Apparatus for harvesting energy from water waves

The novel apparatus simplifies structure and enhances energy harvesting efficiency by using a float arrangement and a turbine mounted on a hull that spins relative to fluid, addressing complexity and maintenance issues in existing technologies.

WO2026109824A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-05-28OCEANRIDER ENERGY OY
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
OCEANRIDER ENERGY OY
Filing Date
2024-11-25
Publication Date
2026-05-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing apparatuses for harvesting energy from water waves are complex, leading to difficulties in implementation, maintenance, and operational efficiency.

Method used

A novel apparatus with a float arrangement that alters the angle of attack in response to water waves, featuring a pivot point, a hull with an elongated path and a turbine mounted at a distance from the pivot, allowing the turbine to move relative to fluid and spin as the angle changes, simplifying structure and enhancing energy harvesting efficiency.

Benefits of technology

The apparatus achieves high efficiency in energy harvesting with a simple structure that is easy to manufacture and assemble, optimizing operation across various wave lengths.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The apparatus (100) for harvesting energy from water waves comprises a float arrangement (110) for floating the apparatus and altering an angle of attack of the apparatus (100) in response to water waves. Further the float arrangement forms a pivot point (111) of the apparatus around which the apparatus turns. The apparatus further comprises a hull (120) at the float arrangement (110) for accommodating at least a fluid (140). The hull (120) comprises an elongated path (122). At least a portion of the elongated path (122) is positioned at a distance from the pivot point (111) of the apparatus. The hull (120) further comprises a mounting portion (124) for receiving a turbine (150). The mounting portion (124) is arranged to the portion of the elongated path (122) locating at a distance from the pivot point (111) of apparatus (100). The arrangement further comprises a fluid (140) at least partially fulfilling the elongated path (122) of the hull (110). The arrangement further comprises a turbine (150) mounted to the mounting portion (124) of the hull (110), wherein the turbine (150) is configured to move relative to the fluid (140) and spin as the angle of attack of the apparatus (100) alters.
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Description

[0001] APPARATUS FOR HARVESTING ENERGY FROM WATER WAVES

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to an apparatus for harvesting energy from water waves such as ocean waves and / or sea waves .

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Water waves are typically created by interaction of the wind with the water surface . Different kind of apparatuses for harvesting energy from water waves are known, such as oscillating body converters , oscillating water columns , over topping devices , and rotating mass converters , for example .

[0006] A drawback with the said prior art solutions may relate to complexity, which may lead to increased difficulty in implementation, maintenance , or operational efficiency .

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] An obj ect of the present invention i s to provide a novel apparatus for harvesting energy from water waves .

[0009] The invention is characteri zed by the features of the independent claims .

[0010] The invention is based on the idea of the apparatus for harvesting energy from water waves . The apparatus comprises a float arrangement for floating the apparatus and altering an angle of attack of the apparatus in response to water waves . Further the float arrangement forms a pivot point of the apparatus around which the apparatus turns . The apparatus further comprises a hull at the float arrangement for accommodating at least a fluid . The hull comprises an elongated path . At least a portion of the elongated path i s positioned at a distance from the pivot point of the apparatus . The hull further comprises a mounting portion for receiving a turbine . The mounting portion is arranged to the portion of the elongated path locating at a distance from the pivot point of apparatus . The arrangement further comprises a fluid at least partially fulfilling the elongated path of the hull . The arrangement further comprises a turbine mounted to the mounting portion of the hull , wherein the turbine is configured to move relative to the fluid and spin as the angle of attack of the apparatus alters .

[0011] An advantage of the solution is a good efficiency for harvesting energy from water waves . Another advantage of the solution is the apparatus having a simple structure that is easy to manufacture and assembly .

[0012] Some embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims .

[0013] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] In the following the invention will be described in greater detai l by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings , in which Figure 1 shows schematically an apparatus for harvesting energy from water waves as seen from a s ide of the apparatus ,

[0015] Figure 2 shows schematically an apparatus of Figure 1 on the water wave as seen from a side of the apparatus , and

[0016] Figure 3 shows schematically a cross-sectional view of a hull of the apparatus .

[0017] For the sake of clarity, the figures show embodiments of the invention in a simplified manner . Like reference numerals identify like elements in the figures . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Figure 1 shows schematically an apparatus for harvesting energy from water waves as seen from a s ide of the apparatus . Figure 2 shows schematically an apparatus of Figure 1 on the water wave as seen from a side of the apparatus . Figure 3 shows schematically a cross- sectional view of a hull of the apparatus .

[0019] The apparatus has a longitudinal direction LD . The apparatus is intended to be directed towards the water waves in a longitudinal direction of the apparatus . Further, the apparatus has a vertical direction VD . The vertical direction locates perpendicularly relative to the water level when stationary . Further, the vertical direction locates perpendicularly a horizontal level of the apparatus . The apparatus has a width direction WD . The width direction locates perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal direction of the apparatus . Further, the width direction locates along the hori zontal level of the apparatus .

[0020] The apparatus 100 of the figures is for harvesting energy from water waves . The apparatus 100 comprises a float arrangement 110 for floating the apparatus 100 and altering an angle of attack of the apparatus 100 in response to water waves . Further the float arrangement 110 forms a pivot point 111 of the apparatus 100 around which the apparatus 100 turns . The apparatus further comprises a hull 120 at the float arrangement 110 for accommodating at least a fluid 140 . The hull 120 comprises an elongated path 122 . At least a portion of the elongated path 122 is positioned at a distance from the pivot point 111 of the apparatus 100 . The hull 120 further comprises a mounting portion 124 for receiving at least a turbine 150 . The mounting portion is arranged to the portion of the elongated path 122 , which mounting portion locates at a distance from the pivot point 111 of apparatus 100 . The arrangement further comprises a fluid 140 at least partially fulfilling the elongated path 122 of the hull 110 . The arrangement further comprises a turbine 150 mounted to the mounting portion 124 of the hull 120 . The turbine 150 is configured to move relative to the fluid 140 and spin as the angle of attack of the apparatus 100 alters .

[0021] The float arrangement 110 of the figures is for floating the apparatus 100 . Further, the float arrangement 110 is for altering an angle of attack of the apparatus 100 in response to water waves . A portion of the float arrangement locates below the water level . Further, a portion of the float arrangement locates above the water level . The float arrangement keeps the apparatus partially on the surface of the water by providing buoyancy .

[0022] The float arrangement 110 of the figures forms a pivot point 111 around which the apparatus 100 turns . The pivot point 111 is a point around which the apparatus 100 seems to turn when the angle of attack of the apparatus alters . The location of the pivot point 111 depends on several factors , such as the speed of the apparatus , the forces acting on the apparatus , a height of the water waves , the shapes of the apparatus , and / or an amplitude of the water waves , for example . The pivot point 111 locates approximately at a geometric center of the apparatus 100 and / or the float arrangement 110 . For the sake of clarity, the pivot point 111 locates approximately at a geometric center of the apparatus 100 and / or the float arrangement 110 , when the apparatus 100 is in a stationary position . The pivot point 111 of the apparatus 100 i s configured to be located near a water surface in order to maintain a good balance of the apparatus .

[0023] The float arrangement 110 of the figures is coupled / integrated to the hull 120 of the arrangement . In more detail , the float arrangement 110 is arranged at sides of the hull 120 . The float arrangement 110 comprises at least one float 112 . Figure 1 il lustrates the float arrangement 110 comprising two floats 112. The float (s) is / are attached and / or integrated to the hull 120. The float 112 is designed in the shape of a board, or a cylinder, or such, for example. The float having the shape of the board is shown in the figure 1, for example. The above-mentioned pivot point 111 locates approximately between the two floats 112, as shown in the figure 1, for example. In more detail, the pivot point 111 locates at a geometric center of the floats 112.

[0024] The apparatus 100 of the figures comprises an adjusting mechanism 300 for adjusting the float arrangement 110 to correspond a wavelength of the water wave. The adjusting mechanism 300 is configured to adjust the location of the float (s) 112. In more detail, the adjusting mechanism 300 is configured to adjust the location of the float 112 in the longitudinal direction LD of the apparatus 100. Thus, the apparatus can be optimized to operate in various sized wave lengths.

[0025] The adjusting mechanism 300 of the figures comprises an adjustment rail 302 for coupling float 112 to the hull 120. The adjustment rail 302 can be called a rail, or a linear rail, for example. The float 112 is movable along the adjustment rail 302. Further, the float 112 is secured to the adjustment rail 302. The adjustment rail 112 is attached to the hull 120. The adjusting mechanism 300 comprises two adjustment rails 302, the first adjustment rail 302 being coupled to the first float 112, and the second adjustment rail 302 being coupled to the second float 112.

[0026] The adjusting mechanism 300 of the figures comprises an adjustment device 304 for moving the float 112 along the adjustment rail 302. The adjustment device 304 may be a motor, or an actuator, for example. The motor may be a linear motor. The motor may be operated electrically, for example. The actuator may be a linear actuator. The actuator may be operated electrically, hydraulically, or pneumatically, for example . Alternatively, or in addition, the location of the float can be adj usted manually .

[0027] The hull 120 of the figures is for accommodating at least the fluid 140 , the turbine 150 , and / or a generator 180 , which generator is disclosed in more detail below . The hull 120 is coupled / integrated to the float arrangement 110 . The hull 120 has a watertight structure . The hull 120 is made of a metal , and / or a plastic, for example . The hull 120 comprises a maintenance hatch 126 via which it is possible to maintenance the turbine 150 , and / or the generator 180 , if necessary . The maintenance hatch 126 is designed with a watertight structure to prevent water ingress . This ensures that the interior remains protected from external water . Further, the maintenance hatch 126 may be used for filling the hull with the fluid 140 . Alternatively, or in addition, the arrangement comprises an inlet for receiving the fluid, which inlet is not shown in the figures .

[0028] The elongated path 122 of the hull 120 of the figures is for accommodating the fluid, the turbine , and / or the generator . At least a portion of the elongated path 122 is positioned at a distance from the pivot point 111 of the apparatus 100 . The said distance , between the portion of the elongated path 122 and the pivot point 111 , can be from 0 , 20 m to 40 m, or from 10 m to 30 m, or from 20 m to 30 m, for example . Figure 1 illustrates that the elongated path 122 as whole is positioned at a distance from the pivot point 111 of the apparatus 100 .

[0029] The mounting portion 124 of the hull 120 of the f igures i s for receiving a turbine 150 , and a generator 180 , which generator is disclosed in more detail below . Said mounting portion 124 of the hull 120 may be called a first mounting portion 124 . The mounting portion 124 is arranged to the portion of the elongated path 122 locating at a distance from the pivot point 111 of apparatus 100 . The said distance , between the mounting portion 124 and the pivot point 111 , can be from 0 , 20 m to 40 m, or from 10 m to 30 m, or from 20 m to 30 m, for example . The greater the distance between the turbine 150 and the pivot point 111 of the apparatus 100 , the greater is the movement of the turbine as the angle of the attack alters . The mounting portion 124 may be a mounting hole for coupling the turbine to the hull , which mounting hole is arranged to the hull 124 . Alternatively, or in addition, the mounting portion 124 may be a separate plate attached to the interior of the hull , wherein the separate plate comprises mounting hole ( s ) for coupling the turbine to the hull .

[0030] Further, a distance between the mounting portion 124 of the hull 120 and the pivot point 111 of the apparatus 100 may be at least 20 % of the length of the apparatus 100 . Said distance may be at least 40 % , or at least 60 % , or at least 80 % , for example . The longer the distance between the mounting portion and the pivot point , the greater is the movement of the turbine when the angle of attack of the apparatus alters .

[0031] Further, a radius of the curvature of the elongated path 122 may be from 0 , 20 m to 40 m, or from 10 m to 30 m, or from 20 m to 30 m, for example .

[0032] The elongated path 122 of the figures extends in the vertical direction VD of the apparatus 100 . Further, the elongated path 122 extends in the longitudinal direction LD of the apparatus 100 . At least a portion of the elongated path 122 , extending in the vertical direction VD and the longitudinal direction VD of the apparatus 100 , further extends in a curved manner . At least a portion of the elongated path 122 , extending in the vertical direction VD and the longitudinal direction VD of the apparatus 100 , further extends in a curved manner . The portion of the elongated path 122 may be the portion where mounting portion 124 locates . At least a portion of the elongated path 122 of the hull 120 of the figures has a curvature . A dis tance between a center of the curvature of the elongated path 122 and the pivot point 111 of the apparatus 100 is less than 40 % of the length of the apparatus 100 . Said distance may be less than 30 % , or less than 20 % , or less than 10 % , for example . Figure 1 illustrates that the center of the curvature of the hull 120 locates near the pivot point 111 of the apparatus 100 .

[0033] The elongated path 122 of the hull 120 of the figures forms an annular shape . The distance between the elongated path 122 and the pivot point 111 of the apparatus 100 is approximately equal at every point along the elongated path . Said distance may vary up to 40 % relative to the average distance between the elongated path 122 and the pivot point 111 . Said distance may vary up to 30 % , or up to 20 % , or up to 10 % . The shape of the elongated path 122 may be circular, for example .

[0034] The elongated path 122 of the hull of the figures has a cross-section . The cross-section may vary along the elongated path 122 . The elongated path 122 has an outer surface 122 -0 facing outwards the hull 120 . In other word, the outer surface 122 -0 is the surface that is in contact with the water surrounding the apparatus 100 . Further, the elongated path 122 has an inner surface 122 - 1 facing towards the interior of the hull 120 . In other words , the inner surface 122 - 1 is the surface that is in contact with the fluid 140 locating inside the hull 120 .

[0035] The cross-section of the elongated path 122 of the hull 120 comprises a circle , a polygon, a rectangle and / or a square . The cross-section of the elongated path 122 may be equal along the elongated path 122 . The outer surface 122 -0 and the inner surface 122 - 1 may have the corresponding shape . For example , the outer surface 122 - 0 and the inner surface 122 - 1 may have the shape that is the circle . Alternatively, the outer surface 122 -0 and the inner surface 122 - 1 may have di fferent shapes . For example , the outer surface 122-0 may be the circle, and the inner surface 122 - 1 may be the square . An area between the outer surface 122 -0 and the inner surface 122 - 1 forms a wall of the hull 120 .

[0036] The elongated path 122 of the hull 120 of the figures locates at least partially below the f loat arrangement 110 in a vertical direction VD of the apparatus 100 . In other words , the elongated path 122 locates partially underwater . At least a portion of the elongated path 122 of the hull 120 locates below the float arrangement 110 in the vertical direction VD of the apparatus 100 . Approximately 30 -70 % of the elongated path 122 of the hull 120 may locate below the float arrangement 110 in the vertical direction of the apparatus 100 . Approximately 40 - 60 % of the elongated path 122 may locate below the float arrangement . Figure 1 shows that approximately half of the elongated path 122 located below the float arrangement 110 in the vertical direction VD of the apparatus 100 .

[0037] The mounting portion 124 of the hul l 120 of the figures locates below the float arrangement 110 in the vertical direction VD of the apparatus 100 . This lowers the center of mass of the apparatus . Said mounting portion 124 may locate above the float arrangement 110 in the vertical direction VD of the apparatus 100 . Said mounting portion 124 may locate at the heigh of the float arrangement 110 in the vertical direction VD of the apparatus 100 .

[0038] The fluid 140 of the f igures i s arranged into the hull 120 . In more detail , the fluid 140 locates inside the elongated path 122 . The f luid 140 surrounds the turbine 150 at various of angles of attack of the apparatus 100 . The fluid 140 may occupy at least 20 % of the volume of the elongated path 122 . In other words , the fluid 140 may occupy at least 20 % of the volume of the hull 120 . The fluid may occupy at least 50 % , or at least 60 % , or at least 80 % of the volume of the elongated path 122 . The fluid 140 may occupy 100 % of the volume of the elongated path 122 in a situation, wherein ends of the elongated path are connected to each other, and wherein ends of the elongated path are opened .

[0039] The turbine 150 of the figures is mounted to the mounting portion 124 of the hul l 120 . The turbine 150 is configured to be moved relative to the fluid 140 . Further, the turbine is configured to spin as the angle of attack of the apparatus 100 alters . The turbine 150 moves relative to the f luid 140 as the angle of attack of the apparatus 100 alters . The turbine 150 moves at faster speed relative to the pivot point of the apparatus 100 than the fluid 140 moves relative to pivot point of the apparatus 100 , which is illustrated in the figure 2 , for example . In other words , the turbine 150 turns around the pivot point at faster speed than the fluid moves around the pivot point in the elongated path . The fluid 140 may stay essentially in place as the turbine 150 turns around the pivot point . For the sake of clarity, the interaction between the turbine and the fluid may cause a slight movement of the fluid inside the hull .

[0040] The turbine 150 of the figures is dimensioned to essentially cover the interior of the elongated path when viewing the cross-section of the elongated path, as shown in the figure 3 , for example .

[0041] The apparatus 100 of the figures further comprises a generator 180 connected to the turbine 150 for converting spinning of the turbine 150 into an electrical energy . The generator 180 may locate inside or outside the hull 120 . Figure 1 shows the generator 180 locating inside the hul l 120 . The generator 180 may be mounted to the mounting portion of the hull 120 . Alternatively, the generator 180 may be mounted to other structure of the hull , or the hull may comprise a second mounting portion for receiving the generator . The apparatus 100 of the figures comprises a transmission arranged between the turbine and generator . The transmission may be integrated into the generator . As the turbine spins , it generates mechanical motion, which the transmission system converts to the appropriate speed and torque required to drive the generator . This ensures that the generator operates optimally to convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy . The transmission may also regulate the speed differences between the turbine and the generator to maintain efficient energy conversion . The transmission may be a multi-gear transmission for adj usting the speed and torque between the turbine and the generator more efficiently . For the sake of clarity, the transmission is not shown in the figures .

[0042] The apparatus 100 of the figures comprises a control device 200 for controlling the operations of the apparatus . The control device may adj ust the multi-gear transmission, for example . The control device may be configured to operate the adj usting mechanism 300 . In more detail , the control device is configured to operate the adj ustment device 304 of the adj usting mechanism 300 . The control device comprises a receiver for receiving information such as commands , weather reports , and such . The control device comprises a controller that adj ust the operations of the apparatus based on the information received .

[0043] The apparatus of the figures comprises a measuring device for measuring operations of the apparatus . The measuring device is configured to measure the electrical energy being produced, for example . The measuring device comprises a transmitter for sending the measured information .

[0044] The apparatus 100 of the figures further comprises a keel 160 at the hull 120 and / or the float arrangement 110 . As the waves push against the apparatus , the keel creates resistance to sideways motion, al lowing the apparatus to pivot and al ign with the incoming waves . The keel 160 is attached and / or integrated to the hull and / or the float arrangement . The keel 160 provides stability . The keel 160 is configured to extend into the water, creating resistance against lateral forces such as wind or current . The keel prevents the apparatus from tipping or drifting . This stabili zing effect allows the apparatus to maintain a steady and upright position .

[0045] The apparatus 100 of the figures comprises a directing arrangement 190 for directing the apparatus 100 towards the water waves . Thus , the apparatus i s directed towards the water waves so that the apparatus pivots around its pivot point 111 . The directing arrangement may comprise a rudder for steering the arrangement . The rudder coupled to the hull and / or to the float arrangement in an articulated manner . An angle of the rudder can be adj usted . In more detail , the angle between the rudder and the vertical plane of the arrangement can be adj usted . The control device 200 is configured to control the angle of rudder . There may be an electric motor or a cylinder for controlling the angle of the rudder, which electric motor or the cylinder i s coupled to the rudder . Alternatively, or in addition, the rudder is integrated into the keel , wherein the keel is coupled to the hull and / or the float arrangement in an articulated manner . There may be an electric motor or a cylinder for control ling the angle of the keel , which electric motor or the cylinder is coupled to the keel .

[0046] The apparatus 100 of the figures further comprises an anchoring arrangement 170 for maintaining a position of the apparatus 100 . The anchoring arrangement is coupled to the hull , the float arrangement , and / or the keel . The anchoring arrangement comprises a rope 172 and an anchor 174 coupled to the rope 172 . The rope is further coupled to the hull , the float arrangement , and / or the keel . A length of the rope is fitted so that the anchor extends to the bottom of the water , such as to the bottom of the ocean, for example .

[0047] The apparatus 100 , or the generator 180 , of the figures further comprises a power cable 182 for trans porting the electrical energy to a further usage . The power cable 182 is connected to the generator 180 for transporting the electrical energy to further usage . The power cable may be connected to a power grid, and / or to an energy storage device , for example . The electrical energy may be transported into an electrical grid, or into an energy storage device . When the generator 180 locates inside the hull , the hul l may comprise a hole through which the power cable is coupled to the generator .

[0048] Further, the power cable 182 can be coupled to the anchoring arrangement 170 . In more detail , the power cable 182 is coupled to the rope 172 of the anchoring arrangement 170 . Thus , the power cable 182 is coupled along the rope 172 . Therefore , the power cable 182 can be placed to the bottom of the ocean, for example .

[0049] A method for harvesting energy from water waves can be executed as follows . The method comprises floating the apparatus . For the sake of clarity, the apparatus floats on the water surface of the ocean, or such . The method further comprises altering an angle of attack of the apparatus 100 in response to water waves . The method further comprises directing the turbine 150 to a movement around the pivot point 111 of the apparatus 100 . Said altering the angle of attack of the apparatus causes the turbine into movement around the pivot point of the apparatus . The turbine 150 moves at faster speed relative to the pivot point 111 of the apparatus 100 than the fluid 140 moves relative to the pivot point 111 of the apparatus 100 . The longer the distance between the pivot point 111 and the turbine 150 , the faster the turbine 150 moves around the pivot point 111 of the apparatus . The method further comprises spinning the turbine 150 , caused by contact between the turbine 150 and the fluid 140 .

[0050] Further, the turbine 150 turns around a hori- zontal axis of the pivot point 111 of the apparatus 100 . The hori zontal axis of the pivot point is the axis locating in the width direction of the apparatus , and extending via the pivot point . The hori zontal axis is directed in the width direction WD of the apparatus 100 . Further, the method comprises generating the spinning of the turbine into electricity . Said electricity is generated by the generator 180 .

[0051] It i s obvious to a person s ki lled in the art that with the advancement of technology, the basic idea of the invention may be implemented in various ways . The invention and its embodiments are thus not limited to the examples described above , instead they may vary within the scope of the claims .

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus (100) for harvesting energy from water waves, wherein the apparatus (100) comprises a float arrangement (110) for floating the apparatus (100) and altering an angle of attack of the apparatus (100) in response to water waves, wherein the float arrangement (110) forms a pivot point (111) of the apparatus (100) around which the apparatus (100) turns, a hull (120) at the float arrangement (110) for accommodating at least a fluid (140) , wherein the hull (120) comprises an elongated path (122) , wherein at least a portion of the elongated path (122) is positioned at a distance from the pivot point (111) of the apparatus (100) , and wherein the hull (120) comprises a mounting portion (124) for receiving at least a turbine (150) , which mounting portion (124) is arranged to the portion of the elongated path (122) locating at a distance from the pivot point (111) of the apparatus (100) , a fluid (140) at least partially fulfilling the elongated path (122) of the hull (110) , and a turbine (150) mounted to the mounting portion (124) of the hull (120) , wherein the turbine (150) is configured to move relative to the fluid (140) and spin as the angle of attack of the apparatus (100) alters.

2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongated path (122) extends in a vertical direction (VD) and a longitudinal direction (LD) of the apparatus (100) .

3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the elongated path (122) , extending in the vertical direction (VD) and the longitudinal direction (VD) of the apparatus (100) , further extends in a curved manner.

4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the portion of the elongated path (122) , extending in the curved manner, further extends at least partially around the pivot point (111) of the apparatus (100) .

5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting portion (124) of the hull (120) locates below the float arrangement (110) in a vertical direction (VD) of the apparatus (100) .

6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated path (122) of the hull (120) forms an annular shape.

7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cross-section of the elongated path (122) of the hull (120) comprises a circle, a polygon, a rectangle and / or a square.

8. The apparatus (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid (140) surrounds the turbine (150) at various of angles of attack of the apparatus (100) .

9. The apparatus (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the elongated path (122) of the hull (120) locates below the float arrangement (110) in a vertical direction (VD) of the apparatus (100) .

10. The apparatus (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus (100) further comprises a keel (160) at the hull (120) and / or at the float arrangement (110) .

11. The apparatus (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus (100) further comprises an anchoring arrangement (170) for maintaining a position of the apparatus (100) .

12. The apparatus (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus (100) further comprises a generator (180) connected to the turbine (150) for converting spinning of the turbine (150) to an electrical energy.

13. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the generator (180) further comprises a power cable (182) for transporting the electrical energy to a further usage.

14. The apparatus (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the float arrangement (110) comprises at least two floats (112) , and wherein the apparatus (100) further comprises an adjusting mechanism (300) for adjusting the float arrangement (110) to correspond a wavelength of the water wave, wherein the adjusting mechanism (300) is configured to adjust the location of the floats (112) in the longitudinal direction (LD) of the apparatus (100) .

15. A method for harvesting energy from water waves by the apparatus (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises- floating the apparatus (100) ,- altering an angle of attack of the apparatus (100) in response to water waves,- directing the turbine (150) to a movement around the pivot point (111) of the apparatus (100) , wherein the turbine (150) moves at greater speed relative to the pivot point (111) of the apparatus (100) than the fluid (140) moves relative to the pivot point (111) of the apparatus (100) , and- spinning the turbine (150) , caused by contact between the turbine (150) and the fluid (140) .

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the turbine (150) turns around a horizontal axis of the pivot point (111) of the apparatus (100) .

17. The method as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein the method further comprises generating, by the generator (180) , the spinning of the turbine into electricity.

Citation Information

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