Abstract: An electropermanent magnet array is provided. The electropermanent magnet array includes one or more of a plurality of electropermanent magnets of common length, arranged in a parallel fashion, and a planar pole piece, coupled to the first ends of the plurality of electropermanent magnets. Each electropermanent magnet includes a first and a second end opposite the first end.

Abstract: A turbine comprises a shaft (20), a mass (10) eccentrically mounted for rotation about shaft (20), having its center of gravity at a distance from the shaft (20) and a motion base (15). Motion base (15) rigidly supports the shaft (20), and is configured for moving the shaft (20) in any direction of at least two degrees of movement freedom, except for heave. A floating vessel-turbine (120), encloses entirely the eccentrically rotating mass (10) and the motion base (15). The turbine converts ocean wave energy into useful energy, very efficiently.

Abstract: A method of mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion utilizes a mechanical spring in combination with a rapid-action variable inductance magnetic flux switch to convert a spring-loaded mechanical energy into a change in magnetic flux captured by an electrical coil element within the magnetic flux switch. The change in coil inductance and magnetic flux induces a current to flow through the electrical coil in the form of a a pulse of electrical energy that may be stored. The electrical coil is coupled to the mechanical spring so that each time the spring is released, the coil moves with respect to a magnetic core and a change in flux is created. The application of an external mechanical force (such as human locomotion) functions to compress and subsequently “unlock” the mechanical switch, allowing for the electrical energy associated with the application of aperiodic forces to be harvested.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating energy from ocean waves, the apparatus including a first or outer section arranged to be coupled to a sea floor and a second or inner section that is at least partially received by and slidably moveable within the first section. The first section includes a float housing arranged to be located toward or at a sea surface and an armature housing extending from the float housing toward the sea floor, the float housing having one or more apertures so that a water level within the float housing is substantially similar to or follows that of the sea surface. The second section includes a float slidably received by the float housing and a stem carrying a magnetic element that extends from the float so as to be receivable by the armature housing. The arrangement is such that the float travels in substantially vertical direction within the float housing in response to movement of the sea surface thereby the armature housing being moved relative to the magnetic element to generate energy.

Abstract: A wave-power system configured to produce electric power is provided. The wave-power system may comprise a floating body structure, a set of blades attached to the floating body structure, a weight assembly, a bidirectional to unidirectional shaft assembly and/or a power unit. The weight assembly may comprise a plurality of weights which may rotate around a first axis of rotation as a result of floating movements of the floating body structure. Rotation of the plurality of weights may cause an input shaft of the bidirectional to unidirectional shaft assembly to rotate. An output shaft of the bidirectional to unidirectional shaft assembly may rotate in a first direction, regardless of a direction of rotation of the input shaft. Rotation of the output shaft causes the power unit to produce the electric power.

Abstract: The present invention related to the ocean wave energy exploiting and storing device for electricity generation. The device consists of one hollow pillar (1), the pillar has a base to install the platform (3) and a slot for the hydraulic cylinder (2). The weight-loaded type accumulator (4) is installed within the pillar; two work platform (3) and (13) installed separately which work independently on each other. The first platform (3) covers the head of the pillar above the seal level and can move up and down. The level arm (6) is equipped with the hydraulic cylinder (9 via a swivel join (10). There is a buoy (12) installed on the other end of the level arm. The second platform (13) is placed on the head of the pressing axle (5) above the first one (3).

Abstract: A facility for generating electricity, including a water source and a plurality of penstocks adapted for selective flow communication with the water source for delivering water from the water source to a turbine electricity generator. An electricity distribution system is provided having a first component adapted to deliver electricity generated by the turbine electricity generator to an electric grid and an alternative second component adapted to use the electricity to power an air compressor. A compressed air storage reservoir is provided for storing air compressed by the air compressor, including an outlet for selectively delivering the compressed air to the plurality of penstocks according to a predetermined sequence for providing energy to the water contained in the penstock to propel the water from the penstock to the turbine.

Abstract: A coil regeneration device comprises an electrically conductive coil including a coiled section; a double magnet system including an inner magnet disposed inside and movable within the coiled section and an outer magnet surrounding and movable with respect to the coiled section with matched directional polarity with the inner magnet, wherein the double magnet system is configured to be coupled to a dynamic foreign entity that applies a specific frequency of oscillating motion that translates into corresponding oscillating motion of the outer magnet, which imparts corresponding oscillating motion to the inner magnet, the oscillating motion of the double magnet system relative to the coiled section producing a magnetic field that induces an electrical field in the electrically conductive coil.

Abstract: A liquid potential energy increasing device includes a first receiving trough, a second receiving trough, a liquid absorbing structure, a first magnetic component, and a second magnetic component. The liquid absorbing structure includes a main body portion and an extending portion. The extending portion conveys a liquid in the first receiving trough into the main body portion. When a sum of a weight of the main body portion and a weight of the liquid in the main body portion is greater than the magnetic attraction, the main body portion hits the second receiving trough by gravity, so that the liquid in the main body portion is at least partially released to the second receiving trough so as to increase potential energy of the liquid.

Abstract: Methods, system and devices 10 for capturing wave energy are disclosed. A submersible wave energy capture device 10 comprises a tube 12 and a plurality of one-way valves 21, 31, 41. The tube 12 has a seawater inlet 11 at an upstream end 10u of the tube 12. The downstream end 10d of the tube 12 is communicable with an energy utilisation means 2 powered by seawater flow from the tube 12. The one-way valves 21, 31, 41 divide the tube 12 into a series of chambers 20, 30, 40. The chambers comprises elastic walls 22, 32, 42. These are deformable so as to alter an effective internal volume of each respective chamber 20, 30, 40. The valves 21, 31, 41, open to permit water flow within the tube 12 in a downstream direction, and close to resist water flow within the tube 12 in an upstream direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oscillating water column-oscillating buoy combined wave energy converter. The present invention combines the advantages of the wave energy converters of the oscillating water column and the oscillating buoy. The conversion principles of wave energy of the oscillating water column and the oscillating buoy are on the contrary. The oscillating water column works when the structure does not move, while the oscillating buoy works when the structure substantially vibrates. The oscillating water column and the oscillating buoy are respectively operated in respective spectral ranges without affecting each other, thereby expanding the effective frequency band width of wave energy conversion. Due to the characteristic of absorbing the wave energy at all directions of 360°, the absorption efficiency of the wave energy is enhanced. Through the adoption of a fixed structure, stability of the converter can be ensured, generating efficiency is enhanced and maintenance is facilitated.

Abstract: The ocean wave power generator with an artificially intelligent controller is a wave power generator based on a two-body mass-spring-damper system, including a first mass, a second mass, and a linear generator coupled to the second mass. A linear actuator is coupled to the second mass, and first and second motion sensors are positioned for detecting position and speed of the first and second masses. The maximum power output of the linear generator is determined based on the position and the speed of the first mass, and an ideal position and an ideal speed of the second mass, corresponding to the maximum power output of the linear generator and the position and the speed of the first mass, are determined. The position and the speed of the second mass are adjusted using a linear actuator to match the ideal position and the ideal speed of the second mass.

Abstract: A track start wedge includes a housing, a ratchet gear assembly, and a locking pawl assembly. The ratchet gear assembly is disposed at least partially within the housing and includes a bar, a pinion gear at each end of the bar, and a ratchet gear between the ends of the bar. The locking pawl assembly is coupled to the housing and includes a locking pawl disengageably coupled to the ratchet gear and a spring operable to bias the locking pawl into engagement with the ratchet gear. The ratchet gear assembly is configured to rotate in unison in a first direction toward a front of the housing and a second direction toward a rear of the housing, but the locking pawl prevents rotation of the ratchet gear in the second direction when the locking pawl is engaged with the ratchet gear.

Abstract: Device for converting mechanical energy from sea waves into electric energy including at least a float and two rigid rods. The rods are preferably anchored to the seabed at one end, and to the float at another end. There are also two ballasts that effect their weight towards the sea bed to keep the free ends of the rods constantly in traction and free to rotate around their hinges. The float oscillates up and down along a vertical line due to waves. There are at least two cables that connect the free ends of the rods to a transmission shaft of a generator positioned along the vertical line so that the vertical, horizontal, or rotary oscillatory motion of the float caused by the waves generates an oscillatory motion of the rods which are pivoted on their respective hinges, and thus transfers rotary motion to the transmission shaft of the generator.

Abstract: A wave operated assembly (20) configured to be submerged in a body of water (12), the wave operated assembly (20) comprising a wave actuated member (24), a second portion and a piston assembly, pressure chamber (22) or spring coupled between the wave actuated member (24) and the second portion. The wave actuated member (24) and the fixed portion each define part of a first chamber (22) or volume comprising or configured to receive a fluid. A lower portion of the wave actuated member (24) at least partly defines a free surface (35) between the fluid within the first chamber (22) or volume and the body of water (12). The wave actuated member (24) is movable relative to the second portion. The piston assembly, pressure chamber (22) or spring is configured to apply a force on the wave actuated member (24) that works in opposition to a force on the wave actuated member (24) due to the fluid in the first chamber (22) or volume.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floating wind energy harvesting apparatus for offshore installation, comprising an elongated wind turbine body extending along a longitudinal wind turbine body axis; at least one blade attached to the wind turbine body for converting wind energy to rotation of the wind turbine body around the longitudinal wind turbine body axis; an energy converter coupled to the wind turbine body for converting the rotation of the wind turbine body to electrical energy; and a braking arrangement for controllably reducing a rotational speed of the wind turbine body. The braking arrangement comprises an inlet; an outlet; a water transporting arrangement coupled to the wind turbine body to transport water from the inlet to the outlet in response to rotation of the wind turbine body; and an access control arrangement for controllably preventing water from passing through the water transporting arrangement.

Abstract: Described herein are wave energy conversion systems including actuated geometry components. An example system may include at least one body portion configured to transfer wave energy to a power take off device, and at least one actuated geometry component that is connected to the at least one body portion, the at least one actuated geometry component operable to modify a geometric profile of the system.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a floating platform, a cylinder connected thereto, and a piston having a piston rod connected to a mooring at the sea floor. At least one penstock tube is in fluid connection at its lower end with a lower portion of the cylinder, below the piston. The penstock tube being provided along the cylinder and has an opening at the upper end arranged so that water pumped upwards in the at least one penstock tube will hit a water turbine arranged above the cylinder. The water turbine being in connection with a generator. The cylinder has an opening in an upper portion and in the lower portion thereof, provided with a one-way valve allowing water into the lower portion of the cylinder while the cylinder moves downwards, and when the platform rises, water will be refilled in the upper section through the opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a module for converting wave energy, consisting of a floating enclosure comprising a hull which communicates its pitching movement to an eccentric mass capable of rotating without backlash about a central axis, and characterized in that: —the pitching is encouraged by the particular profile of the hull and by dynamically adjustable mobile ballast, —the eccentric mass takes the form of an autonomous carriage describing an orbit along a set of circular rails by means of sets of rollers which limit friction and spread load, —an electric generator, mounted on the carriage, meshes with a set of racks of which the pitch, potentially variable, facilitates the electrical conversion, —a generator control system governs the movement of the carriage so as to optimize the extraction of energy.

Abstract: A hydraulic power generating apparatus which can be easily disposed in a water channel, such as a waterway or a water conducting pipe. The hydraulic power generating apparatus comprises a horizontal rotor supporting housing (4) having a rotor, a holding body (5) erected on an upper surface of the rotor supporting housing (4), a support ring (2) in which the rotor supporting housing (4) is fixed, and a power generator (11). The rotor supporting housing (4) is integrally fixed within the support ring (2) by the holding body (5). The power generator (11) is disposed on the upper part of the holding body (5) protruding from the support ring (2), and the support ring (2) is formed with attachment portions (2A, 2B) for fixing the rotor supporting housing (4) in a water channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel method, process, and system (hereinafter “method” or “process”) for deploying, stationing, and translocating buoyant wind- and wave-energy converters and/or other buoyant structures or devices, as well as farms of same. Also disclosed is a novel apparatus and/or machine comprising a farm of buoyant wave energy converters deployed by said method and/or configured to be deployed by said method.

Abstract: A wave energy converter (100) is provided which comprises a heaving buoy point absorber (122) having a surface piercing float (120) operably coupled to an adjustable reference mass (125) defining a volume for accommodating sea water therein. The surface piercing float and the adjustable reference mass are configured to move together in response to passing waves. A chamber (105) provided within the surface piercing float is in fluid communication with the sea for trapping a volume of air above an enclosed column of water. The height of the enclosed column of water varies as the point absorber reacts against its surface via an adjustable air-spring. A power take off (140) is configured for being driven by a stream of vented air in communication with the chamber as the heaving buoy point absorber reacts against a trapped volume of air. A control mechanism is configured for tuning one or more operating characteristics of the heaving buoy point absorber.

Abstract: A turbine comprises a shaft (20), a mass (10) eccentrically mounted for rotation about shaft (20), having its center of gravity at a distance from the shaft (20) and a motion base (15). Motion base (15) rigidly supports the shaft (20), and is configured for moving the shaft (20) in any direction of at least two degrees of movement freedom, except for heave. A floating vessel-turbine (120), encloses entirely the eccentrically rotating mass (10) and the motion base (15). The turbine converts ocean wave energy into useful energy, very efficiently.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing electricity from a combination of three sources: ocean waves, wind and solar, includes converting an upward and downward motion of a buoyant platform into a rotational motion of a shaft using a plurality of blades mounted to the shaft, the blades causing the shaft to rotate from internal wind energy as the blades move up and down within a cavity. The shaft is coupled to a generator for producing electricity. A wind turbine is mounted to the buoyant platform for converting wind energy into electricity. Further, solar panels are included, for example, mounted to the buoyant platform and/or turbine blades of the wind turbine, the solar panels also generate electricity when exposed to light.

Abstract: A floating piezoelectric assembly for generating energy from waves is provided. The assembly includes a flexible buoyant planar member, an elastic planar member coupled to the same, and two spaced-apart layers of piezoelectric elements extending on and firmly attaching to the top and bottom of the elastic planar member. The elements of a first of the layers are staggered relative to the elements of a second of the layers. The assembly includes a weighted planar member coupled to the buoyant planar member. According to a second aspect, the assembly comprises a first plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart elongate buoyant planar members, a second plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart elongate buoyant planar members, and a series of piezoelectric elements extending between the first and second plurality of buoyant planar members. The assembly further includes a plurality of elastic planar members to which respective ones of the piezoelectric elements couple.

Abstract: A hinge system and method for an Articulated Wave Energy Conversion System (AWECS) that provides for hinge and piston pump displacements due to multi-axis forces in allowing adjacent barges of the AWECS to pivot with respect to one another due to wave motion. The hinge system uses a plurality of parallel hinges, and axle segments, coupled between adjacent barges wherein the hinges are coupled to upright trusses positioned transversely along facing edges of each barge. Hinge bracing includes lower V-shaped struts that act as lower stops when the barges pitch up and also include upper struts that act as upper stops when the barges pitch down. The pumps are positioned in parallel. The pumps have special couplings such as ball joint couplings that permit motions other than longitudinal pump/ram motions due to multi-axis forces generated by the wave motion and thus provide omni-directional stress relief to the pumps.

Abstract: The disclosed technology provides for an apparatus for translating energy through the use of mechanics, fluid displacement, gravity and buoyancy. The apparatus generally includes a base having float chambers and plunger chambers in fluid communication, a plurality of floats and plungers, and an energy transform assembly. The energy transform assembly includes a plurality of linkage mechanisms supported by the upper support structure and a plurality of linkage mechanisms supported by the lower support structure. Each linkage mechanism includes a pair of levers and an elongated transfer bar, with each lever rotatably affixed to an opposing end of the transfer bar in a manner to translate rotation of one lever with lateral movement of the transfer bar and lateral movement of the transfer bar causes rotation of the other lever.

Abstract: A multi-resonant wide band controller decomposes the wave energy converter control problem into sub-problems; an independent single-frequency controller is used for each sub-problem. Thus, each sub-problem controller can be optimized independently. The feedback control enables actual time-domain realization of multi-frequency complex conjugate control. The feedback strategy requires only measurements of the buoy position and velocity. No knowledge of excitation force, wave measurements, nor wave prediction is needed. As an example, the feedback signal processing can be carried out using Fast Fourier Transform with Hanning windows and optimization of amplitudes and phases. Given that the output signal is decomposed into individual frequencies, the implementation of the control is very simple, yet generates energy similar to the complex conjugate control.

Abstract: A parametric excitation dynamic model is used for a three degrees-of-freedom (3-DOF) wave energy converter. Since the heave motion is uncoupled from the pitch and surge modes, the pitch-surge equations of motion can be treated as a linear time varying system, or a linear system with parametric excitation. In such case the parametric exciting frequency can be tuned to twice the natural frequency of the system for higher energy harvesting. A parametric excited 3-DOF wave energy converter can harvest more power, for both regular and irregular waves, compared to the linear 3-DOF. For example, in a Bretschneider wave, the harvested energy in the three modes is about 3.8 times the energy harvested in the heave mode alone; while the same device produces about 3.1 times the heave mode energy when using a linear 3-DOF model.

Abstract: A negative-pressure wave generator has a flow-driven assembly and a power-generating assembly disposed in the sea. The flow-driven assembly has multiple Venturi tubes connected to a power generating culvert of the power-generating assembly. The power generating culvert has a generator assembly. When sea water passes, the Venturi tubes generate negative pressure to make the water flow into the flow-driven assembly from the power generating culvert. A large pressure difference is formed between outside sea water out of a turbine disposed in a front end and a chamber disposed in a rear end, and the pressure difference drives the turbine to drive the generator assembly. The transferring efficiency is high and the water in all the flow channels is in low pressure to prevent the water pipes from burst and leakage. The negative-pressure wave generator is simple in structure and solid, lowering the maintenance cost.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation having at least one caisson positioned at a given depth in a marine environment, said caisson including a rigid tank in which an oscillating plate moves, said oscillating plate being adapted to oscillate in relation to a vertical axis depending on fluctuations in the height of the water column created by the swell perpendicular to the plate, said tank and plate defining a chamber. The installation is characterized in that the chamber is sealed by a flexible hermetic pouch which is filled with a gas and deforms according to the oscillations of the oscillating plate, the pressure of the gas inside the pouch being adjusted so as to compensate for all or part of the weight of the water column perpendicular to the plate in the absence of swell.

Abstract: A wave energy converter includes a surface float including a non-axisymmetric profile, a reaction plate configured to be submerged below a water surface, and more than one flexible tether, each mechanically coupled to both the surface float and the reaction plate, the reaction plate having a moment of inertia in pitch and roll greater than a moment of inertia in pitch and roll of the surface float.

Abstract: A wave energy converter utilizes a flotation module that rises and falls with the passage of waves, a submerged tube containing a constriction which multiplies the speed of the water passing therethrough, a turbine (or other hydrokinetic apparatus) positioned so as to extract energy from the accelerated flow of water within and/or through the tube, and a submerged gas- or liquid-filled chamber housing one or more energy conversion components (e.g. generators, transformers, rectifiers, inverters). By providing a chamber in proximity to the turbine, generators can be placed in closer proximity to the turbine that turns them, and the shared shaft can be shorter than if the generators were placed in the buoy adjacent to the surface.

Abstract: A tidal current energy generating device includes an outer frame (1), at least one inner frame (2), at least two hydro turbines (3), at least one center shaft (4), at least one generator (5), and at least three bearings (6). The at least one inner frame (2) is separably disposed in the outer frame (1). At least two hydro turbines (3) are located below a water surface and are disposed in one inner frame (2). At least two hydro turbines (3) are disposed coaxially and are vertical-axis hydro turbines. At least one center shaft (4) is disposed through the at least two hydro turbines (3), the axis direction of the center shaft is perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and the center shaft (4) rotates along with the rotating of the hydro turbines (3). The at least one generator (5) is located above the water surface and connected with one end of the center shaft (4). The at least three bearings are sleeved on the center shaft (4) and are located on two sides of and between the two hydro turbines (3), respectively.

Abstract: An ocean wave energy generator and parabolic concentrator system includes a parabolic reflector wall, which may be in the form of a breakwater wall or the like, a generator adapted for mounting beneath a surface of a body of water, and a buoy. The buoy floats on the surface of the water and is coupled to the generator by a chain or the like. Wave-driven vertical oscillation of the buoy drives the generator to generate electrical power. The wall has opposed first and second surfaces, with the first surface thereof facing the buoy and having a parabolic contour. Because of the parabolic contour of the first surface, the first surface can reflect and focus waves to a single focus point or area. The buoy is positioned at the focus point in order to maximize power conversion.

Abstract: A wave energy converter (1) has: a buoyant structure (2) which, in use, floats on water; a generator (18); a generator drive mechanism (38) on board the buoyant structure (2), the generator drive mechanism (38) having an rotational input drive shaft (20) and a rotational output drive shaft (36); a drive member (22) operably connected to the input drive shaft (20), the drive member (22) being moveable back and forth between a first position and a second position; a biasing arrangement (23, 26) for example a buoyant block acting on the drive member; and, a submerged element 4, 4? which, in use, moves below the surface of the water out of phase with the buoyant structure (2), the drive member (22) being attached by a tether (28) to the submerged element (4).

Abstract: The invention provides optimal control of a three-degree-of-freedom wave energy converter using a pseudo-spectral control method. The three modes are the heave, pitch and surge. A dynamic model is characterized by a coupling between the pitch and surge modes, while the heave is decoupled. The heave, however, excites the pitch motion through nonlinear parametric excitation in the pitch mode. The invention can use a Fourier series as basis functions to approximate the states and the control. For the parametric excited case, a sequential quadratic programming approach can be implemented to numerically solve for the optimal control. The numerical results show that the harvested energy from three modes is greater than three times the harvested energy from the heave mode alone. Moreover, the harvested energy using a control that accounts for the parametric excitation is significantly higher than the energy harvested when neglecting this nonlinear parametric excitation term.

Abstract: A connection substation for a plurality of wave energy converters being part of a wave power station includes a transformer and a connecting device for electrically connecting input power cables to a common output cable. The connection substation has a buoyant body portion providing a buoyancy force and a fastening device for securing at least one mooring line connected to an anchor, wherein the at least one fastening device is disposed in the vicinity of the bottom end of the connection substation at a distance from an upper end of the buoyant body portion, wherein the at least one connecting device is disposed in a waterproof compartment in the connection substation, and wherein each of the plurality of input power cables are run so that at least a portion of the cable extends up to a level at least 2 meters above the design waterline of the connection substation.

Abstract: A power-take-off system for use in a wave energy converter buoy employs a meshing nut and screw shaft assembly for motion conversion. That is, the motion of the buoy float is coupled to drive the nut along the screw shaft on which it is mounted. The linear movement of the nut along the shaft causes the shaft to rotate and this rotational motion is then coupled to rotate an electrical generator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for generating and storing energy from water waves. Oscillatory motions of a floating base are transmitted to adjustable weights enclosed in a container suspended from a frame that is rigidly installed inside the floating base. The container is operably coupled to a sheave, via a crank. The movement of the adjustable weights in the container results in the movement of a sheave that is operably coupled to an output shaft that is in turn coupled to an electric generator via a network of gears. The generator supplies power to an electrolyzer producing hydrogen and oxygen from water. The hydrogen and oxygen are compressed into gas or liquid and stored in containers on-board the floating base, until they are off-loaded at a facility.

Abstract: An artificial reef to be anchored to the seabed comprises two or more juxtaposed conduits which are positioned in parallel with the direction of wave propagation. Both conduits include directrices. The upper conduit includes directrices which drive the flow of the wave's crest, and the lower conduit includes directrices which drive the water diverging from the apertures in the area under the wave's trough. The upper and lower conduits are hydraulically connected, each connection comprising a shut-down valve associated with a useful energy-generating unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to an energy transfer arrangement of a wave energy recovery apparatus comprising at least a base, a reciprocating panel, supporting legs and a pivot shaft for the reciprocating panel, and a driving and power-take-off arrangement equipped with an actuating mechanism and one or more power-take-off units to convert kinetic energy of waves or tidal currents to another type of energy, each PTO unit comprising a power transmission mechanism. The actuating mechanism is arranged to transfer the reciprocating motion of the panel mechanically to a linear motion of the power transmission mechanism of each PTO unit.

Abstract: A wave energy convertor for extracting energy from ocean waves. The wave energy convertor may include a buoy arranged to oscillate relative to a reference point about an equilibrium position and a negative spring device connected between the buoy and the reference point, wherein the negative spring device is for applying a positive force in the direction of displacement when the buoy moves away from the equilibrium position.

Abstract: A power generator comprises a casing (110) that in use is deployed in an environment in which the casing is subjected to an excitation motion such as wave motion. A series of masses (101, 103a-c) is located within the casing, wherein at least a first mass is coupled to the casing by a first spring (102), each of the masses is coupled to at least one adjacent mass by a respective spring, and wherein the casing and the series of masses bring a motion of the power generator into resonance with the excitation motion. A plurality of electric machines each comprising a stator and a field source are each associated with a corresponding mass such that a relative motion of a mass and associated electric machine generates electrical power. A power takeoff circuit receives generated electrical power from the plurality of electric machines and outputs electrical power from the power generator.

Abstract: A sensor hub for use in machine condition monitoring comprising a rotation sensor and a wireless communication module each operatively connected to a processing device. The rotation sensor and processing device are configured to receive power from a controller of the monitored machine. One or more additional sensors, which may be associated with the monitored machine or another machine, may also be operatively connected to the processing device. In an embodiment, the additional sensors may comprise any one or more of, or any combination of, an accelerometer, a temperature sensor, an acoustic sensor, an high frequency sensor, an humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a current sensor or a proximity sensor. The wireless communication module may support an ad hoc wireless communication protocol. Further, the wireless communication module may receive additional sensor data from one or more wireless sensor nodes associated with the monitored machine or another machine.

Abstract: An electric energy scavenger device has a housing forming an internal chamber with an internal wall, and a movable element contained within the internal chamber. The movable element is freely movable and unconnected to any other movable element within the internal chamber. Within the internal chamber, the device also has a plurality of piezoelectric charge conversion elements positioned along the internal wall. The plurality of piezoelectric charge conversion elements are positioned side-by-side to contact the movable element when the movable element moves within the internal chamber. In addition, the movable element is configured to simultaneously contact at least two of the plurality of side-by-side piezoelectric charge conversion elements. During use, the movable element is freely movable within the internal chamber in response to movement of the entire housing.

Abstract: An electrical generation system based on tidal flow includes a reservoir and a fluid inlet tube extending between a tidal source and the reservoir. The inlet tube has at least one inlet turbine generator disposed therein. The fluid inlet tube extends along a first level. A fluid outlet tube extends between the reservoir and the tidal source. The fluid outlet tube has at least one outlet turbine generator disposed therein. The fluid outlet tube extends along a second level vertically lower than the first level. During high tide at the tidal source, tidal fluid flows from the tidal source, into the fluid inlet tube, past the at least one inlet turbine generator, and into the reservoir and during a low tide at the tidal source, the tidal fluid flows from the reservoir, into the fluid outlet tube, past the at least one outlet turbine generator, and to the tidal source.

Abstract: A percussion instrument comprising an energy harvesting device is disclosed, embodiments take the form of a percussion shaker and a drum, various implementations are disclosed for harvesting kinetic energy from motion imparted to the instrument and converting it to electrical energy for later use and for transfer to an external device.

Abstract: The invention relates to extracting kinetic energy from surface waves. Therein, at least one float (8) is kept floating in the area of the surface waves, while a working fluid is held in a reservoir structure (2, 3). The float is connected to a fluid displacement structure in such manner that an individual surface wave, which causes an upward stroke of the float, moves the working fluid within the reservoir structure in such manner that the potential energy of the working fluid is increased. Before the wave has reached the float, the wave is detected by a sensor (7). Based on said detection, a prediction is calculated of the amount of kinetic energy available in the wave. Tuned to said prediction, an energy transmission structure of the fluid displacement structure is adjusted for realizing the energy conversion.

Abstract: A closed-loop hydraulic apparatus 200 for converting wave energy comprises a pump 201 for pumping a fluid through the apparatus 200. The pump 201 includes a body 202 defining a chamber 203, and a piston 207 that partitions the chamber 203 into a working side 208 and a blind side 209. A buoyant actuator is connected to the piston 207. An inlet 64 is connected to the working side 208 of the chamber 203 so that the fluid is able to flow from the inlet 64 and into the working side 208 of the chamber 203. An outlet 63 is connected to the working side 208 of the chamber 203 so that the fluid is able to flow from the working side 208 of the chamber 203 to the outlet 63. A hydraulic controller 102 is operable to control the pump 201 by controlling the pressure of the fluid at the inlet 64 and the outlet 63 so as to optimise the output of the pump 201 in response to tidal variations and/or sea state. The pressure of the fluid at the inlet 64 and the outlet 63 is controlled in accordance with a control algorithm.