System-Level Approach to the Design, Development, Testing, and Validation of Wave Energy Converters at Ocean Power Technologies

Abstract

This paper describes the multi-discipline, multi-physics systems-based development of PowerBuoy® products at Ocean Power Technologies (OPT). The PowerBuoy is a moored system which extracts useful electrical power from waves. Different PowerBuoy systems have been developed for different markets (grid-connected systems vs. smaller autonomous systems) and/or different customer applications. Here the overall approach of PowerBuoy solution development will be described along with examples of system solutions recently developed and tested at OPT. Specifics focusing on developing initial concepts, thorough modeling and initial testing to eliminate risk, and down-selection of a final solution will be discussed. Further, final system design and validation and test results will be provided.