Sliding Mode Control of a Nonlinear Wave Energy Converter Model

The most accurate wave energy converter models for heaving point absorbers include nonlinearities, which increase as resonance is achieved to maximize the capture. Over power production spectrum and within physical limits of devices, efficiency converters can be enhanced by employing a control scheme that accounts these nonlinearities. This paper proposes sliding mode absorber includes nonlinear effects dynamic static Froude-Krylov forces. controller tracks reference velocity matches phase excitation force ensure higher absorption. algorithm tested in regular linear waves compared complex-conjugate variation control. results show successfully keeps device displacement bounded while absorbing more than other strategies. Furthermore, due robustness law, it also accommodate disturbances uncertainties model converter.