Annual energy and power quality from an all-electric Wave Energy Converter array

Power electronics and advanced motion control has allowed for creating Wave Energy Converters (WECs) with the generator directly coupled to the sinusoidal motions of the prime mover. However, this gives large fluctuations in output power, and the resulting peak to average power ratio exceeds most other energy producers. Moreover, the typical average power production from a WEC is lower than that of other power plants, typically less than 1 MW. Array connection of several WECs can mitigate these shortcomings by improving both the power output and power quality. Earlier studies performed on arrays by Fred. Olsen has shown a favorable outcome, and has demonstrated a reduction factor of four in the peak to average ratio for a small array. These results were obtained by simulating for the design wave state at the optimum wave direction. To obtain a complete power profile this work focus in simulating a full year of production by implementing the full scatter including wave directions for the Wavehub site. Also the previously ignored interaction forces within the array are taken into account. This allows for mapping annual load hours, installed power and the expected power quality at grid connection point.