Abstract: A wave energy converter (10) comprises an energy absorption unit (100) arranged to absorb energy generated by movements of water when the wave energy converter is arranged in a pool of water, an energy accumulation unit (200) connected to the energy absorption unit, and a power generation unit (300) connected to the energy absorption unit. The energy accumulation unit is arranged to accumulate energy from the energy absorption unit when the energy absorption unit absorbs more power than the power generation unit generates and to dissipate energy to the power generation unit when the energy absorption unit absorbs less power than the power generation unit generates. By providing hydraulic components in these units, an efficient and flexible wave energy converter is provided.

Abstract: A wave energy converter (10) comprises an energy absorption unit (100) arranged to absorb energy generated by movements of water when the wave energy converter is arranged in a pool of water, an energy accumulation unit (200) connected to the energy absorption unit, and a power generation unit (300) connected to the energy absorption unit. The energy accumulation unit is arranged to accumulate energy from the energy absorption unit when the energy absorption unit absorbs more power than the power generation unit generates and to dissipate energy to the power generation unit when the energy absorption unit absorbs less power than the power generation unit generates. By providing hydraulic components in these units, an efficient and flexible wave energy converter is provided.

Abstract: A wave power plant includes a buoy and a power train. In the power train a driveshaft is arranged, which is driven to rotate either when the buoy rises or sinks, but always in the same direction. The driveshaft is mechanically coupled to one of the rotating parts of an electric generator and drives it for generating electric current. Furthermore, an energy accumulation device is provided which is also coupled to the driveshaft to accumulate energy when the buoy is rising or sinking and the driveshaft is rotating for driving the generator during the other of the rising and sinking movements. The coupling between the energy accumulation device and the driveshaft can extend via the other rotatable part of the generator, the air gap between the parts of the generator and the first part of the generator. The coupling over the air gap gives a torque, which drives the second part to rotate in one direction and which also counteracts the rotation of the driveshaft.

Abstract: A wave energy converter includes a buoy and a power takeoff. A driveshaft in the power takeoff is driven to rotate by movements of the buoy and is mechanically coupled to an electric generator through a planetary gearbox and drives it for generating electric current at an even level, while storing excess energy in an energy accumulation device. The energy accumulation device is coupled to the generator through another part of the planetary gearbox for driving the generator during the other of the rising and sinking movements with continued torque, rotation speed and rotational direction. Major portions of the driveshaft can be located at a radial distance of the generator, allowing the generator and also components coupling the rotation of the portions of the driveshaft to the generator to be located in a sealed space, the only bearings that have to be sealed to the water being those that support said portions of the driveshaft.

Abstract: A wave energy converter includes a buoy and a transmission unit. In the transmission unit there is a driveshaft, which is driven to rotate either when the buoy rises or sinks, yet always in the same direction. The driveshaft is mechanically coupled to one of the rotating parts of an electric generator and drives this to generate electric current. Further on there is an energy accumulation device, which is also coupled to the driveshaft to accumulate energy when the buoy rises or sinks and the driveshaft rotates and which is then used to drive the generator at the other of the rising and sinking motions. The coupling between the energy accumulation device and the driveshaft can go by the generator's second rotatable part, the air gap between the generator's parts and the generator's first part. The coupling over the air gap gives a torque, which drives the second part to rotate along and which also counteracts the rotation of the driveshaft.