The backward bend duct buoy-an improved floating type wave power device

The application of the wave power electric generator, used in the navigation tail-tube buoy, to other buoy shapes has been restricted because of difficulty in fitting an air chamber. The backward bent duct buoy configuration, developed to solve this problem, is applicable to navigation aids including light buoys and light ships, telemetering buoys, military warning buoys, and other utility buoys. It can also be used for offshore station-keeping buoys, with or without moorings. By upscaling floating wave power generators are created that can supply power to both island and coastal communities. The energy cost of such systems is estimated to be about 38 yen/kWh for islands in the subtropic zone and about 15 yen/kWh in high-wave-power zones.<>