Technical and economic demands of HVDC submarine cable technology for Global Energy Interconnection

TLDR

Power transmission across the sea is a key component of global energy interconnection (GEI). This study analyzes GEI backbone network requirements for DC submarine cable technology and defines key technical and economic indices of UHVDC submarine cable based on theoretical computations. The analysis employs a thermoelectric coupling model and finite element method to evaluate the cable parameters. Dielectric strength of extrusion insulation must be 43–65 kV/mm and heat resistance at least 110 °C, and because submarine cable costs are 5–10× higher than overhead lines, investment must be reduced to ensure economic viability and widespread adoption.

Abstract

Power transmission across the sea is an important part of global energy interconnection (GEI). To support the construction of GEI and to serve the needs of future clean energy trans-sea transportation and offshore wind power development, this study a) analyzes the requirements of the GEI backbone network pertaining to direct current (DC) submarine cable technology, and b) defines the key technical and economic indices of ultrahigh-voltage direct current (UHVDC) submarine cable based on theoretical computations. The research is based on the thermoelectric coupling model and the finite element method. It is shown that the dielectric strength of the insulating materials of the ± 800 kV ~±1100 kV/ 4000 MW ~ 12000 MW UHVDC submarine cable (extrusion insulation) should be not less than 43 ~ 65 kV/mm, while the heat resistance is not less than 110 °C. As the cost of submarine cable is 5 ~ 10 times higher than that of the overhead line, the project investment need to be decreased to a level within the economical carrying capacity to guarantee extensive applicability of the HVDC submarine cable technology.