Power Tracking Control Challenges in Hydrokinetic Energy Conversion Systems

Hydrokinetic energy conversion technologies, being tested under controlled environment/pilot project, are at a juncture of pre-commercial or commercial deployment. Among various challenges, system control and operation is one where more attention needs to be focused. This article serves the purpose of providing a high-level subjective overview of the maximum power tracking problem in this class of technologies. Various regions of operation, underlying challenges, as well as several areas of opportunity are identified. These issues, which fall both within the realms of technical and non-technical matters, need to be further assessed holistically as the technology matures.