This company develops wave energy converters that capture the kinetic energy of ocean waves and transform it into electricity. Their technology offers a sustainable energy generation solution by harnessing the natural power of ocean movement.
Funding
$377.8K raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
The need for consistent and reliable renewable energy sources is growing, but current options like solar and wind power can be intermittent. Harnessing the power of ocean waves presents a significant opportunity, but existing wave energy converters often suffer from low efficiency, high costs, and challenges in survivability.
Solution
Weco addresses these challenges with its Kaizen Wave Energy Converter (WEC), designed to efficiently capture the horizontal kinetic energy of ocean waves and convert it into electricity. Unlike traditional WECs that rely on vertical motion, the Kaizen WEC leverages the horizontal movement of waves, resulting in higher energy capture efficiency. The system's architecture includes a frame with a screen to capture wave energy, floaters for buoyancy, and an anchoring system connected to the main shaft via a belt mechanism. This belt system maximizes efficiency by converting wave motion into torque, which then drives a generator to produce electrical power. The WEC is also equipped with a control system that anticipates incoming waves and adjusts the system's speed and positioning to optimize energy capture.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes energy companies, grid operators, and communities seeking reliable and sustainable renewable energy sources, particularly in coastal regions with significant wave energy potential.
Features
- Utilizes the horizontal movement of waves for increased energy capture efficiency.
- Innovative belt system to maximize torque generation from wave motion.
- Control system with sensors (load cells, rotation sensor, IMU) to optimize performance by anticipating incoming waves.
- Anchoring system designed for easier installation compared to traditional WECs.
- Lightweight design achieved by minimizing the need for large buoyancy volumes.
- Nature-inclusive design to minimize disruption to marine ecosystems.
- System architecture includes a frame, screen, floaters, anchoring system, and generator.