Method of and apparatus for wave energy conversion using a float with excess buoyancy

A method of extracting energy from waves in a liquid body, comprising the steps of:

• a. placing at least one device having a float with excess buoyancy in said liquid body such that the excess buoyancy exerts a primarily upward buoyant force on the float along a direction perpendicular to the isobaric surfaces of the liquid body which changes as said waves propagate through the liquid body;
• b. holding said float with excessive buoyancy in said liquid body beneath the surface of the liquid body such that a primarily downward holding force is also exerted on said float, while allowing said float to move back and forth in a substantially horizontal direction, as a result of a substantially horizontal force which is a combination of the holding force and said buoyant force and changes the direction of said substantially horizontal force back and forth in response to fluctuating pressure in the region of said float that is associated with the waves of the liquid body;
• and c. attaching an electricity generating means to said at least one device;
• including at least one propeller that is driven by said float due to said float moving back and forth in said substantially horizontal direction as a result of said substantially horizontal force and said propeller driving an electric generator, for generating electricity as said float moves back and forth in said liquid body.