Maximization of wave power extraction of a heave point absorber with a sea-state-based causal control algorithm

A causal control strategy is developed to tackle the non-causality arising in the real-time implementation of optimal wave energy control. The proposed control strategy utilizes a causal approximation transfer function to link the current wave force to the desired buoy velocity so as to eliminate the non-causality. An optimum model of the approximation transfer function is derived considering the power density distribution of the local wave spectrum. Based on the optimized approximation transfer function, the desired buoy velocity is achieved by tuning the power take-off mechanical force with the PID control. The efficiency of the proposed causal control strategy is assessed for a heaving point-absorber, in a set of random wave conditions. Generally, the heaving point-absorber could extract wave power up to 90% of the theoretical upper bound using the proposed control strategy. The sensitivity of the proposed control to viscous damping effect due to drag and wave spectrum bandwidth is investigated. Although it is less efficient in broad-banded sea state, the control efficiency is still within an acceptable level (above 70%).