Wave-Powered Energy Conversion System

Abstract

A wave-powered device having enhanced motion. The device including first, second, and third barges, with the second barge having a first reservoir and a second reservoir. The first and second reservoirs being coupled by a first passageway to permit a first fluid to selectively and passively move between the first and second reservoirs in a predetermined manner to increase the pitching moment of the second barge while the second barge pitches while floating over waves. A first coupling mechanism is coupled between the first and second barges to enable the first and second barges to move relative to one another, and a second coupling mechanism is coupled between the second and third barges to enable the second and third barges to move relative to one another.

1 . A wave-powered devices comprising:
 a first barge;   a second barge having a first reservoir and a second reservoir, said first and second reservoirs being coupled by a first passageway to permit a first fluid to selectively and passively move between said first and second reservoirs in a predetermined manner to increase the pitching moment of said second barge while said second barge pitches while floating over waves;   a third barge;   a first coupling mechanism coupled between said first and second barges to enable the first and second barges to move relative to one another; and   a second coupling mechanism coupled between said second and third barges to enable the second and third barges to move relative to one another.   
   
   
       2 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein
 said second barge includes a second passageway between said first and second reservoirs for a second fluid to enter said first and second reservoirs.   
   
   
       3 . A device according to  claim 2 , wherein
 said first fluid is water and said second fluid is a gas.   
   
   
       4 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein
 each of said first and second coupling mechanisms includes a hinge.