Overview
IEC TS 62600-103:2018 provides guidelines for the early-stage development and testing of wave energy converters (WECs) at sub‑prototype scale. The Technical Specification covers structured test programmes for controlled wave tank tests and the first large‑scale sea trials, defining the minimum test programmes, prerequisites, goals and test plans that form a staged technology development schedule for pre‑prototype devices.
Keywords: wave energy, wave energy converters, pre-prototype testing, wave tank testing, sea trials, early-stage development
Key topics and technical requirements
- Staged development approach: A three‑stage pathway (Stages 1–3) with defined stage gates and criteria to progress from lab models to sea trials.
- Test planning: Guidance on facility selection, design statements and minimum test plans tailored to each stage.
- Similitude and modelling: Requirements for geometric, structural and hydrodynamic similitude, and representation of the power conversion chain (PCC) during model tests.
- Testing environments: Distinguishes between controlled laboratory conditions (regular and irregular waves, long- and short-crested) and natural sea states for Stage 3 trials.
- Data acquisition and instrumentation: Best practices for signal conditioning, sampling, analogue‑to‑digital conversion, synchronization, calibration and instrument response functions.
- Performance measurement: Methods to present power performance, response amplitude operators (RAOs), scatter diagrams and other performance indicators in both regular and irregular waves.
- Kinematics, dynamics and survival testing: Procedures for operational and extreme event testing to assess motions, loads and survivability.
- Reporting, uncertainty and verification: Minimum reporting content, presentation formats and guidance on uncertainty analysis and third‑party review.
Annexes include example test plans, physical modelling guidance and uncertainty considerations to support reproducible test campaigns.
Applications and users
This TS is intended for:
- WEC designers and developers planning sub‑prototype validation and first sea trials.
- Wave tank and ocean testing facilities establishing agreed test programmes.
- Research institutions performing physical modelling and scale testing.
- Certification bodies and investors seeking standardized evidence of early‑stage performance and risk reduction.
- Project engineers developing test instrumentation, data acquisition and reporting templates.
Practical benefits include accelerated technology maturation, consistent test datasets, clearer go/no‑go stage gates, and improved comparability across devices.
Related standards
IEC TS 62600-103 is part of the broader IEC 62600 family addressing marine energy converters. Users should consult other IEC 62600 documents for device‑specific or system‑level requirements and certification pathways.