Patent ID: 7891183
Filing Date: 2011-02-22
Classification: F03B,F05B,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A wave-based power generation system, comprising: a float adapted for floating on a body of water; a housing adapted for being fixed to a floor of the body of water, the housing defining an underwater power generation chamber having an inlet passage; an inlet pulley assembly disposed in the inlet passage; a take-up reel disposed in the power generation chamber; a cable having a first end attached to the float and a second end attached to the take-up reel, the cable passing over the inlet pulley assembly and through the inlet passage; a driver pulley coupled for rotation with the take-up reel, the driver pulley being constrained to unidirectional rotation; a timing pulley driven by the driver pulley, the timing pulley being disposed within the power generation chamber; a mainspring pulley driven by the driver pulley, the mainspring pulley being disposed within the power generation chamber; an electrical generator having a rotor shaft extending therefrom, the electrical generator and rotor shaft being disposed within the power generation chamber; a spiral mainspring mounted on the rotor shaft and coupled to the mainspring pulley; and a brake assembly extending between the timing pulley and the generator shaft, the timing pulley moving the brake assembly between a braking position precluding rotation of the rotor shaft while the mainspring pulley winds the mainspring to store potential energy when waves raise the float, and a release position permitting rapid unwinding of the mainspring and rotation of the rotor shaft to generate electricity.