Apparatus for protecting a wave energy converter
AssigneeHugh-Peter Granville Kelly
InventorHugh-Peter Granville Kelly
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus for converting the motion of sea waves to electrical energy comprises at least one vertically oriented linear generator, relatively reciprocating motion of the armature and stator of which is driven by a float immersed in the sea directly below the motor armature. To protect the generator against unfavourable sea conditions, on the onset or occurrence of same, the float is moved to and held in a position in which it is clear of, or submerged, in the sea. This movement may be achieved in whole or in part by operating the linear generator as a linear motor.
Claims11
Apparatus for the generation of electrical power from the motion of sea waves comprising:
- a) at least one linear generator comprising an armature (13), a stator (14) and a float (15), the apparatus having a first state in which normal, generating, operation occurs, in which the float is immersed in the sea for driving the armature of the linear generator in a linear reciprocating motion relative to the stator to generate electrical power;
- b) detection means (18,23) for detecting the onset or occurrence of sea conditions unfavourable to the operation or survival of the at least one generator;
- and
- c) control means (19), responsive to the detection means to place the apparatus in a second state in which the float (15) is caused to be held substantially or completely clear of the sea or to be wholly or partially submerged, in either case an extent sufficient to avoid any significant damage to the generator;
- and wherein
- d) the control means (19) are adapted to reverse the mode of operation of the linear generator to that of a linear motor, the float (15) being driven to where it is held in the second state at least partly under the action of the linear generator acting as a linear motor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.