AU2023215508B2

AU2023215508B2 - Wave energy power generation arrangement

Info

Publication number: AU2023215508B2
Application number: AU2023215508A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Douglas Joseph DE SOUZA
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-02-04
Filing date: 2023-02-03
Publication date: 2024-04-11
Anticipated expiration: 2043-02-03
Also published as: AU2023215508A1; AU2023215508B9; WO2023147632A1

Abstract

Provided is wave energy power generation arrangement which generally comprises at least one pumping assembly (12) locatable in an aquatic environment (8) for pumping water 8.1. The pumping assembly (12) comprises a cylinder housing (14) anchorable to an aquatic floor 8.2 and including an inlet (16) and outlet (18) and configured to provide one-directional flow from inlet 16 to outlet (18). Also included is a piston (22) reciprocally arranged within said cylinder housing (14) to facilitate pumping, and a float (24) fast with the piston (22) and arranged to impart reciprocal motion thereto under the influence of wave energy from said aquatic environment (8). Arrangement also includes a terrestrial water reservoir (26) having a penstock (28) and arranged to receive water pumped from the aquatic environment (8), as well as a turbine generator (30) arranged below the terrestrial water reservoir (26) for receiving water via the penstock (28) to convert gravitational potential energy of water in the reservoir (26) to electrical energy.

Description

WAVE ENERGY POWER GENERATION ARRANGEMENT 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 facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion 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 significant 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 efficiencies can also approach 50%, which is very

promising. For comparison, efficiencies 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 subject to problems around supporting infrastructure,

such as offshore 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 offshore dam for separating a

section of sea inside it, such as a port zone from an open-sea

section, and comprises towards this 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 offshore dam or in a land zone also at a distance from this offshore 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. Specifically, the plant requires a float connected to a hydraulic pump housed inside the offshore 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 offshore 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 offshore dam area which separates

the float from the open sea in order to reduce environmental

damage to the equipment itself. Such offshore dam area is often

not practical nor achievable without significant 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 identified a need for

a rugged wave energy power generation arrangement which is able

to efficiently 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 offshore electrical grid connections.

Similarly, Applicant had identified 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 controllable 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 baffle structure fast with and extending upward

from the cylinder housing, said baffle structure including

a float fast with the piston and above the inlet and an

outlet, the baffle 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 floatis 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 toa 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 baffle structure fast with and extending upward from the cylinder housing, said baffle structure including a float fast with the piston and above the inlet and an outlet, the baffle 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 difference 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 difference 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 baffle 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 baffle 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 non

limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included

solely for the purposes of exemplifying 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 identify 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 one

directional 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 baffle structure 32, a velocity of the float 24 within the baffle 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 one

directional 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

simplify 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] Additionally, to facilitate such operation of the

ports 36, in one embodiment, the cylinder housing 14 includes a

baffle plate 38 below the controllable inlet(s) 16 and above the

outlet 18, as shown, said baffle 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 baffle 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 float mass and

buoyancy determinations are typically performed via selection of

float material and size, 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 self-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 offshore to provide electricity onshore via a suitable connector, e.g. a submersed cable. The free-standing rig may also include adjustable 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

difference 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 difference 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 difference 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 baffle

structure 32 underneath the float 24 according to a head

requirement necessary 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 effect allow control over a stroke of the float 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 environmentto 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 exemplified 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 adjust 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 displacement 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 offshore 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 just

above sea level at the highest tide so as to cause no back

pressure on the turbine discharge side for maximum efficiency.

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.

Claims

1. 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 controllable 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 baffle structure fast with and extending upward

from the cylinder housing, said baffle structure including

a float fast with the piston and above the inlet and an

outlet, the baffle 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.

2. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the water is returned

to the aquatic environment after passing through the turbine

generator.

3. The arrangement of either of claims 1 or 2, which comprises

a plurality of pumping assemblies locatable across various parts

of the aquatic environment with all pumping assemblies supplying

the water reservoir with water.

4. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the water

reservoir comprises a terrestrial water reservoir located on

land proximate the aquatic environment.

5. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the water

reservoir is configured as an aquatic reservoir within the

aquatic environment.

6. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the baffle

structure encloses the float and defines an open upper portion

extending above a level of the aquatic environment.

7. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein 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.

8. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein 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.

9. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein 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.

10. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the pumping

assembly is arranged in fluid communication with the water

reservoir by means of a conduit, e.g. a pipe, or the like.

11. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein 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.

12. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein 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.

13. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein a size

and/or surface dimension of the floatis determined according to

a head requirement necessary from the pumping assembly in

accordance with available wave energy from the aquatic

environment.

14. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein 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.

15. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 14, wherein 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.

16. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 15, wherein 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.

17. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 16, which includes

wind-powered pumps arranged to assist the pumping assembly in

pumping water, i.e. windmill-type pumps.

18. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the

cylinder housing is configured to provide one-directional flow

from inlet to outlet by means of suitable non-return valves.

19. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 17, wherein 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.

20. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 19, wherein 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.

21. 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

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 baffle structure fast with and extending upward

from the cylinder housing, said baffle structure including

a float fast with the piston and above the inlet and an

outlet, the baffle 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; controllingthe 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.

22. The method of claim 21, which includes the step of returning

the water to the aquatic environment after passing through the

turbine generator.

23. The method of either of claims 21 or 22, wherein the step

of providing water to the reservoir is performed by a plurality

of pumping assemblies located across various parts of the aquatic

environment.

24. The method of any of claims 21 to 23, wherein 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.

25. The method of any of claims 21 to 24, which 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.

26. The method of any of claims 21 to 25, which 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.

27. The method of any of claims 21 to 26, which includes the

step of determining 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.

28. The method of any of claims 21 to 27, which includes the

step of determining a number of pumping assemblies supplying the

water reservoir 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.

29. The method of any of claims 21 to 28, which includes the

step of controlling an amount of water entering the baffle

structure underneath the float via the controllable inlet

according to an amplitude of a wave passing the pumping assembly.

30. The method of any of claims 21 to 29, which includes the

step of controlling an amount of water entering the baffle

structure underneath the float via the controllable inlet

according to weather conditions proximate the pumping assembly.

of