A wave energy collection and conversion system that uses a compliant capture mechanism to enable the collection of wave energy over extensive distances without introducing damaging forces onto the collection structure. The system includes a flexible membrane in contact with or submerged under water, a plurality of power generation devices positioned on a sea floor, and lines that connect the flexible membrane to the power generation devices. The power generation devices each include a self-reeling mechanism and a turbine. As wave energy pushes the flexible membrane, the lines are reeled into and out of the corresponding power generation device(s). Rotation of the shaft, in turn, rotates a gear and rotator of the turbine, thus harnessing energy derived from the wave motion.

A modular wave energy converter includes: a forward attachment frame; forward guide rails coupled to the forward attachment frame; a forward paddle coupled to the forward guide rails; and one or more forward tethers coupled to the forward paddle and the shaft. A combination of heave and surge forces from waves of water causes the forward paddle moves up and down the forward guide rails. The movement of the forward paddle moves the one or more forward tethers. The movement of the one or more forward tethers causes the shaft to rotate via the rotation of winches. The winches are configured with a one-way clutch, which allows the shaft to rotate in a first direction but not a second. The converter has the same structure on the aft side, including an aft paddle. The forward and aft paddles are positioned vertically or inclined.

The present invention relates to a wave power device for extracting energy from water waves. The waver power device comprise a reference structure and effectors moving relative to the reference structure. The effectors are connected 5 to two hydraulic rams, symmetrically positioned around each effector. The hydraulic rams have an effective hydraulic area which is stepwise increased as the length of the hydraulic rams are compressed and stepwise increased as the length of the hydraulic rams are increased.

A hybrid energy harvesting system for powering underwater vehicles having at least one thermal engine, at least one of a solar or a wave energy harvester, and a battery which stores electric energy produced by the harvesters. The energy harvesters keep the battery charged and thereby expand an underwater vehicle's operational areas to high latitudes and shallow water. Multiple thermal engines employing different phase-change materials can be used to expand the vehicle's working temperature range and thus allow it to operate over a larger area. An electric motor powered by the battery and a pump driven by the motor can be used to pump hydraulic fluid between the accumulators and external bladders of the thermal engines to cause the vehicle to descend and ascend when the thermal gradient to which the vehicle is subjected is insufficient.

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 device for converting wave energy into electrical energy has a sliding mass, a guide for the sliding mass, an electric generator provided with a rotor, a rotor shaft integral with the rotor, a first mechanism that connects the sliding mass to the rotor shaft and can convert the motion of the sliding mass on the guide into a rotational motion of the rotor shaft, and a second mechanism interposed between the first mechanism and the rotor shaft to provide the rotor with an one-way rotation, regardless of the direction of motion of the sliding mass. A floating apparatus may include such a device.

A modular wave energy converter includes: a forward attachment frame; forward guide rails coupled to the forward attachment frame; a forward paddle coupled to the forward guide rails; and one or more forward tethers coupled to the forward paddle and the shaft. A combination of heave and surge forces from waves of water causes the forward paddle moves up and down the forward guide rails. The movement of the forward paddle moves the one or more forward tethers. The movement of the one or more forward tethers causes the shaft to rotate via the rotation of winches. The winches are configured with a one-way clutch, which allows the shaft to rotate in a first direction but not a second. The converter has the same structure on the aft side, including an aft paddle. The forward and aft paddles are positioned vertically or inclined.

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 reciprocating motion energy conversion apparatus is adapted to capture kinetic energy of wind, waves, or other reciprocating or turbulent motion in order to generate electricity. A rolling shaft rests on a shaft guide frame, with the rolling shaft being coupled to the input shaft of at least one electric generator. As the shaft guide frame tilts or rocks, the rolling shaft rolls on the shaft guide frame, turning the input shaft of the generator and producing electricity. In a Wave rocker embodiment, the shaft guide surface is secured within a buoyant, waterproof enclosure, which is placed in a body of water to convert energy from wave motions. In a Wind board embodiment, the shaft guide frame is suspended from two swing panels, which are put into swinging motion by turbulent winds, causing the rolling shaft to roll and turn the input shaft of each pair of electric generators.

A system and method of extracting the rotational energy of water waves and converting this energy into the rotating torque of a drive axle. This system and method incorporates the use of a wave amplification channel using an array of one way valves surrounding a wave energy collection mechanism (WECM). The WECM is a conveyor, using hinged, curved paddled wave wheels attached to a pinion and rack system causing the waves to drive the conveyor. The WECM is supported by two movable connected walls. These walls are either structure-mounted or ship-mounted with a permanent anchoring system. Two possible ways of automating the conveyer to accommodate variations in wave period are also given.