In the vast expanse of the ocean, a piece of equipment that can operate continuously without external energy-the wave glider-is quietly transforming the way humans explore the ocean. It does not rely on fuel or batteries but instead cleverly harnesses the power of ocean waves to propel itself, making it a "jack-of-all-trades" for ocean monitoring and environmental surveys.
I. The Ingenious Mechanical Principles of Wave Propulsion
1. Wave Ascent Phase
When a wave lifts the surface float to the wave crest, the float pulls the underwater towing unit upward via a cable. At this point, the towing unit's wing plates deflect downward due to water flow impact, generating forward thrust, akin to a bird folding its wings and diving.
2. Wave Descent Phase
As the buoy descends with the wave trough, the cable slackens, and the towing machine sinks due to gravity. At this point, the wing plates rotate upward, and the water flow once again propels the towing machine forward, pulling the buoy along. This process repeats cyclically, converting the vertical rise and fall of the waves into continuous horizontal power.
Mechanical essence: The wing plates of the towing machine convert wave potential energy into forward kinetic energy through passive pitching rotation, similar to the "perpetual motion machine" effect.
II. Hybrid Energy Systems Breaking Through Performance Bottlenecks
Early wave gliders relied on single solar power supply (only 5-20W), which could not support high-power devices. The latest technology achieves breakthroughs through three major upgrades:
• Solar-wave complementary power supply: For example, China's "Jiaolong" installs solar panels on the surface float while utilizing wave energy to drive a generator, increasing power supply capacity by 2-3 times;
• Mechanical wave-to-electricity conversion: Some models integrate gear transmission systems into the cables, directly converting the mechanical energy from wave stretching into electricity, addressing power supply issues during cloudy or rainy weather;
• Hybrid propulsion: Primarily powered by wave energy with electrical power as auxiliary propulsion, significantly enhancing maneuverability (as demonstrated by the upgraded model showcased at the China Marine Expo).
III. Masters of Survival in Extreme Environments
The structural design of wave gliders endows them with exceptional wave-resistant capabilities:
• Low-center-of-gravity twin-hull architecture: The lightweight, streamlined surface floats reduce resistance, while the underwater traction unit's ballast stabilizes the attitude. The two are connected via a flexible universal joint to withstand massive wave impacts;
• Dynamic balance system: The center of buoyancy, center of gravity, and suspension point are vertically aligned, ensuring stability in 9-meter-high waves (as demonstrated by the "Black Pearl" model during Typhoon Hato).
4. A revolutionary platform for marine science
With its advantages of unlimited range, zero emissions, and low cost, the wave glider is reshaping marine observation models:
• Typhoon tracking: In 2024, three gliders deployed in the South China Sea passed through the centers of seven typhoons at close range, transmitting real-time data on wind speed, wave height, water temperature, and other key parameters;
• Ecological Monitoring: Conducted radioactive substance sampling in the Fukushima nuclear contamination zone and performed long-term monitoring of coral reef ecosystems;
• Defense Applications: Equipped with sonar systems for anti-submarine missions or serving as communication relay nodes to cover distant seas.
Every rise and fall from wave crest to trough is driving humanity to gain a deeper understanding of this vast blue expanse. Today, wave gliders are widely used to collect seawater temperature, salinity, and ocean current data, monitor marine pollution and climate change, and have become humanity's "reliable assistant" in exploring the ocean, providing a solid technological foundation for uncovering its mysteries.
