Distensible tube wave energy converter with helical reinforcement

摘要

A wave energy converter makes use of pressure waves (bulge waves) that travel along a generally horizontal distensible tube 1 in the sea 7. The tube 1 contains water under pressure and is oriented in the direction of wave travel. Its flexibility / expandability is such that the velocity of pressure waves inside the tube is the same as the velocity of the waves in the sea. The tube 1 has highly elastic walls incorporating or surrounded by helical reinforcement members 2. The velocity of the pressure waves can be tuned to match the wave velocity by regulating the pressure of the water inside the tube. Energy is then transferred from the ocean waves to the bulge wave. Energy extraction means 6 at the end of the tube 1 delivers useful energy as electricity or high pressure sea water.