Non-causal economic model predictive control for ocean wave energy maximisation based on wave-to-wire model

This paper proposes a non-causal economic model predictive control (EMPC) strategy based on wave prediction and integrated within the wave-to-wire model, aiming to improve the energy conversion efficiency of wave energy converters (WECs) and ensure safe operation under diverse sea states. Extending conventional EMPC approaches that primarily consider mechanical-side dynamics, this study integrates both mechanical and electrical subsystems within a unified wave-to-wire model and imposes a PTO control-input rate constraint to allow capturing the complete energy conversion path while ensuring electrical feasibility. The proposed non-causal EMPC guarantees recursive feasibility and satisfaction of safety constraints. It directly optimises an economic performance criterion that maximises energy extraction and minimises operational costs. The wave-to-wire model enables accurate evaluation of output energy through electrical variables such as generator current and voltage, thereby enhancing conversion efficiency. Taking a point absorber as a case study, simulation results demonstrate that the proposed framework achieves substantial improvements in energy production compared with conventional tracking-based MPC formulations. These findings confirm its effectiveness and highlight its potential for practical deployment in wave energy conversion control.