A reliable electrical infrastructure is instrumental in maximising the system availability of assets offshore. At the component level, the offshore environment is a challenging place to minimise maintenance costs and deliver reliable operation. Some of the most costly component interruptions to system availability, and therefore a significant scope for improvement, are static and dynamic power cables. To ensure a structured event, the main focus is given to offshore cables. However, other key elements of the electrical infrastructure, such as the transformers, HVDC converters and substations, are hoped to be discussed at future topical expert meetings (TEMs).
ORE Catapult and the Universities of Strathclyde and Manchester have proposed an IEA Wind Task 11 TEM on improving the reliability and availability of electrical infrastructure components (with a focus on cables). At this meeting, participants will be expected to exchange information and ideas to improve cable component reliability and the availability of the system as a whole. Specific topics to be discussed include:
Participation is expected from academia, research institutes, OEM’s, wind farm owner operators, cable manufacturers and installers. All attendees will be asked to present their experience in one of the listed topic areas.
