Cable testing keeps wind farm running
A high voltage engineering specialist has carried out an innovative cable testing campaign at a Danish offshore wind farm that is a first for the offshore wind industry.
EDS HV Group (EDS), part of UK-based James Fisher and Sons plc, carried out Damped AC testing (DAC) for Vattenfall at Horns Rev 1 offshore wind farm after it had experienced network issues. EDS used DAC to collect beneficial partial discharge (PD) and tanδ data to interpret the condition of the array cables and subject the entire array system to a high voltage withstand test.
Luke Bishop, group engineering director at EDS, said: “Damped AC testing is a real step change in the industry. VLF testing has been the “go-to” test system to-date. However, despite VLF’s advantages, it doesn’t have the benefits offered by DAC to test long lengths of array cables through multiple switchgear positions and collect PD and tanδ data, all from a single point.
“Due to excellent collaboration between EDS, Vattenfall and technology suppliers Onsite HV/EMT, we completed the campaign efficiently and successfully.”
Using Damped AC in accordance with IEC standards, EDS tested all array cables from one single point on the offshore platform. This avoided multiple transfers of equipment and personnel and maximised safety.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
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