WP2: Survivability, Reliability, and Optimised Control of Devices in the Marine Environment

This work package is dedicated to ensuring the long-term survivability and reliability of the WEC in extreme marine environments, while also improving its operational efficiency through advanced control systems. Key aspects include smart monitoring, predictive maintenance, and optimized control strategies to enhance the device’s performance and reduce downtime.

WP2.1 Smart Sensor and Data Acquisition Framework

• Integration of smart sensors throughout the WEC to monitor key parameters such as structural integrity, motion, and environmental conditions (eg, wave height, pressure, and temperature).
• This framework collects real-time data, which is critical for assessing the health of the device and ensuring operational safety. The sensors provide continuous feedback, allowing for detailed analysis of the WEC’s performance under various conditions.

Define application demands > Choice of sensor types > Define operational parameters > Determine cost function > Choice of optimisation algorithm > Define inputs > Optimised sensor placement > Deployment

WP2.2 Intelligent Condition Monitoring

• Using the data from WP2.1, advanced algorithms are applied to monitor the condition of the WEC. These algorithms can detect early signs of wear, fatigue, or failure in components, allowing for proactive maintenance before issues become critical.
• This task is crucial for ensuring the reliability and durability of the device, reducing operational risks and extending the lifespan of the WEC.

WP2.3 Predictive Maintenance

• Building on the condition monitoring system, predictive maintenance strategies are developed to prevent unplanned downtime. By analysing historical data and current sensor readings, the system predicts when components are likely to fail or require servicing.
• Maintenance can then be scheduled at optimal times, improving overall system uptime and reducing operational costs:

Raw time series data > Pre-process the data > KPCA for feature extraction > Train LSTM regression > Predict PTO's forces > Calculate power outputs for each PTO > Evaluate prediction > Find optimal solution

WP2.4 Optimised Control Strategy

• Development of a dynamic control system that adjusts the WEC’s operation based on real-time sea conditions. The control system optimizes the movement of the internal inertial mass and the PTO system to ensure maximum energy capture while maintaining structural safety.
• This strategy ensures that the WEC operates efficiently across a range of sea states, from calm to extreme conditions, enhancing energy output while protecting the device from damage.