Performance Period: 2017 – 2020
Objectives
The core objectives of this project is to improve wave prediction accuracy to enable its effective use by feed-forward controllers in WEC devices. This prediction accuracy will be validated with an extended field-campaign. Development efforts will start at a TRL 3 and end at a TRL6.
Project Description
In this project, Re Vision Consulting is using sensor-fusion algorithms to combine wave radar and buoy measurements to predict ocean waves and satisfy optimality in feed-forward controllers for wave energy conversion devices. Achieving a wave-prediction in the open ocean environment that is good enough to support feed-forward control in WEC’s is a key challenge that can only be achieved by combining the advantages of spatial and point measurements.
A novel sensor-fusion method will be utilized to systematically minimize errors in the measurement and prediction of the ocean waves utilizing these two measurement systems at sea. Obtaining and working with real representative wave data-sets will allow us to fully mature and validate our wave-prediction approach.
Previous efforts funded under SPA-I and SPA-II DoE funding revealed that wave prediction can enable significant performance improvements in WECs. However, further improvements in the prediction accuracy of such a system can further improve performance and reduce structural loads. This project includes a collaboration with the US Navy that is allowing us to leverage their wave sensing radar hardware.
