Abstract

A mechanism for generating power from wave motion on a body of water. The mechanism includes a buoyant body which is adapted to float on a body of water and to roll and pitch in response to the wave motion of the water. A gyro-wave energy transducer is mounted on the buoyant body for translating the pendulum-like motions of the buoyant body into rotational motion. The gyro-wave energy transducer includes a gimbal comprised of first and second frames, with the first frame being pivotally mounted to the second frame and the second frame being pivotally mounted to the buoyant body. A gyroscope is mounted to the first frame for rotation about an axis perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the first and second frames. A motor/generator is coupled to the gyroscope for maintaining a controlled rotational velocity for the gyroscope. Transferring members are associated with one of the first and second frames for transferring torque of one of the first and second frames to the gyroscope about an axis that is perpendicular to that of the gyroscope which results in rotation of the other of the first and second frames. An electrical generator is responsive to the relative rotational movement of the first and second frames for generating electrical energy. A storage battery is mounted on the buoyant body for storing and releasing electrical energy and is operatively coupled to the motor/generator and the electrical generator. A control circuit is associated with the generator and the motor/generator unit of the gyroscope and is responsive to the time rate of change of current produced by the generator for controlling the rotational velocity of the gyroscope in order to maintain maximum power output from the electrical generator.

Other References

• John D. Isaacs et al., "Utilization of the Energy in Ocean Wavers", vol. 3, pp. 175-187, Pergamon Press, 1976
• "Vibrating Devices Harnesses Wasted Energy to Give Useful Rotary Motion", Product Engineering, May, 1974