Wave Energy Generator

Abstract

Abstract: This invention relates to a wave energy conversion system designed to convert ocean wave motion into electrical energy. The system includes a buoyant structure configured to move in response to wave-induced forces and a guidance mechanism configured to control the motion of the buoyant structure along a predetermined path. Mechanical energy generated by the buoyant motion is transferred through a motion transmission system capable of converting oscillatory or linear movement into rotational or usable mechanical energy. The transmission system may include mechanisms such as gear systems, timing belts, rack-and-pinion assemblies, screw drives, chain drives, or equivalent motion conversion mechanisms. The system may further incorporate energy conditioning components including inertia- enhancing mechanisms and adaptive stiffness elements configured to regulate and stabilize energy transfer under varying wave conditions. The invention provides a scalable and mechanically robust solution for harvesting renewable energy from ocean waves. Abstract: 20 26 20 19 97 16 M ar 2 02 6 A b s t r a c t : 2 0 2 6 2 0 1 9 9 7 1 6 M a r 2 0 2 6 A b s t r a c t : 2 0 2 6 2 0 1 9 9 7 1 6 M a r 2 0 2 6 20 26 20 19 97 16 M ar 2 02 6 2 0 2 6 2 0 1 9 9 7 1 6 M a r 2 0 2 6 2 0 2 6 2 0 1 9 9 7 1 6 M a r 2 0 2 6 4 6 4 8 2

Claims

A wave energy conversion system comprising:• a buoyant body configured to move in response to ocean wave motion;• a structural support system configured to maintain the position and stability of the system relative to the ocean environment;• a guidance mechanism configured to constrain and direct movement of the buoyant body along a predetermined path;• a motion transmission mechanism operatively coupled to the buoyant body and configured to transfer mechanical motion generated by wave-induced movement;• a mechanical energy conditioning system configured to regulate, amplify, or smooth mechanical energy derived from the buoyant body;• a unidirectional power transmission mechanism configured to convert oscillatory motion into substantially unidirectional rotational motion; and• an electrical energy generator coupled to the transmission mechanism and configured to convert mechanical motion into electrical energy.Claim 2The system of claim 1, wherein the guidance mechanism comprises one or more curved or shaped guide structures configured to control the motion trajectory of the buoyant body.Claim 3The system of claim 1, wherein the motion transmission mechanism comprises a mechanical transmission selected from the group consisting of timing belts, gear systems, rack-and-pinion systems, chain drives, screw drives, linkages, or equivalent motion transfer mechanisms.Claim 4The system of claim 1, wherein the unidirectional power transmission mechanism comprises a gearbox, clutch, ratchet mechanism, or equivalent device configured to prevent reverse rotation of the generator input.The system of claim 1, wherein the mechanical energy conditioning system comprises an inertia-enhancing mechanism configured to store or redistribute mechanical energy generated by oscillatory motion.Claim 6The system of claim 5, wherein the inertia-enhancing mechanism includes one or more rotating masses, planetary gear arrangements, or equivalent rotational inertia devices configured to stabilize rotational motion.Claim 7The system of claim 1 further comprising a variable stiffness mechanism configured to modify the dynamic response of the system under different wave conditions.Claim 8The system of claim 7, wherein the variable stiffness mechanism includes one or more elastic elements, pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, or spring-based systems configured to adjust system stiffness.Claim 9The system of claim 1, wherein the mechanical energy conditioning system includes one or more elastic or pneumatic energy storage components configured to amplify or regulate movement of the buoyant body.Claim 10The system of claim 1, wherein the generator is coupled to a gearbox configured to balance torque and improve energy conversion efficiency.Claim 11The system of claim 1 further comprising vibration isolation components configured to reduce transmission of mechanical vibrations.Claim 12The system of claim 1 further comprising a protective housing configured to protect mechanical transmission components from marine environmental conditions.Claim 13The system of claim 1 further comprising a mooring or anchoring system configured to maintain the position of the system relative to the seabed or floating structure.Claim 14The system of claim 1 further comprising a control system configured to monitor operational parameters of the wave energy conversion system.Claim 15The system of claim 14, wherein the control system includes remote monitoring or data transmission capabilities.Claim 16The system of claim 1 wherein structural components are constructed from corrosionresistant materials suitable for marine environments.Claim 17The system of claim 1 wherein electrical energy produced by the generator is transmitted to an external electrical grid or storage system.Claim 18The system of claim 1 wherein multiple wave energy conversion systems are configured to operate in an interconnected array.The system of claim 1 wherein the system is configured as a modular unit enabling scalable deployment.

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