Dynamic performance enhancement of nonlinear AWS wave energy systems based on optimal super-twisting control strategy

Abstract

This paper presents a Super-Twisting Algorithm (STA) sliding mode control technique as an alternative to the conventional Proportional-Integral (PI) control system. This application is specifically in the context of a nonlinear Archimedes Wave Swing (AWS) device, which functions as a wave energy converter system (WECS) connected to the power grid. The main goal is dynamic performance enhancement of such wave energy systems under network disturbances. Two STA controllers are essential for the rectifier control system in the grid-connected system to capture the most power from waves while limiting losses in the AWS linear generator. In addition, four STA controllers are incorporated into the inverter control loop to preserve the DC link and common coupling voltages at the preset values. The Honey-Badger Algorithm (HBA) is applied for the optimization of gain parameters of the STA controllers, which are compared to the PI gains adjusted using the coot, the hybrid augmented grey wolf optimizer and cuckoo, and PSO search techniques to assess the worthiness of adopting this new control approach. The grid-connected AWS experiences a variety of faults, including symmetrical and unsymmetrical faults with successful and unsuccessful breaker reclosures. Finally, the system is experimentally validated using the OP4510 real-time simulator. The experimental results reveal that the HBA-STA controllers outperform PI controllers in omitting fluctuations in the regulated variables, making the STA a strong contender as a control method.