The Wave Glider: A New Concept for Deploying Ocean Instrumentation

Wave Glider is a combination sea-surface and underwater vehicle comprised of a submerged "glider" that is attached to a surface float via a flexible tether. Fig. 1 shows the Wave Glider. It is propelled by the conversion of ocean wave energy into forward thrust, independent of wave direction. The wave energy propulsion system is purely mechanical; no electrical power is generated by the propulsion mechanism. Just as an airplane's forward motion through the air allows its wings to create an upward lifting force, the submerged glider's vertical motion through the comparatively still waters at the glider's depth allows its wings to convert a portion of this upward motion into a forward propulsion force. As waves pass by on the surface, the submerged glider acts as a tug pulling the surface float along a predetermined course and is controlled by a single rudder on the glider. Separation of the glider by 23 ft (7m) depth from the float is a crucial aspect of the vehicle design. Fig. 2 shows the operating principles.