OWEC Ocean Wave Energy Converter

Device has three buoyant, partially submerged floats that are connected to shafts. The shafts are all centrally connected to a submerged pod that houses the PTO. The rise and fall of the buoyant floats drives the shaft up and down which is then used to drive the PTO. The PTO converts the linear motion into rotary using a rack and pinion mechanism to drive a generator. The central pod also has a buoyancy control device that enables it to control its height in the water column depending on sea state.

Technology Developer

Ocean Wave Energy Company

Device Status Is the device actively being developed or is available for purchase (active)? Or has development or support ended (inactive)?

Inactive

Technology Type

Point Absorber

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

Surface Expression

True

Estimated TRL Estimated Technology Readiness Level scale from 1 to 9 with 9 being the most mature technology

4

Energy Resource

Wave

Water Column Position

Last Modified

2 July 2025

Citation Formats

“OWEC Ocean Wave Energy Converter.” Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices, PRIMRE, United States Department of Energy, https:https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/OWEC_Ocean_Wave_Energy_Converter. Accessed <day> <monthRoman> <year>.

Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices. <year>. "OWEC Ocean Wave Energy Converter." Accessed <monthRoman> <day>, <year>. https:https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/OWEC_Ocean_Wave_Energy_Converter.

PRIMRE/Databases/Projects Database/Devices/OWEC Ocean Wave Energy Converter

OWEC Ocean Wave Energy Converter

Citation Formats