An improved model predictive control method for wave energy converter with sliding mode control

The model accuracy and computational burden are key issues that remain in the realization of model predictive control (MPC) of wave energy converters (WECs). In this study, the viscous force is considered in a WEC model, and the accuracy of the model is improved. To solve the problems existing in the practical application of MPC in WECs, an improved model predictive control (IMPC) method with sliding mode control (SMC) is proposed that can reduce the quadratic programming (QP) performance requirements of the processor while maintaining a high energy conversion efficiency. The IMPC method includes two parts: 1) an advance prediction and calculation mechanism is used to provide the optimal control sequence and prediction trajectory, and 2) the SMC is used to compensate the model mismatch to improve the control accuracy. The effectiveness of the IMPC method with SMC was verified through numerical simulations.