Abstract
A DC Microgrid system has tremendous potential for extracting ocean energy and providing power to coastal communities in remote locations. However, experimentation with Wave Energy Converters (WEC), power electronic converters, storage, and load during the microgrid development stages poses challenges due to the limited accessibility to physical WECs. This paper presents the modeling, design and hardware implementation of a WEC emulator with real WEC characteristics and a physical testbed using a power-hardware in-the-loop (PHIL) set-up that can provide a reliable testbed to facilitate the design, optimization, and development of a DC microgrid system for marine renewable energy resources. The WEC emulator is precisely modeled to replicate the paddle dimensions, gearbox, and generator, accurately reflecting the system found in real WECs when driven by ocean waves with real ocean wave data. A Multiport Power Converter (MPC) is used in the testbed to integrate generation, storage, and load in the DC microgrid.