Advanced Controls for the Multi-pod Centipod WEC device
- Dehlsen Associates, LLC, Santa Barabara, CA (United States)
Dehlsen Associates, LLC (DA) has developed a Wave Energy Converter (WEC), Centipod, which is a multiple point absorber, extracting wave energy primarily in the heave direction through a plurality of point absorber floats sharing a common stable reference structure. The objective of this project was to develop advanced control algorithms that will be used to reduce Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). This project investigated the use of Model Predictive Control (MPC) to improve the power capture of the WEC. The MPC controller developed in this work is a state-space, “look ahead” controller approach using knowledge of past and current states to predict future states to take action with the PTO to maximize power capture while still respecting system constraints. In order to maximize power, which is the product of force and velocity, the controller must aim to create phase alignment between excitation force and velocity. This project showed a 161% improvement in the Annual Energy Production (AEP) for the Centipod WEC when utilizing MPC, compared to a baseline, fixed passive damping control strategy. This improvement in AEP was shown to provide a substantial benefit to the WEC’s overall Cost of Energy, reducing LCOE by 50% from baseline. The results of this work proved great potential for the adoption of Model Predictive Controls in Wave Energy Converters.
- Research Organization:
- Dehlsen Associates, LLC, Santa Barabara, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Wind and Water Technologies Office (EE-4W)
- Contributing Organization:
- Oregon State Univ., Corvallis, OR (United States); DNV GL - Energy, Oslo (Norway); Helios Engineering Inc., Bloomfield Hills, MI (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- EE0006404
- OSTI ID:
- 1237967
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/EE0006404
- Resource Relation:
- Related Information: M. Starrett, R. So, T.K.A. Brekken, and A. McCall, “Development of a State Space Model for Wave Energy Conversion Systems,” in IEEE Power and Energy Society , Denver, CO, 2015.M. Starrett, R. So, T.K.A. Brekken, and A. McCall, “Increasing Power Capture From Multibody Wave Energy Conversion Systems Using Model Predictive Control,” in Technologies for Sustainability (SusTech), 2015 IEEE Conference , Ogden, UT, 2015.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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