CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. App. No. 63/026,027, filed May 16,

2020, which is incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This disclosure relates to an adaptive wave energy harnessing system. This disclosure also relates to an adaptive wave energy converter unit, a wave deflector, a wave manipulator, or a combination thereof. This disclosure also relates to an adaptive wave energy harnessing system that is configured to harness energy of the ocean waves, particularly waves generated at a surf zone.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Various systems utilizing different forms of wave energy, such as offshore, nearshore, onshore wave or pressure differences between the surface and the bottom have been proposed and tested. Economical and efficient power generating systems have not yet built and established. Designs for utilizing wave energy for electric power generation are passive in nature and maximize wave energy conversion from wave energy generated through tides, winds, and currents.

[0004] The main problem with wave energy conversion is that there is no dominant design that efficiently seeks to harness the power of the breaking wave. In addition, no design current in the market/realm is designed to adjust to the differences in waves as they come to shore. Not seeking out a solution to these challenges is to ignore wave power in its most powerful form. Also, not solving the wave energy conversion solution in the near shore realm not only ignores the power problem it also ignores the advantages of staging large elements of infrastructure close to shore where it can be easily maintained, repaired and adjusted for different weather systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Briefly, and in general terms, this disclosure relates to an adaptive wave energy harnessing system. This disclosure also relates to an adaptive wave energy converter unit, a wave deflector, a wave manipulator, or a combination thereof. This disclosure also relates to an adaptive wave energy harnessing system that is configured to harness energy of the ocean waves, particularly the waves generated at the surf zone.

[0006] In this disclosure, the wave energy converter system may be positioned at or in a vicinity of a shoreline, and/or at or in a vicinity of a natural barrier to receive water flows caused by ocean waves approaching the shoreline.

[0007] In this disclosure, the adaptive wave energy harnessing system may include an adaptive wave energy converter unit. The wave energy converter unit may be adaptable to characteristics of the ocean waves, the ocean shoreline, and the ocean’s floor to maximize energy the energy harvested by the adaptive wave energy converter unit.

[0008] In this disclosure, the adaptive wave energy harnessing system may further include a wave deflector. The wave deflector may be positioned such that the wave deflector deflects the ocean waves towards the adaptive wave energy convertor, and/or deflects the ocean waves to cause interference with the ocean waves approaching the shoreline such that the energy harvested by the adaptive wave energy converter unit from the ocean waves is maximized. The wave deflector is adaptable to characteristics of the ocean waves, the ocean shoreline, and the ocean’s floor to maximize energy the energy harvested by the adaptive wave energy converter unit.

[0009] In this disclosure, the adaptive wave energy harnessing system may further include a wave manipulator. The wave manipulator may be positioned with respect to the adaptive wave energy converter unit such that the wave manipulator receives the ocean waves before the adaptive wave energy converter unit receives the ocean waves. The wave manipulator may be positioned above the ocean floor such that the wave manipulator changes characteristics of the ocean waves, thereby maximizing energy harvested by the adaptive wave energy converter unit from the ocean waves.

[0010] In this disclosure, the adaptive wave energy harnessing system may further include a control system. The control system may be configured to position the adaptive wave energy converter unit, the wave manipulator, a wave deflector, or any combination thereof by using characteristics of the ocean waves, the seashore, and the ocean floor such that the energy harvested by the wave energy converter unit from the ocean waves is maximized. The control system may include a sensor system. The sensor system may be configured to determine characteristics of the ocean waves, the ocean floor, the seashore, or a combination thereof.

[0011] In this disclosure, the adaptive wave energy harnessing system may further include an anchoring system. The anchoring system may be configured to anchor any component of the wave energy harnessing system such that the energy harvested by the wave energy converter unit from the ocean waves is maximized.

[0012] In this disclosure, the adaptive wave energy harnessing system may further include a hydropower regulating system. The hydropower regulating system may be installed at the seashore.

[0013] An exemplary adaptive wave energy converter unit may include a generator; a rotor shaft; a blade; and a stabilization unit and/or a floating unit. The rotor shaft may be attached to the generator. The blade may be attached to the rotor shaft. The blade may be configured to cause the rotor shaft of the generator to rotate in response to the water flows that impinge on the blades.

[0014] An exemplary wave deflector may include a plurality of deflector units. Each deflector unit may include a deflector anchor, a deflector redirecting unit, and a deflector shaft. Each deflector unit may be configured to function independently from the other deflector units. Each deflector unit may be adaptable to the characteristics of the ocean waves impinging on the deflector unit.

[0015] An exemplary wave manipulator may include a platform, an adjustable weight unit, and an anchor unit. The platform may be suitable to change characteristics of the ocean waves, thereby maximizing energy harvested by the wave energy converter unit from the ocean waves. The adjustable weight unit is suitable to controllably submerge the wave manipulator in the ocean and thereby adjust the position of the platform with respect to the ocean floor. The anchor unit is suitable to anchor the wave manipulator to an ocean floor, the seashore, a structure installed on the ocean floor, a structure installed on the seashore, or a combination thereof. [0016] An exemplary control system may include a position control system that is configured to control positions and/or angles of components of the adaptive wave energy harnessing system, including the wave energy converter unit, the wave manipulator, and the wave deflector. The position control system may control the positions of the components with respect to each other, the seashore, a sea floor, or a combination thereof;

[0017] An exemplary control system may further include a sensor system that is configured to determine at least the characteristics of the ocean waves, and provide information related to the ocean wave characteristics to the processing system. In this disclosure, the sensor system may include an array of sensors.

[0018] An exemplary control system may further include a processing system. The processing system may be configured to provide information to the position control system to adjust the positions and/or angles of the components of the adaptive wave energy harnessing system.

[0019] In this disclosure, the control system may be configured to control the positions of the components of the adaptive wave energy harnessing system by using an artificial intelligence software that utilizes the information from the different sensors.

[0020] For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain advantages of the invention have been described herein. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0021] All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment disclosed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The drawings are of illustrative embodiments. They do not illustrate all embodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition or instead. Details that may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted to save space or for more effective illustration. Some embodiments may be practiced with additional components or steps and/or without all of the components or steps that are illustrated. When the same numeral appears in different drawings, it refers to the same or like components or steps.

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates type of exemplary waves formed and their properties when they enter the shallow water. This is the FIG. 1 of the U.S. Patent Serial No. 9,574,360 to Fincham, entitled “Surface Gravity Wave Generator and Wave Pool,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates general types of exemplary waves formed when the deep-water waves enter the shallow water. This is the FIG. 2 of the U.S. Patent Serial No. 9,574,360 to Fincham, entitled “Surface Gravity Wave Generator and Wave Pool,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary wave energy converter unit, which is positioned at or in a vicinity of a shoreline.

[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary wave energy converter unit, which is positioned at or in a vicinity of a shoreline; and an exemplary hydropower regulating system, which is positioned at the seashore.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a photographic image of vertical waves formed at the ocean, the deflected waves formed near an artificial barrier, and a resultant wave formed by the interference of the vertical waves and the deflected waves.

[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary adaptive wave energy harnessing system that includes an exemplary wave energy converter unit, an exemplary wave deflector, and an exemplary hydropower regulating system. [0029] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary adaptive wave energy harnessing system that includes an exemplary wave energy converter unit, an exemplary wave manipulator, and an exemplary hydropower regulating system.

[0030] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary adaptive wave energy harnessing system that includes an exemplary wave energy converter unit, an exemplary wave deflector, an exemplary wave manipulator, and an exemplary hydropower regulating system.

[0031] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary wave deflector unit.

[0032] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary artificial wave deflector wall that includes plurality of the wave deflector units.

[0033] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary artificial wave deflector wall that includes plurality of the wave deflector units.

[0034] FIG. 12 illustrates how an exemplary wave, Wave 1 may be deflected from an exemplary artificial wave deflector wall to form a deflected wave, Deflected Wave 1.

[0035] FIG. 13 (A) and (B) illustrates how two exemplary waves, Wave 1 and Wave 2 may be deflected from an exemplary artificial wave deflector wall to form two separate deflected waves, Deflected Wave 1 and Deflected Wave 2.

[0036] FIG. 14 illustrates how a surf wave may form after the deflected waves formed.

[0037] FIG. 15 illustrates positioning of an exemplary wave energy converter unit with respect to an exemplary artificial wave deflector wall.

[0038] FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary wave manipulator unit that includes a platform and an adjustable weight unit.

[0039] FIG. 17 illustrates positioning of an exemplary wave energy converter unit and a wave manipulator with respect to an exemplary artificial wave deflector wall and a surf wave formed by the deflecting waves. [0040] FIG. 18 illustrates positioning of an exemplary wave energy converter unit and a wave manipulator with respect to an exemplary artificial wave deflector wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0041] Illustrative embodiments are now described. Other embodiments may be used in addition or instead. Details that may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted to save space or for a more effective presentation. Some embodiments may be practiced with additional components or steps and/or without all of the components or steps that are described.

[0042] This invention relates to an adaptive wave energy harnessing system. The adaptive wave energy harnessing system may comprise at least one system component. These system components, for example, may include an adaptive wave energy converter unit, a wave manipulator, a wave deflector, a control system, a sensor system, an anchoring system, a hydropower regulating system, or any combination thereof.

[0043] In this disclosure, the adaptive wave energy harnessing system is configured to harness energy from any type of a wave approaching to the system. Such waves, for example, may be formed on any type of a body of water, including lakes, rivers, seas, and oceans. For example, such waves may be formed on oceans. For example, such waves may be surf waves.

[0044] Such waves generated at the surf zone were disclosed by Fincham et al.

(“Fincham’) in a U.S. patent publication number 9,574,360 entitled “Surface gravity wave generator and wave pool.” The entire content of this publication is incorporated herein by reference.

[0045] Ocean waves, which form on the surface of the ocean, may be waves that propagate along the interface between water and air, according to Fincham. The restoring force may be provided by gravity, and so such waves are often referred to as surface gravity waves. FIG. 1 illustrates the principles that may govern surface gravity waves approaching a seashore and entering shallow water. Waves in deep water may generally have a constant wavelength. As the wave interacts with the ocean floor, it may start to "shoal." Typically, this may occur when the depth gets shallower than half of the wave's length, the wavelength shortens, and the wave amplitude increases. As the wave amplitude increases, the wave may become unstable as the crest of the wave is moving faster than the trough. When the wave amplitude is approximately 80% of the water depth, the wave may start to "break" and a surf wave may form. This run up and breaking process may be dependent on the slope angle and contour of the seashore (e.g., beach), the angle at which the waves approach the beach, and the water depth and properties of the deep-water waves approaching the seashore. Refraction and focusing of these waves are possible through changes to the bottom topography.

[0046] Ocean waves may generally have five stages: generation, propagation, shoaling, breaking, and decay, according to Fincham. The point of breaking may strongly depend on the ratio of the water depth to the wave's amplitude. The point of breaking may also depend on the contour, depth and shape of the ocean floor. In addition, velocity, wavelength, and height of the wave, among other factors, may also contribute to the breaking of a wave. In general, a wave may be characterized to result in one of four principal breaker types: spilling, plunging, collapsing, and surging. These breaker types are illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0047] This disclosure is not limited to the Fincham’ s surf wave formation mechanisms and (breaker) type of waves. These mechanisms and wave types, as disclosed by Fincham, may only be examples. There may be other phenomena that may form such waves and other types of waves not disclosed by Fincham. Any wave type suitable for harnessing energy by the adaptive wave energy harnessing systems of the instant disclosure are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0048] Examples of the type of waves, suitable for the energy harnessing by the systems of the instant disclosure include the spilling type, the plunging type, the surging type, the collapsing type, the like and the combination thereof.

[0049] Dependent on specific ocean conditions, type of shoreline and tidal range there is an option to put one or more of the described Energy converters into the wave zone. This addition would immediately double any available energy that the device would produce.

[0050] An exemplary adaptive wave energy harnessing system of the instant invention may comprise an adaptive wave energy converter unit as schematically shown in FIG. 3.

[0051] In this disclosure, the adaptive wave energy converter unit may be positioned

(e.g., installed) at or in a vicinity of a shoreline to receive water flows caused by ocean waves approaching the shoreline. Such water flows may be caused by the spilling type of waves, the plunging type of waves, the surging type of waves, the collapsing, the like and the combination thereof.

[0052] In this disclosure, to maximize the energy harnessed from the waves approaching the shoreline, the adaptive wave energy converter unit may be configured to adapt characteristics of these waves, characteristics of the ocean floor, characteristics of the shoreline, or any combination thereof. These wave characteristics, for example, may include the wavelength, the wave amplitude, the wave velocity, the angle at which the waves approach the shoreline (e.g., vertical, horizontal, or oblique angle), the like, and the combination thereof. The ocean floor characteristics may include the ocean floor’s contour, depth, shape, material of construction (e.g., sand, rock), the like, and the combination thereof. The shoreline characteristics may include the ocean shoreline’s contour, shape, material of construction (e.g., sand, rock), the like, and the combination thereof. The ocean waves may affect the characteristics of the ocean floor and the ocean shoreline, for example, through erosion. The ocean floor and the ocean shoreline characteristics may affect the characteristics of the waves. That is, the characteristics of the waves, the ocean floor and the ocean shoreline may change over time. As such any combination of the characteristics of the waves, the ocean floor, and the ocean shoreline and the evolution of these characteristics over time are within the scope of the instant disclosure.

[0053] In this disclosure, the adaptive wave energy converter unit may be configured to adapt any such characteristics and their combination to maximize the energy harnessed from the waves by changing its position with respect to the waves, the ocean floor, the ocean shoreline, or any combination thereof. For example, the adaptive wave energy converter unit may change its position laterally, horizontally, vertically, change its angle (with respect to the waves, the ocean floor, the ocean shoreline, or any combination thereof), change its tilt angle, the like, or a combination thereof the adaptive wave energy converter unit may raise (e.g., above the sea surface, above the waves, above the wave crest, above the wave trough) or partially, substantially, or completely submerge into the sea (e.g., below the sea surface, below the waves, below the wave crest, below the wave trough). [0054] In this disclosure, the adaptive wave energy converter unit may adapt any aforementioned characteristics related to the waves, ocean floor and seashore, for example, by having a converter adjustment system. Examples of this adjustment system may include a propulsion system, a ballast tank, a trim tank, a cable system driven by an engine, or a combination thereof. That is, the adaptive wave energy converter may comprise a propulsion system, a ballast tank, a trim tank, a cable system driven by an engine, or a combination thereof to change (orient) its position to maximize the energy harnessed from the waves.

[0055] In this disclosure, the adaptive wave energy converter unit may comprise an anchoring system that may be used to anchor the adaptive wave energy converter unit, for example, to the ocean floor, the ocean shoreline, the artificial/natural formations in the sea, or a combination thereof. This anchoring system may aid to the orientation of the adaptive wave energy converter unit’s position. The anchoring system may comprise, for example, one or more beams (columns) constructed on the ocean floor, the ocean shoreline, the artificial/natural formations in the sea, or any combination thereof. For example, the adaptive wave energy converter unit may directly be anchored on a single (concrete, steel, etc.) beam built on an ocean floor. The anchoring unit may further comprise, for example, a wiring system, to anchor the adaptive wave energy converter unit to the beam. An exemplary adaptive wave energy converter unit with the anchoring beams and the wiring system are schematically shown in FIG. 4.

[0056] In this disclosure, the adaptive wave energy converter unit may adapt above characteristics of the waves, the ocean floor, and the ocean shoreline by using the anchoring system and/or a control system, for example, equipped with an artificial intelligence system.

[0057] In this disclosure, the adaptive wave energy harnessing system may comprise plurality of the adaptive wave energy converter units. Each adaptive wave energy converter units may independently function with other adaptive wave energy converter units and/or any other component of the adaptive wave energy harnessing system.

[0058] In this disclosure, the adaptive wave energy converter unit may be positioned at or in a vicinity of a shoreline, and at or in a vicinity of a natural/artificial barrier extending from the sea shoreline into the sea. Such barriers may deflect the waves impinging on them. The deflected waves may later interfere with the incoming waves (e.g., waves vertical to the shoreline). The waves formed after interference may have higher energy than those of the deflected waves and the incoming waves. An exemplary wave (“resultant wave”) formed near a shoreline and an artificial barrier by interference of the deflected waves and the vertical wave is photographically shown in FIG. 5. The adaptive wave energy harnessing system may be positioned in front of such resultant wave to receive water flows of this wave and thereby harness its energy.

[0059] In this disclosure, the adaptive wave energy harnessing system may further include a wave deflector. An example of such system is schematically shown in FIG. 6. The wave deflector may be positioned such that the wave deflector can deflect the ocean waves towards any component of the adaptive wave energy harnessing system. An example of this component is the adaptive wave energy convertor, as shown in FIG. 6. The wave deflector may also be positioned such that the wave deflector deflects the ocean waves to cause interference with the ocean waves approaching the shoreline such that the energy harvested by the adaptive wave energy converter unit from the ocean waves is maximized.

[0060] In this disclosure, the wave deflector may be a natural barrier. The wave deflector may be an artificial barrier. An example of the artificial barrier is shown in FIG. 5. The wave deflector may be an adaptive wave deflector. The wave deflector may be a natural barrier, an artificial barrier, an adaptive wave deflector, or a combination thereof.

[0061] In this disclosure, to maximize the energy harnessed from the waves approaching the shoreline, the adaptive wave deflector may be configured to adapt characteristics of the waves, characteristics of the ocean floor, characteristics of the shoreline, or any combination thereof. These characteristics are disclosed above in detail. The adaptive wave deflector may be configured to adaptively deflect the waves to maximize the energy harnessed from these waves.

[0062] In this disclosure, the adaptive wave deflector may be configured to adapt any such characteristics and their combination to maximize the energy harnessed from the waves by changing its position with respect to the waves, the ocean floor, the ocean shoreline, or any combination thereof. For example, the adaptive wave deflector may change its position laterally, horizontally, vertically, change its angle (with respect to the waves, the ocean floor, the ocean shoreline, or any combination thereof), change its tilt angle, the like, or a combination thereof. The adaptive wave deflector may rise (e.g., above the sea surface, above the waves, above the wave crest, above the wave trough) or partially, substantially, or completely submerge into the sea (e.g., below the sea surface, below the waves, below the wave crest, below the wave trough).

[0063] In this disclosure, the adaptive wave deflector may adapt any aforementioned characteristics of the waves, the ocean floor, and the ocean shore; for example, by having a deflector adjustment system, which may be used to raise the deflector to match current tidal conditions. Examples of this deflector adjustment system may include a propulsion system, a ballast tank, a trim tank, a cable system driven by an engine, or a combination thereof. That is, the adaptive wave deflector may comprise a propulsion system, a ballast tank, a trim tank, a cable system driven by an engine, or a combination thereof to change (orient) its position to maximize the energy harnessed from the waves.

[0064] In this disclosure, the adaptive wave deflector may comprise an anchoring system that may be used to anchor the adaptive deflector, for example, to the ocean floor, the ocean shoreline, the artificial/natural formations in the sea, or a combination thereof. This anchoring system may aid to the orientation of the adaptive wave deflector’s position. The anchoring system may comprise, for example, one or more beams (columns) constructed on the ocean floor, the ocean shoreline, the artificial/natural formations in the sea, or any combination thereof. For example, the adaptive wave deflector may directly be anchored on a single (concrete, steel, etc.) beam built on an ocean floor. The anchoring unit may further comprise, for example, a wiring system, to anchor the adaptive wave deflector to the beam.

[0065] In this disclosure, the adaptive deflector may adapt above characteristics of the waves, the ocean floor, and the ocean shoreline by using the anchoring system and/or a control system, for example, equipped with an artificial intelligence system.

[0066] In this disclosure, the adaptive wave energy harnessing system may comprise plurality of the adaptive deflectors. Each adaptive deflector may function independent of other adaptive wave energy converter units and/or any other component of the adaptive wave energy harnessing system.

[0067] In this disclosure, the adaptive wave energy harnessing system may further include a wave manipulator. An example of such system is schematically shown in FIG. 7. The wave manipulator may be positioned such that the wave manipulator can manipulate the ocean waves to increase their energy before these waves reach the adaptive wave energy converter unit.

[0068] In this disclosure, to maximize the energy harnessed from the waves approaching the shoreline, the wave manipulator may be configured to adapt characteristics of these waves, characteristics of the ocean floor, characteristics of the shoreline, or a combination thereof. Such characteristics are disclosed above in detail. The wave manipulator may be configured to adaptively manipulate the waves to maximize the energy harnessed from these waves. The wave manipulator may be configured to adapt any such characteristics and their combination to maximize the energy harnessed from the waves by changing its position with respect to the waves, the ocean floor, the ocean shoreline, or any combination thereof. For example, the wave manipulator may change its position laterally, horizontally, vertically, change its angle (with respect to the waves, the ocean floor, the ocean shoreline, or any combination thereof), change its tilt angle, the like, or a combination thereof. The wave manipulator may rise (e.g., above the sea surface, above the waves, above the wave crest, above the wave trough) or partially, substantially, or completely submerge into the sea (e.g., below the sea surface, below the waves, below the wave crest, below the wave trough).

[0069] In this disclosure, the wave manipulator may be positioned with respect to the adaptive wave energy converter unit such that the wave manipulator receives the ocean waves before the adaptive wave energy converter unit receives the ocean waves.

[0070] In this disclosure, the wave manipulator may adapt any aforementioned characteristics of the waves, the ocean floor, and the ocean shore; for example, by having a wave manipulator adjustment system. Examples of this wave manipulator adjustment system may include a propulsion system, a ballast tank, a trim tank, a cable system driven by an engine, or a combination thereof. That is, the wave manipulator may comprise a propulsion system, a ballast tank, a trim tank, a cable system driven by an engine, or a combination thereof to change (orient) its position to maximize the energy harnessed from the waves.

[0071] In this disclosure, the wave manipulator may comprise an anchoring system that may be used to anchor the wave manipulator, for example, to the ocean floor, the ocean shoreline, the artificial/natural formations in the sea, or a combination thereof. This anchoring system may aid to the orientation of the wave manipulator’s position. The anchoring system may comprise, for example, one or more beams (columns) constructed on the ocean floor, the ocean shoreline, the artificial/natural formations in the sea, or any combination thereof. For example, the wave manipulator may directly be anchored on a single (concrete, steel, etc.) beam built on an ocean floor. The anchoring unit may further comprise, for example, a wiring system, to anchor the wave manipulator to the beam.

[0072] In this disclosure, the wave manipulator may adapt above characteristics of the waves, the ocean floor, and the ocean shoreline by using the anchoring system and/or a control system, for example, equipped with an artificial intelligence system.

[0073] In this disclosure, the adaptive wave energy harnessing system may comprise plurality of the wave manipulators. Each adaptive wave manipulator may function independently of other adaptive wave energy converter units and/or any other component of the adaptive wave energy harnessing system.

[0074] Another example of the adaptive wave energy harnessing system that includes a wave deflector, a wave manipulator, a wave energy converter unit, and a hydropower regulating system is schematically shown in FIG. 8. In this example, the wave manipulator may receive waves deflected from the wave deflector, and/or waves naturally formed in the sea. Waves received by the wave manipulator may also be the waves formed by interference of the deflected waves and/or natural waves.

[0075] In this disclosure, the adaptive wave energy harnessing system may further include a control system. The control system may be configured to position the adaptive wave energy converter system, the wave manipulator, a wave deflector, or any combination thereof by using characteristics of the ocean waves, the seashore, and the ocean floor, or a combination thereof such that the energy harvested by the wave energy converter unit from the ocean waves is maximized. The control system may include a sensor system. The sensor system may be configured to determine characteristics of the ocean waves, the ocean floor, the seashore, or a combination thereof. [0076] In this disclosure, the adaptive wave energy harnessing system may further include an anchoring system. The anchoring system may be configured to anchor any component of the wave energy harnessing system such that the energy harvested by the wave energy converter unit from the ocean waves is maximized.

[0077] In this disclosure, the adaptive wave energy harnessing system may further include a hydropower regulating system. The hydropower regulating system may be installed at the seashore. Exemplary hydropower regulating systems are schematically shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 7, and 8.

[0078] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

EXAMPLES

EXAMPLE E An Adaptive Wave Energy Converter Unit

[0079] An exemplary adaptive wave energy converter unit may include a generator, a rotor shaft, and a blade. The rotor shaft may be attached to the generator. The blade may be attached to the rotor shaft. The blade may be configured to cause the rotor shaft of the generator to rotate in response to the water flows that impinge on the blades.

[0080] The adaptive wave energy converter unit may further include a stabilization unit and/or a floating unit. The stabilization unit and/or the floating unit may be used to position the adaptive wave energy converter unit according to the characteristics of the ocean waves, the ocean floor, the ocean shoreline, or any combination thereof.

EXAMPLE 2. An Artificial Wave Deflector Unit

[0081] An exemplary artificial wave deflector may comprise a cross, a column, a base, an end cap, and a wiring system, as schematically shown in FIG. 9.

[0082] In one example, the cross may have a longer section, which may, for example, measure about 8 meters; and a shorter section, which may for example, measure about 0.5 meters. In one example, the cross may comprise a polymer. The cross may comprise a hole in its middle to position the cross on the column.

[0083] In one example, the column may be about 3 meters long with a diameter of about

0.5 meter. In another example, the column may be a standard pile-on used in the maritime industry. The column may comprise a sheet metal filled with cement. The height of the column may be about 8 meters tall dependent on the tidal heights in relation to the depth of the artificial wave deflector unit. The column may attach to the base in order to anchor the artificial wave deflector unit to the sea floor.

[0084] The base and the anchoring system may depend on the type of seafloor.

Following general maritime construction guidelines; the base could be a deep driven pile on, cement weight, or pile of rock if the sea floor is hard, soft, sand, mud, or rock.

[0085] The end cap may be placed at the top of the column to prevent the cross from coming off. The cap may be the same material as the column and bolted on. A ring of neoprene rubber may be placed at the bottom of the end cap to absorb to force of any impact the cross may make with the end cap.

[0086] The stabilizing wires may be attached at the base and the cross. The wiring system may control the cross to check rotational movement and act as an additional safeguard of the cross coming off of the column. The wiring system may comprise about 8 mm in diameter stainless steel wires. The wires may attach to the base using bolted eyelets that the wire is looped into and cinched on.

EXAMPLE 3. An Artificial Deflector Wall Including Plurality of Artificial Wave Deflector Units

[0087] In an exemplary artificial deflector may include a plurality of the artificial wave deflector units disclosed in Example 2 to form an artificial deflector wall. An example of this artificial deflector wall is schematically shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The wave deflector unit’s cross may be operated at fully non-submerged mode (e.g., fully extending above the sea surface), partially submerged mode or fully submerged mode. An example of the wave deflector unit, wherein the wave deflector unit’s cross is in a fully submerged mode, is illustrated in FIG. 11. [0088] The base of the wave deflector may be anchored to the seafloor as illustrated in

FIG. 11.

[0089] An exemplary deflection of an incoming wave (Wave 1), which is received by the artificial wave deflector wall, that forms a deflected wave (Deflected Wave 1) is illustrated in FIG. 12. An exemplary deflection of two incoming waves (Wave 1 and Wave 2), which is received by the artificial wave deflector wall, that form two deflected waves (Deflected Wave 1 and Deflected Wave 2) is illustrated in FIG. 13. These two deflected waves may interfere to form desired waves (e.g., the waves generated at the surf zone), as illustrated in FIG. 14, useful for harnessing of their energy.

[0090] An exemplary adaptive wave energy harnessing system that includes an artificial wave deflector wall and a wave energy converter unit is illustrated in FIG. 15. The wave energy converter unit may be positioned with respect to the artificial wave deflector wall such that the energy harnessed from the wave’s incoming to the wave energy converter unit is maximized.

EXAMPLE 4. Wave Manipulator Unit

[0091] An exemplary wave manipulator unit is illustrated in FIG. 16. In this example, the wave manipulator unit includes a platform and an adjustable weight unit. The wave manipulator unit’s platform may be used to manipulate incoming waves and/or the seafloor such that the energy harnessed from the waves is maximized. The adjustable weight unit may be used to float, or partially or fully submerge the wave manipulator unit’s platform.

[0092] An example of a fully submerged wave manipulator is illustrated in FIG. 17. In this example, the submerged wave manipulator may act as a part of seafloor decreasing the distance between the seafloor and the sea surface thereby aiding formation of desired waves at a distance farther from the shoreline than the distance where these waves would naturally form.

[0093] An example of a floating wave manipulator is illustrated in FIG. 18. In this example, the floating wave manipulator is positioned between the artificial deflector wall and the wave energy converter unit. [0094] An exemplary adjustable weight unit may include a tank (e.g., a ballast tank) that can receive a liquid (e.g., sea water) and thereby may be used to adjust the position of the wave manipulator unit with respect to the seafloor by filling or emptying the tank.

EXAMPLE 5. Increasing Energy of the Ocean Waves by Usinu an Artificial Deflector Wall.

[0095] In one example, the ocean wave that may be deflected off of the artificial wave deflector unit or the artificial deflector wall may have a power in a range of 20 percent of its original power to 70 percent of its original power. The resultant wave formed by interference of the incoming ocean wave and the deflected wave may have an energy up to 170% of the incoming ocean wave.

[0096] Furthermore, being able to reflect the energy perpendicular and being able to adjust the artificial wave deflector wall may in essence give the design the ability to project the wave to a known point. This aiming of the wave may increase the capture ability of any device that is placed into the ocean and also reduce the wear and tear of any component of the artificial wave deflector unit or the artificial wave deflector wall.

[0097] The artificial wave deflector wall may sit on the ocean floor and be adjusted from land in accordance with incoming ocean waves. These adjustments will be made off of the general swell direction, swell height and swell period. The biggest indicator and the one that may dictate the most adjustments may be the actual size of the sets that the waves come in.

[0098] The wave deflector unit’s cross raises and lowers with the tide so that it may always be positioned at the optimum height dependent on the tide. While the size of the swell may also change the need to raise the cross. The main determinant may be the tide.

[0099] The wave deflector unit’s cross may send the wave upon a semi-perpendicular path along the surf zone. This wave may eventually travel over the foil-field combine with the following wave and then break with the power of the main wave (following) and preceding wave (deflected).

[00100] The artificial wave deflector wall may adjust not only vertically but directionally dependent on the direction of the swell. Swell Height: This can be raised to meet the demands of the swell height. Swell Period: Swell period is a measurement of swell strength and the ability to handle this is dependent on the strength of the structure dispensing the power of the incoming wave.

[00101] Bedding that portions can be built on (rock, sand, cement): the bedding of the Reflective wall may begin 18 inches below the Mean lower low water. This may enable the reflector to be fully usable throughout the entire tidal range for the entirety of a year.

[00102] Sensors may be placed periodically upon the artificial wave deflector wall may determine the strength of the incoming wave and adjust the adaptive wave energy converter unit to receive the maximum amount of wave power at the predetermined location that may see the deflected wave and the incoming ocean wave meet.

EXAMPLE 6. Adaptive Wave Energy Harnessing System

[00103] The following are the further examples of the adaptive wave energy harnessing systems of this disclosure.

[00104] The wave manipulator may be configured to be filled with seawater (e.g., a ballast) to adjust to shifting ocean conditions such as tide, swell height, and swell direction. In one example of this system, the wave energy converter unit may operate without necessitating a propulsion system.

[00105] The wave deflector may use mechanical energy to adjust to shifting ocean conditions such as tide, swell height, and swell direction. In one example of this system, the wave energy converter unit may operate without necessitating a propulsion system.

[00106] The wave energy converter unit may use a cabling system to adjust to shifting ocean conditions such as tide, swell height, and swell direction. In one example of this system, the wave energy converter unit may operate without necessitating a propulsion system.

[00107] The components, steps, features, objects, benefits, and advantages that have been discussed are merely illustrative. None of them, nor the discussions relating to them, are intended to limit the scope of protection in any way. Numerous other embodiments are also contemplated. These include embodiments that have fewer, additional, and/or different components, steps, features, objects, benefits, and/or advantages. These also include embodiments in which the components and/or steps are arranged and/or ordered differently.

[00108] Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this disclosure are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

[00109] All articles, patents, patent applications, and other publications that have been cited in this disclosure are incorporated herein by reference.

[00110] In this disclosure, the indefinite article “a” and phrases “one or more” and “at least one” are synonymous and mean “at least one”.

[00111] Relational terms such as “first” and “second” and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or order between them. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” and any other variation thereof when used in connection with a list of elements in the specification or claims are intended to indicate that the list is not exclusive and that other elements may be included. Similarly, an element preceded by an “a” or an “an” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional elements of the identical type.

[00112] The abstract is provided to help the reader quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, various features in the foregoing detailed description are grouped together in various e

[00113] Embodiments to streamline the disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as requiring claimed embodiments to require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as separately claimed subject matter.