The present invention is directed to a nonlinear controller for nonlinear wave energy converters (WECs). As an example of the invention, a nonlinear dynamic model is developed for a geometrically right-circular cylinder WEC design for the heave-only motion, or a single degree-of-freedom (DOF). The linear stiffness term is replaced by a nonlinear cubic hardening spring term to demonstrate the performance of a nonlinear WEC as compared to an optimized linear WEC. By exploiting the nonlinear physics in the nonlinear controller, equivalent power and energy capture, as well as simplified operational performance is observed for the nonlinear cubic hardening spring controller when compared to an optimized linear controller.

A power generation and/or storage apparatus comprising a buoyant flywheel, wherein the flywheel is arranged, in use, in contact with a body of liquid for rotation about a substantially vertical axis, an underside of the flywheel comprising a circumferentially extending opening, wherein, in use, gas is trapped within the opening by the surface of the liquid to define an gas cushion for supporting the flywheel.

Systems and methods for use in capturing energy from natural resources. In one form, the systems and methods capture energy from natural resources, such as movement of fluid in a body of water, and convert it into electrical energy.

A mass displacement electricity generator, having a tower and a first mass suspended by the tower for falling and lifting. The first mass is suspended by a pulley arrangement including a first set of pulleys fixed to the tower above the first mass and a second set of pulleys fixed to the first mass. A cable extends through the first and second sets of pulleys and one end of the cable is fixed to one of the tower or to the first mass. A winch includes a barrel about which the cable winds off as the first mass falls and winds on as the first mass lifts. The winch is in driving connection with a flywheel so that as the first mass falls, the cable winds off the barrel and barrel rotation drives the flywheel to rotate. The flywheel is in driving connection with a generator so that rotation of the flywheel drives the generator for generating electrical energy.

Computer-processor controlled energy harvester system. The system uses a plurality of oscillating weight type energy collectors, each configured to store the energy from changes in the system's ambient motion as stored mechanical energy, often in a compressed spring. The energy collectors are configured to move between a first position where the energy collector stores energy, to a second position where the energy collectors release stored energy to a geared electrical generator shaft, thus producing electrical energy, often stored in a battery. A plurality of processor controlled electronic actuators, usually one per energy collector, control when each energy collector stores and releases energy. The processor can use accelerometer sensors, battery charge sensors, and suitable software and firmware to optimize system function. The system can use the energy for various useful purposes, including sensor monitoring, data acquisition, wireless communications, and the like, and can also receive supplemental power from other sources.

Described is an oscillating device for generating electricity from a fluid flow, comprising at least one oscillating part, at least one support, fixed to a reference surface and connected to the oscillating part at an oscillation axis, at least one counter-balancing system connected to, and/or acting on the oscillating part, at least one adjustable profile configured to be at least partially immersed in the fluid flow and movably connected to the oscillating part. The oscillating device comprises an adjustment system configured to change the position of the adjustable profile with respect to the fluid flow between at least one position of greatest resistance and at least one position of least resistance. The invention also relates to an adjustment method for oscillating devices designed to generate electricity, according to which adjustments to the position of the adjustable profile are made as a function of certain parameters, such as the speed and/or the change in direction of the oscillation of the oscillating part, detected by a series of sensors.

The present specification relates generally to generators and more specifically to an environmentally friendly device and method for generating electricity without a fuel source. The device, an electric generator, comprises an outer chamber filled with a first quantity of water; a lower bellows assembly, immediately below the outer chamber, filled with a second quantity of water; a support bracket fixed within the outer chamber comprising at least one post extending from a top face thereof and at least one lower electromagnet; a chain assembly; a flywheel; a generator; an inner chamber disposed within the outer chamber and having at a bottom end at least one flapper valve and at least one upper electromagnet; at least one return pipe having a first end in connection with the lower bellows assembly and a second end proximate the inner chamber; and a series of valves.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clean energy fuel free gravity force driven motor device, comprising: a drive axle; a belt; a pulley system; weighted wheeled trolley; a guide rail; a torsion spring arm; a solid leverage arm/bracket system; a spring arm leverage housing; and a vertical plane housing; wherein the weighted wheeled trolley is directed in an alternating centripetal and centrifugal pattern by way of guided track, rail, or solid arm bracket and utilizing known leverage principles to shift a net gravitational force that creates rotational torque delivery to the drive axle.

A system for a wind turbine, the system includes a rotor connected to a plurality of blades, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a flywheel and a generator. The rotor has a rotor-outputted rotational energy and is coupled to the CVT by a first mechanical coupling. The CVT outputs a CVT-outputted rotational energy and is coupled to the flywheel by a second mechanical coupling. The flywheel outputs a flywheel-outputted rotational energy and is coupled to the generator by a third mechanical coupling. The generator produces an electrical output based upon the flywheel-outputted rotational energy received from the third mechanical coupling. A controller is in electrical communication with the CVT and modulates the CVT ratio in response to a signal from the controller.

Computer-processor controlled energy harvester system. The system uses a plurality of oscillating weight type energy collectors, each configured to store the energy from changes in the system's ambient motion as stored mechanical energy, often in a compressed spring. The energy collectors are configured to move between a first position where the energy collector stores energy, to a second position where the energy collectors release stored energy to a geared electrical generator shaft, thus producing electrical energy, often stored in a battery. A plurality of processor controlled electronic actuators, usually one per energy collector, control when each energy collector stores and releases energy. The processor can use accelerometer sensors, battery charge sensors, and suitable software and firmware to optimize system function. The system can use the energy for various useful purposes, including sensor monitoring, data acquisition, wireless communications, and the like, and can also receive supplemental power from other sources.