ENERGY OF WAVES IN A LIQUID BODY

[0001] Energy consumption continues to increase with technological advancements.

Traditional" energy sources, such as coal, oil, and natural gas (fossil fuels) continue to be depleted, and the use of such energy sources has caused a significant amount of pollution to the environment. This has spurred the development of technology that harnesses energy from renewable energy sources, while reducing the impact that harnessing and using the energy has on the environment.

[0002] Described herein are methods and apparatus for harnessing hydro kinetic energy of waves in a liquid body. Other examples of methods and apparatus for harnessing hydro kinetic energy of waves may be found in: U.S. Patent Nos. 4,408,454; 4,631 ,921; 5,066,867; 5,411,377; 6,756.695; 6,925.800; 7,045,912; 7,245,041; 7,298,054; 7,319,278; and 7,443,045, and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2004/0061338; 2004/0071566; 2006/0170220; 2007/0018458; 2007/0046027; 2007/0068153; 2007/0164568; 2007/0224895; 2008/0229745; 2008/0238103; and 2008/0265582, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0003] Fig. 1 is a profile view of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for harnessing hydro kinetic energy of waves in a liquid body, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0004] Fig. 2 is a profile view of portions of another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for harnessing hydro kinetic energy of waves in a liquid body, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0005] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of portions of the apparatus of Fig. 2.

[0006] Fig. 4 is another cross-sectional view of portions of the apparatus of Fig. 2.

[0007] Fig. 5 is a schematic view showing the operation of another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for harnessing hydro kinetic energy of waves in a liquid body, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0008] Fig. 6 is another schematic view showing the apparatus of Fig. 5 in operation harnessing hydro kinetic energy of waves. [0009] Fig. 7 is a profile view of portions of another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for harnessing hydro kinetic energy of waves in a liquid body, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] Fig. 8 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for harnessing hydro kinetic energy of waves in a liquid body, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] Fig. 9 is a top-down view of another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for harnessing hydro kinetic energy of waves in a liquid body in a first operational configuration, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] Fig. 10 is a top-down view of the apparatus of Fig. 9 in a second operational configuration.

[0013] Fig. 11 is a top-down view of another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for harnessing hydro kinetic energy of waves in a liquid body in a first operational configuration, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] Fig. 12 is a top-down view of the apparatus of Fig. 11 in a second operational configuration.

[0015] Fig. 13 is a profile view of a vessel outfitted with another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for harnessing hydro kinetic energy of waves in a liquid body, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

[0016] Fig 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 10 for harnessing hydro kinetic energy of waves in a liquid body. The apparatus may include a wave-energy extracting assembly 12 including an axle 14, at least one actuator 16 adapted to selectively rotate the axle, and one or more components 18 for converting the rotation of the axle into usable energy.

[0017] The axle 14 may comprise one or more parts having any desired shape, and formed of any desired material(s), consistent with the function of the axle. For example, the axle may be a substantially cylindrical and elongated shaft or pipe formed of metal and or plastic(s), having a first end 20. a second end 22, and a longitudinal axis A. The first end 20 may be rotatably coupled to the components 18 for converting the rotation of the axle into energy, such that the axle rotates relative to the components 18 about longitudinal axis A. As discussed in more detail below, the components 18 for converting the rotation of the axle into usable energy may be affixed to a platform 58, such as a fixed or floating platform, and as such, the first end 20 of the axle also may be coupled to the platform. In some embodiments, the second end 22 may be rotatabiy or fixedly attached to a buoyant object or a ballast 23, as desired, to stabilize the axle when it is placed in a liquid body, such as by creating a counterbalance, instead of a ballast 23, the second end 22 may be attached to another fixed or floating platform, an osmopod, a boat or any combination of modular platforms.

[0018] The axle may be adapted to float on the surface of a liquid body, and as such may be buoyant. The term "buoyant," as used throughout the present disclosure, is intended to describe objects that are positively buoyant, such that the mass of liquid displaced by the object is greater than the mass of the object itself. A buoyant axle may have a hollow interior region that is sealed in a manner that prevents liquid from entering the hollow interior space. Alternatively or additionally, a buoyant axle may be formed of lightweight materials (or any other suitable materials and components) having less mass than the mass of water displaced by the axle. In some cases, the axle may be formed of a plurality of discreet segments, such as segments 24 and 26, which may be connected to one another with a connector 28, such as with a pipe fitting, flange, threading, coupler, or other suitable connector. The length of the axle may be selected and/or adjusted, such as by using segments of varying lengths, and/or by adding or removing segments.

[0019] The at least one actuator 16 also may comprise one or more parts having any desired shape, and formed of any desired material(s), consistent with the actuator's function of selectively rotating the axle in response to the motion of the waves in a liquid body. Each actuator may include a coupler 30, an arm 32, and a buoyant body 34. The coupler 30 may be rotatabiy attached to the axle in one or more operable configurations which, as discussed in more detail below, selectively permit or restrict rotation of the coupler about the axle. The arm 32 may include a first end 36 and a second end 38, with any desired length and having any desired structure. The first end 36 may be coupled to the axle 14, such as by being rigidly attached to (e.g., integral with, or welded, bolted or otherwise connected to) the coupler 30. The arm may extend transversely away from the axle to the second end 38, and may have any desired length and/or width. Along its length, the arm may have any desired shape, including flat, curved, straight, porous, solid, hollow, bracketed, etc., as desired. For example, the arm may be shaped like a water foil, or may include spaces along its length, to reduce the amount of force applied to the arm by waves. In some embodiments, the arm may include a joint (not shown) that permits portions of the arm to selectively fold back towards the axle for stowage. The buoyant body 34, which is adapted to float on the surface of the liquid body, may be attached to the arm at any selected position along its length, such as to the second end 38. In some embodiments, the buoyant body may be adapted to selectively move and/or traverse along the length of the arm, such as by being attached to the arm on a track that permits the buoyant body to slide along the length of the arm either in response to the motion of waves, in response to a control signal that instructs the buoyant body to move to a selected position along the length of the arm, and/or in response to physical mechanical adjustment of the buoyant body's position relative to the arm.

[0020] The actuator 16 (including the coupler 30, the arm 32, and the buoyant body 34) is adapted to rotate about the longitudinal axis A of the axle 14, due either to rotation of the axle and actuator simultaneously about the longitudinal axis A, or due to rotation of the actuator about the axle without a simultaneous rotation of the axle. Specifically, the coupler may be rotatabty attached to the axle in one or more operable configurations which selectively permit or restrict rotation of the coupler about the axle.

[0021] For example, the coupler may be attached to the axle in a first configuration that permits the actuator and its various components to rotate both clockwise and counterclockwise about the axle as the actuator rotates clockwise and counterclockwise, respectively, about the longitudinal axis A. When the coupler is attached to the axle in this first configuration, the actuator will not apply any torque to the axle (or will provide very little rotational torque to the axle) as the actuator rotates about the longitudinal axis A. The first configuration may also be referred to as an operably disengaged configuration.

[0022] The coupler 30 also may be attached to the axle 14 in a second configuration that prevents the actuator 16 and its various components from rotating about the axle in either the clockwise or the counterclockwise direction. When the coupler is in this second configuration, rotation of the actuator about the longitudinal axis A in both the clockwise or the counterclockwise direction causes the actuator to apply a rotational torque to the axle in the direction of the actuator's rotation, thereby causing the axle to rotate about the longitudinal axis A in the same direction as the actuator. The second configuration may also be referred to as an operably fully-engaged configuration. As discussed below, rotation of the axle about the longitudinal axis A may be converted into usable energy by components 18.

[0023] For many applications, it may be desirable to configure apparatus 10 in a manner that causes the axle to only rotate about the longitudinal axis A in a single direction, such as in the clockwise or the counterclockwise directions, but not both. As such, the coupler 30 may be attached to the axle in yet a third configuration that permits the actuator 16 and its various components to rotate about the axle 14 in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise) as the actuator rotates about the longitudinal axis A in the first direction (i.e., counterclockwise), but prevents the actuator from rotating about the axle in a second opposite direction (e.g., clockwise) as the actuator rotates about the longitudinal axis A in the second direction (i.e., clockwise). In other words, an actuator attached to the axle in this third configuration is permitted to rotate about the axle in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, but not both, similar to a socket wrench or an oil-filter wrench. When the coupler is attached to the axle in this third configuration, the actuator will not apply any rotational torque to the axle (or will provide very little rotational torque to the axle) as the actuator rotates about the longitudinal axis A in the first direction (e.g., counterclockwise). However, rotation of the actuator about the longitudinal axis A in the second direction (e.g., clockwise) causes the actuator to apply a rotational torque to the axle, thereby causing the axle to also rotate about the longitudinal axis A in the second direction (i.e., clockwise). The third configuration may also be referred to as an operably partially-engaged, or ratcheting configuration. Once again, rotation of the axle about the longitudinal axis A may be converted into usable energy by components 18.

[0024] In some embodiments, the coupler 30 may be adapted to be selectively attached to the axle 14 in a plurality of operable configurations, such as some or all of the configurations described above. In these embodiments, the coupler may further include a switching mechanism (not shown) adapted to selectively configure the coupler to be attached to the axle in any selected one of the plurality of configurations. For example, the switching mechanism may include electrical, mechanical or electromechanical components that adjust the configuration of various other components of the coupler to selectively permit or restrict rotation of the coupler about the axle. In some embodiments, the switching mechanism may be adapted to selectively adjust these other components in response to electromagnetic signals transmitted across space, including, but not limited to radio, UV, and IR signals.

[0025] Figs. 2-4 show portions of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 110 for harnessing hydro kinetic energy of waves in a liquid body, which includes (among other structure^)) an axle 114 having a longitudinal axis A, and an actuator 116 having a coupler 130 and an arm 132, where the coupler is adapted to be attached to the axle in one or more operable configurations, including the ratcheting configuration described above. Specifically, the coupler 130 may include a control ring 140 and a ratchet mechanism 142.

[0026] The control ring 140, which may also be referred to as a housing, may be rotatably attached to the axle 114, such as by circumferentially surrounding the axle, and may define one or more spaces (such as space 144 between the axle and the control ring) for housing and/or supporting portions of the ratchet mechanism 142. The control ring may be attached to the arm 132 (such as to the first end 136 of the arm) so that the control ring and the arm rotate together about the longitudinal axis A and/or the axle 114.

[0027] The ratchet mechanism 142 may be coupled to the control ring 140 and the axle 114, and may include one or more components adapted to be configured in one or more operable configurations. Although any suitable configuration of ratchet mechanism may be used, some embodiments may include a first gear 146, at least one second gear 148, one or more pawls 150 associated with each second gear, a biasing mechanism 152 associated with each pawl, and a switching mechanism (not shown) associated with each pawl or all the pawls. The first gear 146 may circumferentially surround and may be immovable (e.g., fixed to, fastened to, intergral with, etc.) relative to the axle. The at least one second gear 148 (which may in some cases be positioned within space 144) may be rotationally attached to the control ring 140 about a gear axis B, and may be engaged with the first gear in a manner that causes the second gear to rotate about gear axis B as the control ring rotates about the axle. Each pawl associated with a particular second gear may be pivotally attached to the control ring about a pivot axis C, where the pawl is adapted to pivot between at least a first pivot position (shown in solid lines in Fig. 4) and a second pivot position (shown in dashed lines in Fig. 4). The biasing mechanism 152 may be adapted to urge the pawl towards the first pivot position. The switching mechanism (not shown) may be adapted to apply mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical forces that move the pawl to the second position.

[0028] When the ratchet mechanism 142 is in a first configuration (i.e., a ratcheting configuration), the biasing mechanism 152 may urge the pawl 150 towards the first pivot position (shown in solid lines in Fig. 4). When in this ratcheting configuration, the pawl may engage the second gear 148 in a manner that prevents the second gear from rotating about gear axis B in a first direction (e.g., clockwise), thereby preventing the control ring 140 from rotating about the axle in a first direction (e.g., clockwise), and (b) permits the second gear to rotate about gear axis B in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction (e.g., counterclockwise), thereby also permitting the control ring to rotate about the axle 114 in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise). As such, when the ratchet mechanism is in this ratcheting configuration, rotation of the actuator 116 about the longitudinal axis A, such as in response to wave motion, only causes the axle to rotate in the first direction (e.g. clockwise), because rotation of the actuator 116 about the longitudinal axis A in the first direction (e.g., clockwise) causes the arm to apply a rotational torque to the axle 114 in the first direction (e.g. clockwise), whereas rotation of the actuator about the longitudinal axis A in the second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) does not cause the ami to apply any torque of significance to the axle.

[0029] When the ratchet mechanism is in a second configuration (i.e., an operably disengaged configuration), the switching mechanism may have been used to move the pawl 150 to the second pivot position (shown in dashed lines in Fig. 4), where the pawl does not engage the second gear 148 at all, and the second gear is permitted to rotate freely about gear axis B in both the clockwise and the counterclockwise directions. This also permits the control ring 140 (and the rest of the actuator 116) to freely rotate about the axle 114 in both the counterclockwise and clockwise directions without applying any torque of significance to the axle.

[0030] It should be appreciated that some embodiments of ratchet mechanisms may not include a switching mechanism, and as such, the ratcheting mechanism may always be in a ratcheting configuration. Other embodiments of ratchet mechanisms may be reversible, such as by having one or more pawls adapted to be configured in manners that either cause the ratcheting mechanism to selectively ratchet in one direction, the other direction, or both. Some embodiments of ratchet mechanism also may not include a second gear, but instead, the pawl may engage the first gear directly to prevent rotation of the actuator about the axle in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, but to permit rotation of the actuator abut the axle in the opposite direction. In fact, any suitable ratcheting mechanism may be used so as to selectively permit and restrict rotation as described above. For example, the ratcheting mechanism may not include gears and pawl, but instead may include one way bearings.

[0031] Referring again to Fig. 1, it should also be appreciated that some embodiments of the apparatus 10 may not include ratcheting mechanisms at all, but may instead include other mechanisms for harvesting wave energy in response to rotation of the coupler 30 about the axle 14. For example, the coupler may be equipped with an alternator that includes magnets within the coupler that rotate about a conductor positioned around or the axle, such that rotation of the actuator about the axle causes a change in the magnetic field applied to the conductor, which in turn generates electricity. Alternatively or additionally, rotation of the coupler about the axle may drive a pneumatic pump and/or hydraulic mechanism.

[0032] Referring to Fig. 1, each actuator 16 includes at least one buoyant body 34 that may be attached to the arm 32 at any position along its length, as discussed above. The buoyancy of a buoyant body may be selected to ensure that the buoyant body floats on the surface of the liquid body. As such, the buoyant body may contain an enclosed space that is sealed from liquid and/or may be formed of light and/or non-dense materials. As discussed in more detail below, each buoyant body may be adapted to ascend and descend relative to the axle 14 in response to the motion of the waves, thereby causing the arm to rotate about the longitudinal axis. Depending on the operational configuration of the actuator (such as the operational configuration of the coupler 30), rotation of the actuator about the longitudinal axis A affects rotation of the axle about the longitudinal axis A in the manner described above. In embodiments having multiple actuators 16 that each includes a buoyant body 34, some actuators may have buoyant bodies with different weights, densities, and/or buoyancies than the buoyant bodies of other actuators, depending on the desired function and/or shape of each actuator and its desired position relative to the axle. Moreover, the weight, density and/or buoyancy of each buoyant body may be adjustable.

[0033] Figs. 5 and 6 are schematic views showing the operation of another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 210 for harnessing hydro kinetic energy of waves in a liquid body, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The apparatus 210 is shown positioned relative to a wave W that is schematically moving from left (Fig. 5) to right (Fig. 6) over time, where the wave includes a crest 254, a preceding trough 256 and a subsequent trough 258. The apparatus includes a buoyant axle 214 having a longitudinal axis A, and a plurality of actuators, including actuators 216a and 216b. Each of the actuators are attached to the axle in a ratcheting configuration that prevents the actuators from rotating about the axle in the clockwise direction when the actuators rotate about the longitudinal axis A in a clockwise direction, but permits the actuators to freely rotate about the axle in the counterclockwise direction when the actuators rotate about the longitudinal axis A in the counterclockwise direction. As such, the actuators only apply torque to the axle when the actuators rotate about the longitudinal axis A in the clockwise direction, and only cause the axle to rotate about the longitudinal axis A in the clockwise direction, as indicated by the circular arrow around longitudinal axis A. Actuators 216a and 216b each include a buoyant body, namely, buoyant bodies 234a and 234b, respectively.

[0034] In Fig. 5, buoyant body 234a is shown near the crest 254 of wave W, whereas buoyant body 234b is shown near the trough 256 immediately preceding wave W. After the wave W has moved from left to right from its position in Fig. 5 to its position in Fig. 6, buoyant body 234a has descended relative to the axle to a position near the subsequent trough 258, whereas buoyant body 234b has ascended relative to the axle to a position near the crest 254, as shown by the solid arrows. This descent! on and ascension of buoyant bodies 234a and 234b, respectively, have caused the actuators 216a and 216b, respectively, to rotate about the longitudinal axis A in the counterclockwise direction, which, as discussed above, does not apply any torque to the axle. However, as the next wave moves from left to right, buoyant body 234a will ascend relative to the axle, and buoyant body 234b will descend relative to the axle, as shown schematically with dashed lines. This ascension and descention of buoyant bodies 234a and 234b, respectively, will cause the actuators to rotate about the longitudinal axis A in the clockwise direction which, in turn, will cause both of the actuators to apply a torque to the axle that rotates the axle clockwise about the longitudinal axis A.

[0035] As discussed above, some actuators may have buoyant bodies with different weights, densities, and/or buoyancies than the buoyant bodies of other actuators, depending on the desired function and/or shape of each actuator and its desired position relative to the axle. This concept is illustrated schematically in Figs. 5 and 6, where buoyant body 234a is lighter than buoyant body 234b. For example, both buoyant bodies 234a and 234b may include a hollow cavity, but where the cavity of buoyant body 234b may be at least partially filled with a solid (including but not limited to sand) and/or liquid (including but not limited to water). As discussed above, actuator 216a is adapted to rotate the axle about the longitudinal axis A in the clockwise direction when the buoyant body 234a ascends relative to the axle in response to the motion of a wave, such as wave W. To facilitate this function of actuator 216a, buoyant body 234a may be a "light" buoyant body that ascends in response to a wave more easily than a "heavy" (or at least a heavier) buoyant body. In contrast, actuator 216b is adapted to rotate the axle about the longitudinal axis A in the clockwise direction when the buoyant body 234b descends relative to the axle in response to the motion of a wave, such as wave W. To facilitate this function of actuator 216b, buoyant body 234a may be a "heavy" buoyant body that descends in response to a wave more easily than a "light" (or at least a lighter) buoyant body.

[0036] It should be appreciated that apparatus 210 also can be configured so that the actuators apply torque to the axle only when they rotate about the longitudinal axis A in the counterclockwise direction instead of in the clockwise direction. In such cases, "heavy" and "light" buoyant bodies could be reversed to appropriately facilitate the function of the actuators.

[0037] It should also be appreciated that some apparatus for harnessing hydro kinetic energy of waves in a liquid body, such as apparatus 310 shown in Fig. 7, may have numerous actuators 316 coupled to an axle 314. The total number, shape, size, and operable configuration of these actuators may be selected and/or adjusted in order to optimize the amount of axle rotation generated in response to the motion of waves. For example, in order to attach a maximum number of actuators to a particular axle, various axles may include arms that are longer or shorter in length than adjacent arms, so as to avoid crowding of adjacent buoyant bodies 334, while still maximizing the torque effected upon the axle by the actuators. Some arms may be curved, so as to reduce crowding, and/or to reduce the effect waves may have on the function of the anus. Each actuator, or set of actuators, may include its own switching mechanism, such that an operator or an automated controller can control the manner in which the actuators are coupled to the axle. For example, an operator or an automated controller could respond to calmer seas by increasing the number of actuators that are coupled to the axle in operational configurations (such as ratcheting configurations), or could respond to more turbulent conditions by increasing the number of actuators that are coupled to the axle in operably disengaged configurations.

[0038] Referring again to Fig. 1, apparatus 10, as well as other embodiments disclosed herein, include one or more components 18 for converting the rotation of the axle 14 into usable energy. These components may comprise one or more parts having any desired shape, and formed of any desired material(s), consistent with their function. Some or all of these components may be attached to a platform 58, such as a fixed or floating platform. The components may include one or more of a head pinion gear 60, a transmission 62, and a generator 64. The head pinion gear 60 may be coupled to the first end 20 of the axle. The head pinion gear functions to couple the axle (in any axis) to the transmission 62 and to control the rotational forces of the axel while securing the axel to a solid body, such as the platform 58. The transmission 62 may include a plurality of gears that selectively engage the head pinion gear, and transform the slow rotational speed of the axel through gears to a higher and/or optimal rotational speed and/or direction preferred by a generator. The generator 64, which is also housed on the main platform, uses the rotational mechanical forces from the transmission to generate electrical current according to known methods. Additionally or alternatively, the rotational mechanical forces from the transmission could also be used to drive pumps, such as desalinization pumps, hydraulic pumps, and the like.

[0039] The apparatus 10, as well as other embodiments disclosed herein, may further include one or more additional components for controlling the operation, position, and/or orientation the apparatus. For example, as shown in Fig. 1 , platform 58 may support an adjustment mechanism, such as an adjusting or hydraulic pivoting arm 66, that is attached to the head pinion gear, and functions to selectively cause one or more of the axel 14, head pinion gear 60, transmission 62, and generator 64 to move relative to the platform, such as to pivot about an axis (e.g., pivot axis P). The adjustment mechanism may enable an operator or an automatic control mechanism to adjust the position of the axle relative to the liquid body so as to optimize energy output, or prevent damage to the apparatus in the event of inclement weather. The platform also may support its own independent control tower 68. The control tower may function to control the operation of the various components of the wave-energy extracting assembly, according to the methods described above, and further may include any number of different types of sensors, receivers, and additional controllers. For example, the control tower may include sensors, such as radar, sonar, laser, microwave, radio, and the like, for sensing environmental or meteorological factors, (e.g., the size, amplitude, and direction of the waves on the surface of the liquid body, weather, etc), or the presence of vessels or other objects in the liquid body that may be hazardous. The control tower also may have transmitters and receivers for sending and receiving information to or from control modules, satellites, onshore and offshore sources, and other platforms. Finally, the control tower may include controllers, such as manual and/or automatic control mechanisms for repositioning or reconfiguring the apparatus in response to operation by an operator and/or in response to signals received by the control tower. Controllers also may be use to alert nearby vessels about the presence and/or position of the apparatus.

[0040] The platform 58, or any number of additional platforms, may support storage areas, ship docks, desalinization plants, hydrogen production platforms, or mining platforms. Instead of an additional platform attaching to the main platform an osmopod, ballast, or boat may be attached to the main platform.

[0041] Fig 8. shows yet another embodiment of an apparatus 410 for harnessing the hydro kinetic energy of waves in a liquid body, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The embodiment includes a floating platform 458 that is floating on the surface of a liquid body, and the position of the apparatus is stabilized and/or secured by one or more cables 470 adjustably secured to the sea floor by one or more anchors 472. For example, the cables may be connected to the axle 414 and/or platform with winches or spools 474 that may be used to selectively adjust the length of cable between the anchors) and the apparatus. The winches or spools may be controlled using a control module, such as at a control tower. By selectively lengthening and/or shortening each of the cable(s), the control module can direct the position of the apparatus in the water, and in some cases the position or orientation of the axle(s) relative to the platform and/or each other. Another way of controlling the movement of the invention is through the use of osmopods. The embodiment of Fig. 8 further shows that a generator 464 may be coupled to a relay station, transformer, or the like (shown generally at 476) via an electrical conduit 478.

[0042] Figs. 9 and 10 are top-down views of another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 510 for harnessing hydro kinetic energy of waves in a liquid body, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The apparatus 510 may include a pair of discreet wave- energy extracting assemblies 512, each including an axle 514, at least one actuator 516, and components 518 for converting the rotation of the axle to usable energy. The apparatus also may include discreet platforms 558 that are each connected to one another by a platform connecting assembly 580. Each of the platforms may be pivoted relative to the connecting assembly with any suitable mechanism, including but not limited to an adjustment mechanism, such as hydraulic arms 582 that may, in turn, be controlled by any suitable control module. As such, each of the wave-energy extracting assemblies is coupled to one another in a manner that permits selective adjustment of the angle formed between the axles of the pair of wave-energy extracting assemblies. For example, Fig. 9 shows apparatus 510 in a first operational configuration where the axles are substantially parallel to one another, whereas Fig. 10 shows the apparatus in a second operational configuration where the axles form an acute angle. It should be appreciated that any desired angle may be formed so as to provide additional stability or to orient the axles properly to optimize energy production or prepare for inclement weather.

[0043] Similar to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, some embodiments of apparatus 510 may further include a buoyant object or a ballast 523, another fixed or floating platform, an osmopod, a boat or any combination of modular platforms rotatably or fixedly attached to an end of each axle 514.

[0044] Figs. 11 and 12 are top-down views of another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 610 for harnessing hydro kinetic energy of waves in a liquid body, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The apparatus 610 includes a pair of wave-energy extracting assemblies 612 attached to a common platform 658. Each of the wave-energy extracting assemblies includes an axle 614 and at least one actuator 616, where the axles are attached either to separate or to a common set of components 618 for converting the rotation of the axle into usable energy. Each of the axles may be attached to actuators that are configured to rotate the axle in a different direction than the other axle, and each of these actuators may include a "heavy" or a "light" buoyant body for facilitating such rotation, in the manner described above with reference to Figs. 5 and 6. For example, a first axle may be attached to at least one first actuator adapted to rotate the first axle about its longitudinal axis in a clockwise direction, whereas a second axle may be attached to at least one second actuator adapted to rotate the second axle about its longitudinal axis in a counterclockwise direction. In some cases, each of the axles (and the attached actuators) may be moved relative to the platform and/or each other with any suitable adjustment mechanism, including but not limited to adjusting or hydraulic arms 682 that may, in turn, be controlled by any suitable control module. As such, each of the axles may be coupled to one another in a manner that permits selective adjustment of the angle formed between the axles, which may provide the same advantages discussed with respect to Figs. 9 and 10 above. For example, Fig. 11 shows apparatus 610 in a first operational configuration where the axles are substantially parallel to one another, whereas Fig. 12 shows the apparatus in a second operational configuration where the axles form an acute angle. It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the angle formed between the axles may not be adjustable, and the axles may always be parallel or at any desired angle relative to one another. Moreover, when the apparatus 610 is operating with both axles substantially parallel to one another, such as is in the first operational configuration shown in Fig. 11 , any torque applied to the apparatus 610 as a result of the clockwise rotation of the first axle may be substantially balanced (e.g., negated) by the torque applied to the apparatus as a result of the counterclockwise rotation of the second axle, thus reducing the likelihood that the apparatus will capsize.

[0045] Similar to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 , some embodiments of apparatus 610 may further include a buoyant object or a ballast 623, another fixed or floating platform, an osmopod, a boat or any combination of modular platforms rotatably or fixedly attached to an end of the axles 614. These objects may be adapted to attach to one another, such as in the manner shown in Fig. 11, when the axles are in a substantially parallel configuration.

[0046] Fig. 13 is a profile view of a vessel 784 outfitted with another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 710 for harnessing hydro kinetic energy of waves in a liquid body, in accordance with aspects of the above disclosure. The apparatus 710 may include a pair of axles 714, each axle being attached to at least one actuator 716 for rotating the axles in opposing directions. Each of the rotating axles may be attached to one or more components (represented schematically as components 718) for converting the rotation of the axle into usable energy that may be used to propel a vessel, generate electricity, or create fresh water or hydrogen. In order to provide for low resistance transportation of the vessel, the actuators may be adapted to be lifted out of the water and against the body of the vessel using any suitable mechanism. For example, the actuators may be lifted with one or more hydraulic mechanisms, a lifting arm, winches, or any other suitable mechanism.

Industrial Applicability

[0047] The inventions described herein may be manufactured by a wide variety of industrial methods and may be used in the energy industry. In particular, the inventions described herein may find special application in the renewable energy industry.

[0048] The inventions described above may be alternatively described according to the following non-limiting embodiments:

[0049] In an embodiment for a an apparatus for harnessing hydro kinetic energy of waves in a liquid body, the apparatus may include a buoyant axle adapted to float on the surface of the liquid body and having a longitudinal axis, at least one actuator adapted to selectively rotate the axle about the longitudinal axis in response to the motion of the waves, and means for converting the rotation of the axle into energy.

[0050] In a first example of the embodiement, the at least one actuator includes an arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the axle, and the arm extends transversely away from the axle to the second end, and a buoyant body attached to the arm and adapted to float on the surface of the liquid body, wherein the buoyant body ascends and descends relative to the axle in response to the motion of the waves, thereby causing the arm to rotate about the longitudinal axis. The arm may be curved between the first and second ends. The at least one actuator may include a first actuator having a first arm, and a second actuator having a second arm that is longer than the first arm.

[0051] In some instances of the first example, the at least one actuator further includes a coupler attached to the first end and adapted to be operably attached to the axle in at least one configuration. The coupler may be adapted to be operably attached to the axle in a plurality of configurations, and wherein the coupler further includes a switching mechanism adapted to selectively configure the coupler to be attached to the axle in any one of the plurality of configurations. The coupler may be adapted to be attached to the axle in a first configuration that permits the arm to rotate freely about the axle when the arm rotates about the longitudinal axis in a first direction, and prevents the arm from rotating about the axle when the arm rotates about the longitudinal axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and wherein rotation of the arm about the longitudinal axis in the second direction causes the arm to apply a torque to the axle that rotates the axle about the longitudinal axis in the second direction. [0052] The coupler may be further adapted to be attached to the axle in a second configuration that permits the arm to rotate freely about the axle when the arm rotates about the longitudinal axis in either the first or second directions. Additionally or alternatively, the coupler may include a control ring attached to the first end and rotationally attached to the axle, and a ratchet mechanism coupled to the control ring and the axle, and wherein when the coupler is attached to the axle in the first configuration, the ratchet mechanism permits the control ring to rotate freely about the axle when the arm rotates about the longitudinal axis in the first direction, and prevents the control ring from rotating about the axle when the ami rotates about the longitudinal axis in the second direction. The ratchet mechanism may include a first gear circumferentially surrounding and immovable relative to the axle, a second gear rotationally attached to the control ring about a gear axis, and engaged with the first gear, and a pall pivotally attached to the control ring, wherein when the coupler is attached to the axle in the first configuration, the pall permits rotation of the second gear when the arm rotates about the longitudinal axis in the first direction, and prevents rotation of the second gear when the arm rotates about the longitudinal axis in the second direction.

[0053] In some examples, the at least one actuator includes a first actuator that includes a first buoyant body coupled to the axle and adapted to float on the surface of the liquid body, wherein the first actuator is adapted to rotate the axle about the longitudinal axis in a first direction when the first buoyant body descends relative to the axle in response to the motion of the waves, and a second actuator that includes a second buoyant body coupled to the axle and adapted to float on the surface of the liquid body, the second buoyant body being lighter than the first buoyant body, wherein the second actuator is adapted to rotate the axle about the longitudinal axis in the first direction when the second buoyant body ascends relative to the axle in response to the motion of the waves.

[0054] In some examples, the apparatus further includes a pair of discreet wave-energy extracting assemblies, each including a buoyant axle adapted to float on the surface of the liquid body and having a longitudinal axis, at least one actuator adapted to selectively rotate the axle about the longitudinal axis in response to the motion of the waves, and means for converting the rotation of the axle into energy, wherein each of the wave-energy extracting assemblies is coupled to one another in a manner that permits selective adjustment of the angle formed between the buoyant axles of the pair of wave-energy extracting assemblies.

[0055] In some examples, the buoyant axle is a first buoyant axle having a first longitudinal axis, and the at least one actuator is one or more first actuators adapted to rotate the first axle in a clockwise direction about the first longitudinal axis in response to the motion of the waves, the apparatus further comprising, a second buoyant axle adapted to float on the surface of the liquid body and having a second longitudinal axis, and one or more second actuators adapted to rotate the second buoyant axle in a counterclockwise direction about the second longitudinal axis in response to the motion of the waves, wherein the means for converting the rotation of the axle into energy includes means for converting the rotation of the first and second axles into energy, and wherein a torque applied to the apparatus by the clockwise rotation of the first axle is substantially negated by a torque applied to the apparatus by the counterclockwise rotation of the second axle. The apparatus may be coupled to a vessel.

[0056] In another embodiment for an apparatus for harnessing hydro kinetic energy of waves in a liquid body, the apparatus includes an axle having a longitudinal axis, an actuator including a buoyant body adapted to float on the surface of the liquid body and to ascend and descend relative to the axle in response to the motion of the waves, wherein the actuator is adapted to be operably attached to the axle in at least one configuration, including a first configuration that causes the actuator to apply a rotational torque to the axle in response to either ascension or descension of the buoyant body relative to the axle, but not both, thereby causing the axle to rotate about the longitudinal axis in only one direction, and means for converting the rotation of the axle into usable energy.

[0057] In some examples, the actuator is adapted to be attached to the axle in a second configuration that substantially prevents the actuator from applying rotational torque to the axle. The actuator may include a switching mechanism adapted to selectively adjust the manner in which the actuator is attached to the axle between the first and second configurations. The actuator may include an arm having a first end coupled to the axle and a second end attached to the buoyant body, wherein the arm extends transversely away from the axle to the second end. The arm may be curved between the first and second ends. The apparatus may be coupled to a vessel.

[0058] Additionally or alternatively, the actuator may include a ratchet mechanism having a first gear circumferentially surrounding and immovable relative to the axle, a second gear rotationally attached to the actuator about a rotational axis, and engaged with the first gear; and a pall pivotally attached to the actuator, wherein when the actuator is attached to the axle in the first configuration, the pall permits rotation of the second gear about the rotational axis in only one direction. [0059] In another embodiment for an apparatus for harnessing hydro kinetic energy of waves in a liquid body, the apparatus includes an axle having a longitudinal axis, a first actuator adapted to selectively rotate the axle about the longitudinal axis in response to the motion of the waves, the first actuator comprising a first arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the axle, and the first arm extends transversely away from die axle to the second end and a first buoyant body attached to the arm and adapted to float on the surface of the liquid body, the first buoyant body having a first buoyancy, a second actuator adapted to selectively rotate the axle about the longitudinal axis in response to the motion of the waves, the second actuator comprising a second arm having a third end and a fourth end, wherein the third end is coupled to the axle, and the second arm extends transversely away from the axle to the fourth end; and a second buoyant body attached to the arm and adapted to float on the surface of the liquid body, the second buoyant body having a second buoyancy that is different than the first buoyancy, and means for converting the rotation of the axle into energy.

[0060] In some examples, the first arm has a first length and the second arm has a second length that is different than the first length.

[0061] The various components of the various apparatus disclosed herein may be made of any suitable material and may be any size and shape consistent with their functions. For example, the components may be made of stainless steel, steel, aluminum, plastics, fiberglass, carbon fiber, PVC, rubber, foam, or any other suitable material(s) having the desired traits of: ease in manufacturing, assembly, and/or maintenance; cost efficiency; strength; corrosion resistance; buoyancy; durability; flexibility; etc. The specific embodiments of the various apparatus as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible.

[0062] Ordinal indicators, such as first, second or third, for identified elements in the specification or the claims are used to distinguish between the elements, and do not indicate a required or limited number of such elements, and do not indicate a particular position or order of such elements unless otherwise specifically indicated. The subject matter of this disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various features, elements, functions and/or properties disclosed herein. The following claims define certain combinations and subcombinations which are regarded as novel and non-obvious. Additional claims, whether they are different, broader, narrower, or equal in scope to the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the disclosure.