Dynamic 145 KV Cable with Aluminum Conductor for Floating Wind

Floating wind energy presents a significant opportunity to harness vast wind resources that remain inaccessible with current bottom-fixed offshore wind technology. However, transmitting electricity from floating turbines to shore relies on dynamic cables, which face technological and knowledge gaps, contributing to higher costs compared to conventional static subsea cables. Although dynamic cables have a strong operational track record, their transmission capacity and voltage have been limited. To enable commercial floating wind developments, these limitations must be significantly improved—specifically, by achieving voltage levels comparable to those used in today's bottom-fixed offshore wind farms. Subsea cable costs are largely driven by material usage, particularly the conductor. Aluminum, which is significantly cheaper than copper, is widely used for static cables but has seen limited implementation in dynamic cables due to concerns about its fatigue strength and mechanical properties. Enabling the use of aluminum, alongside reducing conductor cross-sections through increased voltage, is essential for lowering the cost of floating wind electrical infrastructure. Another key opportunity lies in increasing the voltage capacity of dynamic cables. Recent advancements in dynamic dry cable designs have made 145 kV (Umax) achievable, with 245 kV (Umax) rapidly approaching qualification. Additionally, shifting to a wet 145 kV (Umax) design offers significant cost-saving potential. However, increasing voltage levels in wet designs presents challenges, particularly when combined with aluminum, as it introduces new failure modes such as stress-induced electrochemical degradation (SIED). This study explores strategies to optimize aluminum for improved conductivity and fatigue resistance while also evaluating its viability in wet cable designs. The objective is to bridge knowledge gaps related to this specific design approach, paving the way for cost-efficient electrical infrastructure solutions for floating wind.