Global engineering company 2H Offshore, in collaboration with ORE Catapult and on behalf of the Floating Offshore Wind (FOW) Centre of Excellence, has developed a qualification framework for dynamic inter-array cable technology for floating offshore wind.
The scope of the framework , which is part of a dynamic cable systems technology development and qualification programme at ORE Catapult and the FOW Centre of Excellence, includes dynamic power cables themselves, up to 132kV, as well as ancillary components such as electrical quick connectors, bend restrictors and cable protection systems.
The output of the programme will benefit not only new companies entering the UK supply chain but also established cable vendors, ancillary equipment vendors and test houses by providing clear guidance on the steps required to qualify inter-array power cable components for floating wind applications, 2H Offshore says.
“This is an important technology qualification programme that will help the supply chain in the UK and internationally prepare to deliver ScotWind and other floating wind developments” , said Luiza Ferreira , who is managing the project for 2H from Aberdeen, UK.
This need for a robust qualification programme to assess, benchmark and support the development of dynamic cabling systems arises from the industry’s transition from static to dynamic cables and low voltage to medium and high voltages, which is moving the sector beyond currently qualified technologies, according to 2H Offshore.
“The development of the qualification framework is an important step in supporting ORE Catapult and our partners’ future technology development and qualification programmes for offshore wind dynamic cable systems. Dynamic cables are complex and high risk systems where targeted qualification has big impact on reducing overall floating wind project risk and cost. 2H were an ideal partner to support the work” , said Will Brindley , Research Engineer at ORE Catapult.
The framework is the first phase of ORE Catapult’s project Floating Offshore Wind Dynamic Cabling Systems – Technology Development and Qualification Programme , which aims to stimulate the development and validation of relevant technologies, and to grow the capacity to deliver cabling systems for large-scale floating offshore wind cost-effectively.
The second phase and third phases, which have been running since mid-2022, support the development and qualification of relevant technologies using the framework, and enable research to fill knowledge gaps required to qualify technology.