Patent ID: 7168532

Claim:
A wave energy converter (WEC) with magnetic braking comprising: a float and a column intended to be placed in a body of water with the float and column moving relative to each other as a function of waves present in the body of water; a permanent magnet assembly (PMA) mounted on one of the column and float and an induction coil assembly (ICA) mounted on the other one of the column and float for causing voltages to be generated across the induction coil assembly when the PMA and the ICA, mounted on the float and column move relative to each other within a given operating range, defining an active power generating range, whereby the relative movement of the float and column is converted into electrical energy; and magnetic apparatus mounted above and below the induction coil assembly for inhibiting movement of the column relative to the float when the PMA moves above or below the ICA, outside the active power generating range.