Optimizing Power Output of a Wave Energy Converter by Employing Superposed Hydrodynamic Model

Optimization of wave energy converters (WECs) through robust controls is mandatory to maximize the energy absorption in the face of sea waves’ stochastic nature. Single optimization criterion predicted by linear models is rendered ambiguous when modulated by viscous forces, dominant at the controlled conditions. An efficient hydrodynamic model capable of identifying suitable parameters for nonlinear controller design is desirable but missing. Hence, this paper proposes a superposed hydrodynamic model (SPHM) to optimize the power output of a scaled-down point absorber WEC. Two variants of SPHM are considered to evaluate the differences between linear and nonlinear viscous models. Optimization is guided by a non-predictive latch control strategy. The model is numerically solved using the fourth Runge-Kutta method to obtain the time domain response of buoy. The nonlinear SPHM reveals a new optimization parameter based on the maximum velocity criterion. At off-resonant states, the controller enhances the system power by eleven times.