Abstract
This paper presents a complete mathematical model of an array of three oscillating water column (OWC) wave energy converters (WECs) and the design of a direct generator torque control strategy using a sliding mode control (SMC) to maximize the output power of doubly-fed induction generators (DFIGs) attached to bi-radial turbines that are driven by the oscillating motion of the air inside the OWC tubes. The performance of the proposed control strategy is evaluated in irregular waves scenarios and different angles of arrival of the wave front.