Near-optimal use of a MRE export cable considering thermal and techno-economic aspects

Due to the ever-increasing electricity demand, along with the need to reduce the dependence on fossil or nuclear resources, a growing amount of renewable energy is integrated in the energy mix of many countries. However, the cost-effective integration of wave energy remains difficult as its cost is still not competitive compared with other energy sources. This paper deals with the energy production management of a simulated wave energy converter farm based on point absorbers that could be installed in the vicinity of the SEM-REV site. The approach considers the electrothermal behaviour of the export cable in combination with techno-economic aspects. The method can be used to extend the power export capability of a test site at no cost, which could be very interesting to install more marine renewable energy (MRE) converters and/or of greater rated power. Our study shows that exploiting the thermal inertia of a wave farm submarine export cable, while also considering techno-economic aspects, may lead to an increase of 18% in the annual energy production without modifying this cable.