The National Laboratory of the Rockies has completed testing on an upgraded charge controller for its HERO WEC (hydraulic and electric reverse osmosis wave energy converter), marking a significant advancement in wave energy technology development. The HERO WEC project, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydropower and Hydrokinetic Office, uses wave energy to desalinate seawater and can operate in either hydraulic or electrical configurations.
Research began on the HERO WEC in 2020, with extensive testing across laboratory programs and ocean installations informing the transition from version one to version two designs. The research team identified the charge controller as a critical component requiring redesign. The original version relied on off-the-shelf components designed for other variable energy sources, but ocean testing demonstrated these standard parts could not adequately manage the irregular energy patterns inherent to wave energy.
The team developed a custom charge controller specifically engineered for wave energy applications, beginning with initial concept work in winter 2024. The design process included computer modeling and physical prototype construction. Testing occurred in two phases: benchtop validation of basic functionality, followed by laboratory simulation testing that replicated ocean conditions. Results showed the version two charge controller outperformed expectations, capturing up to eight times more power during laboratory testing compared to the original design.
Beyond immediate project benefits, the custom charge controller represents a broadly applicable solution for the wave energy sector. The hardware and software architecture can be modified to accommodate different wave energy converter technologies and varying power requirements, potentially accelerating development timelines for new systems. The research team has expressed interest in collaborating with technology developers to integrate this design into other applications through established research partnership programs.
Upcoming work will evaluate the charge controller within a complete electrical system test on a large-amplitude motion platform, simulating wave conditions before ocean deployment. The National Laboratory of the Rockies continues to focus on expanding access to data, components, and research findings that support wave energy technology advancement.