Rho-Cee WEC

Device is an Impedance-Matched Oscillation Water Column (IM-OWC) system. Three nested L-shaped oscillating water columns are tuned to resonate over a band of energetic wave frequencies – fitted with float-driven linear electric generators. In an effective “terminator” linear array configuration, no leeward replication, as in a “farm”, is required. The Rho-Cee WEC structure is made entirely in reinforced concrete, as is its deploying moored Pneumatically Stabilized Platform (PSP). Literally, only concrete is in contact with sea-water in both the Rho-Cee WEC and its PSP, so that with proper formulation and application in construction, neither need suffer corrosion in a 50 year (or more) lifetime. All maintenance-requiring equipment in the ?C WEC is located well above the water line, under cover, fully accessible to personnel on foot.

Technology Developer

Float Inc

Additional Information

Device Website

Device Status Is the device actively being developed or is available for purchase (active)? Or has development or support ended (inactive)?

Active

Technology Type

Oscillating Water Column

Power Take-Off Mechanism that converts the motion of the prime mover into a useful form of energy such as electricity, learn more

Air Turbine

Surface Expression

True

Estimated TRL Estimated Technology Readiness Level scale from 1 to 9 with 9 being the most mature technology

TRL Last updated: 20 September 2023

4

Energy Resource

Wave

Water Column Position

Last Modified

2 July 2025

Citation Formats

“Rho-Cee WEC.” Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices, PRIMRE, United States Department of Energy, https:https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/Rho-Cee_WEC. Accessed <day> <monthRoman> <year>.

Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices. <year>. "Rho-Cee WEC." Accessed <monthRoman> <day>, <year>. https:https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/Rho-Cee_WEC.

PRIMRE/Databases/Projects Database/Devices/Rho-Cee WEC

Rho-Cee WEC

Citation Formats