Ocean wave energy conversion using piezoelectric material members
OwnerJoseph R. Burnsinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A float on a body of water is mechanically coupled to a piezoelectric material member for causing alternate straining and destraining of the member in response to the up and down movement of the float in response to passing waves, thereby causing the member to generate electricity. The output impedance of the float is matched to the input impedance of the member for increasing the energy transfer from the float to the member.
Claims5
Apparatus for converting mechanical energy from surface waves on a body of water to electrical energy comprising a float for up and down movement in response to the waves, a prezoelectric member for converting strains thereof to electrical energy, and energy transfer means for coupling the up and down movement of said float to said member for causing alternate straining and de-straining thereof, the ouput impedance of said energy transfer means being equal to the input impedance of said member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.