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Title: Optimal Control of a Surge-Mode WEC in Random Waves

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/1311823· OSTI ID:1311823
 [1];  [1];  [1];  [2];  [3];  [4]
  1. Resolute Marine Energy, Inc., Boston, MA (United States)
  2. Re Vision Consulting, Sacramento, CA (United States)
  3. Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)
  4. Univ. of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN (United States)

The objective of this project was to develop one or more real-time feedback and feed-forward (MPC) control algorithms for an Oscillating Surge Wave Converter (OSWC) developed by RME called SurgeWEC™ that leverages recent innovations in wave energy converter (WEC) control theory to maximize power production in random wave environments. The control algorithms synthesized innovations in dynamic programming and nonlinear wave dynamics using anticipatory wave sensors and localized sensor measurements; e.g. position and velocity of the WEC Power Take Off (PTO), with predictive wave forecasting data. The result was an advanced control system that uses feedback or feed-forward data from an array of sensor channels comprised of both localized and deployed sensors fused into a single decision process that optimally compensates for uncertainties in the system dynamics, wave forecasts, and sensor measurement errors.

Research Organization:
Resolute Marine Energy, Inc., Boston, MA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Wind and Water Technologies Office (EE-4W)
Contributing Organization:
Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States); Re Vision Consulting, Sacramento, CA (United States); Univ. of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
EE0006402
OSTI ID:
1311823
Report Number(s):
DOE-RME-0006402; 81.087
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English