Disclosed are a wave power generation system for generating power by means of a hydraulic circuit, and a method for controlling same. The wave power generation system comprises: a tension transmission member for transmitting motion energy which is generated by means of six-degrees-of-freedom motion of a movable object floating on the waves; a power conversion unit comprising a fluid pressure generation unit which is connected to the tension transmission member and is for generating a fluid pressure; and an equalizer connected to the tension transmission member and for maintaining the tension of the tension transmission member. In the power conversion unit, if tension is applied from the tension transmission member, the fluid pressure generation unit enables a fluid to flow in a first direction by means of the tension and, if tension is not applied from the tension transmission member, the fluid pressure generation unit enables a fluid to flow in a second direction by means of the equalizer.

Devices, systems and methods for real-time wave monitoring are described. One example method for real-time monitoring of wave conditions includes receiving, from a buoy over a first wireless communication channel, information based on continuously monitoring one or more characteristics of the wave conditions, receiving, from a user device over a second wireless communication channel, user preferences, and transmitting, to the user device over the second wireless communication channel, a message based on the information and the user preferences in response to a user request. Another example method includes transmitting, to a remote server, user preferences and a user request, and receiving, from the remote server and in response to the user request, a message based on the user preferences and information corresponding to the wave conditions. In these methods, the time duration between communication of the user request and the information acquisition may be less than a predetermined value.

A generator for capturing and converting wave energy into a more useful form is provided. The generator comprises: at least one energy capturing float (2) which is movable in response to wave motion; a reaction member (1) to be positioned below the energy capturing float; connecting lines (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) for connecting the at least one energy capturing float to the reaction member and defining a spacing (D2) between the energy capturing float and the reaction member; energy convertors (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) for converting relative movement between the reaction member and at least one respective energy capturing float to useful energy. The generator includes depth setting means such as adjustable mooring lines (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) securing the reaction member to the sea bed SB for setting the depth (D1) of the reaction member in the sea. Both the float and the reaction member possess a positive buoyancy, allowing suitable tension to be applied to the mooring lines. The improved tension brought about by the net positive buoyancy has the surprising effect of improved stability in energetic sea conditions.

The floating apparatus for wave power generation according to the present invention includes; a floating unit floating on a sea surface; an energy unit configured to convert a kinetic energy of the floating unit to an electric or hydraulic energy; and a transfer unit configured to transfer the kinetic energy of the floating unit to the energy unit.

Water buoys sense water characteristics and wirelessly transfer the water characteristics for delivery to a computer system. The computer system receives the water characteristics wirelessly transferred by the water buoys. The computer system receives a location and a user water condition preference transferred by a user communication device. The computer system processes the water characteristics, the location, and the user water condition preference, and in response, generates and transfers water condition information for the location for delivery to the user communication device.

A water buoy data system stabilizes an offshore vessel. Water buoys sense wind characteristics and water characteristics at a location of the vessel. The water buoys wirelessly transfer data messages that indicate the wind characteristics and water characteristics at the location of the vessel for delivery to a computer system. The computer system receives the data messages wirelessly transferred by the water buoys that indicate the wind characteristics and the water characteristics at the location of the vessel. The computer system determines wave forces based on the wind characteristics and the water characteristics at the location of the vessel. The computer system indicates the wave forces to control vessel engine thrusters to counter the wave forces and stabilize the vessel.

A wave energy converter (10) is capable of floating on a body of water (BW), moving in response to waves (W) occurring in the body of water (BW), and includes a hull (12) connected to a heave plate (14). The wave energy converter (10) is characterized in that the hull (12) is formed from reinforced concrete, a plurality of connecting tendons (16) extend between the hull (12) and the heave plate (14), and a power take off (66) is attached to each connecting tendon (16).

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.

Devices, systems and methods for real-time wave monitoring are described. One example method for real-time monitoring of wave conditions includes receiving, from a buoy over a first wireless communication channel, information based on continuously monitoring one or more characteristics of the wave conditions, receiving, from a user device over a second wireless communication channel, user preferences, and transmitting, to the user device over the second wireless communication channel, a message based on the information and the user preferences in response to a user request. Another example method includes transmitting, to a remote server, user preferences and a user request, and receiving, from the remote server and in response to the user request, a message based on the user preferences and information corresponding to the wave conditions. In these methods, the time duration between communication of the user request and the information acquisition may be less than a predetermined value.

The floating apparatus for wave power generation according to the present invention includes; a floating unit floating on a sea surface; an energy unit configured to convert a kinetic energy of the floating unit to an electric or hydraulic energy; and a transfer unit configured to transfer the kinetic energy of the floating unit to the energy unit.