The control system consists of a 3-layer global solution, each one having its clearly defined goal. The 1st layer is the main program implemented in the WEC Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) in charge of ensuring the safe device operation. It includes several control levels and centralises all necessary monitored data from all the sub-systems. The 2nd layer is implemented in the PLC and enabled by the 1st layer. It is the real time core controller where the control strategy is applied to optimise power production and the overall WEC performance. It includes 3 control strategies: a basic sea-state control, a non-linear MPC and fault tolerant control. The 3rd layer is an external one which processes the database fed by layer 1 through data fusion between various data sources (real data streams from the WEC and its environment and fast access to historical data in the database) and uses machine learning to advise the 2nd layer in charge of maximising the power production and the 1st layer to tackle availability issues.

The control methodology as developed here is generic and applicable to any WEC type. It is meant to set a new approach in terms of WEC control design, encapsulating WEC technology specificities in layer 2 and placing it in a broader framework.

Technalia presented a poster on their Stage 1 Control Systems project at the 2017 WES Annual Conference. All Stage 1 Control System posters are available to download here.