Sandia engineer wins IEEE award for wave research

Researcher at Sandia National Laboratories, Giorgio Bacelli, has received recognition for his wave energy research from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Bacelli was recognized for his contribution to the controls industry in the field of renewable ocean energy. Namely, he co-authored the paper that won the 2016 IEEE Control Systems Magazine Outstanding Paper Award.

The winning paper presents new numerical methods for formulating control problems for wave energy converters.

Bacelli said the new methodology will help developers integrate control systems into wave energy converters designs, which will result in greater power generation.

IEEE gives the award annually to recognize the article that offers the greatest benefits to the members of the Control Systems Society, Sandia Labs informed.

Bacelli said he co-wrote the paper, titled ‘Energy-Maximizing Control of Wave Energy Converters: The Development of Control System Technology to Optimize Their Operation,’ with John Ringwood and Francesco Fusco while completing his doctorate at Maynooth University in Ireland in 2014.

At Sandia Labs, Bacelli is currently involved in developing advanced control systems for wave energy converters to drive the wave energy industry toward commercialization.

IEEE is a professional association dedicated to advancing technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity. The association has more than 420,000 members in over 160 countries.