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WITT Evolution - A new solution for remote power generation

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Power from motion with WITT Energy

WITT Energy is a new solution in harvesting the motion that is all around us.  A WITT device can access the 6 axis of motion and turn this motion into useable power, a power which can be stored and called upon when needed.

The great thing about technology and science is that answers and solutions are there waiting to be discovered. Sometimes by accident, sometimes by imagination and sometimes by study and experimentation, but essentially, in essence, it’s a combination of all 3.

Energy from the most natural of sources is something that has been strived for by engineers and scientists for many years. Wind, Solar and Motion are the 3 naturally occurring energy harvesting resources we have available to work with, wind and solar for the time being are probably the most dominant of these in people’s minds.

However, imagine walking and being able to capture the energy in every step you make, and that this energy can be converted to electric energy, an energy that can power electrical devices or be stored for future use or even added back to the grid.

Now, this is where we can pick up the story of WITT Energy.

WITT came about after Martin Wickett designed and built a unit that could take bi-directional rotation motion and use this to drive a bicycle, this motion could be used by people with limited mobility and was an elegant solution for propelling a bicycle.

WITT Energy bike

Several years later Martin wanted to take the design a stage further and take the transmission to a new level. By utilising 2 units bi-directional to rotation on 2 axis, it was now able to harvest motion in the X, Y, and Z. The first unit was soon built and proved that any chaotic motion would turn the flywheel in one direction. The first prototype was born, it was a very crude unit made with wooden and plumbing parts, but sufficient to prove the concept and the second proved that there was enough power generated to run 2 Busch and Muller lamps, this was the beginning for WITT Energy.

WITT prototype engineered

Next was to see if we had actually created a unique process for energy generation, was there something already in existence that used the same principles? After extensive research, nothing was found, fast forward and WITT Energy had secured the Patent on 6 degrees of motion transfer to usable power.

The next stage was a feasibility report by academia. To start this process, we engaged with Prof Matthew Cartmell head of Glasgow University School of Mechanical engineering (an expert in this field), the feasibility report took 1 year to complete and the final 38-page report contained pure maths with detailed energy graphs relating to the amount of power the system could harvest from a small portable unit up to large scale fixed units. GU also produced a 55-page, marketing report. Both reports were funded through a £5k Scottish Enterprise award. The follow on, TToM award, was also funded through Scottish Enterprise.

The team behind WITT for the first few years funding everything themselves, but the costs of the patents started to come in from countries around the world, so investment was needed.

WITT then presented to 18 potential investors in the City of Truro, South West England. This was a great success, all 18 investors deciding to invest to the tune of £100k. This investment was also matched with local funding from the South West Investment Group, (SWIG).

So, what does WITT stand for? WITT stands for Whatever Input to Torsion Transfer and can take all motion in the X, Y& Z axis and turn that energy into electrical power.

Taunton Aerospace was on the lookout for emerging technologies, they reached out to WITT. A HoT’s was set up and several units were built as demonstration models. These prototypes proved to be valuable demonstration tools, so much so they enabled WITT to win a place in the final 10 of the Ocean Exchange in Savannah USA. Here we presented to 600 delegates and won a $100k prize.

The noise around WITT was getting noticed and this moved us on to winning more Innovate UK awards.

FAO about the WITT Energy

What is WITT?

The WITT is a unique patented transmission that can take natural occurring motional energy (NOME) and turn it into electricity. The WITT can be built in many different sizes dependant on application potentials, from a few inches or to many metres in size, it’s a clean, green solution with zero emissions, helping reduce CO2.

WITT energy harvesting devices

What is unique about the WITT transmission system, and what products are being worked on?

The WITT is unique in that it can take motion in all 6 degrees from Water, (sea, river or tidal and subsea. A WITT system can harvest energy from the wind via our portable dragonflies; also WITT can harvest energy from humans, once fitted in a backpack a portable WITT can harvest the energy from walking or jogging and turn this into power, ideal for providing remote power solutions, for example, topping up mobile phones or powering IoT devices, this would also prove useful in developing countries.

Our uniqueness is that other energy devices take 1 or 2 degrees of motion, whereas WITT can that we take all the motion that is available, then turn this into it into electrical power which can be stored.

WITT energy devices

Who invented the WITT and is the technology patented?

The WITT was invented by Martin Wickett, a civil engineer who worked on building roads and bridges, the first WITT was built in his workshop in France after we finished rebuilding a 17th-century farmhouse. Martin loves resolving complex engineering problems, after building the first unit and testing it, the next stage was to check if it was patentable. It took several years to get a granted patent. As the business progressed, we ensured we filed follow on patents. We have a granted patent in the USA, China, UK, and core countries across the globe.

Does WITT have a strong team in place?

WITT has a very strong team in place, our chairman, Roger Evans, MBE, has many years in the engineering sector, Martin Wickett the inventor, is our CTO, we have Will Boult as our Project Manager, and a strong team of consultants, we use Firebee as our experts in electronics, Solis Marine helps in all aspect related to marine. John Acornley is our chartered accountant working on awards and financials and Bill Corr is our NeD.

What next for WITT?

WITT are ready to engage with manufacturers organisations. We have a range of options, bringing in a major investor, licensing, collaborations, or joint ventures.

WITT has raised global awareness winning many awards in the UK and overseas, as mentioned previously, we won $100k in Ocean Exchange, and secured a place to present at the WORLD FUTURE ENERGY SUMMIT in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The WITT team are passionate about providing an energy solution and invite you to follow our continuing story here on DesignSpark, but also to check out the following links for more information.

WITT Energy

How it works

Sub Sea application

Contact us

I am the CTO, co-founder and inventor of WITT, I have 40 years experience in engineering in various disciplines.
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