Energy-capturing floating breakwater

Abstract

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.”

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.