Mechanical responses of submarine power cables subject to axisymmetric loadings

Pan Fang,Xiaoli Jiang,Hans Hopman,Yong Bai

doi:10.1016/j.oceaneng.2021.109847

Pan Fang, Xiaoli Jiang + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2021.109847

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Abstract

Submarine power cables are considered lifelines in wind farm engineering, playing a key role in transporting electric current produced by wind turbines or wave converter. Cables inevitably confront combined loadings in deep-sea areas, affecting the integrity and safety during their installation and application. In this paper, the mechanical behaviour of submarine power cables subject to axisymmetric loadings(tension, torsion and external pressure) is investigated through both analytical and numerical methods. The objective of the analytical method is to predict the tension and torsion stiffness of cables and evaluate the stress of armour wires. These values from the two methods are essentially in agreement with each other. In addition, the effects of wire layers, winding angles and external pressure are discussed through the analytical method. The obtained conclusions will benefit the cross-section design of power cables and relative practical engineering.

Highlights

Submarine power cables are considered lifelines in wind farm engineering, playing a key role in transporting electric current produced by wind turbines or wave converter
The effects of wire layers, winding angles and external pressure are discussed through the analytical method
As the thirst for clean energy is growing hugely, the past few decades have witnessed an increase in wind farms, especially those built in deeper and more distant oceans where more abundant wind energy could be converted to electricity

Summary

Introduction

As the thirst for clean energy is growing hugely, the past few decades have witnessed an increase in wind farms, especially those built in deeper and more distant oceans where more abundant wind energy could be converted to electricity. Power cables are a vital and indis pensable component in wind farm engineering since it plays a significant role in transporting the electricity. In order to ensure that it works safely and reliably during its serving time, the mechanical properties of cables must be carefully studied before it heads into the ocean. This structure’s mechanical behaviour is not attainable because power cables are a type of extremely complex structure, composed of many layers and different materials. Typical power cables are majorly composed of conductor, insulation, armour and serving.

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