Abstract: A wave energy converter (WEC) system includes first and second bodies which can move relative to each other in response to waves and a power-take-off (PTO) device coupled between the two bodies to convert their relative motion into energy. A sensor is used to sense selected characteristics of an incoming wave and produce signals which are applied to a control computer for predicting the impact of the incoming waves on the WEC. Simultaneously, signals indicative of the actual conditions (e.g. the velocity) of the WEC are also supplied to the control computer which is programmed to process the predicted and actual information in order to generate appropriate signals (forces) to the components of the WEC such that the average wave power captured by the PTO is maximized.

Abstract: A wave energy converter apparatus comprising at least two members joined by a connector movable so as to allow displacement of the members relative to one another in response to waves in water where the apparatus is located. The apparatus also includes an energy converter for converting motion of the connector to electrical energy, and a device for storing and/or transporting elsewhere the energy produced. The members, when in use and located in a body of water, are non-floating and completely submerged, the apparatus, as a whole, being neutrally buoyant. A member is additionally provided for maintaining each of the submerged members substantially at rest relative to the surrounding water with which they are in contact, such that the submerged members move under wave-induced action substantially in the same manner as a water particle would move under wave-induced action if located in the same region as the respective submerged member.

Abstract: An ocean wave energy device uses large gas filled and surface vented or partially evacuated flexible containers each having rigid movable ends and rigid fixed depth ends connected by flexible bellows, suitably reinforced against external hydrostatic pressure, submerged to a depth below anticipated wave troughs. One or more said containers compress and expand as waves and troughs, respectively, pass overhead driving hydraulic or pneumatic, pumping means producing pressurized fluid flow for a common sea bed motor-generator or for other uses or on-board direct drive generators. Mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic means re-expand said containers when a wave trough is overhead. Power output is augmented by mechanically connecting said rigid moving surfaces to surface floats, which may also provide said submerged container venting such that as waves lift and troughs lower said floats, said containers are further compressed and re-expanded, respectively.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a device for converting kinetic energy of water waves to electrical power includes a turbine structure having multiple blades evenly attached to a first shaft, a first pulley wheel attached to the first shaft, a second pulley wheel attached to a second shaft disposed in parallel with the first shaft, an electricity generator is attached to the second shaft, and a platform is configured to support the turbine structure, the platform having an upper deck and a lower deck coupled to each other via a hinge. The upper deck is tilted from the lower deck via the hinge such that the first shaft is positioned with an inclining angle with respect to the water surface. The inclining angle is configured such that a distance and time for each fin to travel under the water surface between the entry point and exiting point are maximized while being near to the water surface.

Abstract: A system and method for generating electric power includes a barge with a frame mounted thereon. A paddlewheel is rotationally mounted on one end of the barge to provide rotational torque to a first transmission. The first transmission drives a hydraulic pump for pumping hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor drives a second transmission which is operable to drive an electric generator for generating electricity. During operation, the force of naturally flowing water turns the paddlewheel. This in turn provides rotational power to drive the transmissions, hydraulic pump and hydraulic motor. The frame may further be divided into two hingedly connected portions. One portion of the frame may be rotated out of the water to control the turning of the paddlewheel as well as perform maintenance on the paddlewheel.

Abstract: A method for operating a wave power plant, where the method supplying, using a electrical generator, electrical power to a power grid, which is averaged over a plurality of flow oscillation periods using a generator side converter, a direct current link and a network side converter, where an electrical energy storage is connected to the direct current link using a DC converter, and maintaining the voltage value of the direct current link between a lower limiting voltage and an upper limiting voltage by at least one of a closed-loop and an open-loop control of a power input and a power output, wherein an air turbine is speed guided, depending on a variable, which characterises the flow in at least one of the flow channel and the pressure in the wave chamber, wherein the rotational speed is guided continuously during a flow oscillation period.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and method for harnessing water wave energy by transforming it into a continuous flow of water to be converted into mechanical work by means of a water turbine which in turn actuates a generator that transforms the work in to electrical energy. The wave energy device connects distanced water waves in a novel manner that allows them to power one another rather than only themselves alone. By interposing a turbine in the communicating flow of water that transmits power from each wave to the others energy can be siphoned from them and stored for human use.

Abstract: A system for generation of power using an apparatus in deep water is disclosed. The system includes a ballast buoy configured to achieve a desired depth in the deep water, a substantially vertical hollow tube attached to the ballast buoy that is submerged under water when the ballast buoy achieves the desired depth in the deep water, and a converter for converting the physical environment created in the substantially vertical hollow tube by placement of the ballast buoy at the desired depth in the deep water.

Abstract: Provided is a wave power generation device improved in power generation efficiency and a method of controlling the same, the wave power generation device generating electric power by extracting energy from a wave. The wave power generation device includes: a wave sensor configured to measure the waveform; a position sensor configured to measure a position of a float relative to a column; a drive mechanism configured to apply an external force to the float; and a controller configured to control the drive mechanism. The controller is configured to calculate a speed at which the float is to be controlled to move, from values of the wave sensor and the position sensor, and to control the drive mechanism in such away that the float moves at the calculated speed.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for harnessing wave energy by transforming it in a continuous flow of water to be converted in mechanical energy through a water turbine. The energy wave device maximizes the throughput by discharging the water crest in a continuous flow through turbines into the trough, absorbing the water of the neighboring wave's crest and sharing the facilities.

Abstract: A power generator that can be utilized as a small facility of low capacitance. The power generator comprises a float that is placed on a surface of the sea, supporting members mounted on the float, and a movable member supported by the supporting members and can be movable by the swing motion of the float caused by waves.

Abstract: A stable power-output device driven by waves includes buoys and a scaffold with the buoys, guiding tracks and rotating shafts installed. The scaffold floats on the waves, and wheels are installed at two sides of the buoys. Each two of the roller wheels are sandwiched between the related guiding track and the related side of each buoy, so that the roller wheels and the guiding tracks can work together. Guiding devices are installed on top of the buoys, and rotating shafts are connected to the guiding devices and float horizontally on the waves. Ratchets are installed on the short shafts in contact with the guiding devices. A shaft connector is adapted to connect each two of the rotating shafts together and form a long shaft.

Abstract: An energy harvesting device (EHD) and method including a hollow outer envelope (201) having an inner wall (200) with a first predetermined magnetic field distributed on an inner surface of the inner wall, at least one inner core (202), free to move in the hollow envelope (200) characterized by a second predetermined magnetic field distributed on an inner surface of the at least inner core, the inner core being characterized by one or more convex projections of magnetically active material, at least one conducting loop (203) disposed at locations selected from the group consisting of the outer envelope and the at least inner core, so as to be suffused with magnetic flux due to the magnetic field distributions of the at least one inner core and the at least one outer envelope and generating an alternating current due to movement of the inner core within the outer envelope and a rectifying circuit in electrical connection with the at least one conducting loop (203) rectifying the alternating current into a curre

Abstract: An electrical system for generating electrical energy from the wave motion in a body of water includes a lower tower disposed in a body in a body of water and an adjustable upper portion rising upwardly above the surface of the body of water. A rotatable fuselage includes a floating base fixed to the upper portion of the tower and rotatable about a vertical axis for facing into the wind. A downwardly extending arm is fastened to the fuselage and moves back and forth in response to wave motion. The system also includes a mechanism for raising and lowering the fuselage to accommodate tidal changes. In addition, the forward and backward motion of the downwardly projecting arm rotates a pair of generators for generating electrical energy and transmitting it to a land station.

Abstract: A wave energy converter (WEC) includes a float tending to move in phase with the waves, a spar tending to move out of phase with the float and power take off device (PTO) coupled between the float and spar for converting their relative motion into useful energy. The PTO includes a rack and pinion mechanism which drives a high-torque, multi-pole, permanent magnet generator (PMG) to produce electrical signals of relatively high frequency relative to the frequency of the waves and the basic motion of the rack and pinion mechanism. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the rack and pinion mechanism may be located within the spar which may be hermetically sealed by a sealing mechanism which allows a thrust rod coupled between the float and spar to move up and down with little friction to ensure efficient operation. In addition, a braking arrangement is provided for inhibiting relative motion between the float and spar during extreme severe wave conditions.

Abstract: A wave energy system and method are provided that have a main body that floats on the surface of the ocean and generates energy due to the motion of the crests and troughs of the ocean.

Abstract: A structure for a tidal flow energy generation system is fabricated from tubular framework having tubular modules with mounts for respective tidal flow turbine nacelles. The node modules include tubular limbs extending in transverse directions and elongate tubes and provided to interconnect with the tube limbs of the node modules. The structure can be pre-fabricated and transported to a location for deployment. The structure can be deployed by means of hovering the assembled structure to the seabed, for example by means of flooding the structure.

Abstract: Inertia driven energy harvesters including a movable arm, suspension system, gearing system, generator and energy distribution system. The energy harvesters enable the efficient capture and conversion of kinetic energy to electrical energy.

Abstract: An electric generator driven by a source of variable energy produces at its output an alternating current (AC) output voltage and current which is converted via controllable active switching circuitry into a direct current (DC) voltage which is stored in an energy storage element. Power losses are associated with the active switching circuit and the AC to DC conversion. The power available at the output of the generator can be determined. If the available power is less than the power losses the controllable switching circuitry is disabled.

Abstract: Floating device for harnessing swell energy by lateral overflow, said device being formed by hulls which converge in plan view and have a variable freeboard between which the waves propagate. The convergence produces a gradual increase in the height of the wave as it propagates between the hulls, which, together with the reduction in the freeboard from a particular section of said hulls, gives rise to the lateral overflow of the mass of water of the crest over their rails, which is collected in tanks which are at different heights (in accordance with the reduction in the freeboard) and are connected to the corresponding turbines. The angle of convergence between the hulls can be varied in order to be adapted to the sea state. The harnessing system is supplemented with a connecting closure ramp between the sterns of the hulls in order to collect the water which has previously not managed to overflow the structure.

Abstract: A method for operating a machine located in choppy waters, in particular a wave energy converter, for converting energy from a wave movement of a fluid into another form of energy includes determining measurement variables at a first, relatively early time, and calculating a variable characterizing a wave movement expected at a second, later time on the basis of the determined measurement variables.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting wave energy may include a watercraft, a pendulum and an energy converter. The watercraft may be configured to roll in response to wave action and may have roll characteristics that are tunable to characteristics of the wave action. The pendulum may be supported by the watercraft to enable the pendulum to swing in response to the wave action. An energy converter may be configured to convert the relative movement of the pendulum and watercraft into electrical energy. The pendulum may also be tunable to characteristics of the wave action.

Abstract: A system for mooring a floating plant for the production of energy from currents in a body of water, comprising a plant (10) floating in the body of water and having at least one generator (7) for energy production, and at least one elongate first mooring element (24) which at a first end is connected to one end of the plant (10). The first mooring element (24) at its second end is attached to one buoyant element (50) floating in the body of water and anchored to a bottom (B) below the body of water, and the second end of the first mooring element (24) is connected to the buoyant element (50) at a level (d) in the body of water that corresponds to the level in the body of water at which the first end of the first mooring element (24) is connected to the floating plant (10), whereby the first mooring element (24) runs horizontally or almost horizontally in the body of water.

Abstract: A wave energy converter includes a housing having a forward end and an aft end. Three upstanding air chambers are located in the housing and three corresponding water accommodating ducts extend aft from the air chambers and terminate in aft water accommodating openings for accommodating water into and out of the air chambers as the housing oscillates by pitching in response to passing waves. An air accommodating duct communicates with the air chambers through a manifold for accommodating air into and out of the air chambers as the water level falls and rises within the air chambers as the housing oscillates. A self-rectifying turbine in the air accommodating duct powers an electrical generator. A first stabilizing plate extends forwardly and downwardly from the forward end of the housing for controlling the oscillating motion of the housing.

Abstract: An ocean wave energy converter uses one or more buoyant elongated float(s) self orienting toward oncoming wave fronts and movably affixed to a motion stabilized controlled buoyancy frame by down sloping tracks constraining the wave induced motion of the float(s) to an upward and rearward motion as oncoming wave crests impact and lift the barrier(s) and downward and forward as subsequent wave troughs return it. Motion between the barrier(s) and the frame is resisted and energy captured by a programmable electric or hydraulic power take off system. Capture efficiency is further enhanced by adjusting float mass and buoyancy by controlling water entering or exiting cavities in the float(s), use of wave shoaling and focusing means, and adjusting the submerged depth and slope angle of the device with adjustable frame air-water ballast tanks which also allow total float submergence during severe sea states.

Abstract: A float for use in capturing energy from waves, said float comprising: a central body providing buoyancy, said float further comprising: a leading part which has a leading surface which, in use of the float, is inclined upwards from horizontal such that the top of said leading surface projects further from said central body than the bottom of said leading surface and/or a trailing part which, in use of said float, extends downwards from said central body and presents a trailing surface which is inclined downwards from horizontal such that the top of said trailing surface is closer to said body than the bottom of said trailing surface.

Abstract: A wave-power unit for extracting in an efficient way energy from waves on a water surface in different offshore conditions, including a main buoyant structure moored to the seabed with taut mooring lines and placed at a submerged, wave active depth, a linear generator placed within the buoyant structure and activated via a taut mooring line. The unit also includes a power take off cable connected to the linear generator and leading via the seabed to shore, and is characterized in that the buoyant structure is provided with fixed buoyancy and with elements to vary the surface of the buoyant structure that is exposed to the dynamic pressure of the wave, to optimize the surface for an efficient power take-off for more than one wave frequency and to control the tension in the taut mooring lines.

Abstract: Improvements in an ocean wave energy conversion unit that converts kinetic energy from oceanic waves into useable form of energy that will benefit society called and Aqua-tamer. The unit is designed to be modular in nature where the units can be deployed to function individually or assembled into groups where units will rely on each other and function together as a whole. Each individual unit has an electrical output. As a group (Colony) during deep sea surface applications, the electrical output of each Aqua-Tamer unit will be consolidated and used to operate a water-electrolysis operation that produces Oxygen Gas (O2) and Hydrogen Gas (H2). This production of O2 and H2, instead of electrical output, is designed to eliminate the requirements of an Ocean-wide electrical grid system and still facilitate an economic logistically efficient) method of energy transportation (energy in a gas state.

Abstract: System for multiple harnessing and complemented conversion of energy from sea waves, which includes a structure of vertical guides (12) along which a floating body (1) moves, and a first submerged tank (2) of captive gas (3), held up by said floating body (1), characterized in that it includes a second submerged tank (5) with captive gas (3), attached to said floating body (1), with said first tank (2) and second tank (5) being connected to each other, in such a way that they exchange their respective volumes of gas (3) due to the effect of changes of pressure of water column (4) caused by the waves. Improves the energy harnessing performance of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting electrical power from hydrodynamic energy, the apparatus including a buoy or other water flotation device connected to an anchor by a tether and a magnetostrictive component having an internal pre-stressed magnetostrictive core that experiences at least a part of load changes experienced by the tether. The magnetic property of the magnetostrictive core is configured to change with changes in stress within the magnetostrictive core along at least one direction within the magnetostrictive component. The hydrodynamic energy acting on the buoy or other water flotation device results in changes in force within the tether, which in turn changes the stress within the magnetostrictive core and consequently changes a magnetic property. The magnetostrictive component is also configured such that the change in the magnetic property will result in a change in magnetic flux, which change can be used to generate electrical power.

Abstract: A device that converts kinetic energy of waves of a body of water into electricity comprising a structure responsive to the kinetic energy, a rod extending through the structure; and an electromagnet positioned in the structure, and at least partially surrounding a portion of the rod. The electricity is generated in the rod when the electromagnet rises and falls along the rod in response to the kinetic energy. A magnetic field generated by the electromagnet has a varying strength that is modified according to the amount of kinetic energy to maximize the electricity generated.

Abstract: A method and device for generating electric power from ocean waves is described. The device includes at least one magnetostrictive element and at least one buoy. When the buoy is deployed in a body of liquid subject to wave motion, the buoy remains partially submerged during normal wave motion. The buoy is coupled to the magnetostrictive element to continuously exert a varying force on the magnetostrictive element during the normal wave motion.

Abstract: A system for converting the tidal variations of water to electrical energy. The system has a stabilizing column, a platform configured to float at least partially above the water surface moving relative to the at least one stabilizing column, and an electrical generating system configured to transform the movement of the platform relative to the at least one stabilizing column into electrical energy. The platform can have a top side and floating retail structures and can be configured for constructional development.

Abstract: A system for generation of power using an apparatus in deep water is disclosed. The system includes a ballast buoy configured to achieve a desired depth in the deep water, a substantially vertical hollow tube attached to the ballast buoy that is submerged under water when the ballast buoy achieves the desired depth in the deep water, and a converter for converting the physical environment created in the substantially vertical hollow tube by placement of the ballast buoy at the desired depth in the deep water.

Abstract: An electric generator is described capable of producing electricity by leveraging the periodic roll movement of a floating vessel or ship through the actuation of mobile weights induced by said movement. Said movement is leveraged through the action of said weights upon hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical mechanisms in charge of transforming the mechanical energy generated into electrical energy in order to distribute it to shore via an underwater cable.

Abstract: A method for generating energy from low-density fluids is provided. The method includes placing a first object in a first portion of fluid having a first density, injecting low-density fluids into the first portion of fluid in order to reduce the density thereof to a second density less than the density of the first object and thereby induce buoyancy-dependent translation of the first object in response thereto, and generating energy based upon buoyancy-dependent translation of the first object. Related apparatuses and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: The apparatus for converting the motions of waves or sea swells into mechanical motion and then into usable energy. A energy transfer medium (101) situated within the unobstructed internal cavity of a containing enclosure (102) in order to recreate the magnitude and direction of a wave or sea swell inside the containing enclosure. The recreated wave consequently generates an imbalance in the mass distribution of the containing enclosure. This allows a pivoting rotating element (103) joint situated at a central point between a base (104) and the containing enclosure to take advantage of the mass imbalance in order to produce movement. A series of energy collecting devices (128) situated on the base harvests this movement and transforms it into usable energy.

Abstract: A wave-powered electrical generation apparatus including an array of buoyant bodies and at least one energy-generator connected to one or more moveable links and forming a part of each link, each link being configured as a hinge with a first hinge part constituted by or connected to a stator, a second hinge part constituted by or connected to a rotor, and a hinge link shaft pivotly connecting the first and second hinge parts. At least one connection element is provided between adjacent links, wherein each link includes or is coupled to at least one of the array of buoyant bodies.

Abstract: A tidal flow energy generation system has tidal turbine generators and a controls system for controlling operation of the one or more tidal turbine generators and a flow determination device for determining variations in the flow at a distance from a respective turbine generator. The control system operates using input from the flow determination device to predict change in flow characteristics on course to impact on the turbine generators, such that an operational parameter of the turbine generator may be varied by the control system. The control system operating such that control of the turbine generator may be varied in response to input into the control means from the flow determination means. In this way, the system can operate to vary operation of the (or each) turbine generator in order to compensate for loading variations that will impact upon the turbine generator, the loading variations are predicted based upon the variations determined by the determination means.

Abstract: An energy accumulator and rectifier equipment for converting and generating renewable energy from ocean waves and winds, which includes a storage tank or compressed air accumulator, a series of vertical tubes filled with non-compressible fluid so that it can displace movable elements, forming a group, wherein each group is in connection with another similar group at both the upper level and the lower level by means of a fluid circulation pipes and by means of a pipe of smaller diameter, at the upper and lower portion, for air circulation, and wherein the fluid circulation pipes of every group are attached to a common pipe at the upper level which conveys the fluid toward a turbine-generator to produce electricity and a common pipe at the lower level to recirculate fluid toward the cylinders.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a portable wave-swash & coastal-wind energy harvester, placed on a sea coast in swash zone captures energy contained in coastal waves and in coastal-wind through the utilization of wave turbines, wind turbines, and wave floats. Wave-float levers carrying wave floats and wave turbines, swing and maintain lower halves of wave turbines below water always. A gear system with one-way clutches transmits torque to an alternator to generate electricity. Flywheels maintain steady rotation of alternator shaft. A buoyancy chamber at the bottom produces reduction of weight of the unit when buoyancy chamber is emptied of water, and thereby enhances maneuverability of unit in water. Stabilization tanks at the top when filled with water provide extra weight and stability of the unit in its operating location. Units linked together in an energy farm combine their energy while forming a seawall-like barrier offering protection against coastal erosion.

Abstract: The invention as disclosed is an underwater based electric energy production method. A cable having a piezoelectric core is attached on one end thereof to a floating buoy and on the other end thereof to an anchor. The system is deployed in the water such that the cable extends vertically through a water column. Movement of the cable due to water current generates electric power that can be harvested and stored. The floating buoy can be at or near the water's surface and the anchor can but need not rest on the sea floor.

Abstract: The invention refers to a floating mechanical structure suitable for realizing a mega-plant for generating electrical energy, by exploiting the relative motion of a large number of electromagnets mounted on a floating structure, with respect to a multiple number of permanent magnets incorporated in a pendulum suspended from the top of a trestle acting by magnetic induction on the electromagnets; the swings are provoked by wave action.

Abstract: A floatable surface vessel comprises a vessel hull having a circular sector-shaped cross-section and a ballast filling with a controllable position of a centre of mass disposed remote from the circular centre and adapted to come into resonance with rocking action of water waves being induced a rocking motion of the hull about the circular centre and a frame being supported on the hull for rotation about the circular centre to be isolated from the rocking.

Abstract: The present invention provides a controller for a pendulum type wave-power generating apparatus. Electric power produced by wave-power generation has been pointed out as being of low efficiency and more expensive than wind-power generation. To overcome the above problems, the present invention uses resonance and impedance matching of the sea waves, thus making it possible to markedly enhance the efficiency of wave-power generation. The present invention does not use a wave-height meter which is generally expensive and controls the generating apparatus in response to variation of the conditions of the sea, thus automatically maintaining the resonance and impedance matching operation, thereby making high-efficiency operation possible. As a result, the cost of the wave-power generation can be reduced, so that the wave-power generation can be widely commercialized.

Abstract: A device (1) making it possible to convert the undulation and/or the oscillations of a liquid in which it is at least partially immersed into usable energy. The device (1) includes a float (3) guided by a guide device (2) anchored in the sea bed, with the aid of guide element (12) and including conversion element making it possible to convert the relative movements between the float (3) and the guide device (2) into usable energy such as electric energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting wave energy may include a watercraft, a pendulum and an energy converter. The watercraft may be configured to roll in response to wave action and may have roll characteristics that are tunable to characteristics of the wave action. The pendulum may be supported by the watercraft to enable the pendulum to swing in response to the wave action. An energy converter may be configured to convert the relative movement of the pendulum and watercraft into electrical energy. The pendulum may also be tunable to characteristics of the wave action.

Abstract: A water wave power plant system includes a first guide rail, a first clockwise freewheel, a first counterclockwise freewheel, a first buoy queued through the through-hole by the first guide rail, first right and left roller, a first chain belt having engaging the first clockwise freewheel, the first counterclockwise freewheel, the first right roller, and the first left roller on the first plane, and corresponding second set of equivalent elements to tap the water wave energy in an opposite direction. The first buoy and the second buoy are disposed on the first chain belt and the second chain belt, such that the first and the second buoy move oppositely from each other by a water wave.

Abstract: A device for a wave-powered generator which is provided with at least one energy generator and lines for transferring energy to a consumer, the wave-powered generator comprising a main module provided with a running rod which is substantially vertical in its longitudinal extent, several supporting devices arranged around a portion of the running rod and arranged for sliding or rolling movement on surface portions extending in the longitudinal direction of the running rod, at least one sheave which is arranged to roll on the running rod, and transmission means which are arranged to translate the rotating motion of the at least one sheave into rotation of the drive shaft of the at least one generator; and a first float which is floatingly disposed in an area affected by waves and which is connected to the running rod by a primary driving line substantially of tensile strength.

Abstract: A generator which extracts operating energy from waves of a body of water. A plurality of floats may be suspended beside a rotary power collector. The rotary power collector is arranged to turn unidirectionally as the floats rise and fall vertically on the waves. Rotation of the rotary power collector is transmitted to a rotary generator. The floats may comprise rigid rods each having a finger which engages and rotates the rotary power collector. Alternatively, the floats may be suspended from ropes or the like which are wound around a reel, with the reel driving the rotary power collector in a manner controlled by ratchet action.