Development of a real-time latching control algorithm based on wave force prediction

Optimal wave energy control is noncausal as the control command is optimized based on incoming wave force. Therefore, implementation of wave energy control requires forecasting of future wave force. A real-time latching control algorithm based on short-term wave force prediction is developed in this study to tackle such noncausality. The future wave forces are forecasted using a gray model. The receding horizon strategy is used to optimize the control command online, over the prediction horizon interval. Based on the predicted wave forces, the power extraction is maximized by locking and releasing the buoy alternately according to the optimized control command. Simulation results show that the power extraction is increased substantially with implementation of the developed real-time latching control algorithm, even if the future wave forces are predicted. Effects of prediction length and prediction error on the energy conversion are examined. It is found that more wave energy is harvested when a long prediction length is employed while prediction error decreases the control efficiency. The extreme load of power takeoff system increases when the wave energy control is implemented although its travel distance is hardly varied.