Wave motion apparatus
Apparatus for producing useful work from wave motion in a body of water is described. The apparatus translates wave motions of varying periods to continuous rotational kinetic energy which is then available to perform useful work. A float assembly is anchored off shore and communicates with the shore via a steel cable. The float rises and falls with the waves and is arranged to cause a reciprocating translational motion of the cable. A cable drum assembly is anchored to the ground on the shore and adapted to reel and unreel the cable by means of a rewind spring. As the cable unreels, the drum drives a transfer gear via a first ratchet which is therefore operative only in one direction. The transfer gear winds a heavy spiral energy storage spring via a second ratchet. The spring is attached to an anchor plate which drives a shaft. The shaft is coupled via a step-up gear train to an energy storage flywheel. The flywheel may be coupled to an electrical generating system or the like for utilizing the energy stored in the flywheel.
- Assignee:
- IFI; EDB-81-050323
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4228360
- OSTI ID:
- 6852480
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 8 Jun 1979
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
25 ENERGY STORAGE
WAVE ENERGY CONVERTERS
DESIGN
BATTERY CHARGERS
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
ELECTRIC GENERATORS
FLYWHEEL ENERGY STORAGE
FLYWHEELS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ENERGY STORAGE
MECHANICAL ENERGY STORAGE EQUIPMENT
STORAGE
160800* - Tidal & Wave Power- Wave Energy Converters
250500 - Energy Storage- Flywheels