This report presents the findings of IMPACT, a Stage 2 project in the Wave Energy Scotland Control System Call.

Stage 2 of the IMPACT project focused on the development of an optimal velocity tracking (OVT) controller for point absorber WECs. Four exemplar WECs were developed, with OVT controllers then designed for each of them.

The methodology for designing OVT controllers was then formalised and a controller design tool created. The controller design tool was created as a MATLAB toolbox to allow ease of use by a broad range of developers and to allow the controllers to be easily implemented in the WEC-Sim simulation environment.

A FEED study of the controller hardware was completed and the controller was further developed to include PTO efficiencies and constraints. The control system was tested on a fifth WEC designed using data provided by WEC and PTO manufacturers.

The impact of the controller on the WES target outcome metrics was assessed and conclusions presented.

Project Keywords: Control Systems, Stage 2, Simulation, Lessons Learnt, Integration