Apparatus for producing electrical energy from ocean waves

Abstract

An energy conversion device is disclosed which utilizes the natural movements of ocean waves to produce electrical energy. The apparatus is contained in a tank which is adapted to float near the surface of the water and tilt from side to side about a pivot point located below the tank, thereby simulating a pendulum-like movement. A sinker weight is employed to produce the appropriate movement of the tank and maintain the floating tank in balance at the ocean surface. The pendulum motion of the tank is used to roll a plurality of gravity wheels or their respective horizontal platforms in the tank in such manner that shafts associated with the gravity wheels are caused to rotate. Electrical generators are operatively connected to the rotating shafts for producing electrical energy from the mechanical rotative energy of the shafts as the tank tilts from side to side with the wave motion. Each gravity wheel is equipped with a ratchet-like lock which prevents backward motion of the wheel such that it rolls in a single direction in a circular path on the platform. While one or more gravity wheels have their locks set so the wheels roll only in a clockwise direction, other gravity wheels are free to roll only in a counterclockwise direction. In this fashion, when the tank tilts to one side due to the rise of an ocean wave the gravity wheels roll from the higher side of their respective platforms to the lower sides along their prescribed circular paths. The centrifugal force generated by the weight of the gravity wheels and the unceasing action of the ocean waves provides the continuous generation of electrical energy.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.