Parametric study of the mechanical characteristics of power cables under dynamic motions

Paper in proceeding, 2015

To maximise the harvesting of wave energy, solutions have been proposed that utilize wave energy converters (WECs) installed in arrays. This investigation presents a case study in which several WECs are located around a central hub, with each WEC connected to the hub by a power cable. To be incorporated in a WEC array system, the free-span of the cable is limited. Moreover, the cable is subject to the motion and load of the WEC, waves and currents. In this paper, the characteristics of the power cables are assessed with a numerical model applied through a parametric analysis, which varies important design parameters, such as the cable length, mass, and bending stiffness. The results of the numerical simulations are compared and discussed in terms of the forces that act on the power cables, including dynamic motion, curvature, cross sectional forces, and accumulated fatigue damage.