Maximum Power Point Tracking for Ocean Wave Energy Conversion

TLDR

Ocean wave energy has great potential but its conversion is challenged by the ocean environment, notably the need for optimal control of wave energy converters. The study proposes a maximum power point tracking algorithm to control a point absorber wave energy converter. The authors detail the MPPT algorithm and its testing hardware, and evaluate it through simulations and laboratory experiments. Simulation and laboratory tests demonstrate that MPPT is an effective and promising control strategy for ocean wave energy conversion.

Abstract

Many forms of renewable energy exist in the world's oceans, with ocean wave energy showing great potential. However, the ocean environment presents many challenges for cost-effective renewable energy conversion, including optimal control of a wave energy converter (WEC). This paper presents a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm for control of a point absorber WEC. The algorithm and testing hardware are presented in detail, as well as simulated and laboratory test results. The results show that MPPT applied to ocean wave energy is an effective and promising control strategy.