On optimization-based strategies in data-driven control of wave energy systems

To reach economic viability of wave energy converter (WEC) devices, the development suitable control logics is a fundamental step towards enabling commercial success. Given WECs nature, their control problem is of the energy-maximizing type. Control strategies are responsible of defining the proper control action, maximizing energy while ensuring safe operations. The computation of this action often requires an optimization process and the resulting control is said to be optimization-based. Usually, these optimizations require a control-oriented model of the system, which is prone to potential uncertainty sources. In this context, data-driven control strategies could provide a solution to the issues that usually characterize model-based logic. Motivated by this, we examine, in this paper, the fundamental relations between the concept of WEC optimal control, and the adoption of data in the optimization-based control computation, investigating intrinsic limitations, and highlighting consequences and opportunities this choice leads to in the design of such algorithms.