Overview
IEC TS 62600-30:2018 - Marine energy - Wave, tidal and other water current converters - Part 30: Electrical power quality requirements - defines how to characterize and measure the electrical power quality of marine energy converter (MEC) units. The Technical Specification provides definitions, measurement quantities and standardized procedures applicable to a single MEC unit or a farm, for three‑phase grid connections or off‑grid installations, and for MEC units of any size.
Key topics and technical requirements
The document structures power quality assessment into clear technical elements and test methods:
- Power quality parameters: definitions and specification of quantities used to characterise MEC electrical output (voltage fluctuations, flicker, harmonics, interharmonics, higher frequency components, active and reactive power behaviour).
- Measurement procedures: standardized test methods for continuous operation and transient events (including response to temporary voltage drops and set‑point control testing).
- Active/reactive power rules: guidance on maximum measured power, ramp‑rate limitations and reactive power capability and set‑point control.
- Harmonics and interharmonics: procedures to quantify current harmonics and higher frequency components produced by MECs.
- Test system and equipment: suggested measurement system elements, equipment specifications, measurement ranges to exclude and instrumentation requirements for wave and tidal tests.
- Reporting and assessment: procedures for determining power quality metrics and informative annexes (sample report format, flicker assessment and measurement guidance).
Note: IEC TS 62600-30 includes symbols, terms, units and annexes (e.g., sample report and flicker calculation) to support consistent measurement and reporting.
Applications and who should use it
IEC TS 62600-30 is practical for anyone involved in development, testing, integration or regulation of marine energy systems:
- Manufacturers and device designers - to design converter controls that meet grid quality expectations.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies - to perform reproducible power quality tests and prepare compliance reports.
- Project developers and integrators - to assess grid connection compatibility, prepare grid connection studies and specify requirements in power purchase or interconnection agreements.
- Grid operators and utilities - to evaluate the impact of MEC units on distribution/ transmission networks and define acceptance criteria.
- Researchers and consultants - to compare devices, analyse performance, and develop mitigation measures for flicker, harmonics and transient behaviour.
Related standards
- Part of the IEC 62600 series (marine energy standards). IEC TS 62600-30 references common power quality and measurement practice in related IEC work; users should consult other parts of the IEC 62600 series and applicable power quality standards when preparing tests and grid connection documentation.
Keywords: IEC TS 62600-30, marine energy, wave energy, tidal energy, marine energy converter, power quality, measurement procedures, harmonics, flicker, reactive power.