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System For Converting Water Wave Energy To Electrical Energy

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for converting water wave energy to electrical energy which comprises a wave-interactive component (W) connected to a mechanism on the ground consisting of at least three shafts (S1, S2, S3), two big sprockets or driver pulleys (BS1, BS2, BS3), two small sprockets or driven pulleys (SS1, SS2, SS3), at least one flywheel (F), and at least one dynamo or generator (D). The three shafts (S1, S2, S3) are interconnected with belt drives or gears in such a way that the motion of the wave-interactive component (W) is converted into continuous rotation of the second shaft (S2), which in turn drives the flywheel (F) to generate electricity using the dynamo or generator (D). The system uses a cross-chain mechanism to efficiently capture upward and downward motion of water waves through the wave-interactive component (W), enabling the conversion of semi-oscillations into a single, continuous rotational motion, thereby enhancing the energy conversion efficiency and reducing mechanical losses.

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Notices, Deadlines & Correspondence

Patent Information

Application #
Filing Date
05 July 2023
Publication Number
35/2023
Publication Type
INA
Invention Field
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Status
Email
Parent Application

Applicants

AMRITA VISHWA VIDYAPEETHAM
Chennai Campus, 337/1A, Vengal Village, Thiruvallur Taluk & District – 601103, Tamil Nadu, India

Inventors

1. REDDY, N. Jagadeesh Kumar
18-6-54/A, 3rd cross, Sundaraiah Nagar, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517501
2. Dr. VASUDEV, KL
#48-11-12, Rajendranagar, Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh-533101

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system to convert water wave energy to electrical energy.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a simple, low-cost, and efficient pendulum-based energy conversion system for extracting wave energy from a body of water and converting it to electrical energy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The oil crisis of the 1970s and global attention on the rising level of carbon dioxide (CO2) shifted the focus from non-renewable sources (petroleum derivatives for energy generation) to renewable sources of energy. The reliance on petroleum derivatives for energy generation has various unfriendly impacts: over the top outflow of greenhouse gases that contribute to quicken environmental change; decreased resources (and approaching exhaustion) of non-renewable energy sources and geopolitical issues identified with the control of the resources. Also, the continuous fluctuations of the cost of oil have negative effect on the worldwide economy. Water waves are one of the rich sources of energy. A major part of the energy in a wave (95%) is said to be concentrated between the water surface and the best one fourth of the wave height. To make wave energy a feasible source, one has to concentrate on the following two aspects: Survey about the location (hotspot) of installation and dependable and efficient Wave Energy Converters (WECs). Hotspot is a site that reveals the best balance between wave energy potential and other relevant factors, such as distance to the shore, water depth or investment costs.

Water wave energy is a promising renewable green energy source with an estimated worldwide potential of 29500 TWh/year, out of which only a small fraction is efficiently extracted near ocean coastlines, islands or semi-enclosed basins. Over 71% of the Earth mass is covered with oceans and only 29% is land, due to increase in population demand for land is increasing and also present trend of electric automobiles is increasing the demand of power production. But, if we produce electricity through non renewable energy sources to power the electrical vehicles, we are indirectly polluting the earth, so, demand for renewable sources of energy is increasing. Existing renewable energy sources like Solar, Wind, Hydel are good but they are occupying large area of land and, they are dependent on Sun, Air and Rains.

Waves are continuous in oceans and poses kinetic energy, this kinetic energy can be converted into electrical energy. At present, there are some mechanisms existing to capture and convert water wave energy to electrical energy. But, fabricating the mechanism is very complex, time consuming and costly.

The existing state of the art in water wave energy conversion includes a variety of technologies and mechanisms:

OWC systems use a partially submerged, hollow structure with an opening below the water surface. As waves pass, the water level inside the column oscillates, causing the trapped air to flow back and forth through a turbine, which generates electricity. OWCs are generally large and can have high manufacturing and installation costs, and their efficiency is sensitive to wave frequency.
Point absorbers are floating structures that use the vertical motion of waves to drive mechanical or hydraulic systems that generate electricity. These devices can be deployed individually or in arrays and are suitable for both nearshore and offshore installations. While point absorbers typically require complex mechanical systems, leading to higher costs and maintenance requirements.

Oscillating Wave Surge Converters (OWSC) are typically located near the shore and use the horizontal motion of waves to drive a mechanical system. As waves pass by, the water pushes a hinged or pivoted flap or plate back and forth, generating mechanical energy that is then converted into electrical energy. OWSCs efficiency is dependent on wave height and frequency, and they can have high installation and maintenance costs due to their proximity to the shoreline.

Over-Topping Devices use a series of ramps or reservoirs to capture the kinetic energy of waves as they break over the structure. The water is then channelled through a turbine, generating electricity as it flows back into the sea. Over-topping devices are generally large, complex structures with high manufacturing, installation, and maintenance costs.

Submerged Pressure Differential Systems use the pressure difference between the water column above and below the device to generate electricity. As waves pass, the pressure changes cause a piston or diaphragm to move, driving a mechanical or hydraulic system that generates electricity. These systems are usually very complex, expensive, and challenging to install and maintain.

Reference is made to Patent application no. CN104234919B which discloses a wave-power device and includes floating platform and the pendulum mechanism being arranged on floating platform, wherein said pendulum mechanism includes montant arranged on floating platform, and cross bar arranged on the upper end of montant and pendulum is slidably connected with cross bar. The said wave-power device further includes the transmission mechanism being connected with montant lower end and the power generation mechanism being connected with transmission mechanism. In said wave-power device the floating platform of power generator can be hull or ship, even if ship, in berthing or cruising, power generator, which is also able to continuously, provides electric energy for ship use.

The existing technologies in the prior state of art faces significant challenges, including high manufacturing and maintenance costs, complex fabrication and installation processes, and lack efficiency.

There is an urgent need to develop a simple, cost-effective, and efficient energy conversion system to convert water wave energy to electrical energy. The present invention addresses the aforesaid challenges by offering a simple, low-cost, and efficient system for converting water wave energy into electrical energy using a pendulum, a floating object, or a flat-surfaced object connected to a shaft and a cross chain sprocket mechanism with one-way ball bearings.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION OVER THE EXISTING STATE OF ART:
The present invention provides a significantly simpler design, requiring only three interconnected shafts with gears, one way ball bearings, chain sprockets, or belt drives. This simplicity reduces complexity, making it easier to manufacture, assemble, and maintain. The reduced complexity and fewer components required in the present invention lead to lower manufacturing and maintenance costs, making it a more affordable solution for harnessing wave energy. The mechanism of the present invention can be adapted to various wave-interactive components, such as a pendulum, floating object, or flat surface. This versatility allows for the mechanism to be installed on different types of structures or locations, such as floating vessels, near the shore, or outside the water.

The present invention employs one-way ball bearings and a cross chain method to capture both clockwise and anticlockwise semi-oscillations, resulting in a continuous single rotation. This efficient energy conversion enables the system to generate electricity more effectively. The use of chain drives in the present invention results in lower mechanical losses compared to belt drives, increasing the overall efficiency of the system. The inclusion of a flywheel in the mechanism helps to eliminate fluctuations in energy motion and maintain a constant rotation, ensuring a stable output of electricity.

Due to the simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and versatility, the present invention can be deployed on a large scale, further increasing the contribution of wave energy to the global energy mix and reducing dependence on non-renewable sources.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
In order to obviate the drawbacks in the existing state of the art, the main object of the present invention is to provide a simple and cost-effective wave energy converter for harnessing water wave energy.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system that can efficiently convert kinetic energy from the continuous motion of water waves to electrical energy.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system that does not require any special floating structures like ships or barges and can be easily installed in any hotspot location with high wave energy potential.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system which utilizes a cross chain mechanism to efficiently capture both upward and downward motion of water waves through at least one wave interactive component(s), enabling the conversion of semi-oscillations into a single, continuous rotational motion, thereby enhancing the energy conversion efficiency and reducing mechanical losses typically associated with other wave energy converter systems.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system which minimizes the mechanical losses by utilizing chain drives and reducing the complexity of the mechanism, resulting in improved overall efficiency.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system that is less complex, easy to fabricate, and less expensive to maintain than existing mechanisms for water wave energy conversion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
The invention discloses a system to convert water wave energy into electrical energy. The present system comprises of a wave interactive component selected from a pendulum, a floating object, or a flat surface adapted to move in response to motion of water waves with three interconnected shafts with belt drives or gears.

The three shafts are interconnected with belt drives or gears in such a way that the motion of the wave-interactive component is converted into continuous rotation of the second shaft, which in turn drives the flywheel to generate electricity using the dynamo or generator.

The present system utilizes a cross-chain mechanism to efficiently capture upward and downward motion of water waves through the wave-interactive component, enabling the conversion of semi-oscillations into a single, continuous rotational motion, thereby enhancing the energy conversion efficiency and reducing mechanical losses.

The present system has is capable of harnessing water wave energy efficiently and cost-effectively. It can be installed at any hotspot location to provide a renewable source of energy. The low-cost construction and maintenance requirements of the system can benefit underdeveloped regions with limited resources, and its simple design can reduce the risks of malfunctions, making it an attractive solution for wave energy conversion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure 1 depicts overall layout of the complete wave energy harnessing system.
Figure 2 depicts oneway ball bearing used to mount between shafts and pulley.
Figure 3 depicts plumber ball bearing to be fixed to both ends of all three shafts.
Figure 4 depicts V-type belt pulley.
Figure 5 depicts Sprocket mounted between shaft 2 and 3.
Figure 6 depicts Straight and cross-chain sprocket transmission.
Figure 7 depicts a Simple pendulum.
Figure 8 depicts Uniform shaft with one way ball bearings, pulleys and plumber ball bearings (a) Shaft 1 (S1), (b) Shaft 2 (S2), (c) Shaft 3 (S3)
Figure 9 depicts a Fly wheel.
Figure 10 depicts body Frame of the system (a) Top View (b) Front view (c) Side view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION ILLUSTRATIONS AND EXAMPLES
While the invention has been disclosed with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt to a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The meaning of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references. Additionally, a reference to the singular includes a reference to the plural unless otherwise stated or inconsistent with the disclosure herein.

The present invention discloses a highly efficient system and method for converting water wave energy to electrical energy. The system comprises of at least one wave-interactive component (W), selected from a pendulum, a floating object, or a flat surface based on the determined environment and wave characteristics of location.

The present system comprises of least one mechanism on the ground including a first shaft (S1), a second shaft (S2) connected with the first shaft with a pulley or gear, and a third shaft (S3) connected with the second shaft and a flywheel. The three shafts are interconnected with belt drives or gears in such a way that the shaft with flywheel will rotate at 100-200 rpm. The wave-interactive component (W) of the system is connected to the first shaft (S1) rigidly without the use of bevel gears or universal coupling, enabling direct transfer of motion. The first shaft (S1) is end fitted with plumber bearings to a rigid body frame, which supports the entire system.

The system comprises of at least two big sprockets or driver pulleys (BS1 and BS2) rigidly connected to the first shaft (S1), and at least two small sprockets or driven pulleys (SS1 and SS2), connected with the second shaft (S2). Each small sprocket or driven pulley is equipped with inbuilt one-way ball bearings to allow unidirectional rotation, facilitating the conversion of semi-oscillations into single rotations. The first big sprocket (BS1) is connected to the first small sprocket (SS1) through a straight chain, while the second big sprocket (BS2) is connected to the second small sprocket (SS2) through a reverse or cross chain mechanism.

The cross chaining captures and converts both clockwise and anticlockwise semi-oscillations of the first shaft (S1) into single-direction rotation of the second shaft (S2), efficiently capturing the motion of water waves. By using the cross chain method to capture the motion of the wave-interactive component, the system converts semi-oscillations into a single, continuous rotational motion, enhancing energy conversion efficiency and reducing mechanical losses.

The wave-interactive component of the present system can be selected from a pendulum, a floating object, or a flat surface to allow the system to operate in different environments and locations. A pendulum can be set up on a ship or a floating vessel, the floating object can be placed near the shore, and the flat surface can be submerged into the seawater, each enabling the system to oscillate due to different wave motions. A floating object can be setup and placed near the shore such that the floating body oscillates due to the up and down motion of the wave. A flat surface can be setup and placed and merged into the seawater such that the flat surface oscillates with the to and from motion of the wave.

Figure 1 depicts the overall Layout of the complete wave energy harnessing system. The system consists of a pendulum-based mechanism comprising a wave interactive component and three interconnected shafts connected to dynamo through a flywheel. The interactive component is placed in the water and moves up and down due to the water waves. The motion of the interactive component is transferred to the pendulum-based mechanism, which consists of three shafts interconnected with gears, chain sprockets, and cross chain sprockets. The motion of the pendulum-based mechanism is used to rotate the dynamo shaft, which is connected to the flywheel.

Figure 2 depicts a oneway ball bearing used to mount between shafts and pulley. One-way ball bearings allow only one direction of torque and free the other motion. These ball-bearings convert semi-oscillations into single rotations and also used in flywheels to eliminate the fluctuation of motion.

Figure 3 depicts a plumber ball bearing to be fixed to both ends of all three shafts. So that the shafts can rotate freely without restricting the rotational motion.

Figure 4 depicts V-type belt pulley. On shaft 1 we have two pulleys to be mounted on one way ball bearings. Through pulley 1/sprocket 1 we capture the forward motion of the pendulum. As these pulleys/sprockets mounted on one way ball bearings, the reverse motion is restricted. This restricted fro motion of the pendulum can be captured by pulley 2/sprocket 2.
Figure 5 depicts a Sprocket mounted between shaft 2 and 3. The semi-oscillations of the to and fro motion of the pendulum is converted into semi one way oscillations of shaft 1. These semi oscillations are transferred to shaft 2 to form a complete rotation of the shaft 2. This complete rotation needs to be transferred with 1:4 ratio to shaft 3 so that for every 1 complete rotation of shaft 2 shaft 3 rotates 4 times.
Figure 6 depicts straight and cross-chain sprocket transmission. Shaft 1 comprises of two pulleys to be mounted on one way ball bearings. The forward motion of the pendulum is captured through pulley 1/sprocket 1, while the pendulum in returning, the motion is captured through pulley 2/sprocket 2 will. As these pulleys/sprockets mounted on one way ball bearings, the reverse motion is restricted.
Figure 7 depicts a simple pendulum as wave interactive component of the system. The wave interactive component (W) can be selected according to the determined environment and wave characteristics of a location. A pendulum can be used setup on a ship or a floating vessel such that the pendulum oscillates due to the pitch motion of the ship or vessel caused by the up and down motion of the waves. A floating object can be setup and placed near the shore such that the floating body oscillates due to the up and down motion of the wave. A flat surface can be setup and placed and merged into the seawater such that the flat surface oscillates with the to and from motion of the wave.

Figure 8 depicts Uniform shaft with one way ball bearings, pulleys and plumber ball bearings (a) Shaft 1 (S1), (b) Shaft 2 (S2), (c) Shaft 3 (S3)

Figure 9 depicts a flywheel used in the system. The said flywheel is connected to shaft 3. For every rotation of flywheel, the dynamo rotates (D) with a rpm ranging (150-200). It is connected to the dynamo and eliminates fluctuations in energy motion and maintains a constant rotation to generate electricity.

Figure 10 depicts the top, front and side view of body frame of the system.

Working of the system:
The system works on the principle of harnessing the kinetic energy of water waves through the wave-interactive component of the system (pendulum, floating object, or flat surface) connected to the mechanism on the ground. The motion of the wave-interactive component due to the motion of water waves causes the first shaft (S1) to oscillate in a semi-oscillatory manner. This semi-oscillatory motion is captured by the two small sprockets or driven pulleys (SS1 and SS2) mounted on the second shaft (S2), which are equipped with inbuilt one-way ball bearings.

The one-way ball bearings allow unidirectional rotation of the second shaft (S2), which is connected to the first shaft (S1) with a pulley or gear. The two big sprockets or driver pulleys (BS1 and BS2) rigidly connected to the first shaft (S1) are connected to the two small sprockets or driven pulleys (SS1 and SS2) through direct and reverse or cross chain method, respectively.

The cross-chain method is used to efficiently capture upward and downward motion of water waves through the wave-interactive component, enabling the conversion of semi-oscillations into a single, continuous rotational motion, thereby enhancing the energy conversion efficiency and reducing mechanical losses.

The rotation of the second shaft (S2) drives the third shaft (S3) connected with the second shaft (S2) and the flywheel. The three shafts are interconnected with belt drives or gears in such a way that the shaft with flywheel will rotate at 100-200 rpm. The flywheel is used to maintain a constant rotational speed and eliminate fluctuations in energy motion and used to drive the dynamo or generator or other suitable means for converting the mechanical energy generated by the flywheel into electrical energy. The said electrical energy thus generated can be used for various purposes, including powering homes, industries, or even electric vehicles. The said electrical energy can be stored in a variety of ways depending on the specific application and the scale of the energy generation.

The present invention is simple, cost-effective, and efficient, as it does not require any special floating structures like ships or barges. The wave-interactive component of the system can be replaced depending on the environmental and wave characteristics of the specific location. The system is easy to fabricate and does not require any special floating structures and can be easily installed near the coastlines or islands, which are the hotspots for water wave energy potential. With the world's growing demand for energy and the need to reduce our carbon footprint, this system could play a significant role in meeting our energy needs sustainably.
, C , C , Claims:1. A system for converting water wave energy to electrical energy, comprising:
? at least one wave-interactive component (W) selected from a pendulum, a floating object, or a flat surface configured to move in response to motion of water waves;
? at least one mechanism on the ground, comprising:
- a first shaft (S1) connected to the wave-interactive component;
- a second shaft (S2) connected with the first shaft with pulley or gear;
- a third shaft (S3) connected with the second shaft and a flywheel;
? at least two big sprockets or driver pulleys (BS1 and BS2) rigidly connected to the first shaft (S1);
? at least two small sprockets or driven pulleys (SS1 and SS2), connected with the second shaft (S2), each equipped with inbuilt one-way ball bearings to allow unidirectional rotation;
? at least one dynamo or generator (D) or other suitable means for converting the mechanical energy generated by said flywheel (F) into electrical energy; and
? a rigid body frame for supporting the entire system,
characterized in that,
o first (S1), second (S2) and third shaft (S3) are interconnected with belt drives or gears in such a way that the third shaft (S3) rotates at a predetermined speed;
o said first big sprocket (BS1) is connected to said first small sprocket (SS1) through a direct chain, and said second big sprocket (BS2) is connected to said second small sprocket (SS2) through a reverse or cross chain mechanism;
o said system uses cross chain method to capture the motion of said wave interactive component (W), as the oscillating angle is less than 90 degrees;
o said cross chaining mechanism efficiently captures upward and downward motion of water waves through said wave interactive component (W), enabling the conversion of semi-oscillations into a single, continuous rotational motion, thereby enhancing the energy conversion efficiency and reducing mechanical losses.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1 said wave-interactive component connected to the first shaft (S1) rigidly without the use of bevel gears or universal coupling.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cross chaining captures and convert both clockwise and anticlockwise semi-oscillations of the first shaft (S1) into single-direction rotation of the second shaft (S2).

4. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said one-way ball bearings mounted on said sprockets or driven pulleys (SS1 and SS2) connected to the second shaft (S2) facilitate the conversion of semi-oscillations into single rotations.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said wave interactive component (W) can be replaced with a pendulum or a floating object or a flat-surfaced to allow the system to operate in different environments.

6. The system as claimed in claim 5 wherein said pendulum can be used setup on a ship or a floating vessel such that the pendulum oscillates due to the pitch motion of the ship or vessel caused by the up and down motion of the waves.

7. The system as claimed in claim 5 wherein said floating object can be setup and placed near the shore such that the floating body oscillates due to the up and down motion of the wave.

8. The system as claimed in claim 5 wherein said flat surface can be setup and placed and merged into the seawater such that the flat surface oscillates with the to and fro motion of the wave.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the first shaft (S1) is end fitted with plumber bearings to said rigid body frame.

10. A method for converting water wave energy to electrical energy as claimed in claims 1 to 9, comprising the steps of:
? determining wave characteristics at a specific location;
? adjusting wave interactive component (W) based on the determined environment and wave characteristics of said specific location;
? connecting the wave interactive component (W) to the first shaft (S1) that moves in an oscillatory motion due to the up and down or to and fro movement of the wave;
? connecting the second shaft (S2) to the pulley or gear to rotate in unidirectional manner due to the motion of the first shaft (S1)
? connecting the third shaft (S3) to the flywheel (F) to rotate at a predetermined speed;
? connecting the flywheel (F) to a dynamo or a generator (D) that generates electricity;
? interconnecting the three shafts (S1, S2, S3) with belt drives or gears in such a way that the motion of the first shaft (S1) is converted into rotational motion of the second shaft (S2), which in turn drives the flywheel (F) to generate electricity using said dynamo or generator (D).

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the belt drives or gears are interconnected using a cross chain mechanism.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the wave interactive component (W) is selected from a pendulum, a floating object, or a flat surface depending on the determined environment and wave characteristics of a specific location.

Documents

Application Documents

# Name Date
1 202341045077-STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING (FORM 3) [05-07-2023(online)].pdf 2023-07-05
2 202341045077-REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION (FORM-18) [05-07-2023(online)].pdf 2023-07-05
3 202341045077-REQUEST FOR EARLY PUBLICATION(FORM-9) [05-07-2023(online)].pdf 2023-07-05
4 202341045077-FORM-9 [05-07-2023(online)].pdf 2023-07-05
5 202341045077-FORM FOR SMALL ENTITY(FORM-28) [05-07-2023(online)].pdf 2023-07-05
6 202341045077-FORM 18 [05-07-2023(online)].pdf 2023-07-05
7 202341045077-FORM 1 [05-07-2023(online)].pdf 2023-07-05
8 202341045077-FIGURE OF ABSTRACT [05-07-2023(online)].pdf 2023-07-05
9 202341045077-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI(FORM-28) [05-07-2023(online)].pdf 2023-07-05
10 202341045077-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI [05-07-2023(online)].pdf 2023-07-05
11 202341045077-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION(S) [05-07-2023(online)].pdf 2023-07-05
12 202341045077-DRAWINGS [05-07-2023(online)].pdf 2023-07-05
13 202341045077-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [05-07-2023(online)].pdf 2023-07-05
14 202341045077-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [05-07-2023(online)].pdf 2023-07-05
15 202341045077-Proof of Right [04-08-2023(online)].pdf 2023-08-04
16 202341045077-FORM-26 [04-08-2023(online)].pdf 2023-08-04
17 202341045077-ENDORSEMENT BY INVENTORS [04-08-2023(online)].pdf 2023-08-04
18 202341045077-OTHERS-060923.pdf 2023-10-13
19 202341045077-Form 1-060923.pdf 2023-10-13
20 202341045077-Correspondence-060923.pdf 2023-10-13
21 202341045077-FER.pdf 2025-10-13

Search Strategy

1 202341045077_SearchStrategyNew_E_SearchHistory(3)E_07-10-2025.pdf