Nonlinear hydrostatic control of a wave energy converter

Patent · Tue May 10 04:00:00 EDT 2022

OSTI ID:1892919

Wilson, David G.; Bacelli, Giorgio; Coe, Ryan Geoffrey; Robinett, III, Rush D.; Abdelkhalik, Ossama

Increased energy harvesting is realized using a nonlinear buoy geometry for reactive power generation. By exploiting the nonlinear dynamic coupling between the buoy geometry and the potential wideband frequency spectrum of incoming waves in the controller/buoy design, increased power can be captured in comparison to conventional wave energy converter designs. In particular, the reactive power and energy storage system requirements are inherently embedded in the nonlinear buoy geometry, therefore requiring only simple rate-feedback control.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States); Michigan Technological Univ., Houghton, MI (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• DOE Contract Number: NA0003525
• Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC (Albuquerque, NM); Michigan Technological University (Houghton, MI)
• Patent Number(s): 11,326,574
• Application Number: 16/792,749
• OSTI ID: 1892919
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English