| 摘要 |
<p>A floating generator 10 incorporates a turbine 12 and a plurality of contiguous open-bottomed air tanks 1-6 in a row along a longitudinal axis. The first air tank 1 of the row communicates with the atmosphere via a non-return inlet valve 11 and the last air tank 6 of the row communicates with the atmosphere via the turbine 12. The upper part of each air tank communicates with the next tank in the row via one-way valve means 21-61 so that air can pass in one direction only from the first air tank 1 to the last air tank 6. Buoyancy compartments 14,16 and ballast compartments 18,20 are provided along each side of the row, substantially symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis. In use, air is drawn into the first air tank 1 due to a pressure differential caused by wave action and air is compressed cumulatively through the series of tanks 1-6 until the compressed air expands to atmospheric pressure via the turbine 12 to produce power. An additional ballast tank 7 may be provided adjacent the final air tank 6.</p> |
