A methodology for design and fatigue analysis of power cables for wave energy converters
Journal article, 2019

The recent development of subsea power cables for various offshore marine renewable energy technologies has identified the need for new cables that have low structural stiffness properties. This type of cable is referred to as dynamic cable because of its high bending flexibility compared to static cables. The current study presents a cable design model and simulation models that were developed for the design and fatigue analysis of dynamic cables. These models were applied on a subsea dynamic power cable with a design that is suitable for a floating point-absorbing wave energy converter (WEC), where the cable must withstand cyclic loads imposed by the motions of the WEC, the waves and the ocean currents. The cable design model is presented with its detailed design and dimensioning methodology for cables with multiorder helical structures, with respect to desired (target) mechanical properties. The cable design model is verified against a verification study in the literature. A simulation model of a fatigue test rig for accelerated rotational bending is presented. The results from the numerical simulations and the subsequent fatigue analyses are compared against results from experiments using the test rig. The influence of the dynamic effects and mechanical properties on the fatigue life of the cable is discussed. This study contributes to a better understanding of the fatigue failure mechanisms of the cable, and it also highlights the importance of further development of numerical models.

power cables

cable design

dynamic cables

fatigue

wave energy converter

Author

Artjoms Kuznecovs

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Marine Technology

Jonas Ringsberg

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Marine Technology

Shun-Han Yang

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Marine Technology

Erland Johnson

RISE Research Institutes of Sweden

Andreas Johansson

RISE Research Institutes of Sweden

International Journal of Fatigue

0142-1123 (ISSN)

Vol. 122 61-71

R&D of dynamic low voltage cables between the buoy and floating hub in a marine energy system

Swedish Energy Agency (P41240-1), 2015-12-08 -- 2017-08-01.

Driving Forces

Sustainable development

Innovation and entrepreneurship

Subject Categories

Materials Engineering

Applied Mechanics

Energy Engineering

Vehicle Engineering

Areas of Advance

Energy

Materials Science

Roots

Basic sciences

DOI

10.1016/j.ijfatigue.2019.01.011

More information

Latest update

2/4/2020 3