Phase and Amplitude Control of a Linear Generator for Wave Energy Conversion

Direct drive power take-off for wave energy conversion has been proposed as a viable alternative to hydraulic and pneumatic based systems found in conventional wave energy converters. Allowing for further benefits to be realised, this paper presents a reaction force control scheme to maximise energy extraction, and investigates the modelling and simulation of a direct drive wave energy converter. The control scheme is applied to an experimental test rig with a prototype linear machine with results presented and analysed.