Operation analysis of a wave energy converter under different load conditions

Abstract

This study analyses the electrical behaviour of a direct-driven linear generator under different load conditions. The studied generator is used in a wave energy converter (WEC) that converts the energy in ocean waves into electric energy. To enable a grid connection of a WEC, the voltage must be converted, and thereby, the generator will be subjected to a non-linear damping. Depending on how the conversion system is designed, the damping will be different. In the case studied, the voltage is first rectified, and on the dc-side of the rectifier the voltage is kept constant by controlling the power through a converter. In order to study the electrical behaviour of the generator in this operation mode, a simulation model was made in MATLAB Simulink. The model of the generator was verified with experimental data from an offshore operating WEC. The result of the study shows that the model of the generator agrees with the real generator and can be used for analysing the electrical behaviour of the WEC. Moreover, the results show that the operation with a non-linear load will be different compared to a linear load case.