Quantification of the Prediction Requirements in Reactive Control of Wave Energy Converters

Abstract Optimal reactive control for maximum ocean wave power absorption from Wave Energy Converters (WECs) consisting of oscillating systems, is based on the principle of tuning their oscillation so that it is in resonance with the excitation force produced by the incident waves. Reactive control, however, is non-causal and cannot be implemented in real time. This paper analyses the prediction requirements of one possible solution, where predictions of the excitation force are utilised to resolve the non-causality. The study is focused on the analysis of the required forecasting horizon against the achievable prediction. Also, through the aid of numerical simulations of a number of specific systems over several wave conditions, a link is found between some fundamental properties of the system and the prediction requirements.