OPTIMIZATION AND CONTROL OF AN ARRAY OF WAVE ENERGY CONVERTERS

This study explored optimal configuration of both the array layout and the dimension of each WEC in the array. The array contains heaving buoys with full interaction and exact hydrodynamics. Optimization of dimension was done on each WEC in the array with a given optimal layout, and a higher q-factor was achieved. Both impedance matching optimal control and derivative control were employed, which provides both theoretical maximum energy and a more realistic case. Then the work was expanded to optimization of both the array layout and the dimension of each WEC in the array. An average of 39.21% higher q-factor can be achieved with the optimal control and an average of 8.87% higher q-factor can be achieved with the derivative control. Optimization of both the layout of array and the dimension of each WEC was done under irregular wave. The irregular wave was formulated with Bretschneider spectrum. Preliminary results from the irregular wave optimization indicates an asymmetric layout of array is needed