WAVE ENERGY CONVERSION

摘要

An apparatus is provided for harnessing ocean wave energy, wherein the apparatus relieves excessive loadings on components to avoid damage thereof in adverse wave conditions. The apparatus includes a buoyant actuator and a pump anchored within the body of water. Fluid at high pressure is pumped ashore by the pump, energy is extracted as useful work at an on-shore plant, and the resultant reduced pressure fluid is returned to the offshore pump to be re-energized. The buoyant actuator is operably connected to the pump by tether and is buoyantly suspended within the body of water above the pump. The buoyant actuator is provided with a connector that includes a damping mechanism configured to maintain a substantially rigid connection between the hollow body and the tether until such time as loading therebetween exceeds a prescribed load whereupon the damping mechanism facilitates limited relative movement therebetween to relieve the loading.