Wave energy converter with asymmetrical float

A wave energy converter (WEC) comprising:

• an asymmetrically shaped float having a length (L) and a width (W), wherein the length, L, is greater than the width, W;
• said float intended to be deployed to lie parallel to the surface of a body of water and to move generally in phase with the waves present in the body of water;
• a spar extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the surface of the body of water and said spar being either stationary or moving differentially relative to the float;
• and
• control means for controlling the orientation and rotation of the float;
• said control means responsive to one of the amplitude and direction of surface waves impinging on the float for orienting the longer side of the float to receive oncoming waves when the amplitude of the waves is below a predetermined level and for changing the orientation of the float so the narrower side of the float receives the oncoming waves when the amplitude of the waves is greater than said predetermined level.

A method for operating a wave energy converter (WEC), having a float and a spar which move relative to each other and a power take off device (PTO) connected between the float and the spar to convert their relative motion into useful power, so as to increase its power generating capability and its survivability comprising the steps of:

• selecting the float to be an asymmetrical float wherein one side is longer than the other;
• orienting the float so its longer side faces the incoming waves when the amplitudes of the waves are below a predetermined value in order to increase its power producing capability;
• and
• orienting the float so its longer side is generally parallel to the incoming waves and its shorter side faces the incoming waves when the amplitudes of the waves are above a predetermined value to reduce the forces to which the float is subjected.

A wave energy converter (WEC) comprising:

• an asymmetrically shaped floating body having a length (L) and a width (W), wherein the length, L, is greater than the width, W, and wherein the float moves as a function of the waves;
• a power take off device (PTO) coupled to the float and responsive to its movement for converting its movement into useful power;
• and
• apparatus coupled to the floating body for controlling and changing the orientation of the floating body as a function of at least one of the direction and amplitude of the waves.