Nonlinear Energy-Maximizing Optimal Control of Wave Energy Systems: A Moment-Based Approach

Linear dynamics are virtually always assumed when designing optimal controllers for wave energy converters (WECs), motivated by both their simplicity and computational convenience. Nevertheless, unlike traditional tracking control applications, the assumptions under which linearization of WEC models is performed challenged energy-maximizing controller itself, intrinsically enhances device motion to maximize power extraction from incoming ocean waves. In this article, we present a moment-based strategy WECs subject nonlinear dynamics. We develop framework objective function (and system variables) can be mapped finite-dimensional tractable program, efficiently solved using state-of-the-art programming solvers. Moreover, show that belongs class generalized convex functions moment domain, guaranteeing existence global solution giving explicit conditions local is, effectively, maximizer. The performance demonstrated through case study, where consider (state input-constrained) maximization CorPower-like WEC, different hydrodynamic nonlinearities.