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.