Experimental Validation of Model Predictive Control Applied to the Azura Wave Energy Converter

Journal Article · Mon Nov 18 00:00:00 EST 2019 · IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/TSTE.2019.2953868· OSTI ID:1581640

Ling, Bradley Adam ^[1]; Bosma, Bret ^[2]; Brekken, Ted K. A. ^[2]

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1. Northwest Energy Innovations, Portland, OR (United States); Northwest Energy Innovations
2. Oregon State Univ., Corvallis, OR (United States)

Ocean wave energy is a promising area of renewable energy development. However, there are unique operational challenges, particularly with regards to modeling, estimation, and control. Model Predictive Control (MPC) is a widely studied control approach that has strong potential for successful application to ocean wave energy conversion. It combines a predictive element, which is necessary for optimal wave energy conversion, along with consideration of system limitations, which is extremely important when operating within the very large forces present in ocean hydrodynamics. This paper presents MPC formulation and experimental testing, applied to the 1/15th scale Azura wave energy converter developed and tested by Northwest Energy Innovations (NWEI). Here, the results demonstrate successful prototype testing, with MPC providing an average increase in power production of 36% over standard fixed damping for six cases of sea states.

• Research Organization: Northwest Energy Innovations, Portland, OR (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Water Power Technologies Office (EE-4WP)
• Grant/Contract Number: EE0006923; EE0007693
• OSTI ID: 1581640
• Journal Information: IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy, Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 11; ISSN 1949-3029
• Publisher: IEEE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER
Renewable Energy sources
marine technology
model predictive control
ocean wave energy