Karlskrona/Gothenburg, Sweden; 1 November 2024

INFINITY Project will develop lifetime-aware Model Predictive Control (MPC) to be tested on
InfinityWECs power take-off in an HIL test rig at VGA in Italy.

Optimizing power take-off systems and control algorithms for wave energy converters is an essential to
reduce the use of materials per MW installed capacity and lower the levelized cost of energy (LCOE).
The INFINITY Project delivers the next generation PTO and control system, taking advantage of learnings
and test methods from both the IMPACT and the VALID H2020 projects.

The project is co-ordinated by RISE Research Institute of Sweden, and will run for three years starting in
December 2024. New high-fidelity simulation models will be developed by COER at Maynooth University
to facilitate the development of a new non-linear moment-based and lifetime-aware MPC algorithm by
Politecnico Di Torino. A 1:3 scale InfinityWEC power take-off will be built, and tested with the new control
algorithm in VGAs HIL test-rig in Italy. The tests will demonstrate real-time performance of the new MPC,
and verify the improved lifetime of the power take-off, leading to reduced CAPEX/OPEX relative to the
annual energy production. The project aims for 20% LCOE reduction.

“The INFINITY project will pave the way for model
predictive control on real-time control systems,
which will significantly reduce LCOE for wave
energy,” says Mikael Sidenmark, CEO of Ocean
Harvesting. “Our InfinityWEC is designed
specifically to benefit from advanced control
algorithms in order to maximize energy
production, and also control motion and loads for
reliable operation and long life.” he continues.

The InfinityWEC power take-off uses a
combination of highly efficient direct drive ball
screw actuators and a hydrostatic pre-tensioning
system to provide instant force control
capabilities. The buoy is made of ultra-high
performance concrete (UHPC) in a honeycomb
structure, leading to very low weight. The
combination of high performance and use of low-
cost and circular materials results in exceptional
resource efficiency with low weight, cost and CO2
per MW/MWh.

Source, Ocean Harvesting