Initial Characterization of the NREL Large-Amplitude Motion Platform

The Large Amplitude Motion Platform (LAMP) at NREL represents a significant advancement in the controlled testing of Wave Energy Converters (WECs) under laboratory conditions. Originally designed by E2M as a six-degree-of-freedom (DOF) Stewart platform for flight simulation, LAMP has been adapted by NREL to facilitate the mounting and evaluation of WECs. This adaptation enables dry testing of WECs using motion profiles similar to the ocean, facilitating the iterative design, testing, and validation of WEC performance prior to ocean deployments. This report presents the initial work completed to characterize LAMP, with particular emphasis on its stability and operational capabilities across various single and multi-degree-of-freedom (DOF) motion profiles. The report includes planned comparisons at three distinct mass payloads, aimed at assessing the platform's positional accuracy, frequency response, and endurance over extended runtime periods. These experimental tests are critical for establishing the platform's limitations and ensuring that the data generated during WEC validation is both accurate and reproducible. The outcomes of this study not only contribute to a deeper understanding of LAMP's capabilities but also lay the groundwork for future advancements in WEC testing methodologies. By providing robust and reliable performance data within a controlled laboratory setting, the findings are expected to significantly enhance the development and commercialization of marine energy technologies. This report presents the initial findings of the LAMP Characterization work and proposed steps to further understand and characterize LAMP. Data collected during this work can be found on MHKDR at: https://mhkdr.openei.org/submissions/602 Note that this report shares the measured/found instantaneous maximum operating range of LAMP. For most applications the maximum operating range cannot be used for system health and longevity. The operating range and capabilities of LAMP w. Authors: Friedman, Bri [National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States)] (ORCID:0000000210512048); Nichols, Casey [National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States)] (ORCID:0000000211244831); Simms, Andrew [National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States)]; Kenny, Calum [National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States)]; Skinner, Miles [National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States)]. DOE Contract: AC36-08GO28308. Subjects: 16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER; Flatiron Campus Facility; LAMP; Large Amplitude Motion Platform; marine energy dry testing; stewart platform; wave energy converter testing; WEC