The invention in question concerns a device (1) for conversion of the kinetic energy of air and water streams into usable energy forms. The device is shaped like the cross-section of an aerofoil with components (2, 4) that create low pressure when placed in a fluid stream. The lowered fluid pressure is extended to one or several chambers (10) where it via tube outlets (5) can be transferred and utilised to pump air or water or to drive turbines and other equipment based on pneumatics or hydraulics.

The lowering of the pressure occurs mainly due to the change of fluid flow direction when fluid masses flow along the curved elements (2, 4) mat cause the fluid masses to accelerate sideways which results in reaction forces acting away from the surfaces of the elements (2, 4). Pressure lowering may however also occur due to pressure drag and increase of fluid velocity.

The device is mainly intended used for capture and conversion of the kinetic energy of wind, ocean currents, sea waves, tidal streams and rivers. The special ability of the device to convert the kinetic energy of fluid streams in regard to velocity and pressure can however be used in different ways to many other purposes.

A characteristic feature of the invention in question is that the aerofoil element (2) at one side is provided with a number of extended elements (4) which in their longitudinal direction are curved like the cross-section of an aerofoil. The elements (4) are placed parallel to each other with spaces (3) between the elements (4) so that air or water can flow between the elements (2, 4) along their longitudinal side surfaces to generate low pressure on the curved surface of the aerofoil element (2).

Another characteristic feature of the invention in question is that the elements (4) along their longitudinal sides are provided with one or several levels of inclined surfaces (4B) which due to their shape contribute to the lowering of pressure in the spaces (3). The surfaces may be curved or straight or a combination of both to achieve optimum results.

A third characteristic feature of the invention in question is that passage for air or water between the spaces (3) and the chamber (10) is obtained via openings (4C) in the elements (4) and via openings (9) in the aerofoil element (2). The openings (9) are situated beside the spaces (3) to enable lowered pressure in the spaces (3) to be transferred to the chambers (10) without disturbance of the fluid flow along the elements (4). A fourth characteristic feature of the invention in question is that the device is equipped with extended plate elements (6) placed beside the device (1) or between the elements (4). The plate elements (6) is shaped to direct air or water streams coming from different directions towards the device (1) in such a way that the direction of flow becomes approximately parallel to the elements (4). The plate elements (6) can be curved or straight, and the longitudinal direction or the surface of the plate elements can be approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the elements (4), or may vary from 0 to 45 degrees in relation to the longitudinal direction of the elements (4).

The invention in question is shown at the following figures:

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of the energy converter. Figure 2 is a view looking towards the low pressure side of the aerofoil and a section view through the aerofoil parallel to the air/water stream direction. The plate element (6) is omitted for clarity. Figure 3 shows a section view through the device where the section is perpendicular to the air/water flow direction. Detail B shows elements (4) with one level of inclined surfaces (4B). Figure 4 shows a section view through the device where the section is perpendicular to the air/water flow direction. Detail C shows elements (4) with 2 levels of inclined surfaces (4B). Figure 5 show an isometric view of element (4).

The figures are basically intended used to explain the principal working method of the invention in question. All required details, smoothing of corners, and fasteners of the components are therefore not shown. The shapes, size relations and distances between the components may also be different from what are shown on the sketches. The device does not necessarily need to be divided into parts as described since two or more of the parts can be made by means of casting to form one continuous part.