IEC TS 62600-40:2019

Overview

IEC TS 62600-40:2019 addresses the standardized acoustic characterization of marine energy converters, including wave, tidal, and other water current converters. Developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), this technical specification covers methodologies for measuring and analyzing the sound produced by the operation of these marine energy devices - not including installation, maintenance, or decommissioning activities. The document aims to provide guidance on methodologies, instrumentation, calibration, deployment, and reporting of underwater acoustic emissions.

This specification ensures consistency and reliability for:

• Developers and manufacturers testing marine energy converter acoustic performance;
• Operators and regulatory agencies assessing environmental compliance;
• Researchers and industry professionals characterizing underwater sound emissions.

Key Topics

Unified Methodologies

• Standardized Measurement Procedures: Provides uniform steps to measure the sound produced during operation of marine energy converters, for both single units and arrays.
• Types of Converters Covered: Wave energy converters (WEC), current energy converters (CEC), and ocean thermal energy converters (OTEC).
• Received Level Characterization: Focuses on measuring sound levels at specific ranges, depths, and orientations relative to the device.

Instrumentation and Calibration

• Sound Measurement Systems: Details on hydrophone selection, sensitivity, dynamic range, and omnidirectional response to ensure accurate capture of acoustic data.
• Calibration Requirements: Guidance for pre-deployment and post-retrieval equipment calibration to minimize errors.
• Deployment Platforms: Recommendations for using fixed and drifting platforms depending on converter type and environmental conditions.

Measurement and Analysis

• Acoustic Frequency Range: Principle measurements span from 10 Hz to 100 kHz, capturing the frequencies most relevant to aquatic life.
• Contextual Environmental Data: Emphasis on recording metocean (meteorological and oceanographic) data including wind, waves, and currents, as well as sound speed profiles.
• Procedural Levels: Level A for detailed spatial and temporal sampling; Level B for reconnaissance or reduced-effort studies using the same equipment and reporting structure.

Reporting Requirements

• Comprehensive Data Presentation: Specifies documentation needed on instrumentation, deployment, site conditions, and acoustic data to support regulatory and operational needs.
• Compliance and Comparability: Ensures that acoustic characterization from different projects or devices can be compared consistently.

Applications

Marine energy projects benefit from IEC TS 62600-40:2019 by adopting:

• Environmental Assessments: Providing standardized data to support environmental permitting and monitoring requirements for underwater acoustic emissions.
• Regulatory Decision-Making: Equipping agencies with reliable methodologies for assessing compliance with sound emission regulations.
• Industry Benchmarking: Allowing manufacturers and operators to characterize and optimize device acoustic signatures for competitive and environmental advantage.
• Research and Development: Facilitating consistent acoustic assessments across prototypes, pilot projects, and commercial arrays for ongoing innovation and impact assessment.

This standard is highly relevant in the context of growing marine renewable energy deployment, particularly as concerns over underwater noise and marine ecosystem impacts increase.

Related Standards

The following standards integrate or provide context to IEC TS 62600-40:2019:

• IEC 60565: Underwater acoustics - Hydrophones - Calibration procedures.
• IEC TS 62600 Series: Other technical specifications covering design, performance, and power assessment for marine energy converters.
• ISO 17208-1: Underwater acoustics - Measurement of sound from ships; relevant for precision measurements and methodological compatibility.
• IEC 61400-12-1: For wind turbines, provides context on power performance measurement.

By adhering to IEC TS 62600-40:2019, organizations engaged in wave, tidal, or current energy conversion ensure credible, comparable, and regulatory-ready underwater acoustic data. This facilitates responsible marine energy development and helps safeguard marine ecosystems.