An ocean wave energy absorbing kite system 200 captures an ocean wave's kinetic energy as a force on a submerged, reciprocating panel 202 that drives the panel back and forth in an oscillating motion. The force applied to the panel is transmitted to a power generator 244 through opposed flexible ropes or lines 214, 224 loaded in tension. Potential energy is captured from the wave as a vertical force when a buoyant volume attached to the energy absorbing panel or kite member 202 rises on a passing ocean wave's peak, and transmits the force through flexible ropes or lines in tension to a power generator. Optionally, the shape of the panel is configurable to limit or restrict absorbed wave energy, thereby preventing damage from larger storm-generated waves.

An ocean wave energy absorbing kite system 200 captures an ocean wave's kinetic energy as a force on a submerged, reciprocating panel 202 that drives the panel back and forth in an oscillating motion. The force applied to the panel is transmitted to a power generator 244 through opposed flexible ropes or lines 214, 224 loaded in tension. Potential energy is captured from the wave as a vertical force when a buoyant volume attached to the energy absorbing panel or kite member 202 rises on a passing ocean wave's peak, and transmits the force through flexible ropes or lines in tension to a power generator. Optionally, the shape of the panel is configurable to limit or restrict absorbed wave energy, thereby preventing damage from larger storm-generated waves.

The arrangement comprises a fluid bearing comprising a first fluid bearing element located in a bearing housing and a piston located in a pump housing. The bearing housing comprises a bearing housing opening. The pump housing comprises a pump housing opening. The first fluid bearing element is connected to the piston by means of a connection means extending from the first fluid bearing element through the bearing housing opening to the piston through the pump housing opening. The piston is arranged to reciprocate in the pump housing. The pump housing is connected to a fluid reservoir by means of a first inlet. The bearing housing comprises a first outlet for allowing fluid to exit the bearing housing. The arrangement further comprises a fluid transport means fluidly connecting the pump housing and the bearing housing.

A launching and landing guide device is arranged in a floating side unit having a winch and a sail for unwinding and winding the tether. The launching and landing guide device includes a position setting unit that sets a position at which the tether is unwound or unwound, and a launching and landing guide unit that is capable of fixing the kite when the tether is wound and guides the kite and the tether when the tether is unwound or unwound.

Method for landing a kite system (23), in which the kite system (23) comprises a kite (14) and a control pod (25). The kite (14) is held on the control pod (25) via a line system (24). The control pod (25) is held during normal operation of the kite system (23) via a tether (15) on a ground-based attachment point (16, 44). A sail surface of the kite (14) is spanned by a first kite part (40) and a second kite part (41). A connection (36) which exists in the sail surface between the first kite part (40) and the second kite part (41) is separated such that the kite (14) assumes a different aerodynamic state and falls to the ground with the control pod (25). The invention also relates to a kite system.

Method for converting wind energy into electrical energy, in which, in a first phase (25) of an operating cycle, a kite (14) is used to exert a tractive force upon a traction-cable winch (16), and the tractive force is converted into a driving force for an electrical machine (17), such that the electrical machine (17) generates electrical energy, and in which, in a second phase (26) of the operating cycle, the electrical machine (17) is used to drive the traction-cable winch (16) to reel-in the traction cable (15). The electrical machine (17) comprises a first rotor (29), a second rotor (30) that interacts electrically with the first rotor (29), and an axial portion in which the magnetic components of the first rotor (29) overlap with the magnetic components of the second rotor (30). The first rotor (29) is mechanically coupled to the traction-cable winch (16). In the second phase (26) of the operating cycle, kinetic energy of the second rotor (30) is used to drive the traction-cable winch (16). The invention also relates to a corresponding device.