DISTENSIBLE TUBE WAVE ENERGY CONVERTER

摘要

A generally horizontal distensible tube (1) in the sea containing fluid a nd oriented in the direction of wave travel, the distensibility being chosen so that the propagation velocity of pressure waves inside the tube (bulge w aves) is the same as the velocity of propagation of the waves in the sea. En ergy is then transferred from the ocean waves to the bulge wave . Energy ext raction means (84, 85) at the stern and/or bow convert the bulge power to us eful energy. Said energy extraction means may comprise pistons actuating pum ps or linear or rotating generators, or one-way valves allowing the bulge wa ve to pump fluid via hydraulic accumulators through a turbine. The walls of the distensible tube (1) may be comprised partly of elastomer (86) and partl y of inelastic flexible polymer coated fabric (87) .