Equilibrium Analysis and Linearization of an Oscillating Water Column Energy System for Stability and Control

Oscillating Water Column (OWC) systems offer an effective approach for wave energy conversion, but their nonlinear dynamics create challenges for stability and control. This study conducts a systematic equilibrium analysis, addressing steady-state rotor speed and flux linkages to further study system stability assessment and control tuning. Solving nonlinear equilibrium equations provides insights into the system's steady-state behavior. The OWC state-space linearization framework employs Jacobian matrices and then, the nonlinear and linearized OWC models are compared. The results confirm the necessity of equilibrium-based modeling and error estimation to refine control strategies. A detailed assessment of linearization errors establishes the extent to which the linearized OWC model represents the nonlinear system, ensuring the applicability of classical control techniques. The proposed framework enhances the understanding of OWC stability, establishes a foundation for control design, and improves energy extraction efficiency.