Research database

Ocean wave energy is a massive and untapped resource, which can make a valuable contribution towards a sustainable, global, energy mix. Despite the fact that ocean waves are a vast resource, wave energy converters (WECs) have yet to make significant progress towards commercialisation. A fundamental stepping stone to achieve this objective is the availability of appropriate optimal control technology, such that energy conversion is performed as economically as possible, minimising the delivered energy cost, and operating across a wide range of ocean conditions. This project will greatly advance WEC control technology by providing a novel and reliable nonlinear optimal control framework for WECs, based on the mathematical concept of moments. Such a framework will feature an accurate nonlinear description of the physics associated with the wave energy extraction process, optimally maximising energy absorption for single devices and array configurations, and exhibiting real-time capabilities. This will provide all stakeholders in the ocean engineering and wave energy fields with a fundamental and easily-accessible tool to facilitate reaching economic viability of wave energy technology. This project is comprised of 4 scientific work packages, which accomplish: (1) generalisation of the control framework for a large class of nonlinear control- and wave-dependent effects, (2) experimental validation of the control strategy, (3) extension to WEC arrays, and (4) release of an open-source software. In addition, this fellowship will expand the career horizons of the fellow through a highly multidisciplinary plan, building upon and extending beyond his current competencies. The fellow is well-positioned to undertake this project, allowing him to fully develop innovative concepts from his PhD research. This fellowship will provide the fellow with an unparalleled opportunity to grow as a scientist and engineer, launching him on a trajectory to a productive scientific career.