About the project
The project will implement a high-fidelity plant model of the “InfinityWEC” wave energy converter, and a real-time implementation of a nonlinear moment-based model-predictive control (MPC) force control algorithm with both efficiency and lifetime awareness, in order to minimize levelized cost of energy (LCOE). Experimental verification in a dry-test HIL rig will be carried out of a 1:4 scale power take-off device with MPC control algorithm running on a real-time control system. An industrial supply chain with circularity and sustainability in focus will be developed, based on Circularity by Design principles. An impact assessment based on LCA will be undertaken.
Model-based control is challenging since the descriptions of WEC hydrodynamics and PTO are nonlinear in nature, and the control algorithms can be sensitive to modelling errors. Making a non-linear MPC with high fidelity that is also computationally efficient has been a major challenge that has prevented the use of MPC on real-time control systems. Energy maximizing MPC algorithms is also detrimental for reliability and lifetime due to high loads. The project will develop a new MPC implemented on a moment-based mathematical framework that makes it very computationally efficient. Life-time awareness will be added to the control objectives together with efficiency awareness, to balance the energy output against the loads and lifetime of critical components, and the losses from reciprocating power flows.