Abstract

A known type of piezoelectric power generating system for converting the mechanical energy of waves on a body of water comprises a float and a piezoelectric power generating element suspended, under tension, between the float and a bottom anchor. For preventing excessive vertical stretching of the piezoelectric element in response to the presence of excessively high waves, a protective element is coupled between the float and the bottom anchor for effectively limiting the rise of the float above a preselected height corresponding to the maximum straining desired for the piezoelectric element. The coupling is automatic and occurs only at those instances when the piezoelectric element elongation is approaching its maximum amount, and automatic decoupling occurs immediately upon the float falling to a height where non-excessive straining occurs.