摘要 |
Wave energy converters incorporating the components of an induction generator that are integrated with the components of a pneumatic spring are provided. The wave energy converters have a buoy having an interior guide, motion of the buoy representing a first degree of freedom and a spar mounted within the interior guide so as to be movable therein, motion of the spar representing a second degree of freedom. There is a pneumatic spring between the spar and the buoy to provide restoring forces when the spar departs from a quiescent position relative to the buoy. There is damping element in the form of an induction generator having an armature and a stator, with one of the stator and armature fixed to the spar and the other of the stator and armature fixed to the buoy to generate power when the spar moves relative to the buoy in the presence of excitation by ocean gravity waves. The mass of the wave energy converter and dimensions of the buoy are such that in use, the buoy floats in a partially submerged position. |