Abstract
At present, most of the insurance claims in the offshore wind industry are due to cable failures where a large percentage occurs during the installation of the array and export cables. As the reliability of the cables depends on the location and installation method, it is important to map the risks involved, which can compromise the cable’s integrity in individual projects. This paper presents sensitivity analyses conducted on crucial parameters in the cable laying process, with an objective of successful installation of subsea power cables without any damages to the cable. The analyses focus on the peak tension loads with reference to key parameters as cable self-weight and laying geometry, as well as the cable deployment position on the installation vessel. Finite element analyses were conducted with both static forces and dynamic forces for irregular vessel motions, by the aid of the well-tested software OrcaFlex.
Highlights
A current matter of discussion and a considerable issue within the offshore wind industry is the failure rates of the subsea power cables
Most of the insurance claims in the offshore wind industry are due to cable failures where a large percentage occurs during the installation of the array and export cables
While the maximum tension will increase with steeper steps as the layback length increases
Summary
A current matter of discussion and a considerable issue within the offshore wind industry is the failure rates of the subsea power cables. The armour of a cable has the task of providing the majority of the cable’s own protection against the environmental and mechanical stress This layer depends on the need of the specific project of which the subsea cable is to be installed. Controlling the tension can be achieved by monitoring all the variables, which include vessel speed, layback length, bend radius, departure angle and the tensioner’s speed / pressure These variables are affected by water depth, wave forces, current forces on the cable, and vessel motion in six degrees of freedom.[3] The cable tensioner on the laying vessel has the objective to brake and control the speed of the laying process, as well as to prevent product slippage during installation. The wave-induced vessel motion causes the laying wheel or chute to move vertically This will alter the layback length and can give an increase or decrease of tension, while current might provide damping or drag to the cable [16].
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