An Improved Apparatus And Method For Extracting Energy From A Fluid

Apparatus for extracting energy from an oscillating working fluid, the apparatus comprising:

• a flow passage for the oscillating working fluid,
• a flow control device which is, at least in part, in fluid communication with the flow passage[,];
• and
• an energy conversion unit comprising a gas turbine which is, at least in part, in fluid communication with the flow passage, and an energy generation apparatus coupled to the gas turbine via an output inverter, the apparatus arranged so that, in use, the flow control device is selectively operable between:
• a first configuration in which the flow control device is open to allow a flow of the oscillating working fluid to exit the flow passage therethrough, and
• a second configuration in which the flow control device is arranged to restrict a flow of the oscillating working fluid therethrough, such that the oscillating working fluid enters the flow passage via the energy conversion unit, whereby in use, rotation of the gas turbine in response to the flow of the oscillating working fluid generates rotational torque, which in turn actuates operation of the energy generation apparatus to generate electrical energy;
• wherein the energy generation apparatus rotational speed is controlled by an active front end drive which is arranged in use to operate said energy generation apparatus at a speed which is lower than the speed possible if all of the rotational torque generated by the rotation of the gas turbine was transferred thereto, thereby resulting in the active front end drive achieving a regenerative braking condition, and in so doing, generating an electrical energy input for charging of a rechargeable energy storage device.