Device for Capturing Energy from a Fluid Flow

A device for capturing energy from a fluid flow, said device comprising:

• a base adapted for stationary mounting relative to said fluid flow;
• a member, having a longitudinal axis, movably connected relative to said base;
• a lift generating element, connected to said member, having a leading edge and a trailing edge and a generally lunate surface extending therebetween, said lift generating element being movable relative to the direction of the fluid flow to vary a direction of lift produced by said lift generating element as fluid flows therearound to thereby drive said member in oscillatory motion relative to said base;
• and
• an energy transfer mechanism attached to said member and adapted to be driven by the oscillation of said member.

A device for capturing energy from a fluid flow, said device comprising:

• a base adapted for stationary mounting relative to said fluid flow;
• a member, having a longitudinal axis, movably connected relative to said base;
• a lift generating element, connected to said member, said lift generating element being movable relative to the direction of the fluid flow to vary a direction of lift produced by said lift generating element as fluid flows therearound to thereby drive said member in oscillatory motion relative to said base;
• a sensor for sensing a value indicative of at least one fluid flow parameter;
• a controller for controlling the movement of the lift generating element relative to the direction of the fluid flow, based on the value sensed by said sensor;
• and
• an energy transfer mechanism attached to said member and adapted to be driven by the oscillation of said member.