Abstract
This project will verify the operational feasibility of a proposed WEC comprised of a radically different vibrational Faraday LEG composed of a patented arrangement of vertically oscillating compressed repulsive magnetic fields radiating out perpendicular to and along its entire vertical axis enveloping specially designed coils, a magnetic field focusing system to prevent flux leakage, and an electromagnetic breaking system for protection against large waves, all resulting in improved efficiency, only one moving sliding structure for improved survivability, a low ecological impact, and no hydraulic fluids, bearings, or rotary motion structures. The omnidirectional wave energy absorbing component is both the prime moving body and the rotor of the LEG itself and thus part of the power take off (PTO) mechanism along with the stator, power collection circuitry (PCC), and power output cable thereby leading to direct conversion of wave kinetic energy into electrical power without intervening mechanical structures. A low mass floatation collar absorbs and transfers wave kinetic energy directly to the prime mover LEG rotor mass spring system which oscillates the specially configured magnetic fields across the coils to produce the power conversion. The PCC is a simple hierarchal modular system that collects, rectifies, and filters AC power from unlimited numbers of armature coils in single or multiple WEC’s to produce a single large AC or DC output; electric power is transmitted to shore by electric cables or converted to stored chemical energy for use as needed on demand.