On Model Predictive Control for a point absorber Wave Energy Converter

Abstract

This paper presents the development of Model Predictive Control (MPC) for ocean wave energy applications; specifically for a point absorber Wave Energy Converter (WEC). MPC has several features that make it very attractive for ocean wave energy, in particular the ability to consider constraints on the system forces and limitations in system velocity and position in the context of current future desired velocity or position. The results show that MPC coupled with forecasting can allow the system to optimize energy capture while respecting system limits.