IEC TS 62600-103:2018. Marine energy - Wave, tidal and other water current converters - Part 103: Guidelines for the early stage development of wave energy converters - Best practices and recommended procedures for the testing of pre-prototype devices. Version 1.0.

Abstract

This part of IEC TS 62600 is concerned with the sub-prototype scale development of WECs. It includes the wave tank test programmes, where wave conditions are controlled so they can be scheduled, and the first large-scale sea trials, where sea states occur naturally and the programmes are adjusted and flexible to accommodate the conditions. A full-scale prototype test schedule is not covered in this document. Bench tests of PTO (power take-off) equipment are also not covered in this document. This document describes the minimum test programmes that form the basis of a structured technology development schedule. For each testing campaign, the prerequisites, goals and minimum test plans are specified. This document addresses: • Planning an experimental programme, including a design statement, technical drawings, facility selection, site data and other inputs as specified in Clause 5. • Device characterisation, including the physical device model, PTO components and mooring arrangements where appropriate. • Environment characterisation, concerning either the tank testing facility or the sea deployment site, depending on the stage of development. • Specification of specific test goals, including power conversion performance, device motions, device loads and device survival. Guidance on the measurement sensors and data acquisition packages is included but not dictated. Providing that the specified parameters and tolerances are adhered to, selection of the components and instrumentation can be at the device developer’s discretion. An important element of the test protocol is to define the limitations and accuracy of the raw data and, more specifically, the results and conclusion drawn from the trials. A methodology addressing these limitations is presented with each goal so the plan always produces defendable results of defined uncertainty. This document intends to serve a wide audience of wave energy stakeholders, including device developers and their technical advisors; government agencies and funding councils; test centres and certification bodies; private investors; and environmental regulators and NGOs.