Patent ID: 7808120

Claim:
Apparatus for generating electric energy from the motion of the waves, comprising: a body having a longitudinal axis; at least one member coupled to the body and moveable by the motion of the waves relative to the body; an energy transfer mechanism coupled to the at least one member wherein the energy transfer mechanism converts the kinetic energy from movement of the at least one member to potential energy by pressurisation of a fluid; a chamber arranged to store the pressurised fluid; and a converter for converting the potential energy stored in the pressurised fluid into electric energy; wherein the apparatus is adapted to float in water and is further adapted to be anchored to the seabed; wherein the body is weighted with ballast provided at or towards a lower end of the body such that a substantial proportion of the body is submerged in use, and an upper end of the body is arranged to protrude from the surface of the water such that the centre of gravity of the body is closer to the lower end than an upper end of the body; and wherein the apparatus is further adapted such that, in use, a longitudinal axis of the body is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the seabed and the height of the body is greater than its lateral extent.