Advanced Water Power Technology Development Wave and Current Energy Technologies

The technical feasibility of extracting energy from ocean waves has already been demonstrated. However, the commercial viability of the technology ¿ i.e., the cost-effective supply of large quantities of power into the grid ¿ is as yet unproven. Next generation systems will require the development of a wave energy converter (WEC) that can satisfy numerous performance, cost, safety, and environmental compliance requirements. In particular, the WEC must capture more energy from passing waves; be is easy to deploy, operate, and maintain; be environmentally benign; and survive in harsh operating environments. In addition, utility-scale power production will require a control system that optimizes the performance of large numbers of WECs deployed in arrays. This project will develop an innovative WEC and an accompanying control system that satisfies all of the above conditions. Phase I (1) develop hydrodynamic performance models for the innovative WEC design, (2) characterize an innovative control system and power conditioning system that continuously maximizes power output from multiple WECs deployed in an array, and (3) model the performance of the integrated system in a simulated 50 MW grid-connected array. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The advanced WEC and control system should speed the adoption of wave energy technologies for utility-scale power production, with resultant societal benefits related to reduction in greenhouse gases and less dependence on foreign oil.