Development of a real-time wave energy control with consideration of control latency

Abstract

In order to enhance the power capture of wave energy converters in random ocean waves, real-time control is commonly implemented. Despite the developments of various control algorithms, many of them assume that the control is implemented instantly, which may not be consistent with the real situation. The research aims to develop a control algorithm that can model control latency and investigate its effect on control effectiveness in enhancing wave power capture. The control algorithm developed replaces the traditional instant control model with a differential formula that considers the time-varying control behavior. The study found that the developed time-varying control algorithm is effective in enhancing wave power capture even with consideration of latency. However, when compared to traditional instant control theory, the present control method becomes less effective due to the residual control force caused by latency. The residual control force has a negative impact on the optimization of control commands and, consequently, wave power capture. Furthermore, it is found that the effect of latency on the control algorithm is sensitive to the wave period. The latency effect becomes less significant as the wave period increases.