TECHNICAL FIELD

[ 0001 ] This invention relates broadly to renewable energy electrical power generation from wave energy, and more particularly to a wave energy power generation arrangement and an associated method of wave energy power generation .

BACKGROUND ART

[ 0002 ] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facil itate an understanding of the present invention only . The discuss ion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application .

[ 0003 ] Renewable energy, such as energy in ocean waves and its extraction by conversion to alternate energy forms , is known in the art . The incentive to use more and more renewable energy has been motivated by global warming and other ecological as well as economic concerns , such as sustainability and pollution . The most signi ficant barriers to the widespread implementation of large-scale renewable energy and low carbon energy strategies are primarily political rather than technological , and rapid reliance on renewable energy sources is occurring on a global scale .

[ 0004 ] In one example , marine energy, or movement of water in the world ' s oceans , rivers or canals , creates a vast store of kinetic energy . This energy can be harnessed to generate electricity to power homes , transport and industries . The term marine energy encompasses both wave power - power from surface waves , and tidal power - power obtained from the kinetic energy of large bodies of moving water .

[ 0005 ] Wave-power generation is not a widely employed commercial technology compared to other established renewable energy sources such as wind power, hydropower and solar power . However, there have been attempts to use this source of energy since at least 1890 mainly due to its high power density . As a comparison, the power density of photovoltaic panels is around 1 kW/m ² at peak solar incidence , and the power density of wind is around 1 kW/m ² at 12 m/ s windspeed . In contrast , the average annual power density of ocean waves is around 25 kW/m ² , depending on geographic location .

[ 0006 ] The worldwide resource of coastal wave energy has been estimated to be greater than 2 TW . National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL ) research has shown that wave energy power conversion ef ficiencies can also approach 50% , which is very promising . For comparison, ef ficiencies above 10% in solar panels are considered viable for sustainable energy production .

[ 0007 ] Accordingly, a variety of devices have been developed to harvest energy from waves . Known conventional wave energy harvesters aim to extract useful energy directly from wave movement and often involves large , floating or oscillating structures subj ect to problems around supporting infrastructure , such as of fshore electrical grid connections , and corrosion of electrical generating equipment in a marine environment .

[ 0008 ] For example , US 2009/0250934 by Enrico Bozano describes a plant for producing electric power from the movement of waves . The plant comprises an of fshore dam for separating a section of sea inside it , such as a port zone from an open-sea section, and comprises towards thi s open-sea section a submerged part which has formed therein one or more ducts and/or inlets for receiving the water . The ducts are provided upstream and/or downstream with non-return valve means . At least one turbine connected to electric power generating means is positioned in this of fshore dam or in a land zone also at a distance from this of fshore dam, and this turbine is connected upstream to at least one water supply duct in turn connected upstream to suitable pumping means or thrust means able to convey the water received via these ducts and/or inlets towards this duct for supplying water to this turbine . Speci fically, the plant requires a float connected to a hydraulic pump housed inside the of fshore dam and containing a piston movable vertically inside a cylinder . A rod emerges from this cylinder at the top and connects the piston to the float floating at the surface . The hydraulic pump is connected to a series of ducts into which the water flows in given directions depending on opening or closing of a series of four non-return valves . These ducts are formed inside the of fshore dam on which a turbine connected to an alternator for producing electric power is positioned .

[ 0009 ] As with other conventional wave energy harvesters , the plant of Bozano requires an of fshore dam area which separates the float from the open sea in order to reduce environmental damage to the equipment itsel f . Such of fshore dam area is often not practical nor achievable without signi ficant engineering works and expense . Additionally, the plant of Bozano is only able to generate electricity when supplied with water from the pumping means , meaning power generation may be intermittent with the turbine placed above such pumping means .

[ 0010 ] In light hereof , Applicant has identi fied a need for a rugged wave energy power generation arrangement which is able to ef ficiently provide energy from wave movement in harsh aquatic environments , as well as being easily scalable and adaptable to various types of coastlines and aquatic environments , and to obviate the need for of fshore electrical grid connections . Similarly, Applicant had identi fied a need for such a wave energy generation arrangement which is not limited to power generation only under favourable wave conditions , as is the case with conventional systems , such as Bozano .

[ 0011 ] As such, the present invention seeks to propose possible improvements , at least in part , to the field of renewable energy harvesting from waves and the disclosure herein was conceived with this goal in mind .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[ 0012 ] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a wave energy power generation arrangement comprising : at least one pumping assembly locatable in an aquatic environment for pumping water, said pumping assembly comprising : i . a cylinder housing anchorable to an aquatic floor and including at least one control lable inlet and an outlet and configured to provide one-directional flow from inlet to outlet ; ii . a piston reciprocally arranged within said cylinder housing to facilitate pumping; and iii . a baf fle structure fast with and extending upward from the cylinder housing, said baf fle structure including a float fast with the piston and above the inlet and an outlet , the baf fle structure shielding the float from direct interaction with the aquatic environment while guiding up-and-down motion of said float , wherein the controllable inlet facilitates imparting reciprocal motion to the float within the baffle structure under the influence of wave energy from said aquatic environment ; a water reservoir having a penstock and arranged to receive water pumped from the aquatic environment ; and a turbine generator arranged below the water reservoir for receiving water via the penstock to convert gravitational potential energy of water in the reservoir to electrical energy.

[0013] In an embodiment, the water is returned to the aquatic environment after passing through the turbine generator.

[0014] In an embodiment, the arrangement comprises a plurality of pumping assemblies locatable across various parts of the aquatic environment with all pumping assemblies supplying the water reservoir with water.

[0015] In an embodiment, the water reservoir comprises a terrestrial water reservoir located on land proximate the aquatic environment.

[0016] In an embodiment, the water reservoir is configured as an aquatic reservoir.

[0017] In an embodiment, the baffle structure encloses the float and defines an open upper portion extending above a level of the aquatic environment.

[0018] In an embodiment, the controllable inlet is configured to control an amount of water entering the baffle structure underneath the float according to an amplitude of a wave passing the pumping assembly.

[0019] In an embodiment, the controllable inlet is configured to control an amount of water entering the baffle structure underneath the float according to weather conditions proximate the pumping assembly. [0020] In an embodiment, the float comprises a paddle-like assembly configured to rotate under the influence of wave energy from said aquatic environment in order to impart reciprocal motion to the piston.

[0021] In an embodiment, the pumping assembly is arranged in fluid communication with the water reservoir by means of a conduit, e.g. a pipe, or the like.

[0022] Typically, a buoyancy of the float is determined according to a head requirement necessary from the pumping assembly in accordance with available wave energy from the aquatic environment.

[0023] Typically, a mass of the float is determined according to a head requirement necessary from the pumping assembly in accordance with available wave energy from the aquatic environment .

[0024] In an embodiment, a size and/or surface dimension of the float is determined according to a head requirement necessary from the pumping assembly in accordance with available wave energy from the aquatic environment.

[0025] Typically, a head requirement necessary from the pumping assembly is determined according to a height difference between a surface level of the aquatic environment and the water reservoir .

[0026] In an embodiment, the controllable inlet is configured to control an amount of water entering the baffle structure underneath the float according to a head requirement necessary from the pumping assembly in accordance with available wave energy from the aquatic environment. [0027] In an embodiment, a number of pumping assemblies supplying the water reservoir is determined according to a height difference between a surface level of the aquatic environment and the water reservoir, as well as available wave energy in the aquatic environment.

[0028] In an embodiment, the generation arrangement includes wind-powered pumps arranged to assist the pumping assembly in pumping water, i.e. windmill-type pumps.

[0029] In an embodiment, the cylinder housing is configured to provide one-directional flow from inlet to outlet by means of suitable non-return valves.

[0030] In an embodiment, the cylinder housing defines ports arranged relative to a dynamic position of said piston travelling within the cylinder housing to facilitate one-directional flow from inlet to outlet as the float undergoes up-and-down motion.

[0031] In an embodiment, the cylinder housing includes a baffle plate below the controllable inlet and above the outlet, said baffle plate configured to facilitate the piston pumping water to the outlet.

[0032] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided is a method of wave energy power generation, said method comprising the steps of: providing at least one pumping assembly in an aquatic environment, said pumping assembly comprising: i. a cylinder housing anchorable to an aquatic floor and including at least one controllable inlet and outlet configured to provide one-directional flow from inlet to outlet ; ii . a piston reciprocally arranged within said cylinder housing to facilitate pumping; and iii . a baf fle structure fast with and extending upward from the cylinder housing, said baf fle structure including a float fast with the piston and above the inlet and an outlet , the baf fle structure shielding the float from direct interaction with the aquatic environment while guiding up-and-down motion of said float , wherein the controllable inlet facilitates imparting reciprocal motion to the float within the baffle structure under the influence of wave energy from said aquatic environment ; controlling the controllable inlet to pump water from such at least one pumping assembly to a water reservoir having a penstock; and providing water from the reservoir via the penstock to a turbine generator to convert gravitational potential energy of water in the reservoir to electrical energy .

[ 0033 ] In an embodiment , the method includes the step of returning the water to the aquatic environment after passing through the turbine generator .

[ 0034 ] In an embodiment , the step of providing water to the reservoir is performed by a plurality of pumping assemblies located across various parts of the aquatic environment .

[ 0035 ] In an embodiment , the step of pumping water from the pumping assembly to the water reservoir is performed by means of a conduit , e . g . a pipe , or the like .

[ 0036 ] Typically, the method includes the step of determining a buoyancy of the float according to a head requirement necessary from the pumping assembly in accordance with available wave energy from the aquatic environment . [ 0037 ] Typically, the method includes the step of determining a mass of the float according to a head requirement necessary from the pumping assembly in accordance with available wave energy from the aquatic environment .

[ 0038 ] Typically, the method includes the step of determining a head requirement necessary from the pumping assembly is determined according to a height di f ference between a surface level of the aquatic environment and the water reservoir .

[ 0039 ] In an embodiment , the method includes the step of determining a number of pumping assemblies supplying the water reservoir according to a height di f ference between a surface level of the aquatic environment and the water reservoir , as well as available wave energy in the aquatic environment .

[ 0040 ] In an embodiment , the method includes the step of controlling an amount of water entering the baf fle structure underneath the float via the controllable inlet according to an amplitude of a wave passing the pumping assembly .

[ 0041 ] In an embodiment , the method includes the step of controlling an amount of water entering the baf fle structure underneath the float via the controllable inlet according to weather conditions proximate the pumping assembly .

[ 0042 ] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a wave energy power generation arrangement and a method of wave energy power generation, substantially as herein described and/or illustrated . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of a wave energy power generation arrangement , in accordance with aspects of the present invention, showing wave-powered water intake ;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of the wave energy power generation arrangement of Figure 1 , showing wave-powered water pumping; and

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a further embodiment of a pumping assembly of the wave energy power generation arrangement of Figure 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[ 0043 ] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several nonlimiting embodiments thereof . This description is included solely for the purposes of exempli fying the present invention to the skilled addressee . It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above .

[ 0044 ] In the figures , incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments , like reference numerals are used to identi fy like parts throughout . Additionally, features , mechanisms and aspects well-known and understood in the art will not be described in detail , as such features , mechanisms and aspects will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee . [ 0045 ] Additionally, the accompanying figures do not represent engineering or design drawings , but provide a functional overview of the invention only . As a result , features and practical construction details required for various embodiments may not be indicated in each figure , but such construction requirements will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee .

[ 0046 ] Broadly, the present invention provides for a wave energy power generation arrangement 10 , with one possible example thereof shown in the accompanying drawings . Such an arrangement 10 generally captures wave energy from an aquatic environment 8 , such as the ocean, by utilising such wave energy to pump water 8 . 1 from the aquatic environment to a water reservoir 26 , often in a terrestrial environment 6 , but may also include an aquatic reservoir described in more detail below . Gravitational potential energy of the water in the reservoir 26 is then convertible to electrical energy .

[ 0047 ] Accordingly, wave energy power generation arrangement 10 generally comprises at least one pumping assembly 12 which is locatable in the aquatic environment 8 and comprises a cylinder housing 14 , a piston 22 , and a float 24 , as shown . The cylinder housing 14 is anchorable to an aquatic floor 8 . 2 and includes at least one controllable water inlet 16 and outlet 18 , each having a non-return valve 20 in one embodiment to provide onedirectional flow from inlet ( s ) 16 to outlet 18 .

[ 0048 ] Pumping assembly 12 also includes a piston 22 reciprocally arranged within the cylinder housing 14 to facilitate pumping of water, as well as a float 24 fast with the piston 22 with said float 24 arranged to impart reciprocal motion to the piston 22 under the influence of wave energy from the aquatic environment 8, thereby enabling pumping of water to occur .

[0049] Importantly, the pumping assembly 12 includes a baffle structure 32 which is fast with, and extends upward from, the cylinder housing 14 , as shown. The baffle structure 32 includes the float 24 therein, which is fast with the piston 22 and arranged above the controllable inlet (s) 16 and outlet 18, as shown. The baffle structure 32 is configured to shield or protect the float 24 from direct interaction with the aquatic environment 8, i.e. prevent direct impinging of waves onto or against the float 24, while also guiding up-and-down motion of said float 24 within the baffle structure 32. In this manner, the controllable inlet 16 facilitates imparting reciprocal motion to the float 24 within the baffle structure 32 under the influence of wave energy from said aquatic environment 8.

[0050] Typically, the baffle structure 32 with float 24 is arranged so that the float 24 is substantially at a level of the aquatic environment 8, i.e. lies proximate the level of water in such environment to facilitate wave interaction between waves and float 24 via the inlet (s) 16. In an embodiment, the baffle structure 32 encloses the float 24 and defines an open upper portion extending above a level of the aquatic environment 8. The baffle structure 32 typically assists in preventing damage to the float 24 when a larger than anticipated wave is present, such as during a storm, or the like. Similarly, when adverse weather conditions are present, the controllable inlet (s) 16 can be closed to prevent unwanted interactions of waves with the float 24.

[0051] In addition, inlet 16 and outlet 18 may be configurable to cater for aquatic conditions, such as extreme weather or storm conditions, in order to prevent damage to the pumping assembly 12, or the like. In one embodiment, the controllable inlet 16 is configured to control an amount of water entering the baffle structure 32 underneath the float 24 according to an amplitude of a wave passing the pumping assembly. Similarly, in an embodiment, the controllable inlet 16 is configured to control an amount of water entering the baffle structure 32 underneath the float 24 according to weather conditions proximate the pumping assembly 12.

[0052] Due to the specific configuration of the float 24 shielded within the baffle structure 32 of the pumping assembly 12, along with the controllable inlet (s) 16, the pumping assembly 12 may be operated in different manners. For example, pumping assembly 12 may be configured such that water 8.1 is drawn in via inlet 16 as the float 24 is raised upwards by wave action, with a mass of the float 24 pumping such water via the outlet 18 once wave action subsides so that the float 24 lowers under the influence of gravity, i.e. a float mass pumping configuration, where a mass of the float 24 forces water via the outlet 18.

[0053] Conversely, in another embodiment, pumping assembly 12 may be configured such that water 8.1 is drawn in via inlet 16 as the float 24 travels downwards under the influence of gravity, with a buoyancy of the float 24 pumping such water via the outlet 18 once wave action raises the float upwards, i.e. a float buoyancy pumping configuration, as shown in the accompanying figures, where the buoyance of the float rising forces the water via outlet 18.

[0054] The controllable inlet (s) 16 may be controllable in any suitable manner, according to requirements and operational needs of the pumping assembly 12. For example, electronic control may be implemented to control the inlet (s) range of opening and closing to allow water to enter the baffle structure 32 underneath the float 24 . Alternatively, mechanical control may be implemented depending on a height of waves proximate the pumping assembly 12 , a position of the float 24 within the baf fle structure 32 , a velocity of the float 24 within the baf fle structure 32 , and/or the like .

[ 0055 ] In another embodiment , an example of which is shown in Figure 3 , the cylinder housing 14 is varied with an additional outlet 18 on either side above and below the piston 22 so that inlet 16 does not require a non-return valve to provide onedirectional flow from inlet ( s ) 16 to outlet 18 . Instead, the cylinder housing 14 defines ports 36 arranged relative to a dynamic position of the piston 22 travelling within the cylinder housing 14 to facilitate one-directional flow from inlet 36 to outlet 18 as the float undergoes up-and-down motion . Such ports 36 above/below the piston 22 instead of non-return valves may simpli fy the construction of pumping assembly 12 . A dynamic position of the piston 22 moving up and down can be used to cover the ports 36 so that water trapped above/below the piston 22 is forced into the outlet 18 as the piston 22 undergoes reciprocal motion upward and downward . For example , as shown, upward movement of the piston 22 under influence of the float 24 pumps water into the upper outlet 18 , and subsequent downward movement of the piston 22 under influence of the float 24 pumps water into the lower outlet 18 . Variations hereon are possible and expected .

[ 0056 ] Addit ionally, to facilitate such operation of the ports 36 , in one embodiment , the cylinder housing 14 includes a baf fle plate 38 below the controllable inlet ( s ) 16 and above the outlet 18 , as shown, said baf fle plate 38 configured to facilitate the piston pumping water to the outlet 18 . The float 24 is typically arranged in connection with the piston 22 via a suitable rod or linkage passing through the baf fle plate 38 , which may also serve as a guide for such a rod or linkage . Of course , variations hereon are possible and expected .

[ 0057 ] The skilled addressee will appreciate that , in one embodiment , the arrangement 10 may comprise a plurality of pumping assemblies 12 locatable across various parts of the aquatic environment 8 with all pumping assemblies 12 supplying the water reservoir 26 with water . Such plurality of pumping assemblies 12 may comprise a combination of float mass and float buoyancy pumping configurations , for example .

[ 0058 ] In one embodiment , a buoyancy of the float 24 may be determined according to a head requirement necessary from the pumping assembly 12 in accordance with available wave energy from the aquatic environment 8 . Similarly, a mass of the float 24 may be determined according to a head requirement necessary from the pumping assembly 12 in accordance with available wave energy from the aquatic environment 8 . Such f loat mass and buoyancy determinations are typically performed via selection of float material and si ze , but variations hereon are possible and expected .

[ 0059 ] Arrangement 10 also include the terrestrial water reservoir 26 which includes some manner of penstock 28 , as known in the art , with the reservoir 26 arranged to receive water pumped from the aquatic environment 8 , as described . In a typical example , the pumping assembly 12 is arranged in fluid communication with the water reservoir 26 by means of a suitable conduit 34 , e . g . a pipe , or the like . Typically, the reservoir 26 is located proximate to the pumping assembly 12 to minimise frictional losses in such a conduit 34 .

[ 0060 ] In another embodiment , the water reservoir 26 may comprise an aquatic reservoir (not shown) , such as a free- standing rig or water tower or the like , which is configured to serve as water reservoir within the aquatic environment . Such an embodiment may find particular application where a terrestrial environment is not available or not suited for supporting the water reservoir 26 . The skilled addressee is to appreciate that such a free-standing rig may be sel f-contained including pump assemblies 12 , wind-powered pumps ( described in more detail below) , reservoir 26 , turbine generator 30 , and the like . Such a free-standing rig can be used of fshore to provide electricity onshore via a suitable connector, e . g . a submersed cable . The free-standing rig may also include adj ustable supports to position the float relative to a level of the aquatic environment in order to maximise wave energy harvesting .

[ 0061 ] Typically, a head requirement necessary from the pumping assembly 12 is determined according to a height di f ference between a surface level of the aquatic environment 8 and the water reservoir 26 . For example , a higher head is necessary where the reservoir 26 is located at a higher elevation than the water level of the aquatic environment 8 . Similarly, a lower head is required where the height di f ference between the reservoir 26 and water level is less . In an embodiment , a number of pumping assemblies 12 supplying the water reservoir 26 is determined according to such a height di f ference between a surface level of the aquatic environment 8 and the water reservoir 26 , as well as available wave energy in the aquatic environment 8 .

[ 0062 ] Similarly, the controllable inlet ( s ) 16 may be configured to control an amount of water entering the baf fle structure 32 underneath the float 24 according to a head requirement neces sary from the pumping assembly 12 in accordance with available wave energy from the aquatic environment 8 . By controlling the wave water inflow through the controllable inlet ( s ) 16 under the float 24 , thereby varying the volume of water under the float 24 , will in ef fect allow control over a stroke of the f loat 24 and piston 22 , which in turn allows control of water throughput being pumped via the conduit 34 to the reservoir 26 . As described, this also allows protecting the float 24 and piston 22 from damage in heavy seas .

[ 0063 ] Arrangement 10 also includes a turbine generator 30 which is generally arranged below the terrestrial water reservoir 26 for receiving water via the penstock 28 to convert gravitational potential energy of the water in the reservoir 26 to electrical energy as generally known in the art of hydropower . In a typical embodiment , the water is returned to the aquatic environment 8 after passing through the turbine generator 30 . Typically, such a return of water occurs at a level above that of the aquatic environment to suit pressure requirements , rather than below as indicated in the accompanying figures which merely serve as non-exclusive illustration of one embodiment , as will be understood by the skilled addressee .

[ 0064 ] Variations on exempli fied arrangement 10 are possible . For example , in one embodiment , the generation arrangement includes at least one wind-powered pump (not shown) arranged to assist pumping assembly 12 in pumping water to the reservoir 26 , i . e . windmill-type pumps . Such wind-powered pumps find particular application where wind energy is available . Similarly, in one embodiment , a variation on the float 24 may comprise a paddle-like assembly arrangeable , for example , on or near a shore of the aquatic environment and configured to rotate under the influence of wave energy in order to impart reciprocal motion to the piston 22 . Such a paddle-like assembly facilitates in capturing wave energy near land, for example , and may be configured to automatically adj ust a height thereof to maximise energy harvesting . [ 0065 ] The present invention also provides for an associated method of wave energy power generation, said method comprising the steps of providing at least one pumping assembly 12 in an aquatic environment 8 , controlling the controllable inlet ( s ) 17 of each pumping assembly 12 to pump water from said pumping assembly 12 to the terrestrial water reservoir 26 , and providing water from the reservoir 26 via the penstock 28 to the turbine generator 30 to convert gravitational potential energy of said water in the reservoir 26 to electrical energy .

[ 0066 ] Importantly, the step of providing water from the reservoir 26 via the penstock 28 to the turbine generator 30 to convert gravitational potential energy of said water in the reservoir 26 to electrical energy can be done as required . This decouples the availability of favourable wave conditions at the aquatic environment 8 with the generation of electrical energy, as water can be provided to the generator 30 from the penstock 28 at times when there are unfavourable wave conditions , i . e . wave energy is used to pump water to the reservoir 26 whenever wave energy is harvestable from the aquatic environment 8 , with the gravitational potential energy of the water in the reservoir convertible to electrical energy on demand at any time .

[ 0067 ] The Applicant believes it particularly advantageous that the present invention provides for a robust, reliable and elegant arrangement 10 which is able to harvest wave energy from an aquatic environment 8 . In particular, arrangement 10 can be configured to suit a variety of aquatic environments with varying amounts of wave energy available , as well as capture wind energy where available to facilitate di splacement or pumping of water to reservoir 26 for use as required . [ 0068 ] Additionally, arrangement 10 is able to displace large volumes of water to the water reservoir 26 to enable electricity generation, when necessary, rather than conventional practices where energy is directly converted from wave energy in limited amounts . As such, arrangement 10 facilitates the gradual harvesting of available wave or wind energy for storage as gravitational potential energy in reservoir 26 when required .

[ 0069 ] Arrangement 10 is further easily scalable and adaptable to various types of coastlines and aquatic environments , and also obviates the need for of fshore electrical grid connections and does not expose electrical equipment to harsh aquatic environments in certain embodiments .

[ 0070 ] Additionally, arrangement 10 is able to take advantage of situations where there is no wave action from which to harvest energy . For example , researching available wave action over a period of time will provide information as to the cyclic wave pattern . Once this wave pattern is established, i . e . when wave energy is available , the a volume of the reservoir 26 can be calculated taking into consideration the wave motion over a period of time and the volume of flow into the reservoir 26 . Once the reservoir 26 is filled to capacity, an overflow pipe which returns to the aquatic environment 8 can also incorporate a secondary generator (not shown) turbine to supplement the main generator 30 so that during active wave motion the potential energy of the overflow pipe is not wasted .

[ 0071 ] Arrangement 10 further takes into consideration that the potential water head above the generator inlet fed from the reservoir and the discharge from the turbine generator is j ust above sea level at the highest tide so as to cause no back pressure on the turbine discharge side for maximum ef ficiency . In one embodiment , arrangement 10 may also take into consideration that on initial start-up, the reservoir 26 is filled to design capacity prior to water being allowed to flow into the turbine 30.

[0072] Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. In the example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well- known technologies are not described in detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee.

[0073] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including, " and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter.

[0074] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer," "beneath, " "below, " "lower, " "above, " "upper, " and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element (s) or feature (s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the arrangement in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly .

[0075] It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention, or similar exemplary language (e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in an exclusive sense.

Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Variations (e.g. modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor (s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor (s) intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

[0076] Any method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.