Wave power could give a significant contribution to a
future sustainable energy system if the Levelized Cost Of Energy
can be reduced to a competitive level. Winch-based point
absorbers could potentially accomplish this if a key component –
a low-cost, durable and efficient winch that can deal with high
loads – can be developed. In this article the possibilities of winchbased
point absorbers and the challenges that need to be
overcome are described. Further, the possibilities to design such
winches are explored and several different design approaches are
evaluated and compared. At present, we believe that such a
winch solution can be found although more research is needed to
develop a full concept, and the most promising solutions so far
involve inverted tooth chains, flat UHMwPE fiber (Dyneema)
bands and flat carbon fibre structures.