Development of Control Strategies for Interconnected Pneumatic Wave Energy Converters

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Thacher ◽  
Helen Bailey ◽  
Bryson Robertson ◽  
Scott Beatty ◽  
Jason Goldsworthy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wave Energy ◽  
Time Domain ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Optimization Procedure ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Sea State

In the field of wave energy converter control, high fidelity numerical models have become the predominant tool for the development of accurate and comprehensive control strategies. In this study, a numerical model of a novel wave energy converter, employing a pneumatic power take-off, is created to provide a low-cost method for the development of a power-maximizing control strategy. Device components and associated architectures are developed in the time domain solvers Proteus DS and MATLAB/Simulink. These two codes are dynamically coupled at run time to produce a complete six degree of freedom, time domain simulation of the converter. Utilizing this numerical framework, a genetic algorithm optimization procedure is implemented to optimally select eight independent parameters governing the PTO geometry. Optimality is measured in terms of estimated annual energy production at a specific deployment location off the West Coast of Canada. The optimization exercise is one layer of PTO force control — the parameters selected are seen to provide significant improvements in the annual power output, while also smoothing the WEC power output on both a sea-state by sea-state and wave-by-wave basis.

Evaluating Constant DC-Link Operation of Wave Energy Converter

2013 ◽  
Vol 136 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rickard Ekström ◽  
Venugopalan Kurupath ◽  
Cecilia Boström ◽  
Rafael Waters ◽  
Mats Leijon
Keyword(s):  
Wave Energy ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Damping Factor ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Sea State ◽  
Voltage Level ◽  
Electromagnetic Damping ◽  
Point Of Common Coupling ◽  
Common Coupling

A wave energy converter (WEC) based on a linear generator and a point-absorbing buoy has been developed at Uppsala University. Interconnecting an array of WECs in parallel requires a point of common coupling, such as a common dc-bus. The dc voltage level seen by the generator is directly linked to the electromagnetic damping of the generator. A lower dc-level results in a higher damping factor and is important for increased absorption of the wave power. The drawback is increased losses in generator windings and cable resistance. There will be an optimal dc-level for maximum power output. This is a function of not only generator and buoy characteristics, but the current sea state. Experimental results of the full-scale system have been carried out, and used as validation of a simulation model of the system. The model is then used to evaluate how the dc-level seen by the generator influence the power output. The results indicate that higher dc-levels should be used at higher sea states, and power output may vary by up to a factor five depending on which dc-level is chosen.

A New Class of Wave Energy Converter: The Floating Pendulum Dynamic Vibration Absorber

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hayden Marcollo ◽  
Jonathan Gumley ◽  
Paul Sincock ◽  
Nicholas Boustead ◽  
Adrian Eassom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wave Energy ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Floating Body ◽  
Vibration Absorber ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Dynamic Vibration Absorber ◽  
New Class ◽  
Dynamic Vibration

A new class of Wave Energy Converter (WEC) is presented — the Floating Pendulum Dynamic Vibration Absorber (FPDVA). This concept offers significant design benefits to other WEC technology in the form of low cost installation and mechanical moving components located above the waterline only. The key elements of the FPDVA concept are highlighted. The performance of the concept is demonstrated through numerical modeling with calibration of the numerical models via physical tank testing. The Power Take Off (PTO) system is described, and the bench tests are presented. A discussion about the control systems required to operate the FPDVA system and the likely floating body mooring configurations are also presented. The technology has patent pending status. Future phased development of the technology is planned to progress its Technology Readiness Level (TRL) status from TRL 4 to TRL 9.

scholarly journals The performance of the Mocean M100 wave energy converter described through numerical and physical modelling

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-19
Author(s):  
J. Cameron McNatt ◽  
Christopher H. Retzler
Keyword(s):  
Frequency Domain ◽  
Wave Energy ◽  
Time Domain ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Average Power ◽  
Physical Modelling ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Domain Model ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Cost Of Energy

Mocean Energy has designed a 100-kW hinged-raft wave energy converter (WEC), the M100, which has a novel geometry that reduces the cost of energy by improving the ratios of power per size and power per torque. The performance of the M100 is shown through the outputs of frequency-domain and time-domain numerical models, which are compared with those from 1/20th scale wave-tank testing. Results show that for the undamped, frequency-domain model, there are resonant peaks in the response at 6.6 and 9.6 s, corresponding to wavelengths that are 1.9 and 3.7 times longer than the machine. With the inclusion of power-take-off and viscous damping, the power response as a function of frequency shows a broad bandwidth and a hinge flex amplitude of 12-20 degrees per meter of wave amplitude. Comparison between the time-domain model and physical data in a variety of sea states, up to a significant wave height of 4.5 m, show agreements within 10% for average power absorption, which is notable because only simple, nonlinear, numerical models were used. The M100 geometry results in a broad-banded, large amplitude response due to its asymmetric shape, which induces coupling between modes of motion.

scholarly journals Design and Construction of a Novel Simple and Low-Cost Test Bench Point-Absorber Wave Energy Converter Emulator System

Inventions ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 20
Author(s):  
Ephraim Bonah Agyekum ◽  
Seepana PraveenKumar ◽  
Aleksei Eliseev ◽  
Vladimir Ivanovich Velkin
Keyword(s):  
Wave Energy ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Test Bench ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Real Point ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Point Absorber ◽  
Laboratory Conditions ◽  
Wave Generator

This paper proposed a test bench device to emulate or simulate the electrical impulses of a wave energy converter (WEC). The objective of the study is to reconstruct under laboratory conditions the dynamics of a WEC in the form of an emulator to assess the performance, which, in this case, is the output power. The designed emulator device is programmable, which makes it possible to create under laboratory conditions the operating mode of the wave generator, identical to how the wave generator would work under real sea conditions. Any control algorithm can be executed in the designed emulator. In order to test the performance of the constructed WEC emulator, an experiment was conducted to test its power output against that of a real point-absorber WEC. The results indicate that, although the power output for that of the real WEC was higher than the WEC emulator, the emulator performed perfectly well. The relatively low power output of the emulator was because of the type of algorithm that was written for the emulator, therefore increasing the speed of the motor in the algorithm (code) would result in higher output for the proposed WEC emulator.

Evaluating Constant DC-Link Operation of Wave Energy Converter

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rickard Ekström ◽  
Venugopalan Kurupath ◽  
Cecilia Boström ◽  
Rafael Waters ◽  
Olle Svensson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wave Energy ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Damping Factor ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Sea State ◽  
Voltage Level ◽  
Electromagnetic Damping ◽  
Point Of Common Coupling ◽  
Common Coupling

A Wave Energy Converter (WEC) based on a linear generator and a point-absorbing buoy has been developed at Uppsala University. Interconnecting an array of WECs in parallel requires a point of common coupling, such as a common DC-bus. The DC voltage level seen by the generator is directly linked to the electromagnetic damping of the generator. A lower DC-level results in a higher damping factor and is important for increased absorption of the wave power. The drawback is increased losses in generator windings and cable resistance. There will be an optimal DC-level for maximum power output. This is a function of not only generator and buoy characteristics, but the current sea state. Experimental results of the full-scale system have been carried out, and used as validation of a simulation model of the system. The model is then used to evaluate how the DC-level seen by the generator influence the power output. The results indicate that higher DC-levels should be used at higher sea states, and power output may vary by up to a factor five depending on which DC-level is chosen.

Time Domain Modeling and Power Output for a Heaving Point Absorber Wave Energy Converter

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremiah Pastor ◽  
Yucheng Liu
Keyword(s):  
Frequency Domain ◽  
Wave Energy ◽  
Time Domain ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Time Domain Analysis ◽  
Domain Analysis ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Power Absorption ◽  
Point Absorber

This paper presents, assesses, and optimizes a point absorber wave energy converter (WEC) through numerical modeling, simulation, and analysis in time domain. Wave energy conversion is a technology especially suited for assisting in power generation in the offshore oil and gas platforms. A linear frequency domain model is created to predict the behavior of the heaving point absorber WEC system. The hydrodynamic parameters are obtained with AQWA, a software package based on boundary element methods. A linear external damping coefficient is applied to enable power absorption and an external spring force is introduced to tune the point absorber to the incoming wave conditions. The external damping coefficient and external spring forces are the control parameters, which need to be optimized to maximize the power absorption. Two buoy shapes are tested and a variety of diameters and drafts are compared. Optimal shape, draft, and diameter of the model are then determined to maximize its power absorption capacity. Based on the results generated from the frequency domain analysis, a time domain analysis was also conducted to derive the responses of the WEC in the hydrodynamic time response domain. The time domain analysis results allowed us to estimate the power output of this WEC system.

scholarly journals Comparison and Validation of Hydrodynamic Theories for Wave Energy Converter Modelling

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (13) ◽  
pp. 3959
Author(s):  
Matthew Leary ◽  
Curtis Rusch ◽  
Zhe Zhang ◽  
Bryson Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Wave Energy ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Sea State ◽  
Weakly Nonlinear ◽  
Cable Dynamics ◽  
Hydrostatic Force ◽  
The Impact

Dynamic Wave Energy Converter (WEC) models utilize a wide variety of fundamental hydrodynamic theories. When incorporating novel hydrodynamic theories into numerical models, there are distinct impacts on WEC rigid body motions, cable dynamics, and final power production. This paper focuses on developing an understanding of the influence several refined hydrodynamic theories have on WEC dynamics, including weakly nonlinear Froude-Krylov and hydrostatic forces, body-to-body interactions, and dynamic cable modelling. All theories have evolved from simpler approaches and are of importance to a wide array of WEC archetypes. This study quantifies the impact these theories have on modelling accuracy through a WEC case study. Theoretical differences are first explored in a regular sea state. Subsequently, numerical validation efforts are performed against field data following wave reconstruction techniques. Comparisons of significance are WEC motion and cable tension. It is shown that weakly nonlinear Froude-Krylov and hydrostatic force calculations and dynamic cable modelling both significantly improve simulated WEC dynamics. However, body-to-body interactions are not found to impact simulated WEC dynamics.

Control strategies for a wave energy converter connected to a hydraulic power take-off

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 234 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Ricci ◽  
J. Lopez ◽  
M. Santos ◽  
P. Ruiz-Minguela ◽  
J.L. Villate ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wave Energy ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Hydraulic Power

Optimization of a Torus-Shaped Wave Energy Converter Attached to a Hinged Arm

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mojtaba Kamarlouei ◽  
Thiago S. Hallak ◽  
Jose F. Gaspar ◽  
Miguel Calvário ◽  
C. Guedes Soares
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Objective Function ◽  
Wave Energy ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Prime Mover ◽  
Optimal Result ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Sea State ◽  
Absorbed Power ◽  
Spring System

Abstract This paper presents the adaptation of a torus wave energy converter prime mover to an onshore or nearshore fixed platform, by a hinged arm. An optimization code is developed to obtain the best torus and arm geometry, as well as the power take-off parameters, taking as objective function the maximization of total wave absorbed power. In this paper, the power take-off system is modelled as a simplified damper and spring system, where the parameters are optimized for the phase control of the wave energy converter in each sea state, whereas the optimization process is performed with a genetic algorithm. Finally, the optimal result for the productive sea state indicates that the absorbed power is relatively considerable while a better survivability performance is expected from a torus wave energy converter compared to a conventional truncated prime mover.

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