Lessons learned using electrical research test infrastructures to address the electrical challenges faced by ocean energy developers

The design and control of power take-off systems (PTO) of wave energy converters (WECs) require in-depth analysis in order to ascertain their energy capabilities and operation boundaries. However, many of the properties of the PTO system can be difficult to replicate in numerical simulations. The use of electrical research test infrastructures incorporating hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation can be used instead to investigate the operation of the device using real electrical equipment and measured signals, in combination with the simulated numerical model. This paper will demonstrate the methodology of integrating a WEC into an electrical test infrastructure incorporating HIL, and adapting the WEC to fit to the physical limitations of the infrastructure. Four case studies of oscillating water column devices, at various stages of development progress, are used to illustrate the procedures. The results show the benefits and limitations of using the electrical test infrastructure, and the lessons learned that must be taken into account for future tests. Finally, recommendations are made on how electrical test infrastructures may be advanced in order to accelerate the development of WECs.