THE KYMOGEN WAVE ENERGY GENERATOR

Mechanical Engineer David Hartmann and Craftsman Jason Ballash have designed a new wave power technology called the KymoGen, which has the potential to produce clean, low-cost energy using the constant power of waves. Key to the design is its simplicity. A portable 8’x8′ platform is tethered to a mooring on the sea floor. Inside the floating platform, the tether is connected to a drive system which spins a flywheel as the waves rise and fall, providing constant power between waves. The generated electricity can then either be stored, or connected directly to existing power grids.

Weighing in at an estimated 800 lbs, the KymoGen can output 2 hp in as little as 12 inch waves and 8hp in 4 foot waves. Larger KymoGens could generate substantially more in rougher waters. The estimated average output per day is 25 to 100 kilowatt hours. It will be constructed of high strength Marine Composites, and the platform can accommodate wind or solar technologies to increase the energy output.

The name KymoGen comes from the word Generator combined with Kymopoleia “the wave walker” the greek goddess of waves. A Kickstarter campaign will be launched in March 2015 (see video below). Plans are to have the first units produced in May 2015, with large scale manufacturing by September 2015. We’ll be sure to post updates as the project gets underway. In the meantime you can find more info and contact information at KymoGen.com

Estimated production timeline:

Watch the video:

UPDATE: The Kickstarter Campaign has now been launched.

We think this looks very promising. What do you think? Leave your comments below…

• Chris Landry
  If I invest or “pledge”, what will be the return on my money? Giving money to a business without getting some back would be insane.
  • AENews
    They haven’t started the kickstarter campaign yet, but when they do your investment returns should be listed in the right hand column. I will update this article as soon as that is set up!
  • Kymo Gen
    The kickstarter project is to build the prototype, and to prove the concept to the world. While we will offer tokens of appreciation for supporters, that will not be the sole reason for their support. The supporters will be the true driving force behind this project. These are the people who will make the project succeed. Our supporters will be the people who understand that green energy is our future.
• c.w.braun
  Hallo David and Jason very interesting. I am a building engineer interested in alternative energy and ad present developed totally self energy supporting homes on the island Curacao surrounded by sea. I could get a beach location to develop your system. When reflecting about your system there are some questions for me about the work ability of the design above. If you are interested to get in contact with me feel free to send a mail to cw.braun@abc-projects.com. For more info http://www.abc-home-energy.com
• John
  This is an interesting piece on hydro-energy, working in the UK energy sector I am constantly looking into new measures to keep up to date with up coming research. However when I reached the stage outlining the production time line right at the end ‘Kymogen is adopted globally, Changing the world’ is a bit of a wild assumption to make from the outset an put me off the idea right there and then.
  • Kymo Gen
    John,
    Thank you for the feedback. When we compete the prototype, and start production of these units, we will have advanced the world further in clean energy. Any progress made in this field, no matter how small, changes the world.There are many people working to create wave energy. All of these efforts work towards the same goal. The response so far to this project have been amazing.
• Matt Congedi
  I am a Mechanical Engineering Student studying in Adelaide, South Australia and have found your research very interesting. I am currently writing a paper on the Sustainability of Adelaide, the best of these papers will be submitted to local council and believe your ideas and research could hold the key to this sustainable energy model. I Would love to know more about how such a technology would be linked to a power grid and what infrastructure would be required to do so!
• Pedro Elescamoso
  we need a like buttom