Abstract:
Wave Energy Converters (WECs) enable renewable power extraction from ocean
waves. The intermittent and dynamic behaviour of wave energy requires capture and
storage of energy extracted by the WEC. This work investigates the use of Lithium-ion
batteries (LIBs) in this application. LIBs offer high energy density, fast response, low self-
discharge rate, and high performance. However, the dynamic nature of the power
generation pattern in application to a WEC may result in the degradation of LIBs due to
dynamic nature of the charge-discharge cycles. This work investigates the application of a
LIB electrochemical model coupled with a dynamic simulation of a Moored Multi-mode
Multibody Power Take-off System to
demonstrate the capability to predict LIB degradation using simulations. The State of Health
(SOH) of the LIB is used as an indicator for battery degradation based on capacity reduction.
The work will also present the simulation results of potential increase in lifetime by having
supercapacitor energy storage to mitigate the rapid energy transfer from the LIB.
