Project overview:

Transmission and Export Cable Fault Detection and Prevention Using Synthetic Aperture Sonar

Awardee:

ThayerMahan

Start Date:

Q3, 2021

Technical Challenge Area:

Electrical Power Systems

Completion Date:

Q3, 2022

Synopsis:

In this project, ThayerMahan aims to demonstrate that subsea cable failure incidents can be reduced by continuous surveys using the high-resolution acoustic imagery provided by their SeaScout underwater sensing system.

Target Outcomes:

Evaluate the thesis that the contractor’s technology and methods will effectively translate for identifying subsea power cable failures.

Carry out 12 days of surveying to evaluate the systems ability to: 1) Detect evidence of fishing gear in the vicinity of cables 2) Detect cable movement 3) Detect seabed movement 4) Detect cable damage where exposed.

With the known performance of the system following the surveys, the potential to identify failures can be quantified, and projections on the potential impact of the system made.