This project led by NREL and PNNL, in partnership with offshore cable experts Delmar Systems Inc. (Delmar) and the University of Southampton, will accelerate the development and reduce LCOE of commercial wave energy systems by empowering the design and utilization of robust and cost-effective medium voltage power and communication umbilicals that connect floating WECs to subsea transmission lines. This two-year project will utilize accepted industry practices from offshore wind and oil & gas and existing software tools (WEC-Sim and OrcaFlex) to evaluate the lifecycle mechanical and electrical performance of interlink umbilicals (umbilicals), define expected requirements, and make suggested improvements based on a techno-economic evaluation.
