Abstract
The prediction horizon length is a crucial parameter in model predictive control (MPC) that determines how far in advance the future wave exciting force must be predicted for real-time control. This paper presents an optimal solution for the prediction horizon length in MPC for a point absorber wave energy converter (PA-WEC) operating under irregular wave conditions. To maximize absorption power and energy absorption efficiency, the dimensions of the floating body of PA-WEC are tuned according to the sea state. The linear superposition principle is investigated within the MPC formulation to assess its applicability and to determine whether the absorbed power under irregular waves can be represented as a superposition of the corresponding regular wave components. The resulting absorbed power is compared with that obtained using a constant damping control method as a reference. Finally, an empirical solution for identifying the optimal prediction horizon length in MPC for irregular waves is proposed based on the wave spectrum.