Scientists at the National Laboratory of the Rockies have been developing improvements to the HERO WEC, a wave energy converter designed to generate power and desalinate seawater. The project, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydropower and Hydrokinetic Office, represents a continuation of work initiated in 2020 that has involved extensive laboratory testing and multiple ocean installations.
A significant advancement in the device’s design involved creating a specialized charge controller for the electrical configuration of the system. The charge controller manages voltage and current flow from the wave energy converter to battery storage, with the primary function of preventing battery overcharging. The original design relied on commercial components developed for other variable renewable energy sources, but ocean testing demonstrated that these standard parts could not adequately manage the irregular power surges characteristic of wave energy systems.
The research team developed a new charge controller design during winter 2024 and subjected it to rigorous testing protocols. Initial validation using benchtop equipment was followed by more comprehensive evaluation using laboratory simulation systems that replicated ocean conditions. Testing results demonstrated that the redesigned controller substantially outperforms the original version, achieving power capture levels up to eight times greater during laboratory conditions. This improved performance translates to enhanced power generation, more reliable battery charging, and increased desalination capacity for the overall system.
Beyond its application to this specific project, the custom charge controller is positioned as a potential tool for broader industry advancement. The modular design of both hardware and software components allows adaptation for various wave energy converter technologies with different power and operational specifications. The research team has indicated interest in collaborating with other technology developers to integrate the proven charge controller architecture into their systems through established cooperative research programs.
The next phase of evaluation will involve system-wide testing on the laboratory’s large-amplitude motion platform, examining how the complete electrical system responds to simulated wave conditions before proceeding to ocean deployment testing.