| 摘要 |
This invention relates to a device and method for extracting energy from surface waves in a body of water, for example, the sea. A wave energy device (1) for extracting energy from surface waves in a body of water 10, comprises an elongate and flexible tubular body (2) having an outer wall (4) and within the outer wall a channel (6) that extends along the length of the tubular body (2). The device also comprises means for positioning the tubular body in a body of water so that, in use, the elongate body (2) extends along the water surface (15) in the direction of surface waves with water contained within the channel being driven to form a series of bulge waves that travel along the length of the channel as the tubular body flexibly follows the movement of the waves. The device further comprises energy harnessing means (40) for providing useful power. The tubular body (2) has within the outer wall (4) a plurality of deformable chambers (16) that are provided along length of the tubular body. The chambers each hold a fluid (28") and are separated from the channel (6) by a movable inner wall, the inner wall (18) being relatively more distensible than the outer wall so as that as the bulge wave travels along the length of the channel the volume of each chamber is alternately compressed and expanded by the passage of the bulge wave. The energy harnessing means are driven by the flow of fluid from said chambers to provide power as the volume of the chambers is alternately compressed and expanded. |
