Real-Time Hardware Emulation of a Power Take-Off Model for Grid-Connected Tidal Energy Systems

This paper describes the dynamic models of the complete power take-off system (PTO) for grid-connected tidal energy systems and performs its real-time simulation on a parallel hardware platform. It is aimed at (i) validating the system concept by showing if the operational performance and limits of the PTO meet the requirements set by the turbine, (ii) providing the realtime simulation as a development tool for the control algorithms. It is shown that the presented level of modeling and real-time analysis are a good foundation for a performance assessment of the overall system control prior to any installation of the hydrokinetic turbine.