Wave-powered device e.g. for operating air pump - has spring loaded vane deflected by wave movement coupled to driven shaft

摘要

The wave energy converter comprises a tunnel (1) through which the wave passes and which has a pivoted vane (2) coupled to a driven shaft (3) supported between two pivot mountings (4,5) attached to the outside of the tunnel (1). The shaft may be coupled to an air pump providing compressed air. Pref. the tunnel (1) has a square cross-section and it is positioned horizontally so that the vane (2) which blocks the tunnel (1) is pivoted at the top. The bottom of the tunnel (1) pref. has a concave surface defined by a 70 degree arc immediately below the bottom edge of the vane (2), so that during its movement it remains at a constant distance from the bottom of the tunnel (1). Pref. the vane (2) pivots between two stops (6,7) with its return movement provided by a spring (8).