Rapidly-deployable Wave-powered MHD Electric Generator

We propose a bold new way to generate electric power from ocean wave motion. Our approach stands in stark contrast to the indirect, bulky, expensive, and mechanically-inefficient methods now typical of this field, in which even the most successful methodsare inherently shore-based, capital-intensive, or incompatible with rapid deployability. Yet in every case, the basic problem is the same: the ocean offers up its power as very strong forces (e.g., many tons) acting at very low velocities (e.g., 1 m/s).The use of a conventional electric generator demands application of inefficient mechanisms (e.g., air pressurization / turbine systems) to provide the necessary mechanical impedance-matching, i.e., to convert the wave power into a weaker force acting at ahigher velocity. But SARA's scientists have discovered how to shift this impedance-matching burden from the mechanical to the electrical domain, via a cleverly-configured magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator. The low-impedance MHD output is converted tomore practical voltages and currents via efficient electronic switches and compact transformers, rather than cumbersome mechanical contraptions. The result is both compact and highly deployable. In fact, this new approach may be the long-awaitedtechnological breakthrough that will make ocean-wave energy competitive in a broad range of applications.The proposed technology has numerous commercial and military applications, with the nearest-term being provision of electric power at critical remoteocean and coastal locations. In contrast to existing ocean-wave power conversion alternatives, this new approach offers the promise of a highly-compact, rapidly deployable, highly-efficient, and low-cost solution.