This part of IEC 62600 describes the measurement of mechanical loads on hydrodynamic marine energy converters such as wave, tidal and other water current converters (including river current converters) for the purpose of load simulation model validation and certification. This document contains the requirements and recommendations for the measurement of mechanical loads for such activities as site selection, measurand selection, data acquisition, calibration, data verification, measurement load cases, capture matrix, post-processing, uncertainty determination and reporting.

Informative annexes are also provided to improve understanding of testing methods. The methods described in this document can also be used for mechanical loads measurements for other purposes such as obtaining a measured statistical representation of loads, direct measurements of the design loads, safety and function testing, or measurement of subsystem or component structural loads.

Through a technology qualification process, the test requirements can be adapted to the specific marine energy converter.

This document also defines the requirements for full-scale structural testing of subsystems or parts with a special focus on full-scale structural testing of marine energy converter rotor blades and for the interpretation and evaluation of achieved test results. This document focuses on aspects of testing related to an evaluation of the structural integrity of the blade. The purpose of the tests is to confirm to an acceptable level of probability that the whole installed production of a blade type fulfils the design assumptions.