Recent research led by WANG Zhong from the School of Electrical Engineering at Sichuan University has shed light on the ampacity of 500 kV DC submarine cables, a crucial component for offshore wind power transmission. Published in the journal “Power Engineering Technology,” the study explores how vertical ocean currents affect the performance of these cables, which are essential for harnessing renewable energy from offshore wind farms.
As the global push for renewable energy intensifies, understanding the capacity of submarine cables becomes increasingly important. The study establishes an electric-thermal-current coupling model that takes into account various marine environmental factors. This model offers insights into how different laying methods and ocean currents impact the ampacity, or the maximum amount of electric current a cable can carry without overheating.
One of the significant findings is that when considering the temperature difference limitation of the insulation layer—set at 20 °C—the ampacity is lower compared to situations where only the wire core’s temperature limitation of 70 °C is considered. This insight is critical for engineers and project developers as it informs the design and deployment strategies for submarine cables. WANG notes that “direct burial laying has a smaller impact on the ampacity compared to any other laying method,” suggesting that this approach may be preferable for maximizing cable performance.
The research also indicates that the ampacity of bipolar submarine cables increases with the distance between the two poles. This finding could influence the design of future cable systems, allowing for more efficient energy transmission. Furthermore, the study highlights that at a flow rate of 0.1 m/s, ocean currents can have a minor but positive effect on ampacity, which may help optimize cable placement in various marine environments.
These insights present significant commercial opportunities for the energy sector, especially as countries strive to meet their carbon reduction goals. By improving the understanding of how environmental factors affect cable performance, this research can guide the development of offshore wind projects, ultimately leading to more efficient energy transmission and reduced costs.
As the offshore wind industry continues to expand, the findings of WANG Zhong and his team provide essential guidance for engineers and decision-makers. The study emphasizes the importance of considering a comprehensive range of factors in the design and implementation of submarine cables, paving the way for more effective utilization of renewable resources. This research, published in “Power Engineering Technology,” is poised to influence future offshore wind power projects and enhance the viability of this critical energy sector.
