| 摘要 |
<p>An Oscillating Water Column OWC wave energy converter 10 includes a plurality of columns 20 which are in fluidic communication via corresponding ports 50 to ocean waves received at the converter 10. The columns 20 have an upwardly tapered cross-section, and are coupled at their upper ends to a power takeoff arrangement 60. The ports 50 are arranged in series along the forward direction 40, and the ports 50 are of progressively greater depth into the ocean environment along the forward direction 40 so as to cause the ocean waves to propagate in a downwardly-directed vortex 45 when received at the ports 50. The columns may be connected to air turbines 60 via poly-cuspid e.g. tri-cuspid valves (figures 4-8) made from Nitrile rubber, polyurethane or silicone rubber. Such valves may have long life in the ocean environment and be used to produce uni-directional flow through a turbine 60.</p> |
