A lower bound estimate of the gains stemming from quiescent period predictive control using conventional sea state statistics

The principle of quiescent period prediction control (QPPC) is introduced in the context of sea wave energy capture (WEC) devices. The QPPC strategy is compared to approaches using statistical wave parameters for adaptive control of WECs and is shown to offer considerable increases in the average power captured. Assessing the quantitative benefits of QPPC would normally be based on wave by wave sea surface elevation data. Such data are not typically available from commercial wave sensors, and hence the present work describes a technique for assessing a lower bound estimate to QPPC benefits using conventional statistical sea state parameters. A case study is presented for a site off Southern Ireland where over a 12 month period QPPC can deliver more than 100% increase in the average power captured.