Modeling and parametric analysis of inter-array power cables in offshore wind farms

Abstract This paper proposes a theoretical method for structural analysis of wind farm inter-array cables. By establishing a theoretical model for inter-array cables, the configuration, curvature, bending moment and tension distribution of the cables are obtained, and a parametric analysis is conducted. The entire cable is modeled as a series of continuous segments including buoyancy sections and suspended spans. Subsequently, equilibrium equations are established based on the principle of minimum potential energy. The finite difference method is adopted for spatial discretization, and the Newton-Raphson algorithm is utilized to realize iterative convergence of the nonlinear system. The analysis results are compared with those from OrcaFlex simulations to validate the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed method. Furthermore, a detailed parametric analysis is performed to investigate the effects of buoy length, spatial arrangement, and ocean current velocity on the mechanical properties of the cables. This method contributes to the structural analysis and layout design of inter-array cables in offshore wind farms.