Adaptive wave energy converter

A wave energy capture system, comprising:

• a plurality of arms that are each pivotably coupled to a mechanical body at a first end and a floatation device at a second end;
• wherein each of the floatation devices is configured to float on water and to cause a corresponding arm to pivot with respect to the mechanical body in response to waves in the water;
• and
• wherein the plurality of arms are capable of independent pivoting in horizontal and vertical directions with respect to the mechanical body;
• a mechanical energy capture system directly coupled at each of the plurality of arms, wherein the mechanical energy capture system includes:
• an electrical generator comprising a shaft that rotates within the electrical generator to produce an electric current;
• wherein at least one of the arms is coupled to the shaft;
• and
• wherein the mechanical energy capture system is configured to convert the independent pivoting of the plurality of arms to electrical energy by translating motion of the at least one arm to rotational motion of the shaft in the electrical generator;
• and
• a controller coupled to the plurality of arms or the mechanical energy capture system, wherein the controller is configured to selectively control a parameter of the plurality of arms or a parameter of the mechanical energy capture system to regulate an amount of the electrical energy output by the mechanical energy capture system.

A wave energy capture system, comprising:

• a plurality of floatation devices that are each pivotably coupled to a mechanical body by a corresponding arm;
• wherein each of the floatation devices is configured to float on water and to cause the corresponding arm to pivot with respect to the mechanical body in response to waves in the water;
• and
• wherein the plurality of floatation devices are capable of independent movement in horizontal and vertical directions with respect to the mechanical body;
• a mechanical energy capture system directly coupled at each of the plurality of floatation devices via the corresponding arms, wherein the mechanical energy capture system includes:
• an electrical generator comprising a shaft that rotates within the electrical generator to produce an electric current;
• wherein at least one of the arms is coupled to the shaft;
• and
• wherein the mechanical energy capture system stores electrical energy based on the independent movement of the plurality of floatation devices by translating motion of a floatation device of the plurality of floatation devices to rotational motion of the shaft in the electrical generator;
• and
• a controller coupled to the corresponding arms or the mechanical energy capture system, wherein the controller is configured to selectively control a parameter of the corresponding arms or a parameter of the mechanical energy capture system to regulate an amount of the electrical energy output by the mechanical energy capture system.