Optimization of Wave Converters PTO-system Efficiency

The focus of the current project is on improving the efficiency of the Power Take-Off systems (PTO-system) in wave energy converters, by investigating and optimizing a novel power take-off configuration, for which preliminary investigations have shown significant efficiency improvements compared to present solutions. The analysis here includes determine the optimal system topology, pressure levels in the system and designing a suited switching manifold, which controls how the pressure lines are connected to a given cylinder in the PTO-system. The task furthermore includes designing suited control strategies for the system and experimental verification of the system. The expected outcome of the project is therefore an optimized PTO-system, which has been experimentally verified, and which has a significantly improved system efficiency as compared to the presently known systems.