Parametric study of the dynamic motions and mechanical characteristics of power cables for wave energy converters
Journal article, 2018

A case study of a point-absorber wave energy converter (WEC) system is presented. The WEC system forms an array, with several WECs located around a central hub to which they are each connected by a short, free-hanging power cable. The objective of the study is to analyse the dynamic characteristics and estimate the fatigue life of the power cable which is not yet in use or available on the commercial market. Hence, a novel approach is adopted in the study considering that the power cable’s length is restricted by several factors (e.g., the clearances between the service vessel and seabed and the cable), and the cable is subject to motion and loading from the WEC and to environmental loads from waves and currents (i.e., dynamic cable). The power cable’s characteristics are assessed using a numerical model subjected to a parametric analysis, in which the environmental parameters and the cable’s design parameters are varied. The results of the numerical simulations are compared and discussed regarding the responses of the power cables, including dynamic motion, curvature, cross-sectional forces, and accumulated fatigue damage. The effects of environmental conditions on the long-term mechanical life spans of the power cables are also investigated. Important cable design parameters that result in a long power cable (fatigue) service life are identified, and the cable service life is predicted. This study contributes a methodology for the first-principle design of WEC cables that enables the prediction of cable fatigue life by considering environmental conditions and variations in cable design parameters.

Fatigue

Power cable

Wave energy converter

Cable dynamics

Author

Shun-Han Yang

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

Jonas Ringsberg

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

Erland Johnson

RISE Research Institutes of Sweden

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

Journal of Marine Science and Technology

0948-4280 (ISSN) 1437-8213 (eISSN)

Vol. 23 1 10-29

Simulation model for operation and maintenance strategy of floating wave energy converters - analysis of fatigue, wear, and influence of biofouling for effective and profitable energy harvesting

Swedish Energy Agency (P36357-2), 2016-06-01 -- 2018-05-31.

Subject Categories

Mechanical Engineering

Materials Engineering

Energy Engineering

Reliability and Maintenance

Vehicle Engineering

Marine Engineering

Driving Forces

Sustainable development

Innovation and entrepreneurship

Areas of Advance

Transport

Energy

Materials Science

Roots

Basic sciences

DOI

10.1007/s00773-017-0451-0

More information

Latest update

10/8/2018