Hardware-in-the-loop testing framework for active accumulator wave energy converters

Abstract

The hardware-in-the-loop technique is a hybrid co-simulation approach that joins real physical and virtual components. The real components may be the power take-off while the virtual ones the numerical models of sea wave and wave energy converter hydrodynamics. This simulation approach has been published with some regularity, however a review of the state-of-the-art has not been found, in particular in the research field dedicated to wave energy converters. Thus, the objective of this paper is to provide the ongoing results of such review, such as the generic testing framework and taxonomy, and their  articulation on the simulation of a new oil-hydraulic power take-off concept. In this new concept, different power take-off nominal pressures may be regulated according to different sea states, by changing the hydraulic accumulator charging characteristics. Therefore, this active accumulator is intended to allow an increase on the range of possible Power Take-Off damping forces, thus, better wave energy harvesting performance. The paper results are also intended to support novice and advanced researchers to design simulation approaches in a clear and appropriate manner.