Project description
Smart control technology for wave energy conversion
Despite advancements in wave energy converter (WEC) control, progress in wave energy conversion is limited by challenges in accurately managing non-linear models during controller design. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the SWELL project will enhance smart control technology for WECs, reducing the cost of energy to attract investment in renewables. It will create the first data-driven model-predictive controller (MPC) designed specifically for WECs, in order to integrate advanced control methods, hydrodynamics and machine learning. By developing accurate models of WEC dynamics, the project aims to optimise energy conversion through an efficient MPC, focusing on real-time control implementation at low costs to promote wave energy commercialisation.
Objective
This project (SWELL) aims to pioneer the next generation of smart control technology for wave energy converters (WECs), addressing the urgent challenge of reducing their levelized cost of energy to attract investments in this promising renewable energy technology. Despite recent progress in WEC control, improvements in wave energy conversion remain limited due to the difficulties of handling accurate nonlinear models in the controller design. To overcome this, SWELL will develop the first data-driven model predictive controller (MPC) tailored to WECs, combining cutting-edge control methods, hydrodynamics, and machine learning. SWELL will deliver accurate and validated models capturing the ubiquitous nonlinear effects of WECs and exploit them in the design of an MPC that optimizes energy conversion. By integrating expertise from three world-class hosts, the unique nature of SWELL will enable efficient, fast, and practical control implementation with real-time capabilities and a low-cost design, supporting the pathway towards the effective commercialization of wave energy. This project comprises four scientific work packages, which accomplish: (i) accurate nonlinear hydrodynamic modeling of wave energy converters, (ii) efficient MPC design exploitating the explicit MPC paradigm enabled by convex relaxation techniques, (iii) experimental validation of the developed models and control, through the definition of a custom analog electronic circuit efficiently implementing the designed MPC, and (iv) release of open-source software implementing the developed methods. This fellowship will expand the career horizons of the fellow through a highly multidisciplinary plan, building upon and extending beyond his current competencies. The fellow is well-positioned to undertake this project, enabling him to develop innovative concepts based on his PhD research. The unprecedented nature of this action will launch the fellow on a trajectory to a productive scientific career.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-GF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
10129 Torino
Italy
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.