Research in HR Wallingford’s laboratories has tested cable protection systems (CPS) used by wind farms to help reduce failures. The work analysed a traditional CPS and the new C.Shield CPS design in stormy conditions.The tests showed that the new C.Shield CPS, designed by AIS, outperformed the traditional system in terms of on-bottom-stability during simulated strong offshore currents in HR Wallingford’s purpose-built tank. The new product differs from traditional cable protection systems as it has a significant weight that is embedded into the product and improved outer profile, so that extra stabilisation does not typically need to be added after installation. This is the first time that the impact of stormy conditions on existing CPS, which were originally designed for the oil and gas industry, have been tested using physical modelling. The team conducted tests on a smooth surface and on real scour protection to help simulate the different types of seabed.
