Thermal behavior of power cables in offshore wind sites considering wind speed uncertainty

A novel method for sizing power cables that connect offshore wind parks to the grid is presented. The followed methodology consists of two different and independent tasks: The stochastic wind power generation of the wind park is estimated based on historical data and, then, the cooling effect of high wind speeds on the temperature of the cable's aerial part is evaluated. In contrast to the IEC60287 standard, the effect of the variable heat transfer coefficient (h) caused by the variable wind speeds, is taken into account following a Finite Element Method approach which leads to a different thermal behavior than the expected one. Higher h values are caused by high wind speeds increasing, therefore, the current carrying capacity of the cable. The results of this study lead to a more efficient way of sizing power cables, avoiding power curtailment in periods with particularly high wind speeds, leading to a more cost efficient cable design. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.