Wave power device attracts £1m of funding

Device uses pendulums and a flywheel to generate electricty

A wave technology that can capture wave motion in any direction and convert it into usable electrical power has reached more than £1 million in crowdfunding.

The technology, known as WITT (Whatever Input to Torsion Transfer) and developed by WITT Energy, uses two pendulums connected to a flywheel to generate electricity from movement in any direction – which the company claims no other energy-harvesting system can achieve.

The device is suitable for multiple applications, from navigational buoys to all aspects of marine safety and lifeboats, as well as being able to provide power for remote locations and islands.

Mairi Wickett, chief executive of WITT Energy, said: “The technology is an ideal solution in the marine sector as it will greatly reduce maintenance costs, and work well in areas where there is little to no sunlight. There is no other technology that can capture all motion and turn it into electricity that can be stored and called upon when needed.”

WITT Energy has built demonstrator prototypes and is working with potential customers, engineering partners and technology experts to bring the device to market.

The company will continue to run its Crowdcube investment until 13 April to raise awareness of the technology, allowing potential investors to buy shares from as little as £10 up to thousands of pounds.

WITT Energy will work with Gibbs Gears and Schaeffler to build one of the devices to harvest power from wave motion, and the unit will be ready for wave tank testing in July, followed by sea trials in the autumn.