First results from wave tank testing of different control strategies for a point absorber wave energy converter

In recent years many advanced control strategies have been proposed for wave energy converters, which significantly increase the energy conversion rate of the devices. So far most of these control schemes have only been investigated theoretically using simulations, which to a great extend are based on idealized assumptions. On the contrast, far less information regarding the testing of these control schemes in real life environments can be found. Under such circumstances, the control performance might be compromised by many factors such as model uncertainties, measurement noise or -delay.