A multiphysics approach to the design of a seawave energy conversion system

This paper presents a multiphysics approach to the design of a seawave energy conversion system which consists of a both a permanent magnet linear generator directly coupled to sea waves and the related power electronics conversion system. The thermal, electromagnetic and circuital aspects are included in the proposed approach. In order to maximize energy extraction, the stochastic features of the energy source is considered in the mathematical model of the whole system. An optimization procedures which includes the stochastic features of the model is presented and a machine built on the basis of the results of this procedure is shown. © 2008 IEEE.