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Numerical study and optimal control of an oscillating-body wave energy converter with a hydraulic PTO system

Author

Listed:
  • Lai, Wenbin
  • Ji, Mingze
  • Li, Jialong
  • Yang, Hongkun
  • Zheng, Xiongbo

Abstract

An accurate Power Take-Off (PTO) model is crucial for optimizing the reliability and power generation efficiency of Wave Energy Converters (WECs). This paper focuses on the Dolphin oscillating-body(OB) WEC integrated with a breakwater and equipped with a hydraulic PTO system. Performance analyses of the Dolphin WEC were conducted under both regular and irregular waves for two PTO models: a linear PTO model (FPTO∝z˙) and a constant-force PTO model (FPTO≈Const*sign(z˙)). Subsequently, a numerical model of the hydraulic PTO system was established to investigate the parametric sensitivity of its components. The intrinsic relationship between the hydraulic PTO system's damping effect and the buoy's motion response was analyzed, revealing the evolution of its damping characteristics. Finally, based on the hydraulic PTO system's response characteristics under regular and irregular waves, a Fuzzy PI control strategy was proposed to maximize output power. The results indicate significant performance differences between the linear PTO and constant-force PTO models. The effective damping coefficient range for the constant-force PTO model is notably narrower than that of the linear PTO model, imposing stricter precision requirements. Under operational conditions, the actual hydraulic PTO system exhibits behavior analogous to the constant-force PTO model and displays transient high-frequency oscillations. The proposed Fuzzy PI control strategy demonstrates high effectiveness, enabling the Dolphin WEC to consistently achieve maximum power output across various sea states while exhibiting strong robustness.

Suggested Citation

  • Lai, Wenbin & Ji, Mingze & Li, Jialong & Yang, Hongkun & Zheng, Xiongbo, 2025. "Numerical study and optimal control of an oscillating-body wave energy converter with a hydraulic PTO system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 339(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:339:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225047504
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.139108
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    References listed on IDEAS

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