| 摘要 |
A device for extracting energy from a water body (4) is described. The device comprises a buoyant member of variable buoyancy (6) which is at least partially submerged in the body of water (4). The buoyant member of variable buoyancy (6) contains a fixed mass of gas (7), the volume of which changes as a result of the pressure changes exerted on the buoyant member (6) by waves (10, 11) and/or other changes in the water level above. The buoyant member (6) is preferably constructed from a substantially air-tight, flexible or otherwise elastic material, whereby the volume of the buoyant member of variable buoyancy (6) may alter in response to changes in the volume of gas (7) contained therein. The pressure changes result in volume changes of the gas contained within the variable buoyancy, which causes fluctuations in volume of the variable buoyancy. As a result of changes in volume a change in buoyancy occurs. This results in a corresponding change in upthrust exerted by the variable buoyancy (6) which affects the forces exerted on an energy conversion unit (8). The apparatus may also comprise a non-variable buoyancy (113) suitable for floating on the surface (5) of the body of liquid (4). The movement of the non-variable buoyancy (113) caused by the wave motion (10, 11) may also generate a force exerted on the energy conversion unit. The forces exerted can be utilised to provide power for a variety of devices including electricity generation, water hydrolysis or desalination plants.
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