The Marmotor is a device which collects the energy of the sea. Although the idea is not new, José Barrufet is probably the first to patent and develop a machine of simple and robust design. Professor at the University of Barcelona, he is also the author of the scientifico-poetic book, “The waves of the sea”.
The operation of the Marmotor is simple: floats oscillates on a vertical axis by the movement of the waves. This movement is then transmitted by racks and ratchets and rotates a flywheel. Once the flywheel turns, you can harness or transform the energy. In 1885, a prototype is installed on the port of Barcelona. According to the press, the official demonstration is a great success. However, because of a lack of serious investments, the idea is finally abandoned.
