Category: Ocean Wave Energy

Video of InstallationVideo of Installation



This is a narrated slide show which shows the installation efforts, starting with a photo of the underwater portion of the device.  The audio explains it.  Again, notice how calm the sea was that day.  It was the lowest tide of 2009.  Normally, the top of the vertical arm was underwater.

The Land Unit GeneratorThe Land Unit Generator



The picture below shows the land based generating device which was installed in a small shed on the shore of the island.   A video available on the right shows some movement.  Click on the picture to zoom in. 

One of the bicycle wheels turns when the weight is rising; the other turns when it descends, corresponding to the movement of the ocean waves.  There is a small alternator which continually turns to generate power to charge the battery.  We managed to get a small amount of movement shown on one video, but the project was abandoned in May 2009 when I had to leave Guinea (son lost medical clearance). 

In addition, I almost drowned one day while swimming back to shore after attempting to retie some of the straps to parts underwater.  I decided I was too old to do this sort of thing on my own.

More about the conceptMore about the concept



Original Concept Video

The video shows the transfer mechanism which is underwater.  The float need not rise to the surface to be effective; it will function even several meters below the surface as swells pass over it.  The bearing at the pivot point is the most critical element; a similar idea with a pulley has been patented many times, but the problem there is that the cable will wear out after a brief period of passing back and forth through a pulley in a salt water and sand environment.  By extending the front arm, one can also compensate for tidal variations — which was the primary idea of the 1998 U.S. patent already issued to the inventor.  Oscillating horizontal motion of the line coming to shore can be maintained regardless of tidal variations.

March 1 Prototype VideoMarch 1 Prototype Video



The audio on this video explains it.  Again, focus on the how calm the sea was.  The purpose here was to better illustrate the concept.  Imagine moving such a weight (approximately 170 pounds) with a windmill, or with, say, solar power.  Waves are far more constant and reliable sources of power.   Compare this design with the many others attracting serious venture capital now; it brings exactly the same kind of power ashore where it can be exploited with conventional technology.

Video of Land Based GeneratorVideo of Land Based Generator



The weight is not visible in this video because it is suspended on the outside of the shed (see picture below — click to enlarge).  It was only connected for about 30 minutes and the surf was so high that day that I lost one connection to the barrel.  Hence, the movement of the weight was disappointingly small.  This was on May 4, 2009 and was the last day of the project before I had to leave Guinea.