Electrical Transmission Cable to Shore for a 100MW Floating OTEC Electrical Power Plant

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) has the potential of supplying large quantities of renewable electrical power to U.S. island communities in tropical waters. Large OTEC plants can be economical if they are (1) offshore floating plants that can be mass produced and (2) capable of providing at least 100MW in capacity. Today, no electrical transmission cables can deliver this power to shore under the extreme depths, high voltage, and dynamic conditions of a floating, dynamically moving OTEC Structure. The cable must endure high tensions due to its depth, continued motions due to the movement of the OTEC plant, and motions relative to the seabed at touchdown. Although commercial submarine power cables exist for high power in shallow water, and for low power for dynamic applications, none provide the combination of high power and high voltage in deep and dynamically moving water. This project will develop such a cable, enabling OTEC power plants to be a viable source of alternative energy. In Phase I, the design of a submarine power cable will be initiated by combining designs for electrical transmission from the OTEC plant to the shore, for the overall global configuration of the cable, and for cable installation. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee:A submarine high-voltage power cable system for dynamic, deep ocean conditions would enable Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) to supply renewable electrical energy to tropical areas (Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, DOD bases).