Maximum Efficiency Point Tracking Control for the Liquid-Electric Conversion Process in Ocean Thermal Energy Generation

The liquid-electric conversion process in ocean thermal energy generation involves multiple energy conversions, including mechanical potential energy, mechanical kinetic energy, and electrical energy, forming a complex nonlinear system. To improve the overall operating efficiency and increase operational endurance, a maximum efficiency point tracking (MEPT) control strategy is proposed. By developing a system efficiency model and utilizing a genetic algorithm (GA) for optimization, the optimal rotor speed trajectory of the permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) is tracked. Simulations demonstrate that the proposed strategy achieves up to a 7.85% efficiency improvement compared to conventional fixed-speed operation.