Generation of regular waves with FPGA based controller in a wave channel

Wave channel systems provide crucial experimental platforms for the development and optimization of wave energy converters. By enabling the safe and repeatable simulation of real ocean conditions, these systems play a key role in understanding wave behavior and reducing design risks. They allow the generation of a specific wave model to investigate the effects of water waves on coastal structures, coastal ecosystems, and offshore platforms. In this study, a hydraulically controlled piston-type wave generator was utilized in a 24-meter-long wave channel, which measures 1 meter in width and 1 meter in height, to produce regular waves. The wave generation system in the channel is operated by a hydraulic cylinder with a 400 mm stroke, controlled by a proportional directional control valve. An NI-CRIO 9074 programmable automation controller (PAC), featuring Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology and an NI-9263 analog output module with 15-bit resolution, was used for controlling the proportional directional control valve. The cylinder position was measured at 15-bit resolution using an NI-9215 analog input module. A proportional-integral control (PI) technique was implemented on the NI-CRIO 9074 hardware. The controller gains were determined experimentally, with a computer employed to perform real-time measurement and data logging of the generated waves. The entire system is managed by the NI-CRIO 9074 and regular wave production is achieved through LabVIEW-based user interface programs running on the computer.