Abstract
Among the various types of wave energy converters currently being developed, heaving point absorbers are one of the simplest and most promising concepts, possibly due to their ease of deployment and integration in larger arrays structures.
A typical efficient energy conversion system for point absorbers is based on hydraulic power take-off (PTO) systems, consisting in a double-acting cylinder and two or more accumulators, reserving fluid at different pressures and linked between them by a hydraulic motor connected to an electric generator. For the purpose of control and modulation of the power output the hydraulic circuit might include a certain number of valves that can set the pressure levels within the accumulators.
This paper presents a simple model of a heaving oscillating buoy, represented by a surface-piercing cylinder, extracting power by means of a hydraulic system. The hydrodynamic behaviour of the absorber is modelled through application of the linear water wave theory. Apart from the basic elements listed above, the model of the hydraulic system includes leakages and pressure losses and takes into account the compressibility of the fluid. Also possible extra accumulators are considered in order to improve the performance of the hydraulic system by means of properly controlled valves. The function of these extra accumulators consists in storing and releasing energy to the system when this is desirable for the improvement of the power output.
Simulations were carried out through a time-domain approach making use of the Cummins equation and considering regular monochromatic waves and irregular wave-trains.
The control of the system is managed by means of control valves whose opening will be depending on the sign of the velocity of the buoy and the pressure levels. Three possible aims were assumed for the control strategies investigated: maximisation of the average power output, stabilisation of the output (in terms of rotational velocity and/or electrical power) and stabilisation of the pressures inside the accumulators (also for survivability of the hydraulic equipment). Different control variables are analysed depending on the wave inputs considered in order to improve the power extraction of the converter: Firstly the torque of the electric generator is considered as a primary way to modify the load of the PTO. Then extra accumulators are used as storing devices to perform a kind of phase control on the buoy. The benefit of this effect will be dependent on the instant of activation of the valves that connect them to the circuit and the influence of possible delays or anticipations will be investigated
The results prove that it is possible to achieve a great enhancement of the power extraction with the implementation of these control strategies and that a possible combination of some of them might be beneficial for a better efficiency of the components. Moreover the application of sophisticated strategies could imply a less demanding requirement for specific equipments; such as the case of the electrical generator.