Dynamic Response of Inter-Array Cable Subject to Internal Solitary Waves

Internal solitary waves (ISWs) occur commonly on continental shelves and in marginal seas and are known for creating strong currents. ISWs have been extensively studied in the context of exploration drilling, where their effects on drilling risers have been well-documented. However, there has been limited research on how ISWs affect offshore wind installations. This study aims to analyze the behavior of a dynamic inter-array cable (IAC), both when suspended from a floating wind turbine and while in wet storage, under the influence of ISWs. Time-dependent vertical current profiles representing extreme ISW events are used as input to simulate the interaction between the ISW and the IAC cable. The study first analyzes the impact of spatial variations in the ISW velocity field, i.e., the wave propagation, on the IAC and then assesses the IAC’s response when ISWs are superimposed with the associated background current, both using OrcaFlex. The calculated internal load on the cable suggests that the impact of ISWs alone may not be substantial. However, the study highlights the necessity of examining the impact of ISWs in conjunction with other environmental loads such as background current and surface waves, as these factors together can pose a threat to the integrity of the IAC cable.