UK explores underwater energy harvesting technology for defence
WITT is contained within a sealed vessel and uses two pendulums connected to a flywheel to generate electricity. (Photo: WITT)
The MoD Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) in the UK has issued a £350,000 ($485,000) contract for energy harvesting technology in the subsea environment.
UK-based renewable technology firm WITT will develop its eponymous energy capture and storage device specifically for underwater defence applications.
The Whatever Input to Torsion Transfer (WITT) device captures energy (vortex-induced vibrations) created by ocean currents and turns it into electricity that can be stored until needed.
WITT is contained within a sealed vessel and uses two pendulums connected to a flywheel to generate electricity.
It is designed to provide a low-maintenance source of off-grid power to remote and hard-to-reach locations, the company claimed on 24 June.
The amount of power produced by a WITT depends on the size of the device that can be scaled to the needs of the application, be it a small electronic sensor or an ROV.
More from Defence Notes
-
Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan
The new plan outlined how Spain would reach 2% of its GDP spend on defence by 2025, with €1.9 billion earmarked for new equipment acquisition with several land, naval and air platforms disclosed to be replaced or upgraded.
-
New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
-
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.