Ocean Power Technologies Secures Patent for Innovative Floating Marine Charging System
Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) has received a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for its innovative autonomous, floating marine charging system. The patent, titled “System and Method for Vehicle Charging,” aims to revolutionize the recharging process for electric vessels, including uncrewed surface vehicles, at sea, addressing the increasing demand for environmentally friendly maritime operations.
This technology allows electric vessels to safely locate, dock with, and recharge from a floating energy platform while on the water. The floating charging station will be integrated into OPT’s PowerBuoy platform, serving a dual purpose of power generation and recharging.
Source: M-Production
This integration will enable OPT’s WAM-V autonomous surface vehicles to conduct longer missions with less downtime, eliminating the need to return to shore for recharging. David Goldstein, OPT’s Vice President of Technology and Innovation, emphasized that this patent reflects the company’s culture of innovation. He noted that by facilitating offshore electric charging without depending on port infrastructure, they are addressing a significant challenge for continuous, autonomous maritime operations. This technology will be essential for the extended missions of their WAM-Vs when combined with the PowerBuoy.
The patent includes several important features, such as signal-emitting guidance systems, flexible and secure mooring structures, and both wired and wireless energy delivery methods, along with options for wave-powered self-sustaining energy generation.
Philipp Stratmann, OPT’s President and CEO, stated that this patent represents transformative thinking that positions the company as a leader in offshore autonomy. He highlighted that by providing persistent power at sea, they are not only enhancing the endurance of their WAM-Vs but also broadening possibilities for their defense, commercial, and scientific clients. This development marks a significant step toward establishing a truly intelligent and resilient ocean infrastructure.
