An apparatus for generating energy from the action of waves in a body of water is provided, the apparatus comprising a flexible planar member for extending across the surface of the body of water, the flexible member having a lower surface which, in use, is in contact with the surface of the water; an energy generating system coupled to a portion of the flexible member, the energy generating system operable to generating energy from the movement of the portion of the flexible member.

The present invention relates to a wave energy conversion apparatus for converting wave energy into a power output, comprising a floatable compliant vessel having a plurality of linear generators having ends which are interconnected at a plurality of pivot joints to provide a compliant frame structure, the plurality of linear generators being configured to produce a power output by being respectively compressed and elongated changing the relative positions of the pivot joints, an outer flexible membrane supported by and enclosing the compliant frame structure thereby defining an inner space of the floatable compliant vessel, and a power circuit arranged within the inner space and operationally connected to the linear generators to receive the power output generated by the linear generators.

A wave energy converter includes a surface float including a non-axisymmetric profile, a reaction plate configured to be submerged below a water surface, and more than one flexible tether, each mechanically coupled to both the surface float and the reaction plate, the reaction plate having a moment of inertia in pitch and roll greater than a moment of inertia in pitch and roll of the surface float.

A kelp-inspired marine energy converter (MEC) device having a plurality of strips of flexible electroactive materials connected to a power conditioning module and anchored to a structure (such as the ocean floor) is described. The movement of the strips caused by water motion or current action (i.e., water motion) converted by the electroactive material to electrical energy.

A system and method for moving water up a water column to achieve a sufficient pressure to overcome a reverse osmosis filter. The system includes a rigid outer column for receiving and holding water, with an inner, deformable hose located inside the rigid outer column. The hose has a one-way valve at a distal end of the hose to allow water to enter the hose and an outlet at the proximal end of the hose to allow water to exit the hose. A water-raising device to raise the water within the inner, deformable hose includes a roller to selectively clamp the hose, and a buoyancy support attached to the roller. The buoyancy support is selectively inflated and deflated to move the clamp (and water inside the deformable hose) within the rigid outer column.

Example methods, apparatuses, and/or articles of manufacture are disclosed herein that may be utilized, in whole or in part, to facilitate and/or support one or more operations and/or techniques for wave swell energy capture infrastructure, such as implemented, in whole or in part, via utilization of an energy conversion apparatus.

A kelp-inspired marine energy converter (MEC) device having a plurality of strips of flexible electroactive materials connected to a power conditioning module and anchored to a structure (such as the ocean floor) is described. The movement of the strips caused by water motion or current action (i.e., water motion) converted by the electroactive material to electrical energy.

A hybrid bifurcating wave energy converter (WEC) is described. The hybrid bifurcating WEC may be capable operating in various orientations with various degrees of rigidity and/or flexibility. The amount of rigidity or flexibility may be based on the intended mode of operation and the intended operational environment. In some embodiments, the hybrid bifurcating WEC may utilize distributed embedded energy converter technologies and folding, origami-like mechanics. In this way, the overall shape, form, and function of the hybrid bifurcating WEC may be governed by a structure with hinges, bends, and/or joints with the ability to fold and unfold in some embodiments being controlled by the distribution and embedding of many relatively small energy converters (i.e., generators).

A wave energy converter having at least one energy transmitting device configured to be disposed within a granular medium and including: a flexible envelope forming an internal volume and having an upper surface and a lower surface; at least one inflatable element configured to contain a fluid and housed in the internal volume so as to be interposed between the upper surface and the lower surface; and at least one energy converting device associated to at least one of the inflatable elements and configured to produce energy upon actuation; wherein the wave energy converter is configured to actuates the at least one energy converting device when a wave impinging on the energy transmitting device.

There is provided a power generation device that generates electricity using a potential energy of a circulation fluid (F) raised to a predetermined height position by a wave force, the device including: a float (27) that includes a hollow portion (27A); a feeding device (24), the feeding device (24) being accommodated in the hollow portion (27A) of the float (27); and a power generation unit (23) that generates the electricity using the potential energy of the circulation fluid F raised to the predetermined height position, wherein a lower portion of the float (27) protrudes such that a cross-sectional area in a horizontal direction decreases as the floating body extends downward, the device further including a storage tank-side accommodation portion (2) that accommodates the float (27), the feeding device (24) and the power generation unit (23).