JP2007537382A - Wave energy converter - Google Patents

Abstract

  The device (10) is placed on the seabed at a location below the sea level to capture wave energy. The device (10) comprises a body structure (11) having a diaphragm (25) adapted to bend in response to wave motion. The working chamber (27) is disposed immediately below the diaphragm (25) and contains a compressible fluid such as air. The pump system (43) is housed in the working chamber (27). The pump system (43) comprises two reciprocating pumps (45, 47) acting in opposition. Due to the geometry of the lever mechanism (61), the stroke length of each pump (45, 47) is less than the magnitude of the displacement of the diaphragm (25) as it moves in response to wave motion. In this way, the lever mechanism (61) increases the force acting on each pump (45, 47) by a given rate and decreases the stroke of each pump by the same rate. The reduced stroke length provides a compact structure so that the pumps (45, 47) can be easily accommodated in the working chamber (27). The pumps (45, 47) draw seawater from the environment around the device (10) and discharge the seawater at high pressure. The high pressure seawater generated by the pump can be piped to the shore for use for any suitable purpose.

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for converting wave energy in a water area into a form capable of performing useful work.

  The present invention has been specifically devised to utilize wave energy and convert the utilized energy into a pressurized fluid for use in any suitable manner, but not necessarily only for that purpose. The fluid may include water drawn from the body of water itself. If the body of water includes the ocean, seawater drawn from the ocean may be piped to the coast under high pressure and supplied to a reverse osmosis desalination unit to make fresh water. The brine condensate exiting the desalination unit is still at high pressure and may be supplied to the turbine and shaft power used to generate electricity.

  There are many proposals for devices that require the use of ocean wave energy, but only a few such devices are actually under sustained commercial development. All of the commercial equipment, whether on the coast, on land, or offshore, converts the energy into electricity with the necessary equipment on the spot. This is due to the marine environment including important components such as turbines, alternators / generators and electrical distribution infrastructure, including factors such as storm power, prolonged exposure to seawater, and accidental immersion in seawater. It means that it must be able to withstand. In the case of offshore equipment, wide-area submarine electric cables are also required to bring electricity to the coast. The net result is increased capital costs and reduced reliability.

  In order to address the problems and drawbacks associated with the above-mentioned proposal, the applicant has previously proposed a wave energy converter in the subject matter of International Patent Application No. PCT / AU03 / 00813. One aspect of Applicants' previous proposal relates to an apparatus for capturing wave energy in waters such as the sea. The device comprises a body structure having a diaphragm mounted on the seabed and adapted to flex in response to wave motion. A reciprocating pump is connected to the diaphragm, and the pump chamber of the pump expands and contracts in response to diaphragm deflection. The pump chamber has an inlet communicating with the seawater and an outlet so that the seawater is drawn into the pump chamber when capacity is expanded and discharged through the outlet when capacity is reduced. The reciprocating pump is connected directly to the diaphragm, so the pump stroke length corresponds to the amplitude of the diaphragm displacement at the point where it is connected to the pump. This requires the reciprocating pump to have a relatively long stroke in order to accommodate the diaphragm displacement amplitude. However, pumps with relatively long strokes are not particularly suitable for small designs that may be required in certain applications.

  It is against this background that the present invention was developed.

  The above discussion on the background of the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the invention. However, this review does not confirm or approve that any of the referenced elements were issued, publicly known or in general knowledge in Australia at the priority date of this application. It is natural.

  In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for capturing wave energy in a body of water is provided, the apparatus comprising a body structure having a portion adapted to bend in response to wave motion, and bending of the portion of the body structure. And a reciprocating pump defining a pump chamber adapted to be expanded and reduced in response, the pump chamber having an inlet and an outlet in communication with the fluid source, whereby fluid from the fluid source is Pulled into the pump chamber when its capacity is expanded, and exhausted from the pump chamber through its outlet when its capacity is reduced, and the pump is operatively connected to the part by a mechanism that provides a speed ratio of less than 1.0 Yes.

  With this configuration, the length of the pump stroke is smaller than the displacement of the part moving in response to the wave motion.

  Preferably, the mechanism comprises a lever and the pump is operatively connected to the lever at a location closer to the fulcrum of the lever, rather than where the portion is connected to the lever.

  The lever increases the working force of the pump at a given ratio and decreases the stroke at the same ratio, so the net work transferred to the pump is substantially changed (if the mechanical loss is low). Absent.

  One reason for using a lever mechanism, i.e., a shorter pump stroke, is to reduce the overall height of the device, thus reducing the overall cost. A further reason is that shorter stroke lengths may be advantageous in terms of pump design, especially with respect to sealing problems involving high pressure fluids.

  In one configuration, the lever mechanism may comprise a single lever operatively connected to one or more pumps. For example, there may be two pumps, one on each side of the lever fulcrum, so that the pump will act in the opposite direction (the capacity of the pump chamber of one pump is expanded and the other is Meaning that the pump chamber volume is reduced and vice versa). When there are a plurality of pumps, two or more pumps may exist on either side of the fulcrum.

  In another configuration, there may be a plurality of lever mechanisms operatively connected to the portion, each lever mechanism adapted to operate one or more pumps. One such configuration may involve three levers arranged in a somewhat delta formation, each lever being operatively connected to the part.

  If there are multiple pumps, an accumulator may be incorporated into a common fluid line along which the discharged fluid is pumped for the purpose of achieving a more stable fluid flow. It is supposed to be sent.

  The counteracting pump may act to provide hydraulic resistance against the diaphragm moving in both directions, thereby attenuating variations in such motion.

  The lever or each lever may be a frame structure, providing both lateral and vertical stiffness under load.

  The portion of the body structure that is adapted to flex in response to wave motion may include a diaphragm that is exposed to a body of water where the wave motion is present. The diaphragm may comprise a substantially rigid portion and a flexible portion. Preferably, the flexible part surrounds the rigid part. Typically, the lever mechanism is operatively connected to the rigid portion.

  The body structure may include a working chamber disposed below the diaphragm and adapted to contain a compressible fluid such as air. The lever or each lever may be housed within the working chamber for connection to the diaphragm, or at least may extend therein.

  This working chamber or each working chamber may have a cylindrical chamber wall, and the outer periphery of the diaphragm is sealingly connected thereto.

  The lever or levers may be pivotally supported on the base of the body structure, the peripheral wall of the working chamber, or a support structure housed within the body structure.

  This lever or each lever may be guided when reciprocating according to the movement of the diaphragm under the influence of wave motion. Each lever may be guided by a guide mechanism comprising a guide structure that can move along the guide. The guide may be provided on the inner surface of the chamber wall. Indeed, the inner surface of the chamber wall may itself provide a guide. The guide structure may comprise one or more rollers that rotationally engage the surface of the chamber wall that provides the guide.

  The lever or each lever may be provided with a counterweight. A counterweight may be installed to provide some support for the return stroke of the diaphragm after completion of its power stroke in response to wave motion.

  The main body structure may further include a ballast chamber that houses a ballast material such as sand. Typically, the ballast material is saturated with water. The ballast chamber may surround the working chamber.

  The body structure may comprise a plurality of working chambers surrounded by a ballast chamber.

  Ballast material such as saturated sand may be used as a filtration medium for water pumped.

  Typically, the pumped fluid contains water drawn from a body of water where wave energy is captured.

  If the operation needs to be stopped quickly, for example when each sea chamber is very bad and overloaded, each working chamber may be selectively flooded with sea water.

  The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of some specific embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

  The embodiments shown in the drawings are each directed to an apparatus for utilizing ocean wave energy and for converting the utilized energy to high pressure seawater, typically about 6.89 Mpa (1000 psi). . The device is mounted on the bottom of a relatively shallow body of water and is designed to create minimal environmental impact. The high pressure seawater produced by the device is piped to the coast for use for any suitable purpose. In one application, high pressure seawater may be used as a driving fluid that drives a turbine, from which shaft power is used to generate electricity. In another application, high pressure seawater may be fed to a reverse osmosis desalination unit that can produce fresh water. The brine condensate from the desalination unit is still at high pressure and may be supplied to shaft power through a turbine that is used to extract mechanical energy. Also, spent salt water condensate can be returned to the ocean if desired.

  With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, an apparatus 10 according to a first embodiment is shown. The apparatus 10 includes a main body structure 11 including a base 13 placed on the seabed, and two walls 15 and 17 standing upright from the base. Typically, the base 13 and the two upstanding walls 15, 17 are unitary and are formed from concrete. Wall 15 is a generally cylindrical structure and provides an outer peripheral wall for the body structure. Wall 17 is also a generally cylindrical structure, spaced inwardly of wall 15 and providing an inner wall within the body structure.

  The spacing between the outer and inner walls 15, 17 defines a ballast chamber 21 for receiving ballast material. Typically, the ballast material comprises saturated sand taken from the seabed. In this embodiment, the upper end of the ballast chamber 21 is open to receive ballast material. If desired, a closure (not shown) may be provided to close the ballast chamber 21.

  The inner cylindrical wall 17 surrounds the inner space 23 and its upper end is closed by a diaphragm 25. In this configuration, the base 13, the cylindrical inner wall 17 and the diaphragm 25 cooperate to form a cell 26 having a working chamber 27.

  The diaphragm 25 is exposed to seawater on the cell 26, and can bend in response to wave activity therein.

  The diaphragm 25 includes a rigid central portion 28 and a flexible outer portion 29 surrounding the central portion 28. The rigid central portion 28 comprises a reinforced circular plate and the outer portion 29 is a membrane formed from an elastomeric material such as rubber. The elastomeric material may be reinforced with a laminate material to increase strength and tear resistance. The outer periphery of the diaphragm 25 is 31 and is connected to the upper end of the inner cylindrical wall 17 in a sealing manner.

  The working chamber 27 is located directly below the diaphragm 25 and contains a compressible fluid, for the sake of reason, in this embodiment this fluid is air. The compressible fluid is under pressure and provides lift to balance the weight of the seawater on the diaphragm 25 and its accessories and the diaphragm. The fluid pressure in the working chamber 27 may be adjusted to maintain the diaphragm 25 in place when the sea is calm.

  The device 10 has a pump circuit 41 having a water intake (not shown) for receiving seawater from the water environment around the device and an outlet (also not shown) through which the seawater is discharged under high pressure. Is further provided. Typically, high pressure seawater is piped to the coast, as previously implied.

  The pump circuit 41 comprises a pump system 43, which in this embodiment works in the opposite direction (one pump performs the discharge stroke, the other pump performs the intake stroke, and vice versa). Two reciprocating pumps 45 and 47 are provided. Each pump 45, 47 includes a piston and a cylinder assembly 51 in which the piston (not shown) cooperates with the cylinder 53, and defines a pump chamber (not shown). The piston rod 55 is connected to the piston in order to give a reciprocating motion to the piston. In this embodiment, the cylinder 53 incorporates an elastomeric sheath that defines the deformable boundary surface of the pump chamber, which cooperates with the piston so that the reciprocating motion of the piston causes expansion and contraction of the elastomeric sheath. The capacity of the pump chamber will be changed. The expansion of the elastomer sheath corresponds to a decrease in the volume of the pump chamber, and the contraction of the elastomer sheath corresponds to an expansion of the capacity of the pump chamber. A typical example of such a pump is described in the aforementioned PCT application and reference is made to FIGS. 51 and 52 of that drawing.

  The pumps 45 and 47 are connected to a common delivery line (not shown), along which pressurized seawater is piped to the coast. In order to achieve a more stable flow rate (ie, less variation in the flow), an accumulator may be connected to the delivery line.

  The pumps 45 and 47 are operatively connected to the diaphragm 25 through the lever mechanism 61.

  The lever mechanism 61 comprises a lever 63 defined by two interconnected lever elements 64 arranged in a laterally spaced relationship.

  One end of the lever 63 is pivotally connected to a support structure 66 mounted on the chamber inner wall 17 at a fulcrum 65, and the other end of the lever 63 is connected to the diaphragm 25 through a connecting rod 67.

  The connecting rod 67 is pivotally connected to the rigid portion 28 of the diaphragm 25 by a pivot joint 69. The connecting rod 67 is also pivotally connected to the adjacent end of the lever 63 by a pivot joint 71.

  The pumps 45 and 47 are operatively connected to the lever 63 at an intermediate position between the ends of the lever 63. Specifically, the pumps 45 and 47 are positioned on opposite sides of the lever 63, and the cylinder 53 is carried by the support structure 66. The piston rod 55 is connected to the lever 63 through a connection frame 73 attached to the lever. The connecting frame 73 has two longitudinal frame elements 75 connected to each lever element 64, and a cross element 77 is supported between the longitudinal frame elements 75. Each piston rod 55 is connected to a respective one of the cross elements 77. With this configuration, the angular motion of the lever 63 reciprocates against the piston rod 55, one rod expands, the other contracts, and vice versa.

  Due to the geometry of the lever 63, the speed ratio of the pump system 43 to the flexible diaphragm 25 is less than 1.0. In other words, the length of the stroke of each pump 45, 47 is smaller than the magnitude of the displacement of the diaphragm 25 when moving according to the wave motion. The lever 63 increases the force acting on each pump 45, 47 by a given rate and decreases the stroke by the same rate. The reduced stroke length allows for a compact design, so that the pumps 45, 47 can be easily accommodated in the working chamber 27.

  Seawater taken in the pump circuit 41 is filtered. The filtration function is performed by a sand filtration system (not shown) that uses saturated sand contained in the ballast chamber 21.

  Next, the operation of the apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. When the sea is calm, the device 10 is submerged in water and there is a constant head of seawater on the diaphragm 25. Diaphragm 25 is the weight of the diaphragm and the equipment attached to it, the restoring force of the elastomer outer portion 29 of the diaphragm, and the downward force on diaphragm 25 resulting from a variety of factors including calm sea hydrostatic pressure and ambient atmospheric pressure. Maintained in place by appropriate air pressure in the working chamber 27 to balance.

  The passage of the wave over the device 10 causes the diaphragm 25 to exert a time varying force and thus moves the diaphragm 25 downward in response to this increasing force. The force is transmitted through the connecting rod 67 to the lever 63, causing the angular motion of the lever 63 around its fulcrum 65. The force is transmitted through the lever to the piston rod 55, causing the pump 47 to perform a water intake stroke that accepts constant seawater, and causes the pump 45 to perform a discharge stroke that releases constant seawater under pressure.

  The downward deflection of the diaphragm 25 reduces the volume of the working chamber 27 and is increased in response to the pressure of the air trapped therein. Since the diaphragm 25 is deflected, there is an equilibrium between the force applied by the wave passing through the diaphragm 25 and the sum of the reactive force applied to the diaphragm 25 by the air pressure and the positive restoring force of the outer portion of the elastomer of the diaphragm. Air pressure continues to rise until it is confirmed. At this point, the diaphragm 25 comes to rest immediately at its maximum deflection. Thereafter, the pressure in the diaphragm 25 becomes unstable, so that the movement of the diaphragm is reversed when the force due to air is restored. On the other hand, as the wave travels through the device 10, the water head becomes smaller. The diaphragm 25 then returns to the equilibrium position and waits for the next wave. During the return movement of diaphragm 25, lever 63 moves angularly in the return direction, thus causing pump 47 to perform a discharge stroke and pump 45 to perform a water intake stroke.

  Since pumps 45 and 47 act in the opposite direction, the fluid pressure generated during the discharge stroke of each pump provides a hydraulic resistance that helps regulate the rate of displacement of diaphragm 25 in both the downward and upward directions. . This helps to attenuate the speed variation and the degree of diaphragm movement.

  The dynamic response of the device 10 can be adjusted over a wide range through careful manipulation of key parameters including the total mass of the diaphragm 25 and attached equipment, and the total air volume and air pressure in the working chamber 27. It is.

  During normal operation, variations in tidal conditions may be corrected by adjusting the fluid pressure in the working chamber 27 in order to change the steady state height of the diaphragm 25 within certain limits. As previously implied, the fluid in the working chamber 27 is typically air. The air pressure can be adjusted via an air line that extends to a control station (eg, land), and in order to adjust the air pressure, compressed air is delivered from the control station to the air line and the air It is possible to extract from the line.

  4 and 5 of the drawings, an apparatus 90 according to a second embodiment is shown. The device 90 is similar in many respects to the device 10 according to the first embodiment, and therefore uses corresponding reference signs to identify corresponding parts.

  In the device 90 according to the second embodiment, the lever mechanism 61 is guided when reciprocating according to the motion of the diaphragm 25 under the influence of the wave motion. Guided movement is provided by a guide mechanism 91 comprising a guide structure 93 that can move along the guide 95. In this embodiment, the guide 95 is provided by the inner surface 97 of the cylindrical inner wall 17.

  The guide structure 93 includes a guide frame 101 attached to the lower side of the rigid portion 28 of the diaphragm 25. The guide frame 101 supports the guide roller 103 by rotational engagement with the wall surface 97. The guide frame 101 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced longitudinal elements 105, each carrying two guide rollers 103 spaced along the longitudinal element.

  The cooperation between the guide structure 93 and the wall surface 97 guides the movement of the diaphragm 25 in response to wave motion and ensures that the diaphragm is not angled (tilted) during its movement. I have to.

  With reference now to FIGS. 6-9, an apparatus 110 according to a third embodiment is shown. The apparatus 110 includes a main body structure 111 having a substantially rectangular structure, and the main body structure 111 includes a base 113 mounted on the seabed, two opposing side walls 115, two opposing end walls 117, and a top wall 119. And have.

  Two cylindrical inner side walls 121 and 122 are provided between the base 113 and the top wall 119 in the main body structure 111.

  Each cylindrical inner wall 121, 122 is closed at the bottom by a base 113 and opens into the top wall 119 to define an opening 127, which is adapted to be closed by a respective diaphragm 129. With this configuration, the base 113, the inner walls 121, 122 and the diaphragm 129 cooperate to form two cells 130, each defining a working chamber 123.

  Each diaphragm 129 includes a rigid central portion 131 and a flexible outer portion 133 surrounding the central portion. The outer periphery of each diaphragm 129 is connected to the upper periphery of each inner cylindrical wall 121, 122 in a sealing manner.

  A stabilization support 134 is provided around the rigid central portion 131 and connects the central portion 131 to the upper perimeter of the respective inner cylindrical walls 121, 122. This prevents the flexible outer portion 133 from overstretching and further prevents the diaphragm 129 from over-tilting and excessive vertical and horizontal displacement in response to wave motion. It is.

  In this embodiment, the stabilization support 134 includes a cable 136 knitted back and forth between the central portion 131 and the walls 121 and 122.

  The working chamber 123 disposed below the diaphragm 129 is interconnected by a passage 135 extending between the cylindrical inner walls 121, 122.

  The working chamber 123 and the interconnecting passage 135 contain a compressible fluid, conveniently in this embodiment the fluid is air. The passage 135 has a sufficient cross-sectional flow area to allow the compressible fluid to pass freely between the working chambers.

  The two cells 130 are typically spaced apart in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the wave travels, which is for the diaphragm 129 to move in antiphase. This is typically achieved in the locality of use of the device 110 by having a spacing between the centers of the diaphragms 129 corresponding to half the wavelength of a typical wave.

  The area within the body structure 111 surrounding each cell 130 defines a ballast chamber 141 for receiving ballast material comprising saturated sand in this embodiment. Ballast material is introduced into the ballast chamber 141 through a port 143 incorporated in the top wall 119.

  The apparatus 110 further comprises a pump circuit 145 having a water intake for receiving seawater from the water environment around the apparatus and an outlet through which the seawater discharged under pressure passes.

  Pump circuit 145 is a pump having two reciprocating pumps 151, 152 acting in the opposite sense in the sense that one pump performs a discharge stroke, the other pump performs a water intake stroke, and vice versa. A system 147 is provided. The opposite action of the pumps 151, 152 is to allow more uniform delivery of high pressure seawater from the device 110 when the pumps perform pump strokes sequentially.

  Each of the pumps 151 and 152 is disposed in each of the work chambers 123.

  Each pump 151, 152 includes a housing 153 fixed to the base 113 and a piston 155 that cooperates with the housing 153 to define a pump chamber 157. The housing 153 incorporates an elastomeric sheath 159 that cooperates with the piston so that the reciprocating motion of the piston causes expansion and contraction of the elastomeric sheath. The expansion of the elastomeric sheath 159 corresponds to a decrease in the volume of the pump chamber 157, and the contraction of the elastomeric sheath corresponds to an expansion of the capacity of the pump chamber. Each pump chamber 157 has an associated valve system (not shown) that is open when the volume of the pump chamber is expanded and is closed when the volume of the pump chamber is decreased. And an outlet valve that closes when the capacity of the pump chamber is expanded and opens only when the volume of the seawater contained in the pump chamber reaches a predetermined pressure. I have. With this configuration, seawater is discharged from each pump changer at a pressure higher than the pressure induced in the pump chamber.

  Each pump 151, 152 is operatively connected to a diaphragm 129 that is coupled to a respective cell 130 through a lever mechanism 161. The lever mechanism 161 includes a lever 163, and one end of the lever mechanism 161 is pivotally connected to a fulcrum 165 of the support structure 167. The other end of the lever 163 is connected to each diaphragm 129 through a connecting rod 169. The connecting rod 169 is connected to the rigid portion of the diaphragm 129 by connection 171, which is a rigid connection in this embodiment, but a swivel connection may be contemplated in certain applications. The connecting rod 169 is also connected to the adjacent end of the lever 163 by a connection 173 in the form of a spherical connection in order to accommodate a universal angular movement between the lever 163 and the connecting rod 169.

  Pumps 151 and 152 are each connected to their respective levers 163 at an intermediate location between the ends of the levers. With this configuration, the length of the stroke of each pump 151, 152 is smaller than the magnitude of displacement of each diaphragm 129 connected through the lever mechanism 161, as in the previous embodiment.

  Seawater taken into the pump circuit 145 will be filtered. The filtration function is performed by a sand filtration system that uses saturated sand housed in the ballast chamber 141 as a filtration medium. Seawater can enter the ballast chamber 140 through an inlet 175 built into the body structure 111.

  In operation, the diaphragms 129 of the two cells 130 are adapted to act out of phase, depending on their spacing relative to the wavelength of the wave typically exposed to the environment of use. With such a configuration, the pump of one cell performs the pumping action, the pump of the other cell performs the intake stroke, and vice versa.

  Next, referring to FIGS. 10 to 26, an apparatus 200 according to a fourth embodiment is shown. The apparatus 200 includes a main body structure 201 having a substantially rectangular structure, and includes a base 203 placed on the seabed, two opposing side walls 205, two opposing end walls 207, and a top wall 209. .

  The two cylindrical inner walls 211 and 212 are provided in the main body structure 201 between the base 203 and the top wall 209.

  Each cylindrical inner wall 211, 212 is closed at the bottom by a base 203 and opens into the top wall 209 to define an opening 213 that is closed by a diaphragm 215. With this configuration, base 203, walls 211, 212 and diaphragm 215 cooperate to form two cells 217, each defining a working chamber 219.

  Each diaphragm 215 has a structure similar to the diaphragm of the previous embodiment, with a rigid central portion 221 and a flexible outer portion 223 surrounding the central portion. The outer periphery of each diaphragm 215 is connected to the upper periphery of the respective inner cylindrical walls 211 and 212 in a sealing manner.

  The working chamber 219 disposed below the diaphragm 215 is interconnected by a passage 225 extending between the cylindrical inner walls 211, 212.

  The working chamber 219 and the interconnecting passage 225 contain a compressible fluid, conveniently in this embodiment the fluid is air. The passage 225 has a sufficient cross-sectional flow area and allows the compressible fluid to travel freely between the working chambers.

  The two cells 217 are typically spaced apart in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the wave travels, which is for the diaphragm 215 to move in antiphase. This is typically achieved in the locality of use of the device 200 by having a spacing between the diaphragm centers that corresponds to half the wavelength of a typical wave.

  The area within the body structure 201 surrounding the cell 217 defines a ballast chamber 227 for receiving ballast material comprising saturated sand in this embodiment. Ballast material is introduced into the ballast chamber 227 through a port 229 incorporated in the top wall 209.

  The device 200 includes a pump circuit 231 through which the seawater is taken from the water environment around the device and the seawater is discharged under pressure.

  The pump circuit 231 includes a plurality of pumps 233 in each cell 217, and in this embodiment, there are three pumps in each cell. The three pumps 233 in each cell 217 are spaced 120 degrees apart and arranged in a triangular formation, as best seen in FIG. Each pump 223 has a water intake port 235 and a discharge port 237 that communicate with a respective collection tank 239, which was determined by the hydrostatic pressure of seawater at the depth where the tank is located. Receives seawater with pressure. The seawater contained in each tank 239 will be filtered as will be described in more detail below. The discharge port 237 of each pump 223 communicates with the manifold 241 through the drain line 243. The manifolds 241 of the two cells 217 communicate with a pipe 245 along which seawater can be pumped to a remote location such as the coast under pressure.

  The pump 233 of each cell 217 is operatively connected to the respective diaphragm 215 of the cell.

  Each pump 233 includes a housing 251 and a cooperating piston 253, and in the sense of defining a pump chamber 255, includes a reciprocating pump having a structure similar to that of the previous embodiment.

  In this embodiment, a guide structure 257 is provided to guide the movement of the piston 253 with respect to the housing 251. The guide structure 257 includes a yoke 259 that is pivotally attached at 260 to a connecting rod 261 attached to the piston 253. The yoke 259 carries a guide roller 263 that rotationally engages the outer surface of the housing 251 as best seen in FIG. With this arrangement, the cooperation between the yoke 259 and the housing 251 acts to provide axial guidance to the piston 253 when reciprocating relative to the housing 251.

  Each pump 233 is operatively connected to the diaphragm 215 of each cell 217 through a respective lever mechanism 271. Therefore, each cell 213 incorporates three lever mechanisms 217 and corresponds to each pump 233 one by one.

  Each lever mechanism 271 includes a lever 273 pivotally connected to a support 277 accommodated in each cell 217 at a fulcrum 275. The support 277 within each cell 217 forms part of a common support structure 279 that is received in two cells and a passage 225 extending therebetween. This provides a sturdy support arrangement for the lever 273.

  As best seen in FIG. 14, each support 277 is a frame structure and is generally triangular. Adjacent to each apex of the triangular support 277 is a mount 291 configured as a yoke for pivotally supporting a respective one of the levers 273. Each lever 273 is pivotally connected to its respective mount 291 at a fulcrum 275. For clarity of illustration, only one lever 273 is shown in FIGS.

  Each lever 273 is a frame structure and provides both lateral and vertical stiffness, as was the previous embodiment. The fulcrum 275 is located in the middle between the ends of the lever 273, but is close to one end where the counterweight 295 is provided. The other end of each lever 273 is connected to each diaphragm 215 through a connecting rod 297. The connecting rod 297 is connected to the rigid portion 221 of the diaphragm 215 by a connection 299, which in this embodiment is a rigid connection. Also, the connecting rod 297 is connected to the adjacent end of the lever by a pivot connection 301 having a pivot axis substantially parallel to the axis about which the lever 273 moves angularly about the fulcrum 275. Three connecting rods 297 connected to the rigid portion 221 of the diaphragm 215 act to provide a relatively stable support for the diaphragm when flexing in response to wave motion.

  Each pump 233 is pivotally connected to a respective lever 273 by a pivot 305 intermediate between the fulcrum 275 and the end of the lever to which the connecting rod 297 is connected. Similar to the previous embodiment, this configuration provides that the stroke length of each pump 233 is less than the magnitude of the displacement of the diaphragm 215 connected through the respective lever mechanism 271.

  Counterweight 295 may be adjustably attached to lever 273 for the purpose of selectively varying the degree of force balancing as desired.

  As described above, the seawater taken into the pump circuit 231 and particularly the seawater sent to the tank 239 is filtered. The filtration function is performed by a sand filtration system 310 that uses saturated sand contained in the ballast chamber 227. Filtration system 310 incorporates storage tanks 239, one for each pump 233, as described above. Each storage tank 239 receives filtered seawater via a filtration pipe 311, which extends into the ballast chamber 227 and is provided with a plurality of inlet holes 313 along its length. ing. The portion of the filtration pipe 311 housed in the ballast chamber 227 is surrounded by a secondary filter 315 comprising a filtration media 316 (eg, washed gravel or other porous particulate material) confined within the perforated filtration housing 317. Yes. The perforated filtration housing 317 is configured as a detachable unit and can be withdrawn from around the filtration pipe 311 for cleaning and other regular maintenance procedures. The filter housing 317 is accessible from the outside of the body structure 201 and a handle 319 is provided on the outer side thereof to facilitate installation and removal of the filter housing.

  Seawater from the saturated ballast material is allowed to permeate under hydrostatic pressure through the porous filtration housing 317 and the filtration media 316 contained therein into the storage tank 239. Due to the large volume of sand ballast material in the structure, a high level of seawater filtration will be achieved.

  Of course, there are facilities that make up the supplemental seawater into the ballast chamber 227 and maintain the sand ballast material in saturation. This can be accomplished in any suitable manner, such as, for example, putting water through a port 229 incorporated in the top wall 209 of the body structure 201.

  Details of the flexible outer portion 223 of the diaphragm 215 are illustrated in FIGS. The flexible outer portion 223 includes a membrane 224 formed from natural rubber reinforced with a fiber mat.

  The hardness and length of the diaphragm outer portion 223 bulges upward under the influence of the pressure difference between the air pressure in the working chamber 219 and the hydrostatic pressure of the seawater covering the diaphragm 215 (as seen in FIG. 23). To be selected. This minimizes the formation of concave troughs in the diaphragm outer portion 223 that may catch water during the up stroke of the diaphragm 215 and may cause excessive dynamic loading on the elastomeric material that provides the outer portion. It is considered to be an important feature to limit.

  The maximum height of the diaphragm 215 can be set to any level with respect to the top of the body structure 201 during the design specification, which may be high or recessed at the same height. This makes it possible to adjust the device to a specific sea condition. For example, when the sea condition is good, the rigidity central portion 221 of the diaphragm 215 may be high, and when the sea condition is bad, the rigidity The central portion 221 may be the same height or recessed.

  FIG. 24 illustrates the various states that the flexible outer portion 223 can assume when the diaphragm 215 moves between the uppermost and lowermost states, both indicated by dashed lines. . The three illustrated states are an uppermost state A, a lowermost state B, and an intermediate state indicated by a solid line.

  Due to the extent to which the flexible outer portion 223 of the diaphragm 215 can be bent in its trajectory between the uppermost and lowermost states, the flexible outer portion 223 has an inner perimeter It is desirable to have a joint adapted to such movements connected to the rigid central part and to which the flexible outer part is connected to the respective inner cylindrical walls 211, 212 around its outer periphery. .

  The inner peripheral joint is illustrated in FIG. 25 and includes a rotational transfer joint 341. The joint 341 incorporates two clamp rings 343 and 344, each having a circular cross section. The clamp ring 343 is attached to an annular clamp plate 345 that is fixed to the rigid inner portion 221 of the diaphragm. The clamp ring 344 is mounted on a further annular clamp plate 347 that is connected to the fixed clamp plate 345 by a plurality of circumferentially spaced nut and bolt assemblies 349. Each nut and bolt assembly 349 incorporates a spacer 350 between the two clamp rates 345,347.

  The plate 347 incorporates a web 351 that rests on a stationary plate 345 and is located adjacent to the inner periphery of the flexible outer portion 223 of the diaphragm 215.

  With this configuration, the membrane 224 is sandwiched between the clamp rates 345, 347, and the clamp rings 343, 344 that press-engage with it define an arcuate surface about which the membrane rotates during the deflection of the diaphragm 215. It is supposed to be.

  The membrane 224 incorporates a thick section 353 in the inner perimeter located beyond the clamp rings 343, 344 to increase robustness to the joint 341 and the membrane 224 is defined between the two clamp rings. Pulling through the chewing area is suppressed.

  As best seen in FIG. 26, a somewhat similar structure is used for the other transition joint.

  The outer joint around the diaphragm 215 is illustrated in FIG. 26 and includes a rotational transition joint 361. Joint 361 incorporates two clamp rings 363 and 364, each having a circular cross section. The clamp ring 363 is attached to an annular clamp plate 365 that is fixed to the cylindrical wall 211. The clamp ring 364 is mounted on a further annular clamp plate 367 that is connected to the fixed clamp plate 365 by a plurality of circumferentially spaced nut and bolt assemblies 369. Each nut and bolt assembly 369 incorporates a spacer 372 between two clamp rates 365 and 367.

  The plate 367 incorporates a web 373 that rests on the stationary plate 365 and is located adjacent to the outer periphery of the flexible outer portion 221 of the diaphragm 215.

  With this configuration, the membrane 224 is sandwiched between clamp rates 365 and 367, and the clamp rings 363 and 364 that press-engage with it define an arcuate surface about which the membrane rotates during the deflection of the diaphragm 215. It is supposed to be.

  The membrane 224 incorporates a thick section 373 that functions in a manner similar to the thick section 353.

  FIG. 27 schematically illustrates a variation of the diaphragm structure and the method of attaching it in place. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 27, there is a membrane 291 that extends over and around the rigid central portion 221 to provide an outer flexible portion 223. The rigid central portion 221 has a tube 293 around it, around which the membrane 291 can rotate when the diaphragm is displaced. The membrane 291 is adapted to travel around a further tube 295 around its outer periphery in order to adhere to the cylindrical wall 211. It should be noted that FIG. 27 illustrates the diaphragm 215 in two extreme states, one at the top and the other at the bottom.

  FIG. 28 illustrates an apparatus 400 according to a further embodiment. The device 400 according to this embodiment is substantially the same as the previous embodiment, and therefore uses corresponding reference signs to identify similar parts. The apparatus 400 incorporates a fixation system 401 for fixing the body structure 201 to the seabed. The fixation system 401 uses suction for the purpose of fixation. The suction effect is determined by a suction chamber on the underside of the body structure 201, which is sealed away from its open bottom. The suction chamber is defined by a rigid skirt provided around the periphery of the body structure 201 that varies from the base 203. The skirt typically may extend about 1 meter downward beyond the base so that when the device is deployed on the seabed, the skirt is submerged to its full depth. The skirt is actually defined by the downward extensions of the two side walls 205 and the two end walls 207, thereby enclosing a volume under the base and defining an open bottom suction chamber.

  When placed in place on the seabed to extract air from the seabed for the purpose of achieving suction fixation, pipe means (not shown) are provided for communicating with the enclosed volume in the suction chamber. Yes. The pipe can also be used to deliver air into the enclosed volume if the device is to be subsequently released from the suction fixation effect.

  Scraping the sand at the sea floor around the fixed device may be mitigated by the use of gabions and / or mats 407 attached around the perimeter of the device and held firmly on the sea floor.

  In a variation to the disclosed arrangement, the lower section of the body structure 201 is segmented and defines a suction zone comprising a plurality of separate suction chambers. Such a configuration prevents total loss of suction when the device 400 is tilted, in which case only the segment rising above the seabed loses suction, while the remaining segment remains buried and is fixed by suction. The effect will be retained.

  In the previously illustrated embodiment, the lever mechanism is confined to individual cells, so the lever ratio effect was limited by the lateral dimensions of each particular cell.

  One way that the lever ratio can be increased is for the lever to extend between two cells and to place the lever through a passage between them. With this arrangement, the lever can be connected to the diaphragm of one cell at one end, and the fulcrum of the lever is provided in the other cell. One such arrangement is illustrated in the embodiment shown in FIG. 29, where two levers 411, 412 are positioned side by side, with one lever 411 acting on the diaphragm of the first cell 413. Connected to and attached to a support structure (not shown) that provides a fulcrum for the second cell 415. Similarly, the other lever 412 is attached to the diaphragm of the second cell 415 and is attached to a support structure that defines a fulcrum in the first cell 413.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 29, the two levers 411 and 412 were positioned in a side-by-side arrangement. Other arrangements are of course possible. One such arrangement is illustrated in the embodiment shown in FIG. 30, with two levers 411, 412 being interposed therebetween.

  Referring now to FIG. 31, a further embodiment 420 is shown, which involves two cells 421, 422, interconnected by a passage 423 for fluid communication therebetween, but only cell 422. A diaphragm 425 is incorporated. The cell 421 incorporates a rigid top rather than a diaphragm. Therefore, it is a fixed capacity. With such a configuration, the capacity of the two cells 421, 422 and the passage 423 therebetween provides a working chamber. This configuration allows for an extended length lever 427 that is connected to the diaphragm 425 of the cell 422 and is pivotally supported at the fulcrum 429 of the cell 421.

  In this embodiment, lever 427 operates two pumps 431, 432 located on opposite sides of fulcrum 429 so that the pumps act in the opposite direction. In this way, one pump can perform a pump stroke and the other pump can perform a suction stroke, and vice versa.

  In this embodiment, damping is used to decelerate lever 427 and diaphragm 425 at the end of the downward motion. The final stage of the diaphragm downward movement corresponds to a high diaphragm velocity and therefore requires a weak damping. This may be achieved by a damping structure 437 such as an elastomer air spring, or simply by a flexible elastomer material such as a stack of automotive tires laid flat. Alternatively, the damping process may use a damping fluid, in which case the damping structure may comprise a pump, allowing some of this end stroke energy to be utilized. The damping fluid may comprise seawater, in which case the damping pump may form part of a seawater pump system with the pump at the other end of the lever.

  Referring now to FIGS. 32-44, an apparatus 450 according to a further embodiment is shown. The device 450 includes a main body structure 451 having a substantially rectangular structure, and includes a base 453 mounted on the seabed 454, two opposing side walls 455, two opposing end walls 457, and a top wall 459. Yes.

  The body structure 451 incorporates two cells 461, 462 and is interconnected by a passage 463 for fluid communication therebetween.

  The cell 461 is a fixed volume and is defined between an inner cylindrical wall 465 that is closed by a base 453 at the bottom end and closed by a top wall 459 at the top end. The cell 462 is a variable volume and is defined between an inner cylindrical wall 467 that is closed by a base 453 at the bottom end and opens to the top wall 459 to define an opening 469. The opening 469 is closed by a diaphragm 471. With this arrangement, the capacity of the two cells 461, 462 and the passage 463 therebetween provides a working chamber 473.

  The tower 475 extends upward from the body structure 451 and provides access to the cell 461 when the device 450 is installed in place on the seabed 454. The upper end of the tower 475 thus extends above the sea level, as illustrated in FIGS. 36, 37 and 38, where the sea level is indicated by a line identified by reference numeral 476. Tower 475 is particularly advantageous during the deployment and inspection phases of the device when regular access to the interior of the body structure is required, but is not necessary in any production version of the device.

  Similar to the previous embodiment, the diaphragm 471 includes a rigid central portion 481 and a flexible outer portion 483 surrounding the central portion 481. The outer periphery of the diaphragm 471 is connected in a sealing manner to the upper periphery of the inner cylindrical wall 467.

  The working chamber 473 contains a compressible fluid, conveniently in this embodiment the fluid is air. The passage 463 has a sufficient cross-sectional flow area and allows the compressible fluid to pass freely between the two cells 461, 462. A delivery system including a supply line 484 extending from a control station having a base on land is provided for supplying compressible fluid into the working chamber 473 and regulating its pressure.

  The area within the body structure 451 that surrounds each cell 461, 462 defines a ballast chamber 485 for receiving ballast material comprising saturated sand in this embodiment. Ballast material is introduced into the ballast chamber 485 through a port (not shown) built into the top wall 459.

  The device 450 has a water intake 493 for receiving seawater from the water environment around the device (as best seen in FIGS. 41 and 42) and an outlet 495 through which the seawater discharged under pressure passes. A pump circuit 491 is further provided.

  The pump circuit 491 has two reciprocating pumps 501, 502 acting in the opposite sense, with one pump performing a discharge stroke, the other pump performing a water intake stroke, and vice versa. A pump system 500 is provided. The opposite action of the pumps 501, 502 allows the high pressure seawater to be delivered more uniformly from the device 450 as the pumps perform pump strokes sequentially.

  Each pump 501, 502 comprises a reciprocating pump similar in structure to the pump of the previous embodiment in the sense that it defines a pump chamber with a housing and a cooperating piston.

  Each pump 501, 502 is operatively connected to a diaphragm 471 through a lever mechanism 510.

  The lever mechanism 510 includes a lever 511 that extends between the two cells 461 and 462 via the passage 463. The lever 511 is pivotally connected to a support 514 accommodated in the cell 461 at a fulcrum 513.

  The lever 511 is a frame structure that provides both lateral and vertical stiffness, as was the previous embodiment. The fulcrum 513 is located in the middle between the lever ends, but is close to one end. The other end of the lever 511 is connected to the rigid central portion 481 of the diaphragm 471 through the rigid coupling frame 515. With this configuration, as illustrated in FIGS. 36, 37, and 38, the lever 511 provides a relatively stable support to the diaphragm 471 when bent in response to wave motion. This is because the rigid central portion 481 of the diaphragm 471 moves in unison with the lever 511 because of the rigid connection between them provided by the coupling frame 515.

  Each of the pumps 501 and 502 is pivotally connected to the lever 511 at the opposite side of the fulcrum 513.

  The pump circuit 491 includes an inlet 493 through which filtered seawater is drawn and an outlet 495 adapted to connect to a subsea pipeline for transporting high pressure seawater generated by the apparatus to the coast. As was the case with the previous embodiment, the inlet 493 incorporates a sand filtration system 521 that uses saturated sand contained in the ballast chamber 485 as the filtration medium. A filtration media backflush is also provided.

  The pump circuit 491 includes a high pressure line 525 extending between the outlets 526 of the pumps 501, 502, and the pump circuit outlet 495 provides a damped wave to the high pressure flow for the purpose of achieving a more stable flow state. providing. This is achieved in this embodiment by providing a series of wave damping materials 527 at intervals along the line.

  The pump circuit inlet line 528 between the inlet 493 and the pumps 501, 502 incorporates a water accumulator 529.

  Within the working chamber 473 is provided removal of any extraneous water that may accumulate therein. This is achieved in this embodiment by providing a sewage basin 531 through which foreign water can circulate and a bilge pump 533 for pumping the water collected in the sewage basin 531 into the water accumulator 529. Has been.

  The device 450 is also adapted to prevent or at least mitigate rubbing seabed sand around the device when in place. In this embodiment, this is achieved by using a mat 531 around the periphery of the body structure 451. The mat is attached around the main body structure 451 and placed on the seabed. In this embodiment, the mat 531 includes a plurality of rectangular mat sections 533 connected to each other. Each mat section 533 includes a plurality of blocks 535 (typically concrete blocks) positioned in the array and connected to each other. With this arrangement, the block can be connected one to the other (at least to a limited extent) so that the mat section 533 follows the profile of the seabed on which it rests.

  In each of the described embodiments, the device is operated in isolation. Of course, devices according to any of the previous embodiments can be incorporated into the array.

  One such array is illustrated in FIGS. 45 and 46, where a common housing structure 550 is used for cost effectiveness. The common housing structure 550 accommodates a plurality of cells 551.

  A further arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 47, where there are multiple arrays 560 spaced across the wavefront to avoid interaction with each other. This interval is determined from the interaction length that reduces and expands as λ / 2π, where λ is the wavelength.

  In the illustrated arrangement, each array 560 comprises a series of four cells 561, 562, 563, 564.

  Waves that enter from the left of the drawing parallel to the longitudinal axis of the array will produce an in-phase response across each of the arrays. In other words, the first cell 561 of the array 560 acts in phase, and so does the second cell 562, the third cell 563, and the fourth cell 564. Waves entering at other angles can cause some phase dissipation of the unit. Analysis of the phase response shows that there is an acceptable angle that defines the direction of incoming waves to produce an acceptable level of energy output from such an array. The angle depends on many parameters, but for optimal systems it is between 90 and 120 degrees.

  Changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

  Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the term “comprising” or variations such as “comprising” or “comprising” implies that the stated integer or group of integers is included. However, it will be understood that it does not exclude any other integer or group of integers.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of a device for capturing wave energy according to a first embodiment. It is a schematic sectional side view of 1st Embodiment. It is a partial side view of a 1st embodiment. It is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the apparatus which catches the wave energy which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic sectional side view of 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus which catches the wave energy which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a schematic plan view of 3rd Embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing of 3rd Embodiment. It is a partial sectional side view of 3rd Embodiment. It is a schematic plan view of the apparatus which catches the wave energy which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a schematic side view of 4th Embodiment. It is a schematic perspective view of the support structure which forms a part of 4th Embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of the support structure illustrated in FIG. 12. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a part of the support structure illustrated in FIG. 12. FIG. 15 is a plan view of FIG. 14. It is a schematic side front view of the pump and lever mechanism used for the apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. FIG. 17 is a further side view of the pump and lever mechanism illustrated in FIG. 16. It is a schematic plan view of 4th Embodiment, and has illustrated especially the seawater pump circuit integrated in it. It is a side view of FIG. It is a fragmentary perspective view of a seawater pump circuit, and has illustrated especially the filtration system for intake seawater. It is a schematic plan view of a filtration system. It is a schematic plan view of the detachable component of a filtration system. It is a partial front view of 4th Embodiment, and has illustrated the diaphragm which can be bent especially. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a diaphragm in three possible operating positions. FIG. 6 is a partial front view showing the connection between the flexible part and the rigid part of the diaphragm in particular. FIG. 6 is a schematic side view showing a connection between a flexible diaphragm and a structure surrounding the device. It is a fragmentary perspective view which shows another form of the structure of a flexible diaphragm. It is a partial top view of the apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a schematic plan view of the apparatus which concerns on 6th Embodiment. It is a schematic plan view of the apparatus which catches the wave energy which concerns on 7th Embodiment. It is a schematic side front view of the apparatus which catches the wave energy which concerns on 8th Embodiment. It is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus which catches the wave energy which concerns on 9th Embodiment. FIG. 33 is a schematic front view of the apparatus of FIG. 32. FIG. 33 is a schematic end front view of the apparatus of FIG. 32; It is a schematic plan view of the apparatus of FIG. FIG. 33 is a schematic side view of the apparatus of FIG. 32, specifically illustrating a deflectable diaphragm and a lever mechanism to which it is connected, with the diaphragm shown in the uppermost state. FIG. 37 is a view similar to FIG. 36 except that the diaphragm is shown in an intermediate state. FIG. 37 is a view similar to FIG. 36 except that the diaphragm is shown in the lower state. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing the relationship between two cells cooperating to provide a working chamber and a lever mechanism incorporated therein. It is a schematic side front view which shows a lever mechanism. It is a top view of the pump circuit integrated in the apparatus of FIG. It is a side front view of a pump circuit. It is the schematic which shows the intake end of a pump circuit. FIG. 33 is a partial front view of the apparatus of FIG. 32, specifically illustrating the exit end of the pump circuit and a mat for mitigating rubbing the seabed where the apparatus is installed. It is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus which catches the wave energy which concerns on 10th Embodiment. FIG. 46 is a plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 45. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a wave energy conversion system using an array of devices that capture wave energy. FIG.

Claims (22)

  An apparatus for capturing wave energy in a water area, wherein a body structure having a portion that is bent according to the movement of a wave, and is expanded and reduced according to the bending of the portion of the body structure. And a reciprocating pump defining a pump chamber, the pump chamber having an inlet communicating with the fluid source and an outlet, so that fluid from the fluid source is expanded in the pump chamber when its capacity is expanded. And is discharged from the pump chamber through the outlet when its capacity is reduced, and the pump is operatively connected to the portion of the body structure by a mechanism that provides a speed ratio of less than 1.0. ,apparatus.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mechanism comprises a lever, and the pump is operatively connected to the lever at a location that is closer to a fulcrum of the lever, rather than where the portion is connected to the lever. .   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mechanism comprises a lever operatively connected to at least two pumps.   4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the lever is operatively connected to two pumps, one on each side of the lever fulcrum, so that the pump acts oppositely. .   5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein there are a plurality of levers operatively connected to the part, each lever adapted to operate at least one pump.   6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein there are three levers arranged in a delta formation, each lever being operatively connected to the portion.   7. The device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the lever or each lever is a frame structure and provides both vertical and lateral stiffness under load.   8. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the portion of the body structure adapted to flex in response to wave motion comprises a diaphragm that is exposed to a body of water in which the wave motion is present.   The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the diaphragm comprises a substantially rigid portion and a flexible portion, and the mechanism is operatively connected to the rigid portion.   The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the mechanism is rigidly coupled to the rigid portion of the diaphragm.   11. Apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the body structure comprises a working chamber disposed under the diaphragm and adapted to contain a compressible fluid such as air.   12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the lever or each lever is housed in or extends at least within the working chamber for connection to the diaphragm.   13. The device according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the lever or each lever is adapted to be guided when reciprocating according to the movement of the diaphragm.   14. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein the lever or each lever is provided with a counterweight to provide support for the return stroke of the diaphragm after completion of its power stroke.   15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the body structure comprises a ballast chamber that contains a ballast material such as sand.   The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the ballast chamber surrounds the working chamber.   17. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid pumped consists of water drawn from a body of water where wave energy is to be captured.   The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a filtration system for filtering water, wherein the filtration system comprises saturated sand used as a ballast material for the apparatus.   An apparatus for capturing wave energy in a water area, wherein a body structure having a portion that is bent according to the movement of a wave, and is expanded and reduced according to the bending of the portion of the body structure. And a reciprocating pump defining a pump chamber, the pump chamber having an inlet communicating with the fluid source and an outlet, so that fluid from the fluid source is expanded in the pump chamber when its capacity is expanded. When the volume is reduced, the pump chamber is evacuated from the pump chamber through the outlet, and the pump is operatively connected to the part by a mechanism, whereby the pump stroke length is reduced by wave motion. A device that is smaller than the magnitude of the displacement of said part that moves in response.   An apparatus for capturing wave energy in a water area, wherein a body structure having a portion that is bent according to the movement of a wave, and is expanded and reduced according to the bending of the portion of the body structure. And a reciprocating pump defining a pump chamber, the pump chamber having an inlet communicating with the fluid source and an outlet, so that fluid from the fluid source is expanded in the pump chamber when its capacity is expanded. And is discharged from the pump chamber through the outlet when its volume is reduced, the pump is operatively connected to the part by a lever, and the pump is where the part is connected to the lever. Rather, the device is operatively connected to the lever at a location closer to the lever fulcrum.   21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the diaphragm comprises a substantially rigid portion and a flexible portion, and the lever is operatively connected to the rigid portion of the diaphragm.   An apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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