Models for design and fatigue analysis of dynamic power cables for wave energy converters

Paper i proceeding, 2019

The current study presents a brief overview of 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. An example of a verification study of the cable design model is presented where data from experiments in the literature was used. Further, a simulation model of a fatigue test rig for accelerated rotational bending is also 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.