Patent ID: 6644027
Filing Date: 2003-11-11
Classification: F03B,F05B,Y02E

Abstract:
Apparatus for the generation of electrical power from the motion of sea waves comprising:a) at least one linear generator comprising an armature (13), a stator (14) and a float (15), the apparatus having a first state in which normal, generating, operation occurs, in which the float is immersed in the sea for driving the armature of the linear generator in a linear reciprocating motion relative to the stator to generate electrical power; b) detection means (18,23) for detecting the onset or occurrence of sea conditions unfavourable to the operation or survival of the at least one generator; and c) control means (19), responsive to the detection means to place the apparatus in a second state in which the float (15) is caused to be held substantially or completely clear of the sea or to be wholly or partially submerged, in either case an extent sufficient to avoid any significant damage to the generator; and wherein d) the control means (19) are adapted to reverse the mode of operation of the linear generator to that of a linear motor, the float (15) being driven to where it is held in the second state at least partly under the action of the linear generator acting as a linear motor.