Miguel Prado works on a PhD study to design an optimization of wave energy converters. The study aims to describe the fundamental physical and economical constraints that are behind the dimensioning of wave energy converters. It focus on the power chain conversion of wave energy converters and leaves out the details of its structure, mooring and reliability. Understanding these constraints helps to guide rationally the design process and avoid unnecessary time spent in dead ends or unrealistic assumptions. Comparing with wind energy, it’s like trying to optimize a wind turbine without being aware of the Betz Limit.

The work resulted as a natural extension of the work Miguel did for AWS after the offshore tests done in Portugal with the prototype. During that time Miguel worked on improving the integrated design of the AWS. From this experience the boundaries of the AWS design optimization problem started to become visible. Some of boundaries are particular to AWS technology but the main ones are fundamental and independent of the technology.

The PhD study is done at Teamwork Technology, Henk Polinder of the Delft University of Technology is the academic supervisor.