Offshore buoy that harvests wave and current energy together
This technology combines two ocean energy sources into a single device: a floating buoy that captures the up-and-down motion of waves, and a turbine that captures the horizontal flow of ocean currents. Both energy inputs are fed into a shared mechanical gearbox system that synchronizes them and drives a single electrical generator. By harvesting two forms of ocean energy simultaneously with one integrated unit, the system can produce more consistent power output than wave-only or current-only devices, since waves and currents don't peak at the same time. The mechanical coupling approach avoids complex electronics to blend the two inputs, keeping the system relatively simple and robust for offshore deployment.
What you could build
A deployable offshore energy buoy system sold or licensed to marine energy developers, offshore platform operators, or island/remote grid projects needing reliable renewable generation without onshore infrastructure; buyers would include ocean energy startups, defense contractors operating remote maritime installations, and offshore oil-and-gas firms seeking to electrify subsea equipment.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia's large naval and offshore maritime sector — including Newport News shipbuilding, Naval Station Norfolk, and emerging Atlantic offshore energy development — would have direct interest in compact marine power systems for remote or vessel-independent applications.
Readiness: Prototype likely
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Lei Zuo, Robert Parker, Xiaofan Li
- Granted
- December 17, 2024
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 12168968
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.