Optimal Control
Optimal control is a game changer in the evolution of wave energy conversion (WEC) design, akin to the use of lift-based aerofoils in the design of wind turbines. Over the past decade, the controls design thinking within the WEC community has evolved from discrete techniques that have been shown to improve performance for specific device topologies, such as latching, to generic controls approaches where losses and constraints in the system can be handled efficiently when maximizing power. These types of modifications are crucial in creating practical, profitable WEC device topologies.
Re Vision has optimized a wide range of WEC device control systems leveraging causal and non-causal (MPC) based control algorithm frameworks and validated them using wave tank testing and in-ocean testing. In the process, we have developed a robust controls optimization code framework that can be applied to a wide range of projects.
