Physical Testing - Verification & Validation
The Business Need
High confidence data on energy conversion performance and device motions was required before progression to the next stage of product development. Additionally, an understanding of performance optimisation levers was required to feed into detail design.
The Project
To meet the business need, physical demonstration of the AWS-III wave energy convertor concept was required. Our engineers identified a suitable concept design through a comprehensive review of previous testing work coupled with a requirements identification process. Following detailed design and manufacture an intense period of testing was carried out at a leading wave tank facility.
Our Activities and Deliverables
The following activities were carried out by our engineers:
- Requirements identification process
- Concept generation and selection (meeting structural, hull, power take off, flow measurement and instrumentation requirements)
- Detailed design of sub-systems and complete machine
- Engagement with external fabricators to ensure a fit for purpose design through the full lifecycle with cost in mind
- Procurement, system integration and assembly of device
- Creation of detailed test plan
- Pre-test commissioning of device in workshop
- Reassembly, field commissioning and shake down trials at test location
- Concurrent testing and data analysis to guide the test programme based on findings
- Final data analysis, report write up and presentation of findings
The Benefits
Our engineers managed the entire test programme and conducted the engineering work from requirements analysis to final data analysis and reporting.
- Full project management, testing and analysis service
- High quality device performance and energy conversion data
- Increased understanding and demonstration of performance optimisation levers
Despite a constrained time scale all project objectives were met, from start to finish, on time and to budget.