Swedish company CorPower Ocean and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) have launched an ambitious collaboration that seeks to transform the future of wave energy by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
This project, supported by Vinnova, Sweden’s national innovation agency, is designed to improve the control and performance of wave energy converters .
A fusion of AI technology and ocean energy
The ongoing WACE (Wave AI Control Enhancement) project aims to combine optimized operating strategies with AI to improve the efficiency of wave energy converters (WECs).
Through a model-based design framework, the project will seek to refine the control of these devices and explore new, higher-performance control schemes, ensuring their viability even in extreme ocean conditions.
According to Gabriel Forstner, WACE project leader at CorPower, the incorporation of advanced AI represents a crucial step toward reducing the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and making wave energy a cost-effective source within the clean energy mix of the future.
The developed predictive control algorithm will also enable continuous optimization of the performance of wave energy systems, maximizing their ability to generate electricity from wave motion.
International collaboration for AI-powered wave energy
The collaboration between CorPower Ocean and NTNU highlights the technological innovation and critical financial support of Vinnova, which has provided the necessary resources to advance this project. CorPower Ocean, known for its C4 device, which has proven resilient to some of the Atlantic’s strongest storms , is now looking to improve the technology that converts wave energy into conventional energy.
This boost comes shortly after the company secured €32 million in Series B funding , which will allow them to take another step toward commercializing their technology. Furthermore, the Saoirse Wave project , which will be developed off the Irish coast, will incorporate CorPower converters, joining other projects in Scotland, Ireland, Portugal, and Norway.
Follow us on social media and don’t miss any of our posts!
YouTube LinkedIn Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok
Source and photo: CorPower Ocean
