JDR Cables Systems, a provider of subsea power cables, has adopted a resonant test system to support testing of 66-kV array cables for offshore windfarms
The RTS is designed and manufactured by Dresden-based Highvolt Prüftechnik, a supplier of high-voltage and high-current testing systems, in accordance with the international standard IEC 63026.
Highvolt said RTS is well established in the onshore transmission and distribution sector. The offshore system will sport DNV certification and is smaller in scale compared with the land based equivalent to allow for the demands of offshore work, with the modular design suited to testing different lengths and types of cable.
According to the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult (ORE Catapult), the UK’s leading research centre for offshore energy, subsea power cable system failures are a frequent issue for windfarm operators causing approximately 75-80% of offshore wind insurance claims despite only making up around 9% of the total cost of a windfarm.
Windfarm operators conduct post-installation tests to detect any defects that might lead to failures down the line. Data from ORE Catapult estimated that power cable failures alone have cost operators £1.0Bn (US$1.4Bn) in 2019 alone with the figure climbing year-on-year. .Highvolt believes resonant testing increases the probability of picking up such defects.
JDR asset manager Ross Piercey said the company is the first cable manufacturer to invest in the technology adding, “JDR has looked at what our clients need, to adhere to the latest IEC 63026 Submarine Power Cable standard and how we can support them to satisfy insurers the windfarm installation is fit for purpose.”
“It’s clear that with the upgrade to 66-kV inter arrays, a more robust post-installation test method is needed to ensure the cable and all accessories are defect free upon install. We are delighted to work with HighVolt in bringing this world-leading concept to our clients. JDR will be the first offshore test and terminations company to offer resonance, VLF & DAC technologies to our customers.”
The system is due to be used on an unnamed UK based offshore windfarm project in mid-late 2021.
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