Title:
SEA SWELLS POWER ELECTRICITY GENERATION APPARATUS
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The invention provides a sea swell electricity generation apparatus (10) which includes a concrete block (12) which acts as a pivot support, said block (12) having a first portion (14) anchorable to the sea bed, approximately 30m below sea level, and a second portion (16) on which a pivot mechanism (18) is supported. The second portion (16) is pyramidal in shape. An arm (20) is pivotally supported by the pivot mechanism (18) which arm is divided in a length ratio of 2:1 by said mechanism with a float (22) being mounted on the end portion (24) of the arm (20) further from the pivot mechanism (18) and a pump actuator (26) is connected to the other end (28) of the arm (20) so that, when the end portion (24) of the arm (20) is urged up and down due to sea swell action on the float (22), water (30) is pumped by a pump (32) operatively connected to the actuator (26) in response to the wave action, and, in Figure (3), a turbine (34) for using the water (30) pumped by the pump (32) for use in generating electricity by driving generator (35). The turbine electricity generator (34) is in flow communication with an outlet of the pump (33) so that water (30) pumped through the turbine generates electricity before being discharged.
Inventors:
Vosloo, Johannes Jacobus (15 Kiewiet Avenue, 2528 Klein Fontein, ZA)
Application Number:
PCT/ZA2006/000104
Publication Date:
03/15/2007
Filing Date:
09/01/2006
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Export Citation:
Assignee:
Vosloo, Johannes Jacobus (15 Kiewiet Avenue, 2528 Klein Fontein, ZA)
International Classes:
F03B13/18; F03B13/06
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
PEIJPER INC. (41 Frans Oerder Street Groenkloof, 0181 Pretoria, ZA)
Claims:
Claims
1. A sea swell power electricity generation apparatus, said apparatus including: a pivot support having a first portion anchorable to the sea bed and a second portion on which a pivot mechanism is supported; an arm pivotally supported by the pivot mechanism wherein the arm is divided into two portions of unequal length by the pivot mechanism; a float mounted on one end portion of the arm; a pump actuator connected to the other end of the arm so that, when the arm is urged up and down due to sea swell action on the float, water is pumped by a pump operatively connected to the actuator in response to the wave action; and turbine means for using the water pumped by the pump for use in generating electricity.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , which includes storage means for storing the water pumped by the pump for generation of electricity.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a turbine electricity generator is in flow communication with an outlet of the pump so that water pumped through the turbine generates electricity before being discharged.
4. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arm is divided into a shorter and a longer arm portion, with the float located on the longer arm portion and pump actuator connected to the shorter arm portion.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the arm is divided in a ratio of approximately 2:1.
6. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump is in the form of a piston and cylinder arrangement which draws sea water in on a first stroke and pumps it on a second stroke.
7. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a pipeline is provided to connect the pump to the storage means.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein a nonreturn valve is provided between the storage means and the pump outlet.
9. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein a turbine electricity generator is in flow communication with an outlet of the storage means and hydraulically below the storage means so that water pumped up to the storage means may flow from said storage means through the turbine thereby to generate electricity before being discharged.
10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the discharged water is returned to the sea.
11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the discharged water is used for extraction of salt and/or other minerals. 12.An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 11 , wherein the storage means is a reservoir located on a hill.
12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the discharged water is used as a source of work for a pump.
13. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the float is a vessel.
14. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the float, arm, and pivot mechanism are of stainless steel.
15. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot support is in the form of a concrete structure. 17.An apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the pivot support is in the form of a concrete block.
16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the concrete block has a portion which is substantially tetrahedral or pyramidal in form.
17. A method of generating electricity from sea swell power, said method including: anchoring a pivot fulcrum to the sea bed whereby the fulcrum is located approximately at the prevailing sea level; floating a float on the surface of the sea; connecting the float to a pumping means opposite the fulcrum by an arm which pivots on the fulcrum, whereby the length of the arm between the float and fulcrum is greater than that between the fulcrum and the pumping means; and pumping sea water in the vicinity of the pumping means, in response to the up and down motion of the float, through an electricity generating turbine.' .
18. A method as claimed in claim 19, which includes: pumping sea water, in response to the up and down movement of the float, to a storage means elevated above the prevailing sea level ; and discharging the sea water in the storage means through an electricity generating turbine.
19. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the method includes inhibiting the back flow of pumped sea water towards the pumping means between pumping strokes.
20. A method as claimed in claim 20 or 21 , which includes returning the discharged sea water to the sea.
21. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the float is floated between the pump means and the coast line so that the pivot fulcrum is anchored at least 30 m below the prevailing sea level. 24.A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the float is floated between the pump means and the coastline so that the pivot fulcrum is behind the breakers to utilize the sea swell energy.
22. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the length of the arm between the float and fulcrum is approximately twice the length of that between the fulcrum and the pumping means.
23. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, substantially as herein described and illustrated.
24. A method as claimed in claim 19, substantially as herein described and illustrated. 28.A new apparatus or a new method substantially as herein described.
1. A sea swell power electricity generation apparatus, said apparatus including: a pivot support having a first portion anchorable to the sea bed and a second portion on which a pivot mechanism is supported; an arm pivotally supported by the pivot mechanism wherein the arm is divided into two portions of unequal length by the pivot mechanism; a float mounted on one end portion of the arm; a pump actuator connected to the other end of the arm so that, when the arm is urged up and down due to sea swell action on the float, water is pumped by a pump operatively connected to the actuator in response to the wave action; and turbine means for using the water pumped by the pump for use in generating electricity.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , which includes storage means for storing the water pumped by the pump for generation of electricity.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a turbine electricity generator is in flow communication with an outlet of the pump so that water pumped through the turbine generates electricity before being discharged.
4. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arm is divided into a shorter and a longer arm portion, with the float located on the longer arm portion and pump actuator connected to the shorter arm portion.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the arm is divided in a ratio of approximately 2:1.
6. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump is in the form of a piston and cylinder arrangement which draws sea water in on a first stroke and pumps it on a second stroke.
7. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a pipeline is provided to connect the pump to the storage means.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein a nonreturn valve is provided between the storage means and the pump outlet.
9. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein a turbine electricity generator is in flow communication with an outlet of the storage means and hydraulically below the storage means so that water pumped up to the storage means may flow from said storage means through the turbine thereby to generate electricity before being discharged.
10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the discharged water is returned to the sea.
11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the discharged water is used for extraction of salt and/or other minerals. 12.An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 11 , wherein the storage means is a reservoir located on a hill.
12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the discharged water is used as a source of work for a pump.
13. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the float is a vessel.
14. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the float, arm, and pivot mechanism are of stainless steel.
15. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot support is in the form of a concrete structure. 17.An apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the pivot support is in the form of a concrete block.
16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the concrete block has a portion which is substantially tetrahedral or pyramidal in form.
17. A method of generating electricity from sea swell power, said method including: anchoring a pivot fulcrum to the sea bed whereby the fulcrum is located approximately at the prevailing sea level; floating a float on the surface of the sea; connecting the float to a pumping means opposite the fulcrum by an arm which pivots on the fulcrum, whereby the length of the arm between the float and fulcrum is greater than that between the fulcrum and the pumping means; and pumping sea water in the vicinity of the pumping means, in response to the up and down motion of the float, through an electricity generating turbine.' .
18. A method as claimed in claim 19, which includes: pumping sea water, in response to the up and down movement of the float, to a storage means elevated above the prevailing sea level ; and discharging the sea water in the storage means through an electricity generating turbine.
19. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the method includes inhibiting the back flow of pumped sea water towards the pumping means between pumping strokes.
20. A method as claimed in claim 20 or 21 , which includes returning the discharged sea water to the sea.
21. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the float is floated between the pump means and the coast line so that the pivot fulcrum is anchored at least 30 m below the prevailing sea level. 24.A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the float is floated between the pump means and the coastline so that the pivot fulcrum is behind the breakers to utilize the sea swell energy.
22. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the length of the arm between the float and fulcrum is approximately twice the length of that between the fulcrum and the pumping means.
23. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, substantially as herein described and illustrated.
24. A method as claimed in claim 19, substantially as herein described and illustrated. 28.A new apparatus or a new method substantially as herein described.
Description:
SEA SWELLS POWER ELECTRICITY GENERATION APPARATUS
This application claims priority from South African Patent Application 2005/07027 dated 6 September 2006, the entire contents of which are incorporated in the disclosure of this application as if specifically reproduced herein. In the event of any conflict between the disclosure in the priority application and disclosure which appears for the first time in this specification then the latter is to prevail.
Field of the Invention
The Invention relates to an electricity generation apparatus which generates electricity by converting wave power.
Background to the Invention
The inventor is aware of the need for environmentally friendly, non-carbon based electricity generation.
Many avenues have been explored for power generation of the type contemplated including solar power, wind power, and wave power.
It has come to the inventor's attention that there is a need for a wave power electricity generation apparatus which can function economically to product electricity.
In this specification, the term wave, is to be understood to refer to the so called swell of the sea and not only to breakers. The terms "swell" and "sea swell" are to be understood to be the rising and falling levels of the sea which occur in a wave pattern off-shore and which become breakers when they reach the shore.
Thus the inventor now proposes the following invention.
Summary of the invention
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a sea swell power electricity generation apparatus, said apparatus including:
- a pivot support having a first portion anchorable to the sea bed and a second portion on which a pivot mechanism is supported; - an arm pivotally supported by the pivot mechanism wherein the arm is divided into two portions of unequal length by the pivot mechanism;
- a float mounted on one end portion of the arm;
a pump actuator connected to the other end of the arm so that, when the arm is urged up and down due to sea swell action on the float, water is pumped by a pump operatively connected to the actuator in response to the wave action; and turbine means for using the water pumped by the pump for use in generating electricity.
The apparatus may include storage means for storing the water pumped by the pump for generation of electricity.
A turbine electricity generator may be in flow communication with an outlet of the pump so that water pumped through the turbine generates electricity before being discharged.
The arm may be divided into a shorter and a longer arm portion, with the float located on the longer arm portion and pump actuator connected to the shorter arm portion.
The arm may be divided in a ratio of approximately 2:1.
The pump may be in the form of a piston and cylinder arrangement which draws sea water in on a first stroke and pumps it on a second stroke.
A pipeline may be provided to connect the pump to the storage means ' .
A non-return valve may be provided between the storage means and the pump outlet.
A turbine electricity generator may be in flow communication with, an outlet of the storage means and hydraulically below the storage means so that water pumped up to the storage means may flow from said storage means through the turbine thereby to generate electricity before being discharged.
The discharged water may be returned to the sea.
The discharged water may be used for extraction of salt and/or other minerals.
The storage means may be a reservoir located on a hill.
The discharged water may be used as a source of work for a pump.
The float may be a vessel.
One or more of the float, arm, and pivot mechanism may be of stainless steel.
The pivot support may be in the form of a concrete structure.
The pivot support may be in the form of a concrete block.
The concrete block may have a portion which is substantially tetrahedral or pyramidal in form.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of generating electricity from sea swell power, said method including:
- anchoring a pivot fulcrum to the sea bed whereby the fulcrum is located approximately at the prevailing sea level; - floating a float on the surface of the sea;
- connecting the float to a pumping means opposite the fulcrum by an arm which pivots on the fulcrum, whereby the length of the arm between the float and fulcrum is greater than that between the fulcrum and the pumping means; and
- pumping sea water in the vicinity of the pumping means, in response to the up and down motion of the float, through an electricity generating turbine.
The method may include:
- pumping sea water, in response to the up and down movement of the float, to a storage means elevated above the prevailing sea level ; and - discharging the sea water in the storage means through an electricity generating turbine.
The method may include inhibiting the back flow of pumped sea water towards the pumping means between pumping strokes.
The method may include returning the discharged sea water to the sea.
The storage means may be located at least 10 meters above the sea level, preferably at least 30 m above sea level to provide sufficient water pressure to rotate the turbine thereby to generate electricity.
The storage means may be a reservoir located at least 100 m above sea level.
The float may be floated between the pump means and the coast line so that the pivot fulcrum is anchored at least 30 m off-shore away from the sea shore.
The float may be floated between the pump means and the coastline so that the pivot fulcrum is behind the breakers to utilize the sea swell energy.
The length of the arm between the float and fulcrum may be approximately twice the length of that between the fulcrum and the pumping means.
In one embodiment, where the float is about 1000 m 3 it is expected that a constant flow of at least 40 m 3 /s of sea water to the storage means may be achieved.
A turbine powered by such a flowrate may generate at least 20 MW of power.
Specific Description of Embodiments of the Invention
The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings. In the drawings,
Figure 1 shows, in schematic representation, a first embodiment of an apparatus of the invention; and
Figure 2 shows the apparatus of Figure 1; and
Figure 3 shows, in schematic representation, an alternative embodiment of the invention.
In Figure 1 to 3, reference numeral 10 generally indicates an apparatus for generating electricity from waver power.
The apparatus 10 includes a concrete block 12 which acts as a pivot support, said block 12 having a first portion 14 anchorable to the sea bed, approximately 30 m off-shore
away from the sea shore, and a second portion 16 on which a pivot mechanism 18 is supported. The second portion 16 is pyramidal in shape .
An arm 20 is pivotally supported by the pivot mechanism 18 which arm is divided in a length ratio of 2:1 by said mechanism with a float 22 being mounted on the end portion 24 of the arm 20 further from the pivot mechanism 18 and a pump actuator 26 is connected to the other end 28 of the arm 20 so that, when the end portion 24 of the arm 20 is urged up and down due to sea swell action on the float 22, water 30 is pumped by a pump 32 operatively connected to the actuator 26 in response to the wave action, and, in Figure 3, a turbine 34 for using the water 30 pumped by the pump 32 for use in generating electricity by driving generator 35. The turbine electricity generator 34 is in flow communication with an outlet of the pump 33 so that water 30 pumped through the turbine generates electricity before being discharged. The electricity is lead to its point of distribution by cable 37.
In Figures 1 and 2, the apparatus 10 includes a storage reservoir 40 for storing the water pumped by the pump 32 for generation of electricity.
The float 22, in the example, is in the form of a stainless steel vessel of 1000m 3 capacity, however, other materials may also be used for the float 22. It is expected that with such a float 22, a constant flow of at least 44.9 m 3 /s of sea water to the reservoir 40 may be achieved. A turbine powered by such a flowrate may generate at least 24 MW of power.
The float 22 is in the form of an ellipsoid to reduce resistance and friction caused by heavy sea swells and storms.
The pivot mechanism 18, arm 20, and pump 32 are also made of stainless steel, or steel lined with plastics material or rubber where expedient.
The pump 32 is in the form of a piston 36 and cylinder 38 arrangement which draws sea water 30 in on a first stroke and pumps it on a second stroke.
A pipeline 42 is provided to connect the pump 32 to the storage reservoir 40 with a non-return valve 44 provided between the storage reservoir 40 and the pump 32 outlet.
A turbine electricity generator 46 is in flow communication with an outlet 41 of the storage reservoir 40 and hydraulically below the reservoir 40 so that water 30 is pumped up to the reservoir 40 and, in use, flows from said reservoir 40 through the turbine 46 thereby to generate electricity before being discharged back into the sea.
The inventor believes that it is an advantage of the invention, as illustrated, that approximately 25 MW of power may be generated using a 1000 m 3 float, which is believed to be technically and commercially feasible.