Inertial pneumatic wave energy device
A buoyant wave energy device is disclosed that incorporates an open-bottomed tube of substantial length in which is partially enclosed a first body of water that oscillates in response to wave action. The device incorporates a buoy to which an upper end of the tube is connected and inside of which is trapped a second body of water of substantial mass. A differential phase in the oscillations of the water trapped in the tube, and the oscillations of the buoy of augmented mass, result in the periodic compression of a pocket of air trapped at the top of the tube, and in the subsequent expulsion of pressurized air through a turbine, thereby generating electrical power.
1. A buoyant wave energy converter, comprising:
a bulbous upper hull; and
a tubular water channel descending from the bulbous upper hull;
a water ballast compartment integrated into the bulbous upper hull;
a gas accumulator in fluid communication with the water ballast compartment;
a gas turbine configured to be rotated by gas exiting the gas accumulator; and
an electrical generator operatively connected to the gas turbine;
whereby a first side of the bulbous upper hull has a lesser draft than a second side of the bulbous upper hull; and
whereby rising and falling movement of the buoyant wave energy converter generates a lateral thrust.
2. The buoyant wave energy converter of claim 1 , wherein the tubular water channel has an airfoil profile.
3. The buoyant wave energy converter of claim 1 , wherein the bulbous upper hull has a slanted bottom surface.