METHOD FOR USING THE ENERGY IN THE SURFACE WAVES IN A LIQUID BODY, SUCH AS WAVES ON THE SURFACE OF AN OCEAN, AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING THIS PROCESS

摘要

In a method and equipment for extracting surface wave energy by using flexible tubes (2) divided into sections interconnected by non-return valves (4ab-4jk) opening in the same direction, each section is divided into two chambers by means of a slack, flexible fluid-tight membrane (9), viz. 1) a first chamber or air chamber (7a-7k) which is closed on all sides and adapted to contain a gas or a gas mixture, such as air, and 2) a second chamber or water chamber (8a-8k) communicating with the preceding and succeeding second chamber or water chamber (8a-8k) through the non-return valves (4ab-4jk). The air chambers (7a-7k) act as pressure accumulators accumulating pressure energy when the particular section is lowered, releasing the accumulated energy during the subsequent upward movement by forcing some of the liquid in the water chamber through the downstream non-return valve (4ab-4jk). Thus, a pumping effect is attained, which may be used for driving a turbine or the like. The air chambers (7a-7k) further give buoyancy to the flexible tube, so that separate buoyancy means, such as previously used flexible surface floats, may be dispensed with. The flexible tubes (2) and/or the transverse walls (3ab-3jk) may be manufactured from low-cost plastic material, such as glass-fibre reinforced plastic foil, and at least part of the manufacturing process may be carried out on or near the final site, thus further reducing the cost.