System and method for generating electricity using grid of wind and water energy capture devices

摘要

A system for maintaining buoyant, energy-capture devices in general relative position in water in the presence of surface waves allows heeling of the energy capture devices while preventing collision. The system includes a grid of structural members that resists compression while permitting limited relative surface displacement between the first and second energy-capture devices. The structural members may be partially compressible and provide a restoring force, and they may allow heeling. Electricity from wave energy capture devices is combined in a way that smoothes variations inherent in wave action. Electricity from wind energy capture devices is combined with energy from wave energy capture devices for transmission to shore.

主权项

1. A system for maintaining buoyant first and second energy-capture devices in general relative position in water in the presence of surface waves, said system comprising:
the first and second energy-capture devices, each device including:
an at least partially submerged floating mast;a mass distribution configured to bias the mast into a substantially vertical alignment when in water;a floating buoy above the mast;a support structure configured to allow the floating buoy to move up and down in parallel with the mast in response to wave motion from surface waves;a generator configured to generate electricity as the buoy moves up and down with the wave motion; a positioning member connecting the first and second energy-capture devices to form an array, the positioning member comprising: (A) a first hinge connection to the buoy of the first energy-capture device; (B) a second hinge connection to the buoy of the second energy-capture device; and (C) a connecting body between the first and second hinge connections that includes a piston and/or spring that resists compression while permitting limited relative surface displacement between the first and second energy-capture devices.