Self-tuning wave energy converter (WEC) controller for changing sea states

Patent · Tue Jul 18 00:00:00 EDT 2023

OSTI ID:2221982

Bacelli, Giorgio; Wilson, David G.; Forbush, Dominic; Spencer, Steven J.; Coe, Ryan G.

Systems and methods for a WEC controller that uses a self-tuning proportional-integral control law prescribing motor torques to maximize electrical power generation and automatically tune the controller to maximize power absorption. In an embodiment, the controller may be part of any resonant WEC system. The control law relies upon an identified model of device intrinsic impedance to generate a frequency-domain estimate of the wave-induced excitation force and measurements of device velocities. The control law was tested in irregular sea-states that evolved over hours (a rapid, but realistic time-scale) and that changed instantly (an unrealistic scenario to evaluate controller response).

• Research Organization: Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• DOE Contract Number: NA0003525
• Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC (Albuquerque, NM)
• Patent Number(s): 11,703,027
• Application Number: 17/866,083
• OSTI ID: 2221982
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: 07/15/2022
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English