The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Deep Reinforcement Learning Based Damping Control of Wave Energy Converter
ID:1587 Poster Presentation

2027-01-15 16:45 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 79 - Emerging technologies for monitoring ocean biodiversity

Abstract
This paper proposes a damping control method for Wave Energy Converters (WECs) based on the Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) algorithm, aiming to maximize energy capture. By adjusting the equivalent resistance of the external load on a permanent magnet DC generator, continuous regulation of the equivalent damping of the Power-Take-Off (PTO) system is achieved, forming a semi-active control strategy that requires no energy feedback. A "wave-to-wire" simulation environment encompassing hydrodynamics, transmission systems, and generator models was established. An analytical solution for the optimal external resistance under regular wave conditions was derived to serve as a benchmark for control performance. Simulation results indicate that, compared to the optimal passive damping control based on frequency-domain analysis, the DDPG controller significantly enhances the system's energy capture efficiency while satisfying constraints on buoy displacement and generator current—achieving approximately a 100% increase in electrical energy output over a 50-second simulation period. This confirms the potential of deep reinforcement learning for achieving end-to-end optimal control in complex wave energy systems.
Speaker
Haochen Ji HKU

Author
Haochen Ji HKU

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

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    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

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    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027