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PRIMRE/Databases/Projects Database/Devices/InfinityWEC
From Open Energy Information
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InfinityWEC
In 2017, OHT discovered the opportunity to use an infinitely variable transmission (IVT) in combination with a flywheel energy storage, to provide advanced force control features and constant power output in a Wave Energy Converter (WEC). The technology is similar to Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) used in vehicles to recover brake energy, but with a high-speed generator connected to the flywheel to output electricity. This technology has been named InfinityDrive PTO and is the central piece of the InfinityWEC device. The InfinityWEC uses a ball screw actuator system with integrated level adjustment, and a mooring pipe system with a fixed PTO position that eliminates the frequent bending of the power cable from the wave cycles
Additional Information
Device Status
Is the device actively being developed or is available for purchase (active)? Or has development or support ended (inactive)?
Active
Technology Type
Power Take-Off
Mechanism that converts the motion of the prime mover into a useful form of energy such as electricity, learn more
Direct Drive Generator
Max Rated Power Capacity
The maximum amount of electricity that can be produced by the device, as rated by the manufacturer.
500 KW
Surface ExpressionTrue
Estimated TRL
Estimated Technology Readiness Level scale from 1 to 9 with 9 being the most mature technology
TRL Last updated: 5 November 2022
2
Energy Resource
- Wave
Water Column Position
Surface
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Submerged - Mid
Entire Water Column
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Submerged - Bottom
Last Modified
13 June 2025
Citation Formats
“InfinityWEC.” Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices, PRIMRE, United States Department of Energy, https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/InfinityWEC. Accessed <day> <monthRoman> <year>.
Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices. <year>. "InfinityWEC." Accessed <monthRoman> <day>, <year>. https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/InfinityWEC.
