Maximum power extraction from a hydrokinetic energy conversion system

Abstract

Hydrokinetic energy conversion systems capture the power available in the water flowing in waterways. An electrical interface for the power takeoff of a hydrokinetic energy conversion system was designed and a control strategy for the maximum power extraction was investigated. A laboratory prototype was used for the experimental characterisation of the system. High efficiencies were observed because of the restricted flow conditions. The power curves obtained from the experimental results were used for the simulation of the system in MATLAB/Simulink. A 'perturb and observe' method was used for the maximum power point tracking (MPPT). A control scheme based on a heuristic algorithm suitable for restricted and turbulent water flows was developed. A practical advantage of this scheme is that it does not require the use of mechanical sensors. The MPPT of the laboratory prototype was simulated and experimental validation undertaken, with simulation and experimental results agreeing well. The MPPT of a full-scale hydrokinetic energy conversion system was simulated to assess its performance towards practical deployment.

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