Converting wave motion into electrical energy
In a general aspect, a system is described for converting wave motion into electrical energy. The system may include a support structure formed of layers of cementitious material that define respective ridge surfaces on an exterior surface of the support structure. The system may also include a wave energy converter supported by the support structure and configured to generate electrical energy in response to flowing water contacting a movable surface of the wave energy converter.
1 . A system for converting wave motion into electrical energy, the system comprising:
a support structure formed of layers of cementitious material that define respective ridge surfaces on an exterior surface of the support structure; and
a wave energy converter supported by the support structure and configured to generate electrical energy in response to flowing water contacting a movable surface of the wave energy converter;
wherein the support structure comprises an artificial reef formed of the layers of cementitious material and having:
a bottom surface configured to contact a floor of a body of water,
a support surface residing above the bottom surface and configured to support the wave energy converter, and
a transition surface extending between the bottom and support surfaces and comprising at least a portion of the ridge surfaces;
wherein the exterior surface of the support structure comprises the bottom surface, the support surface, and the transition surface of the artificial reef; and
wherein the wave energy converter is disposed on the support surface of the artificial reef.
2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein wave energy converter comprises:
a flap configured to move in response to the flowing water and comprising the movable surface; and
an electrical generator coupled to the flap and configured to generate electrical energy in response to motion of the flap.
3 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the layers of cementitious material are deposited successively on top of each other by a 3D printing process.
4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the artificial reef comprises:
a flow direction that extends between leading and trailing sides of the artificial reef; and
a width that increases along the flow direction from the leading side to the trailing side.
5 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the transition surface comprises one or more pocket surfaces that define a pocket extending into the artificial reef from the transition surface.
6 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the artificial reef comprises a mount on the support surface that is configured to allow the wave energy converter to selectively couple to, and uncouple from, the artificial reef.