EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A universal problem in the world today is the inability to produce clean energy at a low cost. This invention solves this problem by allowing for the mass production of inexpensive renewable energy in the form of electricity. The electricity is produced by extracting energy from ocean waves through the use of an apparatus consisting of one of two different types of turbines incorporated into a power generating system that is partially submerged in the ocean waves. The apparatus can be maneuvered to place the turbine into the most appropriate positions in order to maximize its energy extracting capability.

This invention can also be used to help: (l) store heat in electric boilers, (2) store compressed air energy, (3) store water in high level reservoirs, and (4) in the desalination process of sea water for drinking and irrigation.

There were many attempts in the past to provide a system capable of harnessing ocean wave power. The prior devices, however, were neither able to capture wave energy efficiently nor physically able to withstand the destructive nature of ocean waves. The advantage of this equipment as compared to those in the past is its operational flexibility. The equipment is capable of being maneuvered horizontally to match the ever-changing direction of oncoming waves, as well as being lifted vertically to avoid or minimize the effects of destructive “maverick” waves.

Prior ocean generating systems were designed with a single paddle wheel to work on the intermittent impulses of waves, failing to maximize the energy obtainable from each individual wave. This invention is able to continually extract energy from moving waves, as well as completely exploiting each individual wave’s energy by positioning the turbine to keep the wave circulating within the power generating system for a longer period of time.

This invention will have a major impact on the current and future energy scenario in the United States. Mass production of renewable ocean wave energy will lead to a significant decrease in the cost of energy. Wave energy is produced pollution-free thereby eliminating the environmental concerns created by other energy sources. The nation’s abundant coastlines provide the possibility of producing such great amounts of energy that reliance on other countries for fuel resources would be eliminated.

The cost of producing such a power generating system varies with the size and location of each unit. The cost of constructing a unit capable of producing an estimated 850kW of power would be approximately $600,000. The cost of manufacturing this invention will include hiring several manufacturers of components, such as, wide belt(s), tank and turning drum(s), hydraulic system, including all hydraulic cylinders, other supporting steel structures, as well as the cost of assembling manufactured parts.

Possible suitors will be governments around the world, utility companies looking for a new source of energy sales, and private manufacturing companies, as well as private investors with the forethought of future profit potential.

In order to continue the development of this promising invention and to reach commercialization, funding is required for the building of a prototype or pilot which will demonstrate the feasibility and great potential of this invention. After the prototype is successfully tested, support from governments and private businesses are expected to create nationwide acceptance of this untapped energy source.