Micro in-lab grid integration of a wave energy converter

Graduation date: 2011Ocean wave energy has great potential to develop into a strong and reliable form of renewable energy. As the technology develops, more wave energy converters will be grid interconnected and the variable nature of the ocean will begin to influence the stability of the electrical grid system. There are many system operator requirements that generating facilities must meet to be able to interconnect between the source and the power grid.\ud This work evaluates the grid-connection of a wave energy converter device exhibiting a variable frequency, variable amplitude output. The wave energy device under test is a 10 kW permanent magnet linear generator operating on a vertical linear test bed. The buoy power take-off is connected to a 480 V line-to-line micro in-lab grid using a motor/generator set and a power analysis and data acquisition system. Laboratory demonstrations and post-processing of the recorded data will contribute to the future grid-connection of these types of variable renewable devices