ENERGY-CAPTURING FLOATING BREAKWATER

摘要

Disclosed is a single degree of freedom (DOF) apparatus of extremely high efficiency, which also serves as an effective floating breakwater. The apparatus comprises a unique asymmetric heaving floating body that exhibits minimal influence from viscosity effects. The asymmetric heaving floating body is coupled to a Permanent Magnet Linear Generator (“PMLG”) that serves as a power take off (“PTO”) system. A support structure used to install the apparatus in a desired location is also disclosed. The support structure is designed so as to restrain lateral force and pitching moment. Similarly, the asymmetric floating body is designed to minimize viscosity effects when in motion and for effectively transferring incident wave energy to the PTO. At least one preferred embodiment of the present invention may be referred to by the name “Berkeley Wedge.”

主权项

1. An energy-capturing floating breakwater comprising:
a support structure; a permanent magnetic linear generator connected to the support structure; and an asymmetrical floating body connected to the permanent magnetic linear generator and the support structure wherein the asymmetrical floating body is constrained to movement in a substantially vertical direction and wherein the asymmetrical floating body comprises a tip portion.