Using Energy Storage for Novel Control of Off-Grid and On-Grid Wave Energy Arrays

This work assesses the feasibility of using energy storage to make a step-change improvement in control for off-grid and on-grid wave energy arrays. This has been brought about by a need for arrays of smaller wave energy devices to utilise the less-energetic wave resource off the coast of China. For a lower energy resource, control of arrays is even more important in order to optimise performance and to improve survivability. As the focus is on future deployment of arrays in China, the step-change is only possible with the expertise in wave climate, off-grid connection of devices and power systems in China; hence this contribution is provided by project partners in China.

With such a differing wave energy resource, Chinese developers cannot simply replicate and bring European devices and facilities (such as Pelamis) to East Asia. Deploying an array of optimally controlled smaller wave energy converters can be a solution, and this has been recognised as a need in China. The work in this project benefits wave energy technology developers who are considering array development and the challenges involved. The work will help to promote and instil confidence in the potential of wave energy arrays as a feasible method of generating clean electricity. In the short term, users of this research would be researchers in wave energy who can apply the proposed techniques in control and modelling. The bigger picture is that the work will make a significant contribution to wave energy array development in UK and China to reduce carbon emissions and generate electricity by sustainable means, to the benefit of both countries and its people.