Compressed air producing, tidal and wave-power collection apparatus for installation in large bodies of water

Patent · Tue Jun 10 04:00:00 EDT 1980

OSTI ID:5777761

Eberle, W J

A novel tidal and wave-power collection apparatus is disclosed which is well suited for oceanic installations. In the preferred embodiment, a matrix of power collection units is easily assembled at sea, each being bridged and reinforced by catwalks extending therebetween which form trilateral power collection modules having such units at each of the corners thereof. Each power collection unit comprises a central tubular pilaster embedded in the ocean floor around which is disposed a toroidal float which moves up and down with the waves and tide and which acts to drive an air compressor while rising and falling. The output of the air compressor, I.E. Compressed air, is stored in the float's chamber and is transmitted through conduits in the bridging structure to a remote power consumption site. The apparatus is efficient, economical and capable of capturing and storing large quantities of power which may be utilized to satisfy peak load power demands.

• Assignee: Benasutti Asst Ltd
• Patent Number(s): US 4206601
• OSTI ID: 5777761
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER
160702 -- Tidal Power Plants-- Power Conversion Systems
160800* -- Tidal & Wave Power-- Wave Energy Converters
AIR
ANNULAR SPACE
COMPRESSED AIR
COMPRESSED AIR ENERGY STORAGE
COMPRESSED GASES
CONFIGURATION
CONVERSION
ENERGY CONVERSION
ENERGY SOURCES
ENERGY STORAGE
FLUIDS
GASES
MODULAR STRUCTURES
OFFSHORE OPERATIONS
POWER
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
SPACE
STORAGE
TIDAL POWER
TOROIDAL CONFIGURATION
WAVE POWER