Over the years, we have seen remarkable advancements in submarine power cable technology, not only improving the design and functionality of these cables, but also enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and security of power transmission on a global scale.
The 3rd Annual Submarine Power Cable and Electricity Interconnection Forum to be held in Berlin, Germany from 14th-15th November 2023 shall shed light on the groundbreaking innovations furthered by the submarine power cable technology.
Top 5 Noteworthy Advancements in Submarine Power Cable Technology: Submarine Cable Event
Let us explore the latest breakthroughs and advancements in submarine power cable technology that shall be delved into during the Subsea Cable Conference 2023.
1. Enhanced Protection Measures
The harsh underwater environment and the physical threat from anchoring and fishing operations can heavily impact the longevity of submarine power cables.
In order to overcome this and offer increased protection to these cables, the latest protective solutions have been developed.
One such advancement is the use of double armouring. This involves adding an extra layer of galvanized steel wires around the cable, thus improving protection against external damage.
More advanced versions include Kevlar-reinforced armouring solutions. These are known to further enhance cable longevity by reducing friction and mitigating the wear and tear caused by undersea currents.
2. Hybrid Power-Data Cables
Technological advancements have also introduced the striking combination of both electricity and data transmission into a single underwater cable.
These super-modern cables can carry both power and information all at once. This not only cuts down on the cost of putting them in place but also makes the whole operation run smoother.
3. Advanced Insulation Materials
Insulation affects the overall performance and reliability of submarine cables. With the innovative breakthroughs, however, there are now more effective solutions in the form of advanced insulation procedures - the most prominent one being the use of cross-linked polyethene (XLPE).
XLPE is capable of withstanding intense electrical fields and strenuous underwater conditions. As a result, it significantly enhances the longevity and efficiency of these cables.
4. Environmentally Friendly Decommissioning
Conventional methods of de-commissioning underwater cables either involve leaving the inactive cables on the ocean floor or extracting them. However, both methods have environmental consequences.
To tackle these issues, innovative de-commissioning tactics such as reefing are being executed. This technique repurposes expired cables into simulated coral reefs. This greatly helps in reducing environmental damage and fosters the growth of marine life.
5. Increased Use of Renewable Energy Sources
Submarine power cables play a prominent role in utilizing renewable energy sources. This is especially true with offshore wind energy, in line with global efforts to sustain eco-friendly practices.
Advanced wind energy-to-submarine cable technologies are improving the efficiency, capacity, and reliability of how this wind power is transported to mainland electrical grids. This ensures a more sustainable energy output and also reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
Summing it Up
As we move forward in the 21st century, we can expect submarine power cable technology to exponentially advance. Potential improvements include the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for predictive maintenance and ongoing enhancements in the renewable energy sector.
Register for the Offshore Cable Event 2023 now.
