Patent attributes
The present application discloses an energy harvesting system for harvesting energy from water waves, such as ocean waves. The energy harvesting system comprises: a base rotational mechanism comprising a first shaft and a positive rotational direction about the axis of the first shaft; an electricity generator configured to generate electricity from the rotation of the first shaft in the positive rotational direction; and a plurality of rotation driving apparatuses. Each rotation driving apparatus comprises a freewheel mechanism whose axis of rotation is the same as the axis of the first shaft, a swing component which may make a two-way rotation of limited angular range, a floating component comprising a buoy which is connected to an of the swing component, and a spring or weight which directly or indirectly exerts a force on the swing component. The floating component of a rotation driving apparatus may be pushed up by a rising water wave, and at the same time, energy may be stored by the spring or the weight. When water level recedes, the spring or the weight may release its stored energy and may force a rotational part of the freewheel mechanism to rotate in the positive rotational direction.
