Control system applications in wave energy conversion

Significant improvements in the cost-effectiveness of wave energy devices may be possible with successful implementation of active control of device dynamics. The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of a number of recent applications of active control in wave energy conversion. Simpler frequency domain control applications including reactive control and latching are examined first. Next the difficulties of time-domain control are outlined, and some recent applications of time-domain control are reviewed. Active control to provide an on-board reaction on deep-water floating devices is considered next. Finally, control of secondary converters is reviewed briefly. The paper concludes with some observations on possible future developments.