Standardising Marine Renewable Energy Testing: Gap Analysis and Recommendations for Development of Standards

Abstract

Marine renewable energy (MRE) is still an emerging technology. As such, there is still a lack of mature standards and guidance for the development and testing of these devices. The sector covers a wide range of disciplines, so there is a need for more comprehensive guidance to cover these. This paper builds on a study undertaken in the MaRINET2 project to summarise recommendations and guidance for testing MRE devices and components, by reviewing the recently published guidance. Perceived gaps in the guidance are then discussed, expanding on the previous study. Results from an industry survey are also used to help quantify and validate these gaps. The main themes identified can be summarised as: the development progression from concept to commercialisation, including more complex environmental conditions in testing, accurately modelling and quantifying the power generated, including grid integration, plus modelling and testing of novel moorings and foundation solutions. A pathway to a standardised approach to MRE testing is presented, building on recommendations learnt from the MaRINET2 round-robin testing, showing how these recommendations are being incorporated into the guidance and ultimately feeding into the development of international standards for the marine renewable energy sector.

Round Robin Laboratory Testing of a Scaled 10 MW Floating Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine

“…The EU H2020 MaRINET2 project 2 aims to improve the quality, robustness and accuracy of physical modelling and testing practices implemented by test infrastructures. Research carried out within MaRINET2 [2,3] identified a shortfall in the published guidance available for laboratory testing of floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs). Much of the existing literature is derived from the oil and gas industry and published by the ITTC in the 7.5-02-07-03 series that deals with ocean engineering 3 .…”

“…Research carried out within MaRINET2 [2,3] identified a shortfall in the published guidance available for laboratory testing of floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs). Much of the existing literature is derived from the oil and gas industry and published by the ITTC in the 7.5-02-07-03 series that deals with ocean engineering 3 . The ITTC guidelines are relatively high level and do not provide standardised procedures for laboratory testing or detailed guidance on different aspects of FOWT testing.…”

A Heuristic Approach for Inter-Facility Comparison of Results from Round Robin Testing of a Floating Wind Turbine in Irregular Waves

“…However, the effect that the facility used for the model tests will have on the outcomes is uncertain, even when following the same methodologies for carrying out the tests which is not often the case. Research carried out within MaRINET2 [2,3] identified a shortfall in the published guidance available for conducting laboratory testing of floating offshore wind turbines. Much of the existing literature is derived form the oil and gas industry and published by the International Towing Tank Conference (ITTC) literature that deals with ocean engineering 2 .…”

“…Research carried out within MaRINET2 [2,3] identified a shortfall in the published guidance available for conducting laboratory testing of floating offshore wind turbines. Much of the existing literature is derived form the oil and gas industry and published by the International Towing Tank Conference (ITTC) literature that deals with ocean engineering 2 .…”

Experimental Data of Bottom Pressure and Free Surface Elevation including Wave and Current Interactions

“…Experimental force measurements help provide confidence in system design and are a crucial requirement for a wide range of ocean and coastal engineering problems. For instance, force measurements are used to quantify structural loading on breakwaters [1][2][3], as well as loading on complex systems, such as remotely operated vehicles [4][5][6][7], offshore wind turbines [8][9][10][11], sediment transport and bottom fluvial erosion [12,13] and tidal stream turbines (TSTs) [14][15][16][17][18]. To obtain vector force measurements experimentally, force plates are typically used and are integrated into the structure and/or foundation.…”