SMEC: Spectral Marine Energy Converter
 

(Patent granted PCT/EP2007/055650)

The SMEC (Spectral Marine Energy Converter) is an apparatus for converting hydraulic energy from wave action, but also from Ocean and Tidal current flows, into mechanical and then electrical energy. It employs VETT technology but in an arrangement where multiple linear venturis are formed between multiple substantially vertical pipes. The vertical orientation of the pipes recognises that water particles in waves rotate in a vertical circle or ellipse and that the component of this rotating mass of water normal to the SMEC passes forwards and back through these bi-directional vertical venturis with an ever-changing angle of attack. Ocean and Tidal currents also pass through the opposing elliptical venturi surfaces of the inclined pipes, their steady motion being superimposed onto the varying wave motion. A series of flap-valved holes or slots are spaced along the length of the pipes to connect to the secondary flow drawn out from inside the pipes into the low-pressure venturi zones through turbines powering electrical generators above the waterline. The flap-valves prevent return flow of water or air being sucked back into the pipes instead of through the turbines.

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Other proposed wave energy devices turn hydraulic energy into mechanical energy when the peak of the wave energy frequency spectrum happens to correspond with the resonant frequency of some moving buoyant element of the device. The passive Spectral Marine Energy Converter is so-named because it is indifferent to the shape of the wave energy spectrum at any particular time. 

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The SMEC installation can either be placed on the sea floor or preferably float just under the sea surface, avoiding complex barrage infrastructure. The illustration shows such a buoyant design concept. It is thought that one potential application for SMEC will be semi-continuous deployments offshore and parallel to coastlines that are vulnerable to very long wavelength inundation such as Storm Surges or Tsunamis. Gaps can be left in the array to facilitate shipping access, with a second short SMEC row well inshore or offshore of the primary alignment covering the gaps, whilst still permitting vessel access.”