Key Advantages

The Ocean Harvester has a patented mechanical power takeoff (transmission) using a counterweight for power smoothing. This enables an exceptionally efficient energy extraction: approx. 65% utilization.

• Efficient energy capture with the use of a winch system which absorbs energy through the full rise of each wave.
   
• Power smoothing using a counterweight with sufficient capacity to smooth power over several wave periods. This enables peak energy from waves to be used without oversizing the system. The mechanical power takeoff in the Ocean Harvester has a superior efficiency compared to other methods for power smoothing such as hydraulics and flywheels.
   
• Power absorption limiting with the use of a clutch to temporarily disengage the power absorption. Rated power is maintained while the clutch is disengaged with the use of the counterweight.
   
• Survival strategy using the winch system and counterweight to limit the mechanical peak loads/torque in the system in all wave conditions. Position moorings are used to secure the position. It is possible to disengage the power takeoff and enter a standby/failsafe mode if the conditions gets to rough.
   

Power Smoothing

The peak energy in a given sea state is approx. 7-10 times higher than the average energy. A conventional generator can normally be overloaded up to approx. 100% compared to the rated power, but this is not sufficient to fully utilize the high peaks of energy without oversizing the power electronics. Oversizing causes low efficiency and utilization.