Wave Propagation Characteristics in Offshore Pipe-Type Submarine Cables: Modeling and Insights

Pipe-type cables used in offshore wind farms present significant modeling challenges, not only due to the complexity of incorporating skin and proximity effects within the cable but also because of the surrounding media. Accurately representing the three-media environment—air, seawater, and seabed—is important, particularly when determining whether the cable is installed above or buried within it. This distinction has a relevant impact on wave propagation characteristics and transient responses. This paper investigates the influence of three-media modeling on pipe-type cable wave propagation and transient behavior, demonstrating that the commonly used equivalent two-media approach may lead to inaccurate results. The results emphasize the need to account for the third medium to achieve accurate electrical parameter calculations, which is essential for the reliable design and analysis of submarine power transmission systems.