Our technology
Wave energy
Wave energy is a renewable and sustainable power source that comes from the natural movement of ocean waves. It captures the energy from the rhythmic motion of water to generate electricity. This energy is created by the swell and wind transferring their energy to the ocean's surface.
One major benefit of wave energy is its reliability. Unlike solar or wind power, the ocean's waves are consistent and predictable throughout the year, providing a steady source of power. Additionally, wave energy systems have a much lower environmental impact compared to fossil fuels. They don’t require fuel and produce no greenhouse gases, making them a cleaner energy option.
Our Technology
The Kaizen Wave Energy Converter.
Here at Weco we are building a Wave Energy Converter (WEC). This is a cutting-edge innovation in renewable energy technology. It captures the kinetic energy of ocean waves, specifically focusing on the horizontal movement of waves, and converts it into electrical power.
System Architecture
The Kaizen WEC features several key components working together. The frame holds the entire system, with a screen attached to capture energy from the horizontal movement of waves. Floaters keep the system afloat, while the anchoring system, connected to the main shaft via a belt, acts as a spring for easy movement and stabilization.
The innovative belt system maximizes efficiency. When waves push the device, one pair of belts unrolls while the other rolls up, creating torque. This torque generates electrical power through an attached generator, ensuring efficient energy capture and conversion.
Control System
The control system optimizes the Kaizen WEC's performance by anticipating incoming waves and adjusting speed and positioning accordingly. This enhances energy capture efficiency. Various sensors provide real-time data for precise control: load cells measure pulling forces on the belts, a rotation sensor monitors the generator shaft's speed, and an IMU tracks the system's movements.
Development and Testing
The Kaizen WEC has undergone extensive development, including research, simulations, and prototype testing. Starting from conceptual designs during a master thesis, the system has evolved through multiple iterations and scales, from 1:25 models to full-scale prototypes. These tests in both controlled and real ocean environments validated the system's efficiency and robustness.
Simulations, including numerical models and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), were used in optimising the design and predicting performance. These helped refine components and control strategies, ensuring efficient wave energy capture and conversion. Scale tests and prototype validations confirmed the system's potential to produce significant energy from ocean waves.
Environmental Impact and Benefits
The Kaizen WEC is designed for environmental sustainability, incorporating nature-inclusive principles to minimize marine ecosystem disruption. By harnessing ocean wave energy, it contributes to a diverse and resilient energy infrastructure, reducing fossil fuel reliance and promoting a cleaner, more sustainable future. This technology offers communities worldwide the opportunity to utilize local energy sources, enhancing energy security and supporting the transition to renewable energy.