Wave energy conversion unit - has floating platform which rocks under force of waves near shore to generate energy using generator or air compressor

摘要

The energy of waves breaking on sea or lake shore is converted to electricity by the motion of a floating platform (1) which lies parallel with the shore. The platform is constrained by cables or pillars fixed to the sea bed so it is free to rise and fall with the tides but cannot move along the water surface apart from rocking under the action of waves. The rocking motion is transmitted through bevel gears (10) to a shaft (11) which drives a generator or air compressor through a gear train which increases speed and converts the oscillatory motion to unidirectional motion. The generator or compressor is mounted on the float (12). A cable or pipe (14) takes the electricity or air to the shore.