Modeling and control of a coupled electromechanical system exploiting heave motion, for energy conversion from sea waves

The paper presents the design procedure and the modelling of performance for a special coupled electromechanical system, for use in sea wave energy extraction applications. The system is consisted of a specific linear permanent magnet generator combined with a cylindrical floating buoy moving due to the sea wave incidence. The system analysis requires particularly developed electromagnetic-mechanical-hydraulic simulation models. The proposed models suitability has been checked through measurements in a 16 kW prototype power plant.