Network members are coordinating activities aimed at standardising best practices for wave, tidal, offshore wind energy and cross-cutting systems (common elements).
Aim
This facilitates the streamlined progression of test devices from small-scale facilities through to larger-scale facilities and open-sea sites.
Rationale
Due to the fact that marine renewables testing centres are not uniformly configured or constructed, standardisation is an important aspect to MARINET. At present there is no pan-European or worldwide consensus on appropriate test methodologies and practices.
Reports and manuals will be compiled from all the information collected to encourage the standardisation of best practices. These will be available online in Wiki format to encourage on-going use and continuing refinement.
Report topics include:
- Standardisation and harmonisation of simulations and resource data at all facilities and all scales.
- Model construction methods – full similarity and scalability between model and prototype.
- Instrumentation – standardisation for when upgrading is required.
- Data analysis methodology and presentation formats.
- Comparative testing – ‘Round Robin’ testing of a calibration model in MARINET facilities to characterise and verify the performance behaviour of the various test facilities.
Background
Protocols developed in the EC FP7-funded project EquiMar and by the IEA-OES are being implemented and further refined at all MARINET infrastructures.
The results of research and testing at these different facilities are therefore suitable for direct cross-infrastructure comparison. These outcomes are feeding directly into on-going international standardisation exercises such as IEC TC114.
This work and the production of best practice methods ensures that there is a harmonisation of operations and conformity of methodologies for research and testing at a wide range of infrastructures throughout Europe and further afield.
Outcome
This allows direct comparisons of results between facilities to be undertaken and coherent assessments of the performance and behaviour of different offshore renewable energy systems to be made. This contributes to high quality research, identification and progression of effective technologies and production of valuable due diligence information.
Reports and manuals will be compiled from all the information collected to encourage the standardisation of best practices. These will be available online in Wiki format to encourage on-going use and continuing refinement.