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PRIMRE/Databases/Projects Database/Devices/Super Watt Wave Catcher Barges
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Super Watt Wave Catcher Barges
Super Watt Wave Catcher Barges are flat bottom barges that ride the water's surface and use mooring lines to turn generators located inside the buoyant structure to generate electricity. The device relies on the high vertical and horizontal drag coefficients from a barge shaped hull. The wave pressure on the barge develops a heave and surge motion, which the mooring cables use to drive large-diameter flywheels. The device is agnostic to generator type according to the designers. All equipment is located under a water tight enclosure on top of the barge proving a safe dry area for equipment preservation, maintenance and wear part replacement. The use of large diameter low friction bearings in these systems provides minimum mechanical losses and maximum belt life.
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
Alternative PTO
Surface ExpressionTrue
Estimated TRL
Estimated Technology Readiness Level scale from 1 to 9 with 9 being the most mature technology
TRL Last updated: 31 July 2017
5
Energy Resource
- Wave
Water Column Position
Surface
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Submerged - Mid
Entire Water Column
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Submerged - Bottom
Last Modified
5 June 2025
Citation Formats
“Super Watt Wave Catcher Barges.” Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices, PRIMRE, United States Department of Energy, https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/Super_Watt_Wave_Catcher_Barges. Accessed <day> <monthRoman> <year>.
Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices. <year>. "Super Watt Wave Catcher Barges." Accessed <monthRoman> <day>, <year>. https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/Super_Watt_Wave_Catcher_Barges.
