Laboratory tests before sea trials of a wave energy converter

The paper analyses the actions needed to be taken before the sea trials of a wave energy converter. In particular, the mechanical and electrical tests of the complete Power Take-Off are described, mainly these tests related toh the electric linear generator, the power electronics and its control. This work is developed in the frame of an application project consisting of sea trials of a Wave Energy Converter, carried out between the industry and some research centers. The paper describes the technologies involved in the project, including design and fabrication issues. After some successful tests to ensure the proper operation of the full scale equipment at the lab, it would be ready to be placed inside a point absorber and, after some final verification, to be deployed at sea site within a few months, thereby reducing the unnecessary risks.