Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
6.1 Validation background
Testing is a mandatory activity for any product development program. Validation
is more than just collecting data for a new machine - it is about thorough col-
lection and analytical reduction of specifi c data to make measurable changes to
optimize a design.
6.1.1 Technology roadmaps
Maintaining technology roadmaps that identify pathways and timing are a key part
of ensuring continuous improvement. Roadmaps should be maintained across the
various systems as well as the individual components. This supports continuous
improvement by showing how far the technology has come and providing a vision
for the future of what technology needs to become.
6.1.2 Jugular experiments
Early on, new ideas are best demonstrated in their most basic setup - why spend
more than is needed or mask understanding in too complex of a test apparatus?
A “jugular experiment” is the fi rst demonstration of the feasibility of a new techno-
logy that provides a proof of concept under the simplest conditions. While further
testing may be necessary to determine whether an idea will be further developed
or integrated into a new product, jugular experiments move the decision process
along in the most cost-effective manner possible.
6.1.3 Technology demonstrators
When major component design or material changes are proposed - the best way
to mitigate risk are limited trials of these components as incremental changes to
existing machines. Demonstrate the technology and understand the design space
before committing to serial production.
6.1.4 Prototypes
Product demonstration is the fi nal step ensuring that the full system effects are
accounted in the turbine design. A number of turbine prototype sites should be
chosen to gather operating data for a range of environmental conditions. A small
group of turbines (i.e. pre-series or limited production) undertaken after a period
of successful prototype testing helps establish reliability and availability statistics,
as well as power plant interaction effects.
6.2 Product validation techniques
Various techniques are used to validate products, and products must be validated
at every level. Techniques that can be used include:
Analytical experiments
Jugular tests
Sub-scale models
Full-scale prototypes
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