Mediterranean #HVDC interconnections can differ quite considerably from North Sea ones: in fact, it's not uncommon being requested to design systems for 1000m, 2000m and even 3000m water depth.
In such applications, it's always a matter of synergies and integrated systems design:
• 𝐂𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: it’s one of the main factors, together with water depth, driving the installation tension; all cable layers can contribute to reduce it, depending on materials and design choices – here’s where product innovation can make a difference.
• 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐬: the installation equipment must be sized to withstand the high pulling tensions, both during cable laying, but also in case of cable repairs during the expected lifetime – state-of-the-art vessels are necessary to break new depth records.
• 𝐂𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐬: the applied tensions and pressures shall not damage any cable layer, from conductor to insulation to armor – here’s where an engineering team with both a deep understanding of cable mechanical behavior and knowledge of the installation process can design a fully working solution and truly minimize risks.
• 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲: depending on the tools used to install cables and lay down joints, the efforts applied to the cable can be different – a cable suitable for 2150 m water depth might not reach the target if installed with a different methodology.
That’s why sea trial test is a significant milestone, as it’s a mock-up of the real system installation. Even though cable performances are usually already verified in the laboratory during type test, it proves that everything can work smoothly in field conditions and that all desktop procedures can work in real life.
It’s the end of a long development process, and it’s really rewarding to see all building blocks are in place and smoothly interacting with each other!
We are enthusiastic to announce the successful completion of the sea trial tests for the ultra-deep installation of a 500 kV HVDC MI1 cable at 2,150 m water depth. This is an industry record-breaking installation, as it is the first time an HVDC cable is laid at such a depth, setting new market standards.
The use of an innovative armoring solution that in water can be 50% lighter than steel, combined with the state-of-the-art Leonardo da Vinci cable-laying vessel, will enable the installation and maintenance of Terna SpA’s Tyrrhenian Link at a water depth of more than 2,000 meters, the deepest ever reached with a power cable.
Read more at https://lnkd.in/d_HFPxkU
Record breaking submarine cable installation at 2,150 m water depth | Prysmian
prysmian.com
Executive President- Strategic Initiatives & International Business at Polycab India Limited|| Director at Polycab Australia Pty Ltd.
2wFantastic update!