Method and apparatus for utilising wave energy

摘要

Apparatus for extracting energy from waves is disclosed. The apparatus comprising a float device (10) coupled to a shaft (16) so that vertical movement of the float devices drives the shaft. Movement of the float device is generated by the wave motion, and the mass of the float device is such that its natural frequency of vertical oscillation is substantially resonant with the frequency of a sea wave. The mass of the float device is adjustable to achieve this. Side to side motion of the float device is restricted by tethers.