SEASNAKE: Impact - Marine operations modelling for evidence-based results detailing the impact of using a new fully dynamic cable design for ocean energy devices.

Abstract

The SEASNAKE project - an OceanERA-NET project – is aiming for developing fully dynamic cables for ocean energy. Through new design and application of novel coatings the project is designing a dynamic cable that better suits the conditions and user requirements. In order to fully understand the benefits, the Wave Venture TEMPEST™ techno-economic analysis software will be used to simulate the performance of a proposed wave energy farm with a special focus on the contribution of the dynamic cable subsystem. The results obtained from the simulations will not only provide a deep understanding of the reliability and cost-risk areas regarding the use of dynamic cables, but will also allow a comparison with a baseline scenario consisting of a more traditional cabling system. The latter will be key to identify the advantages of the SEASNAKE project and its commercial viability. KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) will include farm availability and power production downtime as a direct result of cable related issues. The reliability, maintainability and survivability of the cabling subsystem will be tested and the KPIs will give clear indication on the performance benefits and ultimately the impact on the LCOE will be of greatest consideration.