Experimental Assessment of the Power Conversion of a Wave Energy Converter Using Hydraulic Power Take-Off Mechanism

Abstract

The hydraulic power take-off (HPTO) is considered as the most promising method to convert wave power to electrical power. This paper presents an experimental assessment of the power conversion of a wave energy converter using HPTO. Based on the experimental results, a modification of accumulator pre-charged pressure and a control strategy were proposed to improve the system performance. System design, the working principle and mathematical model of all components were described. The proposed method was verified based on both simulation and experimental tests. The results showed that the system always works at an optimal condition under different input wave conditions.