Ocean Wave Energy Simulator

The Ocean Wave Energy Simulator by Ecosense is a complete lab-scale system that replicates the behavior of Oscillating Water Column (OWC) wave energy plants. It uses real ocean wave data to simulate irregular sea states and emulates the full energy conversion process using a DC motor to replicate turbine torque and a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) for electrical generation. With LabVIEW-based control, real-time monitoring, and grid-connected operation, it serves as a robust platform for education, research, and control strategy development in marine renewable energy.

Key Features

Real-time Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Simulation
Simulates wave dynamics, air chamber, and turbine torque in real time using FPGA-based control.
Irregular Wave Emulation
Supports multiple spectral models like Pierson–Moskowitz, JONSWAP, TMA, and Bretschneider.
OWC Plant Modeling
Complete simulation of Oscillating Water Column system including pressure dynamics and flow reversal.
Turbine Torque Reproduction
Simulates Wells turbine behavior with precise control over torque using a separately excited DC motor.
PMSG-Based Power Generation
Real-world PMSG setup with rectifier, DC-DC converter, and grid-connected inverter.
LabVIEW GUI Interface
Intuitive interface for selecting wave types, adjusting parameters, and visualizing performance.
Grid-Connected Inverter with Active/Reactive Control
Space vector control with independent P and Q regulation as per grid code compliance.
Experimental Validation Tools
Measure torque, wave spectra, power output, and DC link parameters in real time.
Supports Research on Grid Compliance & Fault-Ride-Through
Useful for grid fault analysis and exploring mitigation via storage or control techniques.

Learning Module

Ocean Wave Energy Conversion Fundamentals

Introduction to ocean energy and wave dynamics
Types of wave energy converters with focus on OWC systems
Understanding Wells turbine operation and characteristics
Statistical wave spectrum models: Pierson–Moskowitz, JONSWAP, TMA, Bretschneider
Emulation of irregular waves using real ocean data
Chamber and turbine modeling principles

Electrical Generation & Grid Integration

Working with PMSG-based energy conversion systems
Torque generation and control using DC motor and FPGA-based current source
Rectification, DC-DC conversion, and inverter control
Active and reactive power management using space vector modulation (SVM)
DC link voltage stabilization and real-time power flow monitoring
Grid code compliance and control strategy implementation

Simulation, Control, and Research Applications

Using LabVIEW interface for wave configuration and real-time monitoring
Experimental validation under different wave profiles
Fault ride-through analysis and system behavior during grid disturbances
Research-oriented studies on low-frequency power oscillations
Custom wave generation and test-bed for novel control algorithms
Integration of energy storage systems for smoothing intermittent output

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