An electric generator includes multiple coil sections and switches
connected to the multiple coil sections for selectively interconnecting
the coil sections in series, or in parallel, or in a series-parallel
configuration across first and second power terminals for producing a
controlled AC voltage across these power terminals. The electric
generator, with its multiple coils and interconnecting switches
permitting reconfiguration of the coils, enables systems subjected to
widely varying conditions and forces, such as a wave energy converter
(WEC), to be operated with increased efficiency. The generator may also
include multiple windings which can be selectively interconnected into a
wye or a delta configuration to also control the output voltage produced
by the generator and increase the efficiency of the power conversion
system, particularly at low values of voltage.