An apparatus is provided for harnessing ocean wave energy, wherein the apparatus relieves excessive loadings on components to avoid damage thereof in adverse wave conditions. The apparatus includes a buoyant actuator and a pump anchored within the body of water. Fluid at high pressure is pumped ashore by the pump, energy is extracted as useful work at an on-shore plant, and the resultant reduced pressure fluid is returned to the offshore pump to be re-energized. The buoyant actuator is operably connected to the pump by tether and is buoyantly suspended within the body of water above the pump. The buoyant actuator is provided with a connector that includes a damping mechanism configured to maintain a substantially rigid connection between the hollow body and the tether until such time as loading therebetween exceeds a prescribed load whereupon the damping mechanism facilitates limited relative movement therebetween to relieve the loading.
Wave energy conversion
2015-11-03
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
IPC: | F16D COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION , Nicht schaltbare Kupplungen / B63B Schiffe oder sonstige Wasserfahrzeuge , SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS / F03B MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS , Kraft- und Arbeitsmaschinen oder Kraftmaschinen für Flüssigkeiten / F03C Verdrängerkraftmaschinen mit Flüssigkeitsantrieb , POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT ENGINES DRIVEN BY LIQUIDS / F04B Verdrängerkraft- und Verdrängerarbeitsmaschinen für Flüssigkeiten , POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS |