US Patent 7168532 Wave energy converter (WEC) with magnetic braking

A magnetic braking system for inhibiting excessive motion between 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 the waves present in the body of water. The braking system includes a permanent magnetic assembly (PMA) mounted on, and attached to, one of the float and column and a coil assembly (or a conductive plate) mounted on, and attached to, the other one of the float and column. The braking system is mounted such that motion between the float and the column is inhibited when the displacement of the float relative to the column exceeds a predetermined operating range.