Wave energy devices

TLDR: In this paper, the properties of aerofoil sectioned wings are exploited to extract energy in the form of thrust from water agitated by waves, where the wing is positioned as close as practicable to the surface, where water movement is at its maximum, and constrained against substantial movement perpendicular to the transverse chordal plane of the wing thus utilizing the kinetic energy of the moving water directly to produce a nett thrust.

Abstract: Wave energy devices which employ the properties of aerofoil sectioned wings to extract energy in the form of thrust from water agitated by waves, wherein the wing (10) is positioned as close as practicable to the surface, where water movement is at its maximum, and constrained against substantial movement perpendicular to the transverse chordal plane (17) of the wing thus utilizing the kinetic energy of the moving water directly to produce a nett thrust (16) in the chordal plane of the wing. In one form, aerofoil sectioned wings may be fitted to the hull of a ship to project laterally therefrom and be subject to wave motion. In alternative forms, aerofoil sectioned wings may be applied to rotors submerged in wave agitated water, thrust generated in the wings causing rotation of the rotor to drive a load. Support means to vary the attitude of the wings within a predetermined range of angles of attack relative to apparent flow of the water are also disclosed.