Irregular wave channel controlled by means of an artificial neural network and a linear motor

Abstract

This paper presents a novel system for unidirectional irregular wave generation. The paddle generator uses a linear electrical motor which is connected to a servo-control and this one to a personal computer. The automatic control of wave generation is made with a combined neural scheme by means of an artificial neural network feed-forward and an integral-proportional controller. The result is a system with simpler facilities, easy operation, and better performance in relation to the accuracy and speed of response compared with conventional systems, and with which the desired wave energy spectrums are generated. These characteristics of control performance allow a fast calibration of research experiments and the design of two-dimensional models of marine and coastal works.