A wave energy converter (WEC) based on a linear generator and a point-absorbing buoy has been developed at Uppsala University. Interconnecting an array of WECs in parallel requires a point of common coupling, such as a common dc-bus. The dc voltage level seen by the generator is directly linked to the electromagnetic damping of the generator. A lower dc-level results in a higher damping factor and is important for increased absorption of the wave power. The drawback is increased losses in generator windings and cable resistance. There will be an optimal dc-level for maximum power output. This is a function of not only generator and buoy characteristics, but the current sea state. Experimental results of the full-scale system have been carried out, and used as validation of a simulation model of the system. The model is then used to evaluate how the dc-level seen by the generator influence the power output. The results indicate that higher dc-levels should be used at higher sea states, and power output may vary by up to a factor five depending on which dc-level is chosen.
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January 2014
Technical Briefs
Evaluating Constant DC-Link Operation of Wave Energy Converter
Rickard Ekström,
Cecilia Boström,
Rafael Waters,
Mats Leijon
Mats Leijon
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Rickard Ekström
e-mail: riek@angstrom.uu.se
Venugopalan Kurupath
Cecilia Boström
e-mail: cecilia.bostrom@angstrom.uu.se
Rafael Waters
e-mail: rafael.waters@angstrom.uu.se
Mats Leijon
Contributed by the Dynamic Systems Division of ASME for publication in the Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement, and Control. Manuscript received September 14, 2012; final manuscript received June 9, 2013; published online August 30, 2013. Assoc. Editor: Evangelos Papadopoulos.
J. Dyn. Sys., Meas., Control. Jan 2014, 136(1): 014501 (6 pages)
Published Online: August 30, 2013
Article history
Received:
September 14, 2012
Revision Received:
June 9, 2013
Citation
Ekström, R., Kurupath, V., Boström, C., Waters, R., and Leijon, M. (August 30, 2013). "Evaluating Constant DC-Link Operation of Wave Energy Converter." ASME. J. Dyn. Sys., Meas., Control. January 2014; 136(1): 014501. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4024789
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