Graduation date: 2008
Ocean wave energy is rapidly becoming a field of great interest in the world of renewable energy. Significant advancements in design and technology are being made to make wave energy a viable alternative for our growing energy demands. The two major hurdles for ocean wave energy to make a significant contribution to our nations energy needs are the permitting of commercial wave parks and the creation of an ocean wave energy converter that is cost effective and reliable. Significant improvements in wave energy converters are now possible with the implementation of specialized generators and power electronic technologies. This allows for dynamic generator loading that gives the ability to control the buoy in order to increase power production and reliability. This thesis presents the development of a novel control design for a wave energy generator which focuses on reliability and power production.