TECHNICAL FIELD:

The present disclosure relates in general to wave energy. Particularly but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to harnessing wave energy to generate electricity. Further embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a floating wave energy converter system which converts wave energy to electrical energy.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

In the present time, concerns regarding the limited resources of traditional combustible hydrocarbon fuel sources and the damaging emissions resulting from their use, has prompted considerable research into sustainably non-polluting energy sources such as waves, wind, tidal, geothermal and solar. Whilst significant technological advances have been made in the conversion of energy from some of these alternative areas, they are prone to few disadvantages, such as, lack of continuous source of energy. When compared with wind, geothermal, solar, etc., ocean waves are an attractive source of renewable energy. Ocean wave energy is abundant, more constant, well distributed around the globe and near most of the world's population. Ocean waves are generated in an ocean region by wind acting upon an upper surface of the ocean region. Wind is itself caused by spatial differences in atmospheric temperature as a consequence of solar radiation being absorbed at the Earth. Further, these ocean waves are effectively surface waves which are devoid of any general overall flow of ocean water, but merely an oscillatory motion of water about a mean position. Energy content of ocean waves reduces exponentially with depth from an upper ocean surface at a rate depending upon ocean wave wavelength. These waves have ample kinetic energy which can be used to produce power. In a similar manner to other types of waves, for example electromagnetic waves, ocean waves can be reflected, diffracted, refracted and absorbed.

In the process of harnessing the wave energy to its best, many wave energy converters have been designed and developed for decades. The wave energy converters in general are used to harness power from heave motion, pitch motion, surge motion or by combinations of such motions. Nonetheless, little use has been made of ocean wave energy as most of such technologies failed to produce power efficiently and effectively due to the difficulties in converting wave energy into a useful form such as electricity. The energy systems adapted for generating energy from ocean waves have to contend with numerous technical challenges. For example, ocean water is corrosive. Moreover, ocean waves vary greatly in amplitude, wavelength and complexity with time. Further, ocean wave energy can often be an order of greater magnitude under storm conditions in comparison to normal conditions. Furthermore, situations can arise where ocean wave energy is negligible. Additionally, designers of ocean wave energy systems may have to consider commercial viability of such systems in comparison to alternative systems such as wind turbine power generation systems, hydroelectric power systems, tidal power generation systems, fossil fuel burning power generation systems and nuclear power systems. Most of the renewable energy systems suffer a problem of requiring costly robust structures, for example to withstand storm conditions, whilst generating relatively modest amounts of power when in operation in comparison to a corresponding size of a nuclear power station or fossil fuel power station. Further, most of the conventional wave energy convertors are based on the principle of converting mechanical energy from the waves to electrical energy by using hydraulic/pneumatic systems along with mechanical gear box arrangements and electrical motors. However, these wave energy convertor technologies are sensitive to wave direction. The waves in the offshore region where these generators are positioned may come from any direction and it is not possible to constantly change the orientation of such wave energy convertors according to the wave direction as the wave direction cannot be predicted. The conventional wave energy convertors are often tested under idealized wave conditions to rate their performance. However, in real conditions, the ocean waves are highly irregular and directional. To cater the unpredictable sea conditions, a robust yet flexible directional, insensitive and mobile technology, which is easy to fabricate, install, maintain and transmit electricity with minimum loss may be necessary.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitation associated with the conventional arts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a system and a method as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the provision of system as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the aspects and techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for harnessing wave energy is disclosed. The system comprises of at least one buoy anchored to a seabed. A plurality of floats are positioned around the at least one buoy, wherein each of the plurality of floats is hingedly connected to the at least one buoy and is configured to oscillate based on incident waves. Further, a power take-off unit is mounted on the at least one buoy, wherein the power take-off unit comprises of at least one hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangement corresponding to each of the plurality of floats, wherein one end of the at least one hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangement is connected to the corresponding float of the plurality of floats and another end is connected to a hydraulic fluid storage unit. Furthermore, a gearbox arrangement is coupled to a shaft extending from the hydraulic fluid storage unit, wherein the shaft is configured to drive the gearbox arrangement based on pressurization of the fluid in the hydraulic fluid storage unit upon actuation of each of the at least one hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangement.

In an embodiment, the power take-off unit comprises of two hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangements corresponding to each of the plurality of floats. In an embodiment, the system comprises of a plurality of tethers connected to the at least one buoy to anchor the at least one buoy to the seabed.

In an embodiment, the plurality of floats are bean-shaped smooth tubular floats. In an embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of hinge joints defined on the at least one buoy, wherein at least one flame connects the plurality of floats with the at least one buoy at the plurality of hinge joints.

In an embodiment, the hydraulic fluid storage unit comprises a main line and a main piston, wherein the at least one hydraulic piston cylinder arrangement is fluidly connected with the main line to pump hydraulic fluid into the main line and actuate the main piston.

In an embodiment, the shaft is connected to the main piston of the hydraulic fluid storage unit. In an embodiment, the at least one gear box arrangement comprises of at least one input shaft, a plurality of reduction gears and an output shaft. In an embodiment, the at least one input shaft of the at least one gearbox arrangement is connected to the shaft of the at least one hydraulic fluid storage unit to transmit power from the main piston of the at least one hydraulic fluid storage unit to an electric generator.

In an embodiment, the output shaft of the at least one gearbox arrangement is connected to the electric generator.

In an embodiment, the system comprises of a heave plate mounted to the at least one buoy of the system.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a method of assembling a system for harnessing wave eneigy is disclosed. The method comprises of anchoring at least one buoy to a seabed. Then connecting a plurality of floats with the at least one buoy, wherein the plurality of floats are connected hingeldy around the at least one buoy and each of the plurality of floats are configured to oscillate based on incident waves. Further, the method includes mounting a power take-off unit on the at least one buoy, wherein mounting of the power take-off unit comprises of connecting at least one hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangement corresponding to each of the plurality of floats, wherein one end of the at least one hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangement is connected to the corresponding float of the plurality of floats and connecting another end of the at least one hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangement to a hydraulic fluid storage unit. Further, the method consists of coupling a gearbox arrangement to a shaft extending from the hydraulic fluid storage unit, wherein the shaft is configured to drive the gearbox arrangement based on pressurization of the fluid in the hydraulic fluid storage unit upon actuation of each of the at least one hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangement.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic front view of a system for harnessing wave energy, equipped with a buoy, plurality of floats and a power take-off unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 illustrates top perspective view of the power take-off unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a hydraulic fluid storage unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a gearbox arrangement of the power take-off unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 5a illustrates a perspective view of the float, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 5b illustrates a perspective view of a frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5c illustrates a perspective view of a hinge joint to connect the floats with the buoy, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figures 6a and 6b are graphical representations representing the performance curve of the energy trapping capabilities of the system that are computed numerically, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure . Figure 7 illustrates atop view and front view of configuration of floats configured in the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

Figures 8 illustrates a top view and front view of configuration of floats in the system, in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other mechanism for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises ... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus. Embodiments of the present disclosure relates in general to a system for harnessing wave energy. The system includes of at least one buoy that is anchored to the seabed. A plurality of floats are configured in the system and are movably attached to the at least one buoy. Further, the system includes of a power take-off unit which is coupled to the buoy and is connected with the plurality of floats. Additionally, the power take-off unit comprises of a plurality of hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangement that are connected to the floats at one end and to a hydraulic fluid storage unit at another end. Furthermore, the hydraulic fluid storage unit comprises of a main line and a main piston, wherein the fluid from the at least one hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangement is pumped into the main line upon displacement of the plurality of floats. The fluid which is pumped into the main line actuates the main piston to displace a shaft attached to the main piston. The power take-off unit further includes a gearbox and an electric generator. The gearbox of the power take-off unit consists of a plurality of gears extending from an input shaft and an output shaft. The input shaft of the gearbox is connected to the shaft of the hydraulic fluid storage unit. As the shaft of the hydraulic fluid storage unit displaces, the input shaft may be powered and the input shaft drives the plurality of gears in the gearbox. The plurality of gears that receive input power from the input shaft transmits power to the output shaft. The output shaft is connected to the electric generator and transmits power from the shaft to the electric generator. Thus, the hydrodynamic energy received by the plurality of floats due to the impact of waves results in generation of electricity.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 1 to 8.

Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure which illustrates a system (10) for harnessing wave energy. The system comprises of at least one buoy (100) installed at a certain water depth in the ocean. The at least one buoy (100) is anchored to the seabed (109) for re- centering. Further, the system (10) includes aplurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104) positioned around the at least one buoy (100). The plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104) are hingedly connected to the at least one buoy (100). In an embodiment, the system (10) includes a plurality of hinge joints (106) that are defined on the at least one buoy (100) for hingedly connecting the plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104) to the at least one buoy (10). The system (10) further includes at least one frame (105) that connects the at least one buoy (100) with each of the plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104) at the plurality of hinge joints (106). Furthermore, the system (10) comprises of a power take-off unit (108) mounted on the at least one buoy (100).

In an embodiment, the at least one buoy (100) is connected to four bean-shaped smooth tubular floats (101, 102, 103, 104), wherein the flame connects each of the floats (101, 102, 103, 104) individually to the at least one buoy (100). In an embodiment, the at least one buoy (100) and the plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104) are hollow tubes. These are made hollow such that their buoyancy may be varied as per the requirement by adding a ballast (113). Further, the plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104) are circumferentially attached to the at least one buoy (100) with the help of at least one connecting flame (105) to harness wave energy through a heave motion. Furthermore, the advantage of the circumferential arrangement of the plurality of floats (101,102, 103, 104) is the addition of stability to the structure. This also makes the system (10) directionally insignificant and enables it to capture waves from all directions simultaneously.

In an embodiment, by providing the plurality of hinge joints (106) and the flame (105) to connect the at least one buoy (100) with the plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104), a relative motion between the at least one buoy (100) and the plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104) may be established. This relative motion allows the plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104) to oscillate. The oscillation (110) allows the plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104) to capture the energy from the incident waves (112). In an embodiment, the system (10) is a floating type wave energy converter.

The at least one buoy (100) is configured to be highly stiff to allow the relative motion between the at least one buoy (100) and the plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104). In an embodiment, the at least one buoy (100) is connected with tethers ( 107) to anchor the at least one buoy (100) to the seabed (109).

In an embodiment, the at least one buoy (100) is attached to four steel wires ( 107) on four sides to rigidly anchor the at least one buoy (100) to the seabed (109) without any pullout.

In an embodiment, the plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104), the at least one buoy (100) and the flame (105) with hinge joints (106) may be considered to be hydrodynamic subsystem (114). In an embodiment, the at least one buoy (100) is restricted to move by a greater extent in all the degrees-of-freedom, as it allows the floats to attract maximum amount of energy. The at least one buoy ( 100) is position-restrained by taut-mooring, wherein the at least one buoy ( 100) is a hollow cylindrical and a central floating structure which holds all the components of the system (10). In an embodiment, the at least one buoy (100) is position restrained with the help of four taut-moored tethers (107). The tethers (107) have sufficiently enough pre-tension in order to avoid slack. All the tethers (107) are equally spaced around the at least one buoy's circumference. Further, in an embodiment, the at least one buoy (100) may also act as a hub for holding the power take off unit (108).

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one buoy (100) is designed as a positive buoyant system by moving its center of gravity well below the center of buoyancy with the help of ballast (113), making the at least one buoy (100) highly stable. In an embodiment, when a wave hits the system (10), the plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104) start oscillating with respect to the hinge joints (106) and thus the system (10) starts displacing. The tethers (107) provided at the sides of the at least one buoy (100) will provide horizontal and vertical resistance to the system (10) ensuring re-centering. This will make the system (10) very stiff in vertical plane so that the response of the at least one buoy (100) reduces as much as possible and allows the plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104) to oscillate independently to produce energy efficiently. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the power take-off unit (108) is rigidly mounted over the at least one buoy (100) by using fasteners. The power take-off unit (108) is configured to convert the energy tipped by the plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104) into electrical energy. The power take-off unit (108) converts the mechanical energy from the plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104) into electrical energy.

Figure 2 illustrates a top perspective view of the power take-off unit (108) connected to the plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104). In an embodiment, the power take-off unit (108) consists of at least one hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangement (200). In an embodiment, two hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangement (200) may be attached to each of the corresponding float ofthe plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104). The hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangement (200) is connected to the plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104) at one end and connected to a hydraulic fluid storage unit (201, 205, 207, 209) at another end in the power take-off unit (108). The hydraulic fluid storage unit (201, 205, 207, 209) comprises of an oil main line (301) and a main piston (300). The hydraulic fluid storage unit (201, 205, 207, 209) is configured to receive the pressurized oil pumped by the at least one hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangement (200) and actuate the main piston (300) which may be clearly seen in Figure 3. The end of the main piston

(300) is attached to a connecting rod (305) which is in turn connected to a shaft (302).

Further, the power take-off unit (108) comprises of a gearbox arrangement (202, 204, 206, 208). The gearbox arrangement (202, 204, 206, 208) consists of an input shaft (303), a plurality of gears (401, 403) and an output shaft (404). The gearbox arrangement (202, 204, 206, 208) is positioned between the hydraulic fluid storage unit (201, 205, 207, 209) and an electric generator (210) in the power take-off unit (108). Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a hydraulic fluid storage unit (201, 205, 207, 209). The hydraulic fluid storage unit (201 , 205, 207, 209) is configured to be in fluid communication with the at least one hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangement (200). The hydraulic fluid storage unit (201, 205, 207, 209) comprises of a main line (301) in fluid communication with the at least one hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangement (200). The at least one hydraulic piston- cylinder arrangement (200) pumps the hydraulic fluid into the main line (301) upon oscillation of the plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104). The hydraulic fluid received by the main line

(301) actuates the main piston (300) which is configured in the main line (301). The main piston (300) is adapted to actuate/displace upon receiving the force exerted by the hydraulic fluid present in the main line (301).

Further, the hydraulic fluid storage unit (201, 205, 207, 209) comprises of a connecting rod (305) connected to the main piston (300). The connecting rod (305) is connected to a shaft

(302), wherein the shaft (302) is configured to connect the hydraulic fluid storage unit (201, 205, 207, 209) and the input shaft (303) of the gearbox arrangement (202, 204, 206, 208). The shaft (302) is defined with a set of counterweights (304), wherein the connecting rod (305) is connected to the counterweights (304). In an embodiment, the main piston (300) and the connecting rod (305) are adapted to convert hydraulic energy into mechanical energy. The connecting rod (305) moves linearly upon actuation of the main piston (300). The linear movement of the connecting rod (305) may be converted into rotational movement by the counterweights (304) defined on the shaft (302). The rotational movement of the shaft (302) may be translated to a rotational movement of the input shaft (303) [shown in Figure.4] of the gear arrangement (202, 204, 206, 208). In an embodiment, the shaft (302) of the hydraulic fluid storage unit (201, 205, 207, 209) is directly connected to the input shaft (303) of the gearbox arrangement (202, 204, 206, 208). The gearbox arrangement (202, 204, 206, 208) further translates this rotational movement received by the input shaft (303), to the electrical generator

(210).

Figure 4 illustrates the gearbox arrangement (202, 204, 206, 208) which is configured in the power take-off unit (108). The gearbox arrangement (202, 204, 206, 208) comprises of a plurality of gears (401, 403) that are adapted to transmit torque from the input shaft (303) to the output shaft (404). In an embodiment, the gear (401) is connected to the input shaft (303) and is meshed with the gear (403) for increasing the rpm at the output shaft (404) to which the gear (403) is connected.

In an embodiment, each of the gearbox arrangement (202, 204, 206, 208) comprises of a set of spur gears (401, 403), wherein a spur gear (401) is attached to the input shaft (303) extending from the hydraulic fluid storage unit (201, 205, 207, 209) and is meshed with a spur gear (403) for increasing the rpm at the output shaft (404). The gear box arrangement (202, 204, 206, 208) which is in communication with the hydraulic fluid storage unit (201, 205, 207, 209) is connected to the electric generator (210) and enables transmission of power from the hydraulic fluid storage unit (201, 205, 207, 209) to the electric generator (210) and thereby generating electricity. The output shaft (404) is specifically configured to be connected with the electric generator (210).

In an embodiment, when the plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104) heave the force exerted on the main piston (300) due to the hydraulic fluid pumped out of the at least one hydraulic piston- cylinder arrangement (200) displaces the connecting rod (305) and thereby rotates the shaft (302) due to the provision of counterweights (304) defined on the shaft (302). In an embodiment, a standard industry' available gearbox with specific gear ratios may be selected for the gearbox arrangement (202, 204, 206, 208), wherein the gearbox arrangement (202, 204, 206, 208) is connected to the shaft (302) at one end and the electric generator (210) at the another end. Further, the energy/power is transmitted to gearbox arrangement (202, 204, 206, 208) from the plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104), wherein speed enhancement is done, and the enhanced speed is transmitted to the electrical generator (210) to generate electricity.

Figure 5a, is an exemplary embodiment that illustrates the perspective view of one of the plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104). Figure 5b, is an exemplary embodiment that illustrates the perspective view of the at least one frame (105). Figure 5c, is another exemplary embodiment which illustrates the perspective view of one of the plurality of hinge joints (106). Figures 6a and 6b illustrate graphical representations which represent the energy extracted by each of the plurality of floats (101,102, 103, 104) and the at least one buoy (100) for a numerically simulated system (10). The graph of the response spectrum is a power spectral density (PSD) vs Frequency graph. The area under the curve as seen in figures 6a showcases the energy absorbed by the system (10). The response of the system (10) is clearly spread over a wide range of frequencies and has a peak at incident wave frequency. Thus, these graphs showcase the capability of the system (10) to capture the energy of the waves over a wide frequency band. Further, it is clear in the figure 6b that, the time domain power absorption ability of the plurality of floats (101,102, 103, 104) reaches up to 350 Watts across multiple damping effects provided by the power take-off unit (108).

In an embodiment, the wave energy can be generated by configuring number of systems (10) which may be connected in series or parallel (wave farm) and the generated output energy is processed by a rectifier and then transmitted from the wave farm through electric lines to central grid on the nearest shore line. The multiple systems (10) may be spread over an area and are positioned carefully with optimum spacing and anchoring systems.

In an embodiment, the system (10) may be configured with six floats surrounding the at least one buoy (100) as illustrated in figure 7. Further, the system (10) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is configured with a heave plate (115). The heave plate (115) is adapted to lower the natural frequency of the device by improving the inertia of the system (10) which may help in tuning the system ( 10) to come into a wave band ( 116) of the offshore waves . Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the system (10) may be configured with eight floats as shown in the Figure 8.

In an embodiment, each of the plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104) are configured with individual hydraulic fluid storage units (201, 205, 207, 209), wherein the individual hydraulic fluid storage unit (201, 205, 207, 209) are connected to separate gear box arrangements (202, 204, 206, 208) to transmit power to the electric generator (210).

In an embodiment, each of the plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104) may be connected to a common hydraulic fluid storage unit (201) and the common hydraulic fluid storage unit (201) may be connected to common gear box arrangement (202) to transmit power to the electric generator (210). In an embodiment, the power take-off unit (108) may comprise of two, three, four and five hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangements (200) corresponding to each of the plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104). In an embodiment, the counterweights (304) defined on the shaft (302) is selected from a variety of local dedicated standard weights available for a gearbox.

In an embodiment, each of the plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104) are configured to oscillate in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of the direction of the incident waves.

In an embodiment, the plurality of gears (401, 403) in the at least one gearbox arrangement (202, 204, 206, 208) may be one of spur gears, helical gears, bevel gears, and the like.

In an embodiment, the plurality of gears (401, 403) are reduction gears.

In an embodiment, the plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104) may be one of bean-shaped floats, circular/ball-shaped floats, tubular/cylindrical floats and the like.

In an embodiment, the electric generator (210) may be an electric motor.

Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the wave farm (number of systems (10) configured together) may also be coupled with solar panels or flexible solar cells [not shown in figures]. The flexible solar cells may be fitted all over the exposed surface of all the system (10) and the output power from the solar cells may be transferred to the grid through the same line as the system ( 10).

In an embodiment, all the transmission lines [not shown in figures] of the system (10) may be underwater and may be line staked together properly throughout the path. The positioning of these transmission lines is such that the lines are free from the anchors of the system (10). Hence, these transmission lines are free from getting tangled with the anchoring tethers (107).

In an embodiment, the system (10) is capable of generating energy irrespective of wave direction. In an embodiment, the orientation of the system (10) does not need change as the plurality of floats (101, 102, 103, 104) are positioned all around the at least one buoy (100). In an embodiment, the system (10) is both robust and flexible at the same time.

In an embodiment, the system (10) generates electricity with minimum loses as almost all the incident waves are captured to generate electricity.

Equivalents:

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation. Referral Numerals: