The Wave Pump: Conversion of Wave Energy to Current Energy

The Wave Pump converts wave energy to current energy utilizing the momentum of waves which are close to or at the breaking stage. To improve the efficiency of the Pump so that even smaller waves become effective, waves are concentrated in a funnel. Funnel geometry therefore is an important parameter. So is the wave height over depth ratio. The effectiveness of the pump is not reduced even if the direction of wave propagation deviates —approx. 10? from the centerline of the pump. The efficiency of the pump may be further improved by the installation of a ramp at the entrance to the discharge channel. The pump has been thoroughly tested by hydraulic model tests. The first prototype was built at the Palmas Del Mar marina on Puerto Rico as a flushing device in a low tidal range area. It has been in operation for approx. 2 yr. The pump is also useful for flushing of ice in arctic waters. It may be used as an energy producing device on a modest scale.