ENERGY HARVESTING TECHNOLOGY FROM VESSEL MOTION

Support from the Technology Strategy Board has been secured for a 10 month project which addresses the fundamental challenge of improving vessel efficiency through the demonstration / application of a novel device that generates renewable energy through the motions of ships. The device is the WITT (Whatever Input to Torsion Transfer) device, a patented device capable of converting mechanical motion from all naturally occurring motional energy and turning it into useable power. The project will quantify how much energy can be generated by the device as a proportion of the ship’s total power requirement and the extent to which operational costs can be reduced through savings in fuel use. The proposal intends to design, develop and demonstrate the WITT device, specifically for installation on board vessels to clearly illustrate to shipowners/operators, the cost savings they will be able to make on typical vessel voyages. The proposal will develop an exploitation plan to ensure that the device can be successfully marketed for widespread application. The consortium consist of A&P, a large company with significant international market presence in vessel repairs, refit and construction. they are lead partner and will manage the exploitation of the device in the market. Supacat, renowned for taking exciting concepts and developing them into exceptional products will develop the WITT device for the specific purpose of generating energy on board vessels. WITT Energy Ltd, will supply the technology the consortium aims to market. The Universities of Exeter and Plymouth will provide expertise and facilities to test the demonstrator in order to help optimise the design.