Coordinateurs du projet
Context
The SEM-REV test site, operated by Centrale Nantes, is home to France’s first offshore wind turbine connected to the grid and in production since September 2018. Its underwater hub can simultaneously connect up to three marine energy recovery systems, mainly powered by offshore waves and wind. The QRConnect project, winner of the WEAMEC Petits Matériels 2019 call for projects, aims to add an innovative connector that allows for quick disconnection of the dynamic cable.
Scientific breakthroughs and innovation
In order to ensure the operational continuity of the subsea power grid, regardless of the progress of demonstrator hosting projects, and to reduce the associated hosting costs, the SEM-REV site, through the QRConnect project, wishes to equip the end of the dynamic umbilical currently connected to the hub with an innovative and permanent connector that will enable:
- Quickly disconnect the electrical cable while maintaining power to the subsea power grid (as soon as the connector has been manipulated)
- Continuous monitoring of cable integrity, in particular by looping back the fiber optic cable
- Passage of the connector through the I-tubes provided on the floats of the floating wind turbines under development
- Absorption of the forces applied to the cable directly on the connector
Expected technical and economic impact
By equipping the dynamic umbilical with such a connector, SEM-REV is preparing for the future and ensuring:
- Operational continuity and safety of the subsea power grid, regardless of the phase of the host projects. This device is strategic for the future hosting of several prototypes simultaneously connected to the grid.
- The reduction of hosting costs related to marine operations by reducing the time required to connect/disconnect the demonstrators and handle the cable (easier passage through I-tubes and integrated force recovery system).
By contributing to the development of a strategic building block for MRE projects, particularly floating wind power, this project is helping to reduce the LCOE and thus enhance the competitiveness of the sector.