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This paper describes a new maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm developed to control a wave energy converter (WEC) in random seas. This algorithm, named the cycling MPPT algorithm, is compared to a perturb and observe algorithm described in numerous literature. Both algorithms were initially tested during 2012 ocean tests of the half-scale prototype Wave Energy Technology-New Zealand (WET-NZ) WEC off the Oregon coast. During these sea trials the perturb and observe algorithm failed to provide effective control of the WET-NZ, while the cycling algorithm was observed to give effective control. More complete investigations were later carried out using MATLAB-Simulink simulations of an autonomous WEC (AWEC) being developed at Oregon State University. The results of the AWEC simulations also showed the cycling algorithm provided better control than the perturb and observe algorithm. The operation of the cycling algorithm was fully characterized during the AWEC simulations and these results are presented. Keywords-Marine energy, maximum power point tracking (MPPT), ocean wave energy, power control, wave energy converter (WEC). I.

This paper presents a novel Ocean Sentinel instrumentation buoy that the Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center (NNMREC) has developed with AXYS Technologies for the testing of wave energy converters (WECs). NNMREC is a Department of Energy-sponsored partnership among Oregon State University (OSU), the University of Washington (UW), and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The Ocean Sentinel instrumentation buoy is a surface buoy based on the 6-m NOMAD (Navy Oceanographic Meteorological Automatic Device) design. The Ocean Sentinel provides power analysis, data acquisition, and environmental monitoring, as well as an active converter interface to control power dissipation to an onboard electrical load. The WEC being tested and the instrumentation buoy are moored with approximately 125 meters separation; connected by a power and communication umbilical cable. The Ocean Sentinel was completed in 2012 and was deployed for the testing of a WEC at the NNMREC open-ocean test site, north of Newport, OR, during August and September of 2012.

This paper describes ocean testing of the half-scale Wave Energy Technology-New Zealand (WET-NZ) prototype wave energy converter (WEC) using the Ocean Sentinel instrumentation buoy during a 6-week deployment period in August‐October 2012. These tests were conducted by the Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center (NNMREC) at its Pacific Ocean test site off the coast of Newport, Oregon. The WET-NZ is the product of a research consortium between Callaghan Innovation, a New Zealand Crown Entity, and Power Projects Limited (PPL), a Wellington, New Zealand private company. The Oregon deployment was project managed by Northwest Energy Innovations (NWEI), a Portland, OR firm. NNMREC is a Department of Energy sponsored partnership between Oregon State University (OSU), the University of Washington (UW), and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The Ocean Sentinel instrumentation buoy is a 6-m surface buoy, developed in 2012, that provides a stand-alone electrical load, WEC generator control, and data collection for WECs being tested. The Ocean Sentinel was deployed and operated for the first time during the 2012 WET-NZ tests. During these tests, the operation of the WET-NZ was demonstrated and its performance was characterized, while also proving successful deployment and operation of the Ocean Sentinel.

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