ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEM FOR OCEAN SURFACE WAVES

摘要

An energy conversion system is an apparatus used to collect the kinetic energy of incoming ocean waves and to covert that kinetic energy into electrical energy. The apparatus includes a buoyant platform and a plurality of wave-energy capturing (WEC) units. The buoyant platform stays afloat upon the ocean surface. The WEC units are peripherally distributed about the buoyant platform, which allows the apparatus to collect to the kinetic energy from incoming ocean waves from any direction. Each WEC unit includes a cam mechanism, a recoiling mechanism, a cable, an anchor, a pinion, a transmission, and a generator. The cam mechanism converts the linear motion of the buoyant platform into rotational motion, which is fed into the pinion, through the transmission, and into the generator. The recoiling mechanism returns the cam mechanism to its equilibrium position. Each WEC unit is secured to the seabed through the anchor and the cable.