Optimal control of nonlinear wave energy point converters

In this paper the optimal control law for a single nonlinear point absorber in irregular sea-states is derived, and proven to be a closed-loop controller with feedback from measured displacement, velocity and acceleration of the floater. However, a non-causal integral control component dependent on future velocities appears in the optimal control law, rendering the optimal control law less useful for real time implementation. To circumvent this problem a causal closed-loop controller with the same feedback information is proposed, based on a slight modification of the optimal control law. The basic idea behind the control strategy is to enforce the stationary velocity response of the absorber into phase with the wave excitation force at any time. The controller is optimal under monochromatic wave excitation. It is demonstrated that the devised causal controller, in plane irregular sea states, absorbs almost the same power as the optimal controller.