Magnetostrictive devices and systems
AssigneeOscilla Power Inc.
InventorsBalakrishnan Nair, Jesse Alan Nachlas, Zachary Murphree
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The device generates electrical energy from mechanical motion. The device includes at least one magnetostrictive element and at least one force modifier. The force modifier is coupled to the magnetostrictive element. The force modifier receives an input force and applies a modified force to the magnetostrictive element.
Claims13
A device for generating electrical energy from mechanical motion, the device comprising:
- a buoy housing;
- at least one magnetostrictive element disposed within an interior of the buoy housing;
- and
- at least one force modifier disposed at least partially within the interior of the buoy housing and mechanically coupled to the magnetostrictive element, the force modifier to receive an input force and apply a modified force to the magnetostrictive element, wherein the force modifier comprises a hydraulic system, and wherein the hydraulic system comprises a first hydraulic piston having a first area and a second hydraulic piston having a second area, wherein the first area and the second area are not equal.
A method for generating electrical energy from mechanical motion, the method comprising:
- receiving an input force from a mechanical motion;
- modifying the input force, wherein modifying the input force further comprises operating a hydraulic system, and wherein the hydraulic system comprises a first hydraulic piston having a first area and a second hydraulic piston having a second area, wherein the first area and the second area are not equal;
- and
- applying a modified output force to a magnetostrictive element disposed within an interior of a buoy housing.
A buoy apparatus for generating electrical energy from motion of ocean waves, the device comprising:
- a buoy housing;
- a magnetostrictive element disposed within an interior of the buoy housing;
- a tether coupling point;
- a force modifier disposed at least partially within the interior of the buoy housing and coupled to the tether coupling point, the force modifier to receive an input force from the tether coupling point and apply a modified output force to the magnetostrictive element, wherein the force modifier comprises a hydraulic system, and wherein the hydraulic system comprises a first hydraulic piston having a first area and a second hydraulic piston having a second area, wherein the first area and the second area are not equal;
- and
- a coil disposed within a magnetic field of the magnetostrictive element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.