WO2007090959A1

WO2007090959A1 - Device for converting wave energy

Info

Publication number: WO2007090959A1
Application number: PCT/FR2007/000219
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean Rousseliere
Original assignee: Electro Houle
Priority date: 2006-02-08
Filing date: 2007-02-07
Publication date: 2007-08-16
Also published as: FR2897118B1; FR2897118A1

Abstract

The subject of the present invention is a device (1) for converting the undulation and/or oscillations of a mass of a liquid, in which it is at least partially immersed into useful energy, characterized in that it comprises at least : a first support structure (2) of elongate shape, bearing at its two opposite ends a first pair of floats (5); a second support structure (2') of elongate shape, bearing at its two opposed ends a second pair of floats (5); a central float (6) approximately coaxial with the vertical axis; two connection mechanisms (7, 7') placed between the central float (6) and the central part of said support structures (2, 2'), these two mechanisms (7, 7') each comprising at least three telescopic elements (8) placed at approximately 120° to one another about said vertical axis; at least one of said telescopic elements (8) comprises two parts (9, 10) sliding one with respect to the other and connected to a converter, which converts the relative displacements of said parts (9, 10) into the abovementioned useful energy.

Description

DEVICE FOR CONVERTING THE SWITCHING AND / OR OSCILLATIONS OF A MASS OF A LIQUID IN WHICH IT IS AT LEAST PARTIALLY IMMERSE TO A USEABLE ENERGY.

The present invention relates to a device for converting the ripple and / or oscillations of a mass of a liquid in which it is at least partially immersed in a usable energy. It applies in particular, but not exclusively, to the conversion of wave, wave and tidal energy into electrical energy, but also to the production of fresh water thanks to a reverse osmosis module supplied with water. under pressure, or hot and / or cold by means of a circuit functioning as a heat pump.

It is known that there are already devices for converting the mechanical energy of waves, waves and tide into electrical energy. These devices generally comprise at least one float connected to a rack which extends in a substantially vertical axis, the latter cooperating with gear mechanisms connected to a drive shaft. In this way, the vertical movement of the rack which results from the movement of the waves is transformed into a rotational movement by said gear mechanisms and then it is communicated to the drive shaft which can be connected to an electric generator.

Nevertheless, these devices require the use of means making it possible to convert the movement of the float into a rotational movement, the elements constituting these means (such as for example gears) are subject to rapid wear and corrosion, in particular due to friction and the characteristics of the marine environment, which requires significant maintenance efforts. In addition, the support of the rack must be firmly connected to the seabed, which generally involves tedious and expensive work of assembling the lower end of said support to said bottom sea.

The object of the invention is therefore more particularly to eliminate these disadvantages. For this purpose, it proposes a device which makes it possible to convert the movements of a mass of a liquid into a usable energy without it being necessary to use intermediate conversion means whose function is, at first, to transform the movement of a float in a rotational movement and then to communicate it to specific means of conversion of mechanical energy.

Thus, the present invention relates to a device for converting the undulation and / or oscillations of a mass of a liquid in which it is at least partially immersed into usable energy, characterized in that comprises at least: a first support structure, of elongate shape, carrying at its two opposite ends, a first pair of floats;

A second support structure, of elongated shape, carrying at its two opposite ends, a second pair of floats, this second structure extending substantially transversely to the first structure so that the central regions of the two structures are located substantially on a same vertical axis;

A central float substantially coaxial with said vertical axis;

Two connecting mechanisms arranged between the central float and the central part of said support structures, these two mechanisms each comprising at least one telescopic element connected on the one hand, by one of its ends, to the central region of a structure support corresponding and secondly, by their other end, to the central float.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the two connecting mechanisms each comprise at least one telescopic element partially engaging in the central float at its vertical axis, its free end being connected to the central region of a corresponding support structure.

According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, the two connecting mechanisms each comprise at least three telescopic elements arranged substantially at 120 ° from each other about said vertical axis and articulated on the one hand by the one of their ends, to the central region of a corresponding support structure and secondly, at their other end, to a substantially peripheral region of said central float.

At least one of said telescopic elements may comprise two sliding parts relative to each other, connected to a converter ensuring the conversion of the relative displacements of said parts to the aforesaid usable energy.

The two parts sliding relative to each other may be a hydraulic piston rod - cylinder assembly or a drive rod assembly - body of a linear electric generator.

The converter can be an electric generator that can operate alternately in one direction or the other.

In this way, the movements of said support structures resulting from the action of the swell and / or waves and / or the tide, cause a relative movement of said two parts sliding relative to each other, this movement is then transmitted to the (x) converter (s) of mechanical energy ie, for example, generator (s) of the aforementioned type.

Thus, the device according to the invention makes it possible to directly communicate the movement of at least one float to said two parts sliding relative to one another and thus to said converter, which makes it possible to dispense with the use of a vertical support such as a rack support, and gear mechanisms.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, each of said support structures may have substantially the shape of a rhombus.

Advantageously, the devices according to the invention can be connected in a network which makes it possible to increase the production of usable energy and to average the total available energy from the energies produced by the devices individually.

Embodiments of the invention will be described below, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the device according to the invention having in particular the characteristic that the adjacent end floats are interconnected by cables.

Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the central float is connected by cables to the end floats, the latter being themselves connected by a cable. Figure 3 is a schematic perspective representation of the device according to the invention having in particular the characteristic that it comprises only one telescopic element.

Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention with a highlight of the device for doubling the relative sliding frequency of the two parts of the telescopic element.

Figure 5 is a schematic front view of a portion of the device for doubling the relative sliding frequency of the two parts of the telescopic element.

Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a hydraulic circuit included in a device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a hydraulic circuit included in a device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, this circuit for producing pure water by means of a reverse osmosis module.

Figure 7a is a schematic representation of a circuit operating as a heat pump which is included in a device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of devices according to the invention networked.

Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of devices according to an alternative embodiment of the invention networked. By way of nonlimiting example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the device according to the invention 1 comprises:

At least two support structures 2, 2 interlaced, elongate and extending substantially transversely relative to each other so that the central regions of the two structures 2, 2 'are located substantially on a same vertical axis; each of the support structures 2, 2 'comprising: o an upper part 3, 3' and a lower part 4, 4 'disposed respectively substantially in the same vertical plane, the upper part 3 of a first support structure 2 passing through the part of the plane delimited by the upper 3 'and lower 4' of the second support structure 2 '; at least one float 5 disposed at each of their ends; At least one central float 6 which is substantially coaxial with said vertical axis and which is disposed between the upper part 3 of said first support structure 2 and the lower part 4 'of the second support structure 2';

At least two connecting mechanisms 7, 7 'respectively arranged between the central float 6 and the central part of one of said support structures 2, 2', each of these connecting mechanisms 7, 7 'comprises at least three telescopic elements 8 disposed substantially at 120 ° from each other about said vertical axis and articulated on one hand, by one of their ends, to the central region of a corresponding support structure 2, T and secondly at their other end to a substantially peripheral region of said central float 6.

At least one of said telescopic elements 8 comprises two parts 9, 10 sliding relative to each other which are connected to a converter ensuring the conversion of relative displacements of said parts 9, 10 into a usable energy. According to the alternative embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 1, the upper parts 3, 3 'and lower 4, 4' support structures 2, 2 'each consist of three sub-parts 41 , 41 'connected to each other.

Thus, the upper part 3 'of one of the support structures 2' and the lower part 4 of the other support structure 2 each comprise four arms 40 substantially parallel to each other so as to form the longitudinal edges, of section preferably trapezoidal, of a rectangular parallelepiped, these parts 3 ', 4 being each composed of three subparts 41, 41' namely:

• two identical lateral subparts 41 each connected to an end float 5; • a central sub-part 41 'connecting the two aforesaid lateral sub-parts 41 and respectively disposed above and below the central float 6.

Advantageously, said substantially parallel arms 40 facing one another can be connected by crosspieces 42 (or more generally by transverse holding and reinforcing elements (not shown)) arranged at regular intervals in order to reinforce the solidity. from the whole.

In addition, the upper part 3 of one of the support structures 2 as well as the lower part 4 'of the other support structure 2' also each comprise three sub-parts 41, 41 ', namely:

Two identical lateral sub-parts 41 which each comprise two non-parallel arms 43 joining one of their respective ends, this end being linked with articulation to the same connecting mechanism 44 preferably comprising respectively on the upper end or bottom of a respective end float 5; A central sub-part 41 'connecting the two aforesaid lateral sub-parts 41 and disposed respectively between the upper end of the central float 6 and the central sub-part 41' of the upper part 3 'of the support structure 2' and between the lower end of the central float 6 and the central sub-portion 41 'of the lower part 4 of the other support structure 2, said central sub-parts 41' arranged one below the other being connected between they by means of connection.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 1, the different end floats 5 may be interconnected by cables 45 to allow the structure to retain its geometric shape. In this way, each end float 5 can be connected to the adjacent end floats. Preferably, two adjacent floats 5 may be interconnected by two cables 45, one being fixed at their upper end, the other at their lower end.

As shown in FIG. 2, the central float 6 can be connected by at least one cable 46 to an articulated lever 48 arranged on a support 47 included at the end of a lower part 4, 4 'of a corresponding support structure 2, 2 ', this lever 48 being thus close to an end float 5.

The ends of each cable 46 are respectively connected to the upper and lower end of the central float 6. Said cable 46 engages substantially at its middle portion in the lever 48 fixed with articulation to the upper end of said support 47, this lever 48 being preferably disposed substantially on the same horizontal axis as that passing through the midpoint of the segment having at its ends the attachment points of said cable 46 on the central float 6. Preferably, the central float 6 is connected to two supports 47, 47 'of the aforesaid type disposed in the same vertical plane, on either side of this central float 6. The respective levers 48 included on the upper end of these supports 47, 47 'are interconnected by a cable 46' passing between the arms 40 of the lower part 4 of a corresponding support structure 2. The ends of this cable 46 'are connected respectively:

A lever 48 surmounting a first support 47, so that the cable 46 'passes between this support 47 and the corresponding end float 5; A lever 48 surmounting a second support 47 ', so that the cable 46' does not pass between this support 47 'and the corresponding end float 5, the cable 46' being connected to an extension of the lever 48 facing the central float 6.

The cable 46 'is guided by articulated return parts 49 fixed to the arms 40 of the lower part 4 of the corresponding support structure 2.

In this way, these cables 46, 46 'make it possible to limit the oscillating and undulating movements, such as roll and pitch, of the central float 6.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the two parts 9, 10 sliding relative to each other may be a driving rod assembly 10 - body of a linear electric generator 9 of conventional type.

Thus, under the effect of the action of the swell and / or the waves and / or the tide, said drive rod 10 will slide relative to said body of the linear electrical generator 9 and cause a movable element (not shown ) which acts as an inductor (the armature remains fixed), which makes it possible to produce electrical energy. Obviously, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, said movable element can play the role of armature (the inductor remains fixed). According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 4, the two connecting mechanisms 7, T of the device according to the invention 1 may each comprise a telescopic element 8 of the aforementioned type, this telescopic element 8 partially engaging in the central float 6 at its vertical axis, its free end being connected to the central region of a corresponding support structure 2, 2 '.

Advantageously, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 5, in the event that the two connecting mechanisms 7, 7 'each comprise a telescopic element 8, the device according to the invention 1 may comprise a device 60 making it possible to double the relative sliding frequency of the two aforesaid parts 9, 10 of the telescopic element 8.

This frequency doubling device 60 comprises:

Two connecting rods 61, 61 'disposed substantially in the same vertical plane, on either side of a telescopic element 8, these rods 61, 61' being each connected with articulation at one of their ends to the central float 6 (in this case, at the bottom of the central float 6); Two groups of three articulated arms 62, 62 ', 62 ", the arms 62, 62', 62" of each group being hingedly connected at one of their ends to the end of a connecting rod 61, 61 ' respective, the other end of each of these arms 62, 62 ', 62 "having substantially the shape of a hook.

The articulated arms 62, 62 ', 62 "constitute three pairs of arms 62, 62', 62", namely:

A first pair of arms 62 each comprising an arm 62 of each group, these arms 62 being disposed substantially in the same vertical plane and their respective hook-shaped end are connected with articulation between them and with the body of the electric generator 9 ; A second pair of arms 62 'comprising an arm 62' of each group, these arms 62 'being disposed substantially in the same vertical plane and their respective hook-shaped end are connected with articulation between them and with the body of the generator 9 so that the first pair of arms 62 and the second pair of arms

62 'are disposed on either side of the body of the electric generator 9;

A third pair of arms 62 "comprising an arm 62" of each group, these arms 62 "being disposed substantially in the same vertical plane and their respective hook-shaped end are connected with articulation between them and with the rod of training 10.

The hook-shaped ends of each of these arms 62, 62 ', 62 "cooperate with a piece comprising abutments in this case attached to the central sub-portion 41' of the support structure 2 '. and the hook-shaped ends of each pair of arms 62, 62 ', 62 "are shaped such that these ends are locked and unlocked successively with respect to said telescopic element 8 as a function of the displacements of said arms 62, 62', 62 ".

Thus, for example, during the descent of the central float 6 under the effect of the movements of the liquid in which it is partially immersed, the rods 61, 61 'themselves animated in a downward movement will communicate a movement rotation at the hook-shaped ends of the arms 62, 62 'which then causes a lowering of the electric generator 9 relative to the drive rod 10. The hook-shaped ends of the other arms 62 "are in turn locked by one of said stops, in particular because of their shape and their disposition with respect to the stops: substantially at halfway, the hook-shaped ends of the arms 62, 62 'will strike one of said stops thus causing their locking and thus stopping the lowering of the electric generator 9. At the same time, the ends in hook shape of the other arms 62 "will be unlocked thus allowing a relative displacement of the drive rod 10 relative to the electric generator 9 and therefore a deployment of this rod 10.

In this way, during the same period, it will be possible to obtain a deployment phase of the driving rod 10 with respect to the electric generator 9 preceded by a retraction phase of this same driving rod 10.

This process runs symmetrically when the central float 6 is raised.

Advantageously, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention as shown in Figure 4, the device according to the invention 1 may also comprise a double compass 90 disposed on either side of the telescopic element 8 and transversely by relative to the longitudinal axis of the central portion 41 'of the support structure 2'.

These compasses 90 are connected with articulation: • at one of their ends to the central part 41 'of the support structure

2 ';

At their other end to rods 91 which are themselves hingedly connected to the lower part of the central float 6.

In this way, these compasses 90 maintain the central float 6 in the axis of the central portion 41 'of the support structure 2' and thus avoid transverse oscillations.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 3, the device according to the invention 1 may comprise only one support structure 2 of the aforementioned type, this support structure 2 comprising a central float 6 and two end floats 5 each connected to the central float 6 by a cable 46. The central float 6 is connected to the support structure 2 by a single telescopic element 8. This device 1 may also comprise a device 60 allowing doubling the relative sliding frequency of the two aforesaid parts 9, 10 of the telescopic element 8 but also a double compass 90. Preferably, the end floats 5 will be oblong to optimize the stability of the assembly and the volume of these end floats 5 equals the volume of the central float 6.

The set of end floats 5 preferably has a volume substantially equal to that of the central float 6.

Advantageously, the lower part of the various floats 5, 6 preferably has a convex shape in order to optimize their reactivity to the movements of the fluid in which the device 1 is immersed.

Advantageously, as shown in particular in Figures 1 and 2, the various floats 5, 6 preferably have a bulging emerged end having a substantially increased height to improve the buoyancy and stability of the assembly.

Each of the floats 5, 6 may be ballasted in particular by a material preferably having a low density or for example by an inflatable bladder, the rest of the volume being able to be filled with seawater. Each of the different floats 5, 6 preferably has a density substantially equal to ¹ A of the value of the density of the liquid in which they are partially immersed.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, each of the floats 5, 6 can be ballasted by a material having a high density so that their respective center of gravity is as low as possible, which makes it possible to optimize their stability at sea. Each of the different floats 5, 6 presents preferably a density substantially equal to ¹ A of the value of the density of the liquid in which they are partially immersed.

According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, the two parts 9, 10 sliding relative to each other may be a hydraulic piston rod assembly 10 '- cylinder 9'.

Thus, by way of example, as shown in FIG. 6, the device according to the invention 1 may comprise a hydraulic circuit 14 which comprises: a hydraulic piston rod 10 'sliding in a cylinder 9', this last comprising a hydraulic fluid;

A high-pressure pneumatic reservoir 15 connected to said cylinder 9 'by exhaust pipes 16 and 35 respectively connected to the substantially lower and upper part of the cylinder 9'; A hydraulic motor 11 connected to the pneumatic reservoir 15 via an exhaust manifold 17;

• a buffer tank 18 connected to the hydraulic motor 11 and the cylinder 9 'respectively by a discharge pipe 19 and by supply pipes 20 and 36 respectively connected to the substantially lower and upper portion of the cylinder 9'.

Each tubing 16, 35, 17, 19, 20, 36 of said hydraulic circuit 14 comprises a non-return valve 21 which can be automated, in order to avoid a backflow of the downstream hydraulic fluid upstream.

Preferably, in order to preserve them in particular from corrosion, the elements of said hydraulic circuit 14 (with the exception of the hydraulic piston rod 10 'and the cylinder 9') are included in the central float 6.

In this way, under the effect of fluid movements, the hydraulic piston rod 10 'will slide in said cylinder 9'. Lowering the piston compresses the hydraulic fluid included in the cylinder 9 'thus, when the pressure exerted by the piston exceeds the operating pressure of the high pressure reservoir 15, said fluid is expelled through the exhaust pipe 16 equipped with a valve of no return 21, to the high pressure pneumatic reservoir 15. The flow of hydraulic fluid into the pneumatic reservoir 15 is carried out until the piston rod assembly 10 '- piston is in the compressed position. The hydraulic motor 11 is then fed through a pipe 17 provided with a non-return valve 21. The leakage flow of the hydraulic motor 11 is discharged through the discharge pipe 19 provided with a non-return valve 21, to the buffer tank 18, at low pressure or at atmospheric pressure. This buffer tank 18 completes the cycle by feeding said cylinder 9 'through the supply pipe 36 provided with a non-return valve 21.

The raising of the piston, under the effect of the movements of the sea, expels the hydraulic fluid through the exhaust pipe 35 equipped with a nonreturn valve 21, to the pneumatic reservoir 15. At the end of cycle, the buffer tank 18 feeds said cylinder 9 'through the supply pipe 20 provided with a non-return valve 21.

The device according to the invention 1 may comprise an electronic control device (not shown) making it possible to control, in particular, the linear electrical generator (s) 9 or the hydraulic motor (s) (s) ( s) 11 in real time and thus manage the production of energy according to the needs.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 7, the device according to the invention 1 may comprise a hydraulic circuit 50 which comprises:

A hydraulic piston rod 10 'sliding in a cylinder 9', the latter comprising a hydraulic fluid such as seawater; A device filtering the seawater 51 connected to the cylinder 9 'by supply pipes 20 and 36 respectively connected to the substantially lower and upper part of the cylinder 9';

A high-pressure pneumatic reservoir 15 connected to said cylinder 9 'by exhaust pipes 16 and 35 respectively connected to the substantially lower and upper part of the cylinder 9';

A reverse osmosis module 52 comprising a semi-selective membrane (not shown) connected to the pneumatic reservoir 15 via an exhaust manifold 53; An evacuation circuit 54 of the stream of pure water (the permeate) having passed through said membrane, connected to the reverse osmosis module 52;

An evacuation circuit 55 of the stream of water (the retentate) that has not passed through said membrane, connected to the reverse osmosis module 52.

Each tubing 20, 36, 16, 35, 53, 54, 55 of said hydraulic circuit 50 comprises a non-return valve 21, which can be automated, in order to prevent backflow of the upstream downstream liquid.

Preferably, in order to preserve them in particular from corrosion, the elements of said hydraulic circuit 50 (with the exception of the hydraulic piston rod 10 'and the cylinder 9') are included in the central float 6.

In this way, under the effect of relative movements of the central float 6 relative to the support structures 2, 2 ', the hydraulic piston rod 10' will slide in said cylinder 9 '. The lowering of the piston compresses the seawater included in the lower part of the cylinder 9 'and creates a depression in its upper part which can thus be progressively supplied with seawater circulating through the pipe 36 and previously filtered by the device. filter 51. Thus, when the pressure exerted by the piston exceeds the operating pressure of the high pressure reservoir 15, said fluid is expelled through the exhaust pipe 16 equipped with a non-return valve 21, to the high-pressure air reservoir 15. The flow of seawater into the pneumatic reservoir 15 is effected until the piston rod assembly 10 '- piston is in the compressed position. The reverse osmosis module 52 is then supplied with seawater subjected to a pressure at least equal to the osmotic pressure by means of the pipe 53 provided with a non-return valve 21, the permeate and the retentate then being discharged by their respective evacuation circuit 54, 55. The raising of the piston under the effect of the movements of the sea reverses the compression-vacuum cycle in the cylinder 9 'whose lower part can be progressively supplied with seawater circulating in the tubing 20 and previously filtered by the filter device 51. This raising of the piston also makes it possible to expel the hydraulic fluid through the exhaust pipe 35 equipped with a nonreturn valve 21, towards the pneumatic reservoir 15.

Advantageously, the central float 6 can comprise for example:

• in its upper part, a linear electric generator or hydraulic cylinders feeding a conventional hydraulic motor; and

• in its lower part of the hydraulic cylinders supplying seawater a reverse osmosis unit 52 of the aforementioned type. In this way, the device according to the invention 1 is mixed and makes it possible to produce energy but also pure water.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 7a, the device according to the invention 1 may comprise a circuit 86 functioning as a heat pump and which therefore comprises:

A hydraulic piston rod 10 'sliding in a cylinder 9';

A high-pressure pneumatic reservoir 15 connected to said cylinder 9 'by exhaust pipes 16 and 35 respectively connected to the substantially lower and upper part of the cylinder 9'; A condenser 80 connected to the pneumatic reservoir 15 via an exhaust pipe 84; A pressure reducer 81 connected to the condenser 80 by an exhaust pipe 82 and in which a cooling liquid undergoes an expansion allowing it to be partially vaporized;

An evaporator 83 connected to the pressure reducer 81 by an exhaust pipe 85 in order to be able to receive the partially expanded refrigerant liquid, this evaporator 83 being also connected to the cylinder 9 'by supply pipes 20 and 36 respectively connected to the substantially lower and upper cylinder 9 '.

In this way, this circuit 86 functions as a conventional heat pump capable of producing hot and / or cold, the hydraulic piston rod assembly 10 '- cylinder 9' associated with the pneumatic reservoir 15 constituting the equivalent of a compressor .

Each tubing 20, 36, 16, 35, 84 of said circuit 86 comprises a non-return valve 21, which can be automated, in order to prevent backflow of the upstream downstream liquid.

Advantageously, at least one float 5, 6 of the device according to the invention 1 may comprise ballasting compartments (not shown), the filling of which may be controlled upon the announcement of a major storm, to allow its diving and to thereby avoid being subjected to excessive movements under the action of a particularly strong swell, the filling and emptying of said ballasting compartments being controllable by said electronic control device. If the floats 5, 6 comprise an inflatable bladder, a simple deflation of the latter can drive all by the bottom to ensure its protection in case of storm. Advantageously, the device according to the invention 1 can be moored to at least two bodies - dead in order to ensure its particular orientation to the waves.

Several devices according to the invention 1 can be grouped together in a network in order to increase the production of usable energy.

Thus, by way of example, as shown in FIG. 8, the set 22 that results from this networking comprises:

A support structure 23 which comprises: lower arms 24 substantially parallel to each other and spaced preferably at substantially regular intervals; o upper arms 25 substantially parallel to each other and arranged transversely to the axis of said lower arms 24 and preferably at substantially regular intervals;

Floats 26 of the aforesaid type, arranged between the upper and lower arms 24 preferably at substantially regular intervals, each of the floats 26 being connected to the support structure 23 by two corresponding connecting mechanisms 27; • a set of pairs of connecting mechanisms 27, each of these pairs of connecting mechanisms 27 being disposed between a float 26 and the support structure 23; these mechanisms 27 each comprise at least three telescopic elements 8 arranged substantially at 120 ° to each other about the vertical axis of said float 26 and articulated on the one hand, by one of their ends, to the lower arms 24 or the upper arms 25 and secondly, at their other end, to a substantially peripheral region of said float 26.

At least one of said telescopic elements 8 comprises two parts 9, 10 which slide relative to one another, and which are connected to a converter converting the relative displacements of said portions 9, 10 into usable energy.

Thus, the two parts 9, 10 slidable relative to each other may be a hydraulic piston rod assembly 10 '- cylinder 9' or a driving rod assembly 10 - a linear electric generator body 9 of aforementioned type.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 9, devices according to the invention 1 can be connected together in order to form a network. Two devices according to the invention 1 are connected in this network at one of their end floats 5 which is therefore common to both devices 1.

Advantageously, the volume of the floats 5, 6 may vary according to their location in the network and therefore their exposure in particular to the movements of the liquid in which the network is partially immersed. Thus, the four angular floats 5 are in this example less bulky than the other lateral floats 5 which are themselves less bulky than the central floats 5, 6 not appearing at the edge of the network.

Claims

claims

1. Device (1) for converting the undulation and / or oscillations of a mass of a liquid in which it is at least partially immersed into usable energy, characterized in that it comprises at least:

A first support structure (2), of elongated shape, carrying at its two opposite ends, a first pair of floats (5);

A second support structure (2 ') of elongate shape carrying at its two opposite ends a second pair of floats (5), this second structure (2') extending substantially transversely to the first structure (2) of such that the central regions of the two structures (2, 2 ') are located substantially on the same vertical axis;

A central float (6) substantially coaxial with said vertical axis; Two connecting mechanisms (7, 7 ') arranged between the central float (6) and the central part of said support structures (2, T), these two connecting mechanisms (7, T) each comprising at least one telescopic element ( 8) connected on one hand, at one of its ends, to the central region of a corresponding support structure (2, 2 ') and secondly, at their other end, to the central float (6).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device according to the invention 1 comprises:

At least two interleaved support structures (2, 2 ') of elongated shape which extend substantially transversely relative to one another so that the central regions of the two structures (2, T) are located substantially on the same vertical axis; each of the support structures (2, T) comprising: o an upper part (3, 3 ') and a lower part (4, 4') arranged respectively substantially in the same vertical plane, the upper part (3) of a first support structure (2) passing through the portion of the plane delimited by the upper (3 ') and lower (4') portions of the second support structure

(2 ¹ ); at least one float (5) disposed at each of their ends; "At least one central float (6) which is substantially coaxial with said vertical axis and which is disposed between the upper part (3) of said first support structure (2) and the lower part (4 ') of the second support structure (2 ');

At least two connecting mechanisms (7, T) respectively arranged between the central float (6) and the central part of one of said support structures (2, 2 '), each of these connecting mechanisms (7, 7') ) comprises at least three telescopic elements (8) arranged substantially at 120 ° from each other about said vertical axis and articulated on the one hand, by one of their ends, to the central region of a support structure corresponding (2, 2 ') and secondly, at their other end, to a substantially peripheral region of said central float (6).

3. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the two connecting mechanisms (7, 7 ') each comprise at least one telescopic element (8) partially engaging in the central float ( 6) at its vertical axis, its free end being connected to the central region of a corresponding support structure (2, T).

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of said telescopic elements (8) comprises two parts (9, 10) sliding relative to each other which are connected to a converter converting the relative displacements of said portions (9, 10) into usable energy.

5. Device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the upper (3, 3 ') and lower (4, 4') portions of the support structures (2, 2 ') each consist of three sub-parts (41, 41') connected to each other. other; the upper part (3 ¹ ) of one of the support structures (2 ') as well as the lower part (4) of the other support structure (2) each comprise four arms (40) substantially parallel to one another, these parts (3 ', 4) being each composed of three subparts (41, 41') namely:

• two identical lateral subparts (41) each connected to an end float (5); • a central sub-portion (41 ') connecting the two said lateral sub-portions (41) and respectively disposed above and below the central float (6); said substantially parallel arms (40) facing each other being connectable by crosspieces (42), or transverse holding and reinforcing elements arranged at regular intervals to enhance the strength of the assembly ; in addition, the upper part (3) of one of the support structures (2) as well as the lower part (4 ') of the other support structure (2') also each comprise three sub-parts (41, 41 ' ) to know :

• two identical lateral sub-parts (41) which each comprise two non-parallel arms (43) joining at one of their respective ends, this end being hingedly connected to the same connecting mechanism (44) included respectively on the upper or lower end of a respective end float (5);

• a central sub - section (4 F) connecting the two aforesaid lateral sub - parts (41) and arranged respectively between the upper end of the central float (6) and the central subpart (41 ') of the upper part ( 3 ¹ ) of the support structure (2 ') and between the lower end of the central float (6) and the central subpart (41') of the lower part (4) of the other support structure (2), said central sub - parts (41 ') arranged one below the other being interconnected by connecting means.

6. Device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the different end floats (5) are interconnected by cables (45); two adjacent floats (5) are interconnected by two cables (45), one being fixed at their upper end, the other at their lower end; the central float (6) is connected by at least one cable (46) to an articulated lever (48) arranged on a support (47) included at the end of a lower part (4, 4 ') of a structure corresponding support (2, 2 '), this lever (48) being close to an end float 5; the ends of each cable (46) are respectively connected to the upper and lower end of the central float (6); said cable (46) engages in the lever (48) hingedly attached to the upper end of said support (47); the central float (6) is connected to two supports (47, 47 ') arranged in the same vertical plane, on either side of this central float (6), the respective levers (48) included on the upper end of these supports (47, 47 ') being interconnected by a cable (46') passing between the arms (40) of the lower part (4) of a corresponding support structure (2); the ends of this cable (46 ') are connected respectively:

• a lever (48) surmounting a first support (47), so that the cable (46 ') passes between the support (47) and the corresponding end float (5);

• a lever (48) surmounting a second support (47 '), so that the cable (46') is connected to an extension of the lever (48) facing the central float (6).

7 Device (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the two parts (9, 10) sliding relative to each other may be a set driving rod (10) - body a conventional linear electric generator (9) or a hydraulic piston rod assembly (10 ') - cylinder (9').

8 Device (1) according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a device (60) for doubling the relative sliding frequency of the two aforesaid parts (9, 10) of the telescopic element ( 8), this frequency doubling device (60) comprising: two rods (61, 61 ') disposed substantially in the same vertical plane, on either side of a telescopic element 8, these rods (61,

61 ') being each hingedly connected at one of their ends to the central float (6);

Two groups of three articulated arms (62, 62 ', 62 "), the arms (62, 62', 62") of each group being connected with articulation at one of their ends to the end of a connecting rod (61, 61 ') respectively, the other end of each of these arms (62, 62', 62 ") having substantially the shape of a hook, the articulated arms (62, 62 ', 62") constitute three pairs arms (62, 62 ', 62 "), namely:

A first pair of arms (62) each comprising an arm (62) of each group, these arms (62) being disposed substantially in the same vertical plane and their respective hook-shaped end are connected in articulation with each other as well as the body of the electric generator (9);

A second pair of arms (62 ') comprising an arm (62') of each group, these arms (62 ') being arranged substantially in the same vertical plane and their respective hook-shaped end are connected with each other the body of the electric generator (9) so that the first pair of arms (62) and the second pair of arms (62 ') are arranged on either side of the body of the electric generator (9);

A third pair of arms (62 ") comprising an arm (62") of each group, these arms (62 ") being disposed substantially in the same vertical plane and their respective hook-shaped end are connected with each other at the drive rod (10); the hook-shaped ends of each of these arms (62, 62 ', 62 ") cooperate with a piece comprising abutments in this case attached to the central sub-portion (41') of the support structure (2 ') the piece comprising abutments and the hook-shaped ends of each pair of arms (62, 62 ', 62 ") are shaped such that these ends are locked and unlocked successively relative to said telescopic element (8) in function displacements of said arms (62, 62 ', 62 ").

9 Device (1) according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a double compass (90) disposed on either side of the telescopic element (8) and transversely to the longitudinal axis of the central part (41 ') of the support structure (2'), these compasses (90) being connected with articulation:

At one of their ends to the central part (41 ') of the support structure (2 ¹ );

At their other end to rods (91) which are themselves hingedly connected to the lower part of the central float (6).

10 Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower part of the different floats (5, 6) has a convex shape moreover, the different floats (5, 6) have a bulbous emerged end having a significantly increased height.

11 Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the floats (5, 6) is weighted:

• by a material having a low density or by an inflatable bladder, the rest of the volume being able to be filled with sea water; or

• by a material having a high density so that their respective center of gravity is as low as possible which makes it possible to optimize their stability at sea.

12. Device (1) according to one of claims 7 to H ₅ characterized in that it comprises a hydraulic circuit (14) which comprises:

A hydraulic piston rod (10 ') sliding in a cylinder (9'), the latter comprising a hydraulic fluid; A high pressure pneumatic reservoir (15) connected to said cylinder

(9 ') by exhaust pipes (16) and (35) respectively connected to the substantially lower and upper part of the cylinder (9');

A hydraulic motor (11) connected to the pneumatic reservoir (15) via an exhaust manifold (17); • a buffer tank (18) connected to the hydraulic motor (11) and the cylinder (9 ') respectively by a discharge pipe (19) and by supply pipes (20) and (36) respectively connected to the part substantially lower and upper cylinder (9 '). each tubing (16, 17, 35, 19, 20, 36) of said hydraulic circuit (14) comprises a non-return valve (21), which can be automated, to prevent backflow of the downstream hydraulic fluid upstream.

13. Device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the elements of said hydraulic circuit (14), with the exception of the hydraulic piston rod (10 ') and the cylinder (9'), are included in the central float (6).

14. Device (1) according to one of claims 12 and 13, characterized in that it comprises an electronic control device for controlling in particular the (s) electric generator (s) linear (s) (9). ) or the hydraulic motor (s) (11) in real time and thus to manage the production of energy according to the needs.

15. Device (1) according to one of claims 7 to 14, characterized in that it comprises a hydraulic circuit (50) which comprises: A hydraulic piston rod (10 ') sliding in a cylinder (9'), the latter comprising a hydraulic fluid such as seawater;

• a seawater filter device (51) connected to the cylinder (9 ¹ ) by supply pipes (20) and (36) respectively connected to the substantially lower and upper portion of the cylinder (9 ¹ );

A high pressure pneumatic reservoir (15) connected to said cylinder (9 ') by exhaust pipes (16) and (35) connected respectively to the substantially lower and upper part of the cylinder (9');

A reverse osmosis module (52) comprising a semi - selective membrane connected to the pneumatic reservoir (15) via an exhaust manifold (53);

• a discharge circuit (54) of the pure water stream (the permeate) having passed through said membrane, connected to the reverse osmosis module (52);

• an evacuation circuit (55) of the stream of water (the retentate) having not passed through said membrane, connected to the reverse osmosis module (52); each tubing (20, 36, 16, 35, 53, 54, 55) of said hydraulic circuit (50) comprises a non-return valve (21), which can be automated, in order to prevent backflow of the upstream downstream liquid. .

16. Device (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that the central float 6 comprises:

• in the lower part of the hydraulic cylinders supplying seawater a reverse osmosis unit (52) of the aforementioned type.

17. Device (1) according to one of claims 7 to 16, characterized in that it comprises a circuit (86) comprising:

A hydraulic piston rod (10 ') sliding in a cylinder (9'); A high pressure pneumatic reservoir (15) connected to said cylinder (9 ') by exhaust pipes (16) and (35) connected respectively to the substantially lower and upper part of the cylinder (9');

A condenser (80) connected to the pneumatic reservoir (15) via an exhaust manifold (84);

An expander (81) connected to the condenser (80) via an exhaust manifold (82);

An evaporator (83) connected to the expander (81) by an exhaust pipe (85), this evaporator (83) being also connected to the cylinder (9 ') by connected supply pipes (20) and (36) respectively to the substantially lower and upper portion of the cylinder (9 ').

18. Device (1) according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that at least one float (5, 6) comprises ballast compartments, whose filling can be controlled at the announcement of a storm major filling and emptying said ballasting compartments can be controlled by said electronic control device.

19. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is moored to at least two bodies - dead to ensure its particular orientation to the waves.

20. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several devices (1) are grouped in a network.

21. Device (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that the assembly (22) resulting from this networking comprises:

A support structure (23) which comprises: o lower arms (24) substantially parallel to each other; o upper arms (25) substantially parallel to each other and arranged transversely to the axis of said lower arms (24); • floats (26) of the aforesaid type, arranged between the upper arm (25) and lower (24), each of the floats (26) being connected to the support structure (23) by two connecting mechanisms (27) corresponding;

A set of pairs of link mechanisms (27), each of these pairs of link mechanisms (27) being disposed between a float (26) and the support structure (23); these mechanisms (27) each comprise at least three telescopic elements (8) arranged substantially at 120 ° to each other about the vertical axis of said float (26) and articulated on the one hand, by one of their ends, at the lower arms

(24) or the upper arms (25) and secondly, at their other end, to a substantially peripheral region of said float (26); at least one of said telescopic elements (8) has two parts (9, 10) which slide relative to one another and which are connected to a converter for converting relative displacements of said parts (9, 10) in a usable energy.

22. Device (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that in this network, two devices according to the invention (1) are connected at one of their end floats (5) which is therefore common to two devices (1).

23. Device (1) according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the volume of the floats (5, 6) varies depending on their location in the network and therefore their exposure including movements of the liquid in which the network is partially submerged.

24. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a single support structure (2) comprising a central float (6) and two end floats (5) each connected to the central float (6) by a cable (46), the central float (6). ) being connected to the support structure (2) by a single telescopic element (8) moreover, the end floats (5) are oblong to optimize the stability of the assembly and the volume of these end floats (5). ) is equal to the volume of the central float (6).