of the natural resource. 
   Thus, a high pressure fluid pump solving the aforementioned problems is desired. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The high pressure fluid pump includes a driver defined by a float riding on the waves of a sea surface, a fluid pump housing, an impeller operatively attached to the driver and disposed within the fluid pump housing, a backflow check system connected to the fluid pump housing, and an outflow check system controlling the pressure, the volume of fluid flow, and direction of the fluid to various other systems. 
   The pump includes features that may be modified to handle a variety of volumetric capacities and fluid pressures. Moreover, the pump may be used to pump fluids other than seawater. The pump may be used as a unit or in an array to meet predefined needs. 
   The high pressure fluid pump may include a tidal range multiplier to increase volumetric flow for a given tidal range. 
   The high pressure fluid pump may be powered by energy provided by the tide, by the swelling and ebbing of waves or swells, by the wind, and/or by solar energy, since all these elements factor in wave production. 
   These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1A  is a diagrammatic view of a high pressure fluid pump according to the present invention operating at high tide. 
       FIG. 1B  is a diagrammatic view of the pump of  FIG. 1A  operating at low tide. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an impeller of a high pressure fluid pump according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 3A  is a diagrammatic view of a second embodiment of a high pressure fluid pump according to the present invention that may be used for pumping fluids other than seawater. 
       FIG. 3B  is a diagrammatic view of a third embodiment of a high pressure fluid pump according to the present invention, which also may be used for pumping fluids other than seawater. 
       FIG. 4  is a sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the economical wave energy powered high pressure fluid pump according to the present invention with a tidal range multiplier. 
       FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic view of a fifth embodiment of a high pressure fluid pump according to the present invention having an alternative tidal range multiplier. 
       FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic view of a sixth embodiment of a high pressure fluid pump according to the present invention, shown operating at high tide. 
       FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic view of the high pressure fluid pump of  FIG. 6 , shown operating at low tide. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the impeller of the high pressure fluid pump of  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
       FIG. 9A  is a diagrammatic view of a seventh embodiment of a high pressure fluid pump according to the present invention for pumping fluids other than seawater. 
       FIG. 9B  is a diagrammatic view of an eighth embodiment of a high pressure fluid pump according to the present invention, which is also for pumping fluids other than seawater. 
       FIG. 10  is a diagrammatic view of a ninth embodiment of a high pressure fluid pump according to the present invention equipped with a tidal range multiplier. 
       FIG. 11  is a diagrammatic view of a tenth embodiment of a high pressure fluid pump according to the present invention equipped with an alternative tidal range multiplier. 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a further alternative impeller for a high pressure fluid pump according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 13  is a diagrammatic view of an eleventh embodiment of a high pressure fluid pump according to the present invention utilizing the impeller of  FIG. 12 . 
       FIG. 14  is a diagrammatic view of a twelfth embodiment of a high pressure fluid pump according to the present invention utilizing the impeller of  FIG. 12 . 
   

   Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The present invention relates to a high pressure fluid pump that converts energy from the tides, waves, swells, wind and sun into usable energy in the form of a high pressure fluid pump for generating power, producing potable water or general cleaning thereof through reverse osmosis membrane processes, irrigation for aqua farms, compressing gaseous fluids, creating vacuum or delivering fluids from one location to another, etc. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B, and  2 , the high pressure fluid pump  22  includes a driver defined by a float  10  riding on the waves of the sea and a plurality of cables  20  depending from the float  10  and operatively attached to a fluid impeller  28  reciprocating within a pump housing  12  as indicated by arrows  30 . The pump housing  12  is seated on a foundation  48  embedded on the sea floor  50 . Edge seals  29  minimize leakage on the edges of impeller  28 . A controller  54  monitors operations of the pump  22 . The controller  54  includes a battery, controls and communications powered by a solar collector or panel  52 . Conduits or conductors  53  relay information and commands to the backwash valve  25 . 
   When pumping seawater, the interior of pump  22  is open to sea through inlet  42 . The float  10  rides on high and low tides  14 ,  16  over tidal range  18  making and releasing tension in cables  20  which raise and lower the impeller  28  inside pump  22 . When tide is falling from high tide  14 , blades  58  in impeller  28  are pushed open as the impeller  28 , with an average density greater than water, falls by gravity, allowing seawater under pressure to move from sea through an open inlet  42  and move through the blades  58  in impeller  28  to a discharge backflow prevention valve  24 , which prevents backflow. On initial start up of a new pump, seawater will rise through the impeller  28  and discharge through backflow prevention valve  24  and pipe  38  to sea level. 
   Water seeks its own level. On any tide rise, the blades  58  in impeller  28  will close because pressure on the top side of the impeller  28  is higher than pressure on the bottom side, since water cannot be compressed. While water above impeller  28  is being discharged, water is rising on the inlet side of  28  due to seawater pressure. Stops  26  limit the rise of the impeller  28  to prevent blocking of discharge of fluid through backflow valve  24 . The stops  36  limit fall of the impeller  28  to prevent blocking of intake of seawater through opening or inlet  42  or intake of other fluids through backflow valve  40 . 
   On the first tide rise, seawater will be raised the same distance as the tidal range  18  less allowance for submersion of the float  10  to create its buoyancy. On the second tidal rise, seawater will be raised an additional distance equal to the tidal range  18  less allowance for submersion of the float  10  and so on to whatever discharge pressure or elevation is possible with the volumetric and buoyancy parameters of the float  10 . A wide variety of modifications may be implemented with respect to the float  10  as long as the float volume can be increased and equipment can be built to withstand higher pressures. 
   The volume and weight of water lifted during each rise of a tide is determined by the face area of the sliding linear impeller  28  and the tide range less allowance for float  10  submersion to create buoyancy. Pump discharge pressure is increased by adding volume above that required to lift the weight of water and moving lift components of pump  22  to the float  10 , resulting in greater buoyancy. There are two tides a day. If the tidal range  18  exceeds the design range, the lift volume will increase for that tide if the impeller  28  travel space has clearance allowing for tides above the normal tidal range  18 . Maximum possible buoyancy occurs whenever the float  10  is completely submerged and pressure will not increase as tide advances higher. The dead weight required to keep pump anchored will equal the uplift force caused by float  10  plus a reasonable safety factor. Any excess float volume above sea level will allow an increase in lift pressure when tides exceed design tide, requiring additional anchor dead weight 
   Provisions have been made to allow backflow of high pressure seawater to the screen and strainer or filter  44  that keeps out sea life and debris at water flow inlets  42 . When tide is above low tide and not rising, a motorized backflow valve  25  can be opened, allowing pressurized seawater to backwash and flush clean the filter  44 . In lieu of backflow valve  25 , provisions may be made to lift the filter  44  out, clean and/or replace, and re-install the filter  44 . In this case, a spare filter for instant change out will be desirable. There will be no cavitation in the pump  22 , as inlet pressure will always be positive relative to atmospheric pressure. 
   When using the pump  22  to pump seawater under pressure, seawater is generally returned to be sea. However, some of the seawater may be diverted to other uses, such as reverse osmosis production of potable water, aquaculture farms, aquariums, any type of upwellers, and offshore fish farms on land or at sea. 
   Possible leaks may occur from high pressure seawater inside pump  22  where the lifting cables  20  pass through the top of pump housing  12 . Seals  21  should be provided to minimize leakage and assure the highest possible pump efficiency. In general, excessive leaking should be minimized, since it reduces pump efficiency. It is noted that the embodiment of the high pressure fluid pump  22  shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  should not be used for pumping fluids other than seawater and potable water, as leakage of pumped fluids may contaminate seawater at the equipment location. The pumps disclosed in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  show modifications to prevent leakage when pumping fluids other than water. It may be that, at some point, higher discharge pressures will reach the point where leakage at seals  21  is excessive, and use of a high pressure fluid pump of the type shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  may be necessary for pumping seawater in lieu of pump  22 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , the sliding fluid impeller  28  is a modified form of a heavy duty, adjustable counterbalance backdraft damper of the type used in the air conditioning industry. The impeller  28  includes a sturdy frame  56  that houses and supports a plurality of pivotally mounted impeller blades  58 , which are shown in partially open positions. A linkage  60  ties blades  58  so the blades  58  move together. When axle  62  rotates, the damper blades  58  open and close. 
   An adjustable counterbalance  64  allows for adjustment of the sensitivity of blades  58  to pressure changes that cause the impeller blades  58  to open and close. Arrows  70  indicate the direction of fluid flow. Single blade impellers may be also be used. 
   The pumps shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  are configured to pump fluids other than seawater. These pumps operate in substantially the same manner as the pump disclosed above, except as noted herein. Some of the noted differences between the pumps are indicated by either a single prime or double prime next to the respective reference numbers. 
   Initially, it is noted that pumps  22 ′ and  22 ″ do not include the pump inlet components  42 ,  44  of pump  22 . The inlet in pumps  22 ′ and  22 ″ is closed and replaced by an inlet backflow valve system  40  through piping fluid sources. These fluids do not rise to sea level as a result of seawater pressure. Fluid pressure will move fluid to some point below or above sea level, depending upon the resultant pressure at inlet due to pump  22 ′ or pump  22 ″. These pumps  22 ′,  22 ″ are configured to increase the pressure from resultant inlet pressure to whatever pressure is required at the point of use to compensate for pressure loss experienced by the fluid in reaching that point. In this configuration, the inlet pressure must always be high enough to avoid cavitation. The motorized flow valve  33  at the fluid source line  39  controls optimum inlet pressure and may be used as a stop flow valve if maintenance is necessary. The pumps in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  are configured so that the respective pump housing  12 ′,  12 ″ is not penetrated by the cables  20  where leakage of fluids from inside the pump housing  12 ′,  12 ″ to the sea may occur, contaminating the seawater. 
   In  FIG. 3A , the pump  22 ′ includes four pulley cable spools  73  coaxially mounted on shaft  74 . Two of the spools  73  are mounted outside the pump housing  12 ′. The remaining two spools  73  are mounted inside the pump housing  12 ′ on the discharge side of impeller  28 . One set of cables  20  depend from the float  10 ′ at one end while the other end of the cables  20  are wound around the outside spools  73 . One end of another set of cables  20  is wound on the inside spools  73  and the opposite end of the cables  20  is operatively attached to the impeller  28  within the pump housing  12 ′. Thus, when low tide  16  rises, the float  10 ′ rises pulling the outside cables  20  upward which rotates the outside spools  73 . In turn, rotation of the outside spools  73  causes concurrent rotation of the inside spools  73  winding the inside cables  20  to thereby lift impeller  28  and discharge fluid out of pump housing  12 ′ through backwater valve  24 . Bearing seals  76  where the shaft  74  penetrates pump housing  12 ′ prevents leakage of fluid from inside the pump housing to seawater outside. Edge seals  87  on the perimeter of impeller  28  prevent leakage of fluids from above to below the impeller  28 . When high tide  14  falls, the float  10 ′ falls and the above process is reversed. 
   In  FIG. 3B , the operation of the pump  22 ″ is the same as pump  22 ′, except that the bearings seals  76  have been replaced with spherical oscillating bearings  78  and flexible seals  80 . The oscillating, non-rotating shaft  78  to which spools  73  are connected by permanently lubricated ball joints outside pump housing  12 ″ are mounted on individual short shafts supported by spool shaft supports  82 . Spools  73  inside the pump housing  12 ″ are mounted on a common shaft  75  supported by shaft supports  82 . Spools  73  are connected to oscillating, non-rotating shaft  78  with permanently lubricated ball joints. Since the oscillating non-rotating shaft  78  is solidly connected to non-rotating shaft and the pump housing  12 ″ wall, there is no possibility of leakage unless the flexible seal  80  rips or develops holes. This is not likely because the flexible seal will be very slack and entirely non-stressed. Water pressure on both sides of pump housing  12 ″ will cause flexible seal  80  to cling tightly to the pump housing  12 ″ wall. Life without leakage for flexible seal  80  in  FIG. 3B  will be considerably longer that of bearing seals  76  in  FIG. 3A . 
   In both pumps  22 ′,  22 ″, stops  26  limit rise of the impeller  28  to prevent blocking of discharge of fluid through back flow prevention valves  24 . Stops  36  limit fall of impeller  28  to prevent blocking of fluid through backflow valves  40   a ,  40   b . Anchored legs  46  firmly mounts the respective pump housing  12 ′,  12 ″ to the foundation  48  resting in or on sea bed  50 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , initially it is noted that differences between the pumps are indicated by a triple prime next to the respective reference numbers. In all respects, except as explained below, the operation of the pump  22 ′″ is the same. 
   In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the pump  22 ′″ includes a lever arm column  100  supporting a lever arm axis bearing  108 . Braces  102  tie lever arm columns  100  together. Pump housing  12 ′″ is attached to foundation  48 , which rests in or on the sea bed  50 . At least one cable  107  operatively connects the float  10 ′″ to one end of the lever arm  104 . The other end of the lever arm  104  includes at least one cable  20  wound around a pulley  105  at the distal end of the upper brace  102 . The cable  20 , in turn, is operatively attached to the impeller  28 ′. 
   To illustrate multiplying the tidal range, assume that available tidal range  18  is ten feet between average high tide  14  and average low tide  16 . The economics and design require a twenty-foot tidal range  18 . Leverage can be used to convert ten-foot tidal range  18  to a twenty-foot tidal range  18 , increasing the volume of water lifted during each tide. The buoyancy of the float  10 ′″ will be increased to lift additional weight of water and maintain desired lift or discharge pressure. In addition, the desired discharge pressure or lift can be increased to any suitable level by adding more float volume. 
   Allowances must be made to account for submersion of float  10 ′″. Assume that the design causes the float to submerge thirty percent of the available tidal range  18 . Thirty percent of the tidal range  18  is three feet, leaving seven feet for lift. When float  10 ′″ rises and the real tidal range is ten feet, the cable  107  pulls the right end of lever arm  105  up seven feet and the left end of lever arm  105  falls fourteen feet, allowing the weight of the impeller  28 ′ to make it fall fourteen feet as it pulls cable  20  downward. As impeller  28 ′ falls, positive pressure on the bottom of the impeller  28 ′ opens the blades  58  to thereby allow fluid to rush through toward the top. When the process is reversed, fluid pressure on the top side of impeller  28 ′ is higher than pressure on the bottom side, and fluid is pushed upward and discharges through backflow prevention valve  24 . 
   As an example, assume that it is desired to store seawater at some high elevation or pressure. Assume the weight of the seawater is 64 pounds per cubic foot (pct). Converted to pounds per square inch (psi), 64 pcf=0.44444 psi. Divide 1.0 psi by 0.44444=a column of seawater 2.25 feet tall. Assume the seawater is used to drive a turbine. One hundred psi is required at turbine. Assume a psig loss of 10% in the delivery system. Pump discharge pressure will have to be 110 psi to have 100 psi at turbine. Pressure of 100 psi is equivalent to pumping seawater to 247.5 feet above sea level. To get buoyancy, float  10 ′″ must become submerged reducing available lift per tide. Assume a 30% loss of lift per tide to account for submersion of the float. The available lift per tide is 20 feet times 70%=14 ft. To obtain lift and volume desired, seawater must be pumped to storage at 247.5 ft. elevation above sea level by two tides per day. Pump  22 ′″ or an array of pumps  22 ′″ will be sized to deliver full required daily demand by two tides a day every day. When pumping seawater, inlet side of the impeller  28 ′ is open to seawater pressure at pump  22 ′″ location. 
   Impeller blades  58  for the impeller  28 ′ are counterbalanced and function in the same way as back flow preventer  24 . Impeller  28 ′ is heavier than seawater. When the tide goes down, water pressure on the impeller  28 ′ on the bottom side is higher than pressure on top side. Seawater flows to the top side of impeller  28 ′. When tide rises, pressure becomes higher on top side of impeller  28 ′ and impeller  28 ′ closes and water is lifted and discharged through a back flow preventer  38 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , initially it is noted that differences between the pumps are indicated by a quadruple prime next to the respective reference numbers. In all respects, except explained below, the operation of the pump  22 ″″ is the same as above with respect to pump  22 ′″. 
   In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the pump  22 ″″ includes at least one shaft support column  100 ′ supporting a pulley shaft  114  mounted through pulley shaft bearings  109  on the at least one pulley shaft column  100 ′. Braces  102 ′ tie shaft support column  100 ′ to the pump housing  12 ″″ to stabilize the overall structure. Pump housing  12 ″″ is attached to foundation  48  which rests in or on the sea bed  50 . A small diameter pulley  110  is mounted outside the support column  100 ′ and a large diameter pulley  112  is mounted between the support columns  100 ′. At least one cable  107  operatively connects the float  10 ″″ to the smaller pulley  110 . At least one cable  20  is wound around the large pulley  112  and operatively attached to the impeller  28 ′. 
   To illustrate multiplying the tidal range in this embodiment, assume that available tidal range  18  is ten feet between average high tide  14  and average low tide  16 . The economics and design require a twenty foot tidal range  18 . Leverage using a large pulley  112  and small pulley  110  can be used to convert a ten foot tidal range  18  to a twenty foot tidal range  18  increasing the volume of water lifted during each tide. Buoyancy of float  10 ″″ will have to be increased to lift additional weight of water and maintain desired lift or discharge pressure. In addition desired discharge pressure or lift can be increased to any suitable level by adding more float volume either by additional floats or increasing the size of the float. 
   Allowances must be made to account for submersion of float  10 ″″. Assume design causes float to submerge thirty per cent of available tidal range  18 . Thirty per cent of tidal range  18  is three feet leaving seven feet for lift. When float  10 ″″ rises and the real tidal range  18  is ten feet, cable  107  unravels seven feet of cable from small pulley  110  on shaft  114  to rotate causing large pulley  112  to rotate an equal angle pulling in fourteen feet of cable into pulley  112  spool to thereby lift impeller  28 ′ fourteen feet allowing fluid to enter from the bottom of impeller  28 ′ from intake back flow prevention valve  40  or  42 ,  44  ( FIGS. 1A and 1B ) intake and discharge through one way fluid discharge back flow prevention valve  24 . When the float  10 ″″ rises, the process is reversed except fluid pressure on top side of impeller  28 ′ is higher than the pressure on the bottom side and fluid is pushed upward and discharges through back flow prevention valve  24 . 
   As an example, assume that you want to store seawater at some high elevation. Assume weight of seawater is 64 pounds per cubic foot (pct). Converted to pounds per square inch (psi), 64 pcf=0.44444 psi. Divide 1.0 psi by 0.44444=a column of seawater  225  feet tall. Assume seawater is used to drive a turbine. One hundred psi is required at the turbine. Assume a psi loss of 10% in the delivery system. The pump discharge pressure will have to be 110 psi to have 100 psi at turbine. Pressure of 100 psi is equivalent to pumping seawater to 225 feet above sea level. Pressure of 110 psi is equivalent to pumping seawater to 247.5 feet above sea level. To get buoyancy, float must become submerged reducing the available lift per tide. Assume 30% loss of lift per tide to account for submersion of float. The available lift per tide is 20 ft. times 70%=14 ft. To obtain lift and volume desired, seawater must be pumped to storage at 247.5 ft. elevation above sea level by two tides a day divided by 2 times 14 ft=approximately 8 days. The pump or pump array will be sized to deliver the full required daily demand by two tides a day every day. 
   Thus, the above is a system for pumping fluids using a float as a driver that rides on tides, swells, waves, and wind on the sea, lowering and raising a sliding fluid impeller. The pump will move fluids over entire tides, swells, waves and wind movements less the depth of submersion of float. Every up movement of sea surface for any reason causes water to discharge through one way discharge backwater valves. 
   When pumping fluids, the volume of the float is determined from buoyancy necessary to pump fluid by raising weight of fluids and equipment components, which move up and down and overcome resistance to flow. Discharge pressure or lift can be increased to any manageable pressure simply by increasing volume of float over the minimum volume necessary to pump fluids by raising weight of fluids and equipment components which move up and down and overcome resistance to flow in valves and pipes. Only limitation to high pressure is ability of pump equipment to withstand high pressures and only limitation to capacity is the availability of enough space and water depth to install and operate multiple pumps and pumps with larger impeller faces. Water can be lifted to any reasonable elevation or pressure if pump can withstand the pressures produced. The capacity may be increased by increasing impeller face area or creating an array of pumps with multiple floats and impellers. 
   The pump will operate at any manageable depth in any ocean or sea where the tides, swells and waves are adequate to make pump perform the work. The pump is non-polluting and uses no fossil fuel, nuclear, or man made source of energy. Thus, the fuel costs are zero. The only costs are equipment, installation, operation and maintenance. 
   Modified pumps will pump any liquid fluids and compress air and any gas. When large volumes of liquids or gases are pumped, piston rings and seals are not necessary because one way valves will not allow back flow. Minimal leakage of fluid at edges of impellers and blades will provide sufficient lubrication. Pump will function as long as equipment is properly operated and maintained. There are no controls, rotating shafts or bearings when pumping seawater and potable water. 
   Impeller shown is a modified heavy duty adjustable counterbalance back draft dampers used in air conditioning industry. It is made from materials suitable for use in seawater and other fluids being pumped. Because the specific gravity of the impeller is greater than the specific gravity of water, the impeller will sink when height of the tides, swells, and waves decreases allowing the impeller to move open. As the impeller falls, fluid flows from bottom side to top side of the impeller. When tide is rising, pressure on top side of impeller will be greater and force it to shut tight and fluid will be forced upward under pressure to one way discharge backflow valve(s). Fluids other than seawater will have an additional backflow valve in the fluid intake to the pump. Clearances between impeller and its housing will allow negligible leakage in relation to the total volume of fluid pumped and will serve as lubricant for dampers. Pumps that pump seawater will have no backflow valve on the inlet side and will always be open to the sea on the inlet side of the impeller. Seawater seeks its own level and will rise through the pump discharge unless otherwise restricted. When fluids other than seawater are pumped, inlet pressure to impeller will be pressure of the fluid available from fluid source. When the impeller rises, fluids will be drawn into to under side of impeller. 
   When the pump is used to drive turbines to generate power, turbines can be located at or above sea level or even below sea level. If liquid fluids are used, they must be stored at an elevation above the turbine whereby the weight of the fluid causes adequate fluid pressure to drive turbine and provide required power output. Liquid fluids may be stored anywhere in pressure tanks designed and located to provide desired turbine operating pressure. When air and other gaseous fluids are used, fluids can best be stored just about anywhere in pressure tanks above or below sea level as long as losses in the distribution system are taken into account. 
   Turning now to the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 6-11 , the pumps in these embodiments utilize wave energy at both the rise and fall of the tides. The previous embodiments converted the wave energy to mechanical energy when the tides are rising. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the high pressure fluid pump  200  includes a driver defined by a float  210  riding on the waves of the sea and a plurality of cables  20  depending from the float  210  and operatively attached to a fluid impeller  228  reciprocating within a pump housing  212  as indicated by arrows  30 . The pump housing  212  is firmly seated on a foundation  48  by anchors  46 , and the foundation in turn is embedded on the sea floor  50 . Edge seals  229  minimize leakage on the edges of impeller  228 . There are preferably two or more edge seals  229  running horizontal around the weighted impeller  228 . A controller  254  monitors operations of the pump  200 . The controller  254  includes a battery, controls and communications powered by a solar collector or panel  252 . Conduits or conductors  253  relay information and commands to the backwash valve  225 A. 
   When pumping seawater, the interior of pump  200  is open to sea through two inlet valves  240   a ,  240   b , which are interconnected by rigid pipe  241  and connected to automatic valve  225   b . The backwash valve  225   a  is in operative communication with the automatic valve  225   b  via pipe  241  and conduit  251 . A flexible pipe  242  connects the automatic valve  225   b  to a filter float housing  243 , which is attached to the float  210  and floats therewith at sea level. Filter float housing  243  includes filters  244  and a screen  249 . The top of the filter float housing  243  has a hinged access panel  247  to allow cleaning and/or changing of the filters and screen. The access panel  247  also prevents air from entering the filter float housing  243 . The float  210  may also include a lighted maintenance access panel  213  atop the float  210  and a ladder  214  interior of the float  210  to allow maintenance to enter the float  210 . 
   As the float  210  rides the high and low tides  14 ,  16  over tidal range  18 , it generates and releases tension in the cables  20 , which respectively raise and lower the impeller  228  inside pump housing  212 . When the tide is falling from high tide  14 , impeller  228  applies pressure to fluid below the impeller  228  forcing it to discharge through outlet back flow prevention valve  224   a  to point of use or storage and fluid is pulled in to the top side of the impeller  228  through inlet back flow prevention valve  240   b . When the tide rises, fluid above the impeller  228  is pressurized and forced out through back flow prevention valve  224   b  to point of use or storage while fluid is pulled in to the bottom side of the impeller  228  through inlet back flow prevention valve  240   a.    
   Stops  226  limit rise of the impeller  228  to prevent blocking of discharge of fluid through backflow valve  224   b  and intake of seawater opening through backflow valve  240   b . Stops  236  limit fall of the impeller  228  to prevent blocking of discharge of fluid through backflow valve  224   a  and intake of seawater opening through backflow valve  240   a.    
   On first tide rise, seawater will be raised the same distance as tidal range  18  less allowance for submersion of float  210  to create its buoyancy. On second tidal rise, seawater will be raised an additional distance equal to tidal range  18  less allowance for submersion as float  210  creates additional buoyancy and so on to whatever discharge pressure or elevation is possible with the configuration of the float volume or weight of impeller  228 . A wide variety of modifications may be implemented with respect to the float  210  as long as the float volume can be increased and weight can be increased to the impeller  228  and equipment can be built to withstand higher pressures. 
   Volume and weight of water lifted during each rise of a tide is determined by the face area of impeller  228  and tide range less allowance for float submersion to create buoyancy. Pump discharge pressure is increased by adding volume above that required to lift the weight of water and moving lift components of pump  222  to the float  210  resulting in greater buoyancy. 
   There are two tides a day. If the tidal range  18  exceeds the design range, the lift volume will increase for that tide if the impeller travel space has clearance allowing for tides above the normal tidal range  18 . Maximum possible buoyancy occurs whenever the float  210  is completely submerged and pressure will not increase as tide advances higher. The dead weight required to keep pump  222  anchored will equal the uplift force caused by float  210  plus a reasonable safety factor. Any excess float volume above sea level will allow an increase in lift pressure when tides exceed design tide requiring additional anchor dead weight. 
   When using the pump  200  to pump seawater under pressure, seawater is generally returned to the sea. However, some of the seawater may be diverted to other uses such as reverse osmosis production of potable water, aquaculture farms, aquariums, any type of upwellers and offshore fish farms on land or at sea. 
   Possible leaks may occur from high pressure seawater inside pump  200  where the lifting cables  20  pass through the top of pump housing  212 . Preferably four or more cables should be utilized depending on the sizes of the float and impeller and the desired tension in the cables. Seals  21  should be provided to minimize leakage and assure the highest possible pump efficiency. In general, excessive leaking should be minimized, since it reduces pump efficiency. It is noted that the pump  200  as shown in  FIG. 6  should not be used for pumping fluids other than sea and potable water as the leakage of pumped fluids may contaminate seawater at the equipment location. If it is desired to pump fluids other than seawater, the pump  200  may be modified as shown in  FIG. 7  so that the filter housing  249  and the associated lines are eliminated. Instead, a motorized valve  33  regulates flow of fluid (other than seawater) from the source line or pipe  39  to the inlet backflow valves  240   a  and  240   b . In addition, the pumps disclosed in  FIGS. 9A and 9B  show modifications to prevent leakage when pumping fluids other than water. It may be that at some point, higher discharge pressures will reach the point to where leakage at seals  21  is excessive, and use of the pump  FIGS. 9A and 9B  may be necessary for pumping seawater. 
   Referring to  FIG. 8 , the solid fluid impeller  228  of the current alternative embodiments of the pump is a substantially rectangular block sized to fit inside the housing  312 . The impeller  228  has a weight that is specific for the load demands of the pump, and the weight may be changed by materials, the density of the material and/or adding/subtracting attachable weights thereto. It is preferable to include at least four cables  20  to attach the impeller  228  to the float  210 , since this configuration provides a stable operation of these component. It is also preferable to attach at least two horizontally running edge seals or rings  229  for the necessary pumping operation of the impeller  228  in both the up and down directions. 
   The pumps disclosed in  FIGS. 9A-9B  are configured to pump fluids other than seawater. These pumps operate in substantially the same manner as the pumps disclosed above, except as noted herein. 
   The fluids pumped in these embodiments of the pump do not rise to sea level as a result of seawater pressure. Fluid pressure will move fluid to some point below or above sea level, depending on resultant pressure at the inlet to pump  300 . The pump  300  is configured to increase the pressure from resultant inlet pressure to whatever pressure is required at the point of use to compensate for pressure loss experienced by the fluid in reaching that point. In this configuration, the inlet pressure must always be high enough to avoid cavitation. The motorized flow valve  33  at the fluid source line  39  controls optimum inlet pressure and allows shutdown of supply. The pump  300  in  FIGS. 9A and 9B  is configured so that the pump housing  312  is not penetrated by the cables  20  where leakage of fluids from inside the pump housing  312  to the sea may occur, contaminating the seawater. 
   In  FIG. 9A , the pump  300  includes four pulley cable spools  373  coaxially mounted on shaft  374 . Two of the spools  373  are mounted outside the pump housing  312 . The remaining two spools  373  are mounted inside the pump housing  312 . One set of cables  20  depends from the float  310  at one end while the other end of the cables  20  are wound around the outside spools  373 . One end of another set of cables  20  is wound on the inside spools  373  and the opposite end of the cables  20  is operatively attached to the impeller  228  within the pump housing  312 . Thus, when low tide  16  rises, the float  10 ′ rises pulling the outside cables  20  upward which rotates the outside spools  373 . In turn, rotation of the outside spools  373  causes concurrent rotation of the inside spools  373  winding the inside cables  20  to thereby lift impeller  228  and discharge fluid out of pump housing  312  through backwater valve  324   b . Bearing seals  376  where the shaft  374  penetrates pump housing  312  prevents leakage of fluid from inside the pump housing to seawater outside. Edge seals  387  on the perimeter of impeller  228  prevent leakage of fluids from above to below the impeller  228 . When high tide  14  falls, the float  310  falls and the above process is reversed. At either tide, the rise and fall of the float  310  causes concurrent rise and fall of the impeller  228 . On the upstroke of the impeller  228 , the fluid is discharged through backwater valve  324   b . On the downstroke of the impeller  228 , the fluid is discharged through backwater valve  324   a.    
   In  FIG. 9B , the operation of the pump  300  is the substantially the same, except that the bearings seals  376  have been replaced with spherical oscillating bearings  378  and flexible seals  380 . The oscillating non-rotating shaft  378  to which spools  373  are connected by permanently lubricated ball joints outside pump housing  312  are mounted on individual short shafts supported by spool shaft supports  382 . Spools  373  inside the pump housing are mounted on a common shaft  375  supported by shaft supports  382 . Spools  373  are connected to oscillating non-rotating shaft  378  with permanently lubricated ball joints. Since the oscillating non-rotating shaft is solidly connected to non-rotating shaft and the pump housing wall, there is no possibility of leakage unless the flexible seal  380  rips or develops holes. This is not likely because the flexible seal will be very slack and entirely non-stressed. Water pressure on both sides of pump housing  312  will cause flexible seal  380  to cling tightly to the pump housing wall. Life without leakage for flexible seal  380  in  FIG. 9B  will be considerably longer that of bearing seals  376  in  FIG. 9A . 
   In both of the pumps, shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , respectively, stops  326  limit the rise of the impeller  228  to prevent blocking of discharge of fluid through backflow prevention valve  324   b . Stops  336  limit fall of impeller  228  to prevent blocking of fluid through back flow prevention valve  324   a . Anchored legs  46  firmly mounts the respective pump housing  312  to the foundation  48  resting in or on sea bed  50 . 
   In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , the pump  400  includes a lever arm column  401  supporting a lever arm axis bearing  408 . Braces  402  tie lever arm columns  401  together. Pump housing  412  is attached to foundation  48 , which rests in or on the sea bed  50 . At least one cable  407  operatively connects the float  410  to one end of the lever arm  404 . The other end of the lever arm  404  includes at least one cable  20  wound around a pulley  405 . The cable  20  in turn is operatively attached to the impeller  428 , which is similar in most respects to the impeller  228  of the previous embodiments. 
   Multiplying the tidal range occurs in the same manner as noted above with respect to the embodiment of  FIG. 5 . However, in the current embodiment, the multiplying effect may be applied during both high and low tides, and fluid may be pumped in both the rise and fall of the impeller  428 . For every rise and fall of the float  410 , fluid is supplied to pump via valves  440 A and  440 B and discharged through valve  424 B on the upstroke and valve  424 A on the downstroke of the impeller  428 . 
   Stops  426  limit rise of the impeller  428  to prevent blocking of discharge of fluid through back flow prevention valve  424 B. Stops  436  limit fall of impeller  428  to prevent blocking of fluid through back flow prevention valve  424 A. 
   In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , the pump  500  includes at least one shaft support column  501  supporting a pulley shaft  514  mounted through pulley shaft bearings  508  on the at least one pulley shaft column  500 . Braces  502  tie shaft support column  500  to the pump housing  512  to stabilize the overall structure. Pump housing  512  is attached to foundation  48 , which rests in or on the sea bed  50 . A small diameter pulley  509  is mounted outside the support column  501  and a large diameter pulley  512  is mounted between the support columns  501 . At least one cable  507  operatively connects the float  510  to the smaller pulley  509 . At least one cable  20  is wound around the large pulley  512  and operatively attached to the impeller  528 , which is similar in most respects to the impeller  228  of the previous embodiments. 
   Multiplying the tidal range occurs in the same manner as noted above with respect to the embodiment of  FIG. 6 . However, in the current embodiment, the multiplying effect may be applied during both high and low tides, and fluid may be pumped in both the rise and fall of the impeller  528 . For every rise and fall of the float  510 , fluid is supplied to pump via valves  540   a  and  540   b  and discharged through valve  524   b  on the upstroke and valve  524   a  on the downstroke of the impeller  528 . 
   Stops  526  limit rise of the impeller  528  to prevent blocking of discharge of fluid through backflow prevention valve  524   b . Stops  536  limit the fall of impeller  528  to prevent blocking of fluid through back flow prevention valve  524   a.    
     FIG. 12  discloses another alternative impeller  600 . This impeller  600  is configured for easier adjustments in weight of the impeller  600  in order to optimize impeller performance. For example, if the environmental conditions prevent the impeller  600  from reciprocating within a pump housing optimally because of the weight thereof, the weight of the impeller  600  may be increased or decreased to optimum levels.  FIGS. 13 and 14  respectively disclose alternative pumps utilizing the impeller  600  for pumping seawater ( FIG. 13 ) or fluids other than seawater ( FIG. 14 ). 
   The impeller  600  includes a lower body  620  substantially similar in construction as the previously mentioned impeller  228 . The lower body  620  is adapted to reciprocated within a pump housing. The lower body  620  may be a square block of material, preferably corrosion resistant metal, having a density and weight capable of pumping fluids in the pump housing. Preferably two or more edge seals  629  are provided around the outside edge of the lower body  620 . The lower body  620  is connected to an upper body  630  via a connecting pillar, rod or shaft  610 . The upper body  630  is similar in shape as the lower body  620  and serves as the main attachment point for the cables  20  depending from a float as well as providing additional weight or weight adjusting mechanism. The upper body  630  may be fabricated with predefined thickness, density and/or material composition for the desired discharge pressure or other performance parameters, but the upper body also includes an adjustable feature or weight adjustment feature vis-à-vis the embedded weight mounting prongs  632  in the top portion of the upper body  630 . The prongs are preferably rods having a semi-circular or D-shaped cross section, but other shaped rods or posts may also be used. Depending on the operating conditions of a pump, additional weight may be required. To compensate, weight blocks may be mounted to the prongs  632 . These weight blocks may encompass a variety of shapes and weights. When lighter weight is required, the weight blocks may be removed from the upper body  630 . It is noted that the impeller should be made from corrosion resistant material or provided with a corrosion resistant coating to increase the life thereof in the working environment. Correspondingly, the following pumps should also be similarly fabricated. 
     FIG. 13  discloses a pump configured to pump seawater using the impeller  600 , and the operation thereof is substantially the same as the previously mentioned high pressure fluid pumps for pumping seawater. The high pressure fluid pump  700  includes a driver defined by a float  710  riding on the waves of the sea and a plurality of cables  20  depending from the float  710  and operatively attached to the fluid impeller  600  with the lower body  620  reciprocating within a pump housing  712 . The pump housing  712  is firmly seated on a foundation  48  by anchors  46 , and the foundation in turn is embedded on the sea floor  50 . Edge seals  729  minimize leakage on the edges of impeller lower body  620 . These seals  729  may be provided in addition to the edge seals  629 . In addition, pump housing seals  730  may be provided to minimize leaks between the housing  712  and the environment. 
   The interior of pump  700  is open to sea through two inlet valves  740   a ,  740   b , which are interconnected by rigid pipe  741  and connected to automatic valve  725   b . The backwash valve  725   a  is in operative communication with the automatic valve  725   b  via pipe  741 . A flexible pipe  742  connects the automatic valve  725   b  to a filter float housing  743 , which is attached to the float  710  and floats therewith at sea level. Filter float housing  743  includes filters  744  and a screen or strainer  749 . Air may be vented through vent holes as indicated by arrow  701 . A hinged access panel  747  interconnects the float  710  with the filter float housing  748  to allow cleaning and/or changing of the filters and screen. The float  710  would also include a panel on the float  710  to gain access to the interior thereof similar to the high pressure fluid pump  200  in  FIG. 6 . Any excess seawater within the filter housing  743  may be pumped back to sea by a pump  702  through the backflow prevention valve  703 . 
   As the float  710  rides the high and low tides  14 ,  16  over tidal range  18 , it generates and releases tension in the cables  20 , which respectively raise and lower the impeller  600  riding inside pump housing  712 . The downstroke of the impeller  600  applies pressure to fluid below the impeller lower body  620  forcing it to discharge through outlet back flow prevention valve  724   a  to point of use or storage and fluid is pulled in to the top side of the impeller lower body  620  through inlet back flow prevention valve  740   b . The upstroke of the impeller  600  pressurize the fluid above the impeller lower body  620 , and the fluid is forced out through back flow prevention valve  724   b  to point of use or storage while fluid is pulled in to the bottom side of the impeller lower body  620  through inlet back flow prevention valve  740   a.    
   Stops  726  limit rise of the impeller lower body  620  to prevent blocking of discharge of fluid through backflow valve  724   b  and intake of seawater opening through backflow valve  740   b . Stops  736  limit fall of the impeller lower body  620  to prevent blocking of discharge of fluid through backflow valve  224   a  and intake of seawater opening through backflow valve  240   a.    
     FIG. 14  discloses a pump configured to pump fluids other than seawater using the impeller  600 , and the operation thereof is substantially the same as the previously mentioned high pressure fluid pumps for pumping fluids other than seawater. The high pressure fluid pump  800  includes a driver defined by a float  810  riding on the waves of the sea and a plurality of cables  20  depending from the float  810  and operatively attached to the fluid impeller  600  with the lower body  620  reciprocating within a pump housing  812 . The pump housing  812  is firmly seated on a foundation  48  by anchors  46 , and the foundation in turn is embedded on the sea floor  50 . Edge seals  829  minimize leakage on the edges of impeller lower body  620 . These seals  829  may be provided in addition to the edge seals  629 . In addition, pump housing seals  830  may be provided to minimize leaks between the housing  812  and the environment. 
   Fluid other than seawater is supplied to the interior of the pump housing  312  from a source line  839   a  through two inlet valves  840   a ,  840   b , which are interconnected by rigid pipe  841 . As the float  810  rides the high and low tides  14 ,  16  over tidal range  18 , it generates and releases tension in the cables  20 , which respectively raise and lower the impeller  600  riding inside pump housing  812 . The downstroke of the impeller  600  applies pressure to fluid below the impeller lower body  620  forcing it to discharge through outlet back flow prevention valve  824   a  to point of use or storage via outlet line  839   b , and fluid is pulled in to the top side of the impeller lower body  620  through inlet back flow prevention valve  840   b . The upstroke of the impeller  600  pressurize the fluid above the impeller lower body  620 , and the fluid is forced out through back flow prevention valve  824   b  to point of use or storage via outlet line  839   b  while fluid is pulled in to the bottom side of the impeller lower body  620  through inlet back flow prevention valve  840   a.    
   Stops  826  limit rise of the impeller lower body  620  to prevent blocking of discharge of fluid through backflow valve  824   b  and intake of seawater opening through backflow valve  840   b . Stops  836  limit fall of the impeller lower body  620  to prevent blocking of discharge of fluid through backflow valve  824   a  and intake of seawater opening through backflow valve  840   a.    
   It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5