Receding-Horizon Energy-Maximising Optimal Control of Wave Energy Systems Based on Moments

In this study, we address the issue of real-time energy-maximising control for wave energy converters (WECs), by proposing a receding-horizon optimal control framework based on the concept of a moment. This approach is achieved by extending the so-called moment-based framework, recently published in the WEC literature, to effectively solve the associated optimal control problem within a finite time-horizon, allowing for real-time performance, and a straightforward inclusion of the wave excitation force F-e estimation and forecasting requirements, which are intrinsic to the wave energy control application. We present a case study, based on a CorPower-like device, subject to both state and input constraints. We show that the proposed strategy can perform almost identically to the ideal performance case, where full knowledge of F-e over the time-horizon is assumed available. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis is provided, addressing the impact of wave excitation force estimation and forecasting errors in the computation of the moment-based control input. Two main conclusions can be drawn from this analysis: Forecasting mismatch has a negligible impact on the overall performance of the strategy, while potential differences arising from estimating F-e, in particular, phase errors, can substantially impact total energy absorption.

Automated summary

This study proposes a receding-horizon optimal control framework based on the concept of a moment for real-time energy-maximising control of wave energy converters (WECs). Through a case study, it is shown that the strategy performs similarly to the ideal performance case with full knowledge of the wave excitation force, while a sensitivity analysis highlights the significant impact of errors in estimating the wave excitation force on total energy absorption.