Diseño y estudio de valiablidad económica de dispositivo autónomo para instalación de cables submarinos para energías marinas renovables

Abstract

An innovative concept for submarine cables installation is developed and its application to inter-array cables is evaluated economically. The state of the art in the installation of subsea power cables in offshore wind farms is first reviewed. The innovative concept for a remote-controlled submarine vehicle to install subsea cables is then presented. The proposed system can significantly reduce or eliminate altogether the need for expensive specialist surface vessel. The dimensions and technical characteristics of the vehicle are specified based on the design requirements for the installation of inter-array cables in offshore wind farms. Cost calculation based on publically available quotes show that if successfully implemented, this innovative concept could easily lead to a 50% reduction in the cost of the installation of inter-array cables in offshore wind farms, corresponding to a potential reduction of the order of 5% in the cost of energy.