Hybrid testing, often referred to as hardware-in-the-loop, is when some parts of a complete system are modeled virtually and some parts are modeled experimentally, with information flowing back-and-forth between the virtual and experimental parts. Hybrid testing speeds up prototyping and testing. In this paper we outline the hybrid set-up for testing the performance of a hydraulic pump which is used as part of the power take-off system of the Wavepiston multi-body floating oscillating wave surge converter (OWSC). The motion of the OWSC is modeled in Orcaflex and the hydraulic system is simulated using Simscape. Due to the long stroke-length of the telescopic pump, a test rig handling only 1/3 of the stroke-length was constructed. The co-simulation, and linking to the test rig, is done using the Model.CONNECTTM and Testbed.CONNECTTM framework by AVL. The results obtained can be used for improving the numerical representation of the pump and validating models for the wear of the seals inside the pump.
With increasing demand for renewable energy resources, the development of alternative concepts is still ongoing. The wave energy sector is still in vast development on the way to contribute to the energy production world wide. The present study presents the development of the Exowave wave energy converter made so far. A numerical model has been established supported by wave flume tests performed at Aalborg University during the first phase of the development. Furthermore, a successful open sea demonstration has been performed on 7 meters of water at Blue Accelerator, Belgium, from which the concept has been proven. As part of the ongoing research, verification of the numerical model will be made through experimental testing in the wave tank of Aalborg University, and an open sea demonstration at 14 meters of water depth will be executed off the coast of Hanstholm, Denmark.