Energy Infrastructure Monitoring with Fiber Optic DAS Technology

Fiber Optic DAS for Power Cable Monitoring

The number of installed subsea electrical transmission cables is increasing rapidly. The growth in installed transmission capacity is driven by changes in the electricity demand, including the building of large offshore wind farms and wave energy stations. With this growth, ensuring the safety and performance of subsea cables has become critical. Effective power cable monitoring is essential to address these challenges. Fiber optic Distributed Acoustic Sensing technology offers an innovative solution by enabling real-time monitoring and early detection of potential issues in these cables.

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Hazards Facing Subsea Cables and the Role of Power Cable Monitoring

Subsea cables face a number of hazards, such as trenched sections being uncovered by undersea currents, damage from anchors and fishing gear, in addition to the failures that exist in onshore cables. Moreover, finding the cable for repairs or to avoid damage when other infrastructure is installed can be challenging because tides and currents sometimes cause the cable to shift significantly away from the position at which it was installed. Distributed Acoustic Sensing technology continuously tracks and identifies shifts caused by environmental factors. This way, it helps to solve these challenges effectively. Power cable monitoring through Distributed Acoustic Sensing technology continuously tracks and identifies shifts caused by environmental factors. This way, it ensures safer and more efficient operation of subsea cables by addressing these challenges effectively.

Benefits of DAS in Subsea Cables

Fiber optic based DAS technology allows for continuous monitoring of sub sea energy cables in real time. The technology uses the fiber optic cable itself as a sensor, enabling measurements of acoustic signals along the entire length of the cable. This allows for the detection of changes in cable integrity, including changes in strain, temperature, and pressure, which can indicate potential problems. Additionally, DAS systems provide detailed insights into the cable’s operational conditions, making it easier to address issues before they escalate.

Advantages of DAS Technology and Power Cable Monitoring

Early detection: DAS identifies changes in cable integrity, such as strain, pressure, and temperature, before they lead to failures. This applies to both subsea cables in general and power cables specifically.
Enhanced safety and reliability: Continuous monitoring ensures cable integrity is maintained by detecting potential issues early, enabling timely maintenance.
Reduced downtime and costs: Early detection helps prevent failures, reducing downtime and lowering repair costs.
Extended cable lifespan: By identifying stress points early, continuous monitoring prevents long-term damage and extends the operational life of cables.
Optimized maintenance schedules: Real-time data allows for more efficient and well-planned maintenance processes.
Improved data collection: DAS provides detailed insights into cable behavior and performance, enabling better infrastructure design and operational efficiency.

The Role of DAS in Ensuring Energy Infrastructure Resilience

Overall, fiber optic based Distributed Acoustic Sensing is an important technology for ensuring the safety, reliability, and performance of subsea energy cables, and is becoming increasingly adopted as a standard in the industry. With the expansion of renewable energy projects, DAS plays a crucial role in enhancing the durability of this infrastructure.