This submission contains several papers, a final report, descriptions of a theoretical framework for two types of control systems, and descriptions of eight real-time flap load control policies with the objective of assessing the potential improvement of annual average capture efficiency at a reference site on an MHK device developed by Resolute Marine Energy, Inc. (RME). The submission also contains an LCOE model that estimates the performance and related energy cost improvements that each advanced control system might provide and recommendations for improving DOE's LCOE model. The two types of control systems are for wave energy converters which transform data into commands that, in the case of RME's OWSC wave energy converter, provide real-time adjustments to damping forces applied to the prime mover via the power take-off system (PTO). The control theories developed were: 1) Model Predictive Control (MPC) or so-called "non-causal" control whereby sensors deployed seaward of a wave energy converter measure incoming wave characteristics and transmit that information to a data processor which issues commands to the PTO to adjust the damping force to an optimal value; and 2) "Causal" control which utilizes local sensors on the wave energy converter itself to transmit information to a data processor which then issues appropriate commands to the PTO. The two advanced control policies developed by Scruggs and Re Vision were then compared to a simple control policy, Coulomb damping, which was utilized by RME during the two rounds of ocean trials it had conducted prior to the commencement of this project. The project work plan initially included a provision for RME to conduct hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing of the data processors and configurations of valves, sensors and rectifiers needed to implement the two advanced control systems developed by Scruggs and Re Vision Consulting but the funding for that aspect of the project was cut at the conclusion of Budget Period 1. Accordingly, more work needs to be done to determine: a) means and feasibility of implementing real-time control; and b) added costs associated with such implementation taking into account estimated effects on system availability in addition to component costs.

Spreadsheet which provides estimates of reductions in Levelized Cost of Energy for a surge-mode wave energy converter (WEC). This is made available via adoption of the advanced control strategies developed during this research effort.

Spreadsheet which provides estimates of reductions in Levelized Cost of Energy for a surge-mode wave energy converter (WEC). This is made available via adoption of the advanced control strategies developed during this research effort.

A report on state estimation for advanced control of wave energy converters (WECs), with supporting data models and slides from the overview presentation. The methods discussed are intended for use to enable real-time closed loop control of WECs.

Data from Advanced Laboratory and Field Arrays (ALFA) Non-linear Ocean Waves and Power Take-Off (PTO). Control Strategy project conducted at the O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory (HWRL) at Oregon State University in 2019/2020. Contains two zip files (ALFANL.zip, ALFANL2.zip) from two phases of testing with data in engineering units and a report detailing the testing. This data collected by HWRL. A readme file in the docs folder explains the data collection and format. Six zip files (foswec-1 to foswec-6) data recorded by the Floating Oscillating Surge Wave Energy Converter (FOSWEC). Data organized by date and time and report describes data. A test report (ALFA Non-linear Ocean Waves Test Report.docx) details the experiments and data recording.

This dataset includes data from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) wave energy converter (WEC) and a nearby located Sofar Spotter buoy. The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute has developed and deployed a small two-body point absorber wave energy device suitable to autonomous underwater vehicle, sensor system, and even aquaculture farm needs. For more information on the MBARI WEC see the research journal attached in the submission.

This project shows that the choice of a secondary DOF for survivability is a viable option to reduce the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) in WEC designs. This report will cover the calculation of the concluded LCOE advantage using Dehlsen Associates’ “Centipod” WEC, but will also discuss the entire project from start to finish, including mid and high-fidelity modeling, survival mode trade study, wave basin testing, and design tool cross-verification and validation.

Final Technical Report for "Advanced Controls for the Multi-pod Centipod WEC device" describing project parameters, organization, task activities, accomplishments, and conclusions. See other submissions under this DOE project for economic viability, design geometry, and modeling.

Project baseline levelized cost of energy (LCOE) model for the Centipod WEC containing annual energy production (AEP) data, a cost breakdown structure (CBS), model documentation, and the LCOE content model. This baseline was built for comparison with the resultant LCOE model, built after implementation of the model predictive control (MPC) controller.

Quarterly Technical Report for "Advanced Controls for the Multi-pod Centipod WEC device" describing project parameters, organization, task activities, accomplishments, and conclusions. See other submissions under this DOE project for economic viability, design geometry, and modeling. The purpose of this quarterly report is to release a progress report immediately, while the final report and remaining project items await release before the moratorium date.