C37D – Submarine Cables, meeting Monday, October 21, 2024 from 3:30 – 5:30 PM, will include the following presentation:

Challenge of TDR and Murray Bridge Fingerprint on world’s longest HVDC cable, by Manfred Bawart, BAUR GmbH

The presentation highlights the application of TDR fingerprints on the Viking Link, which spans an impressive 761 km. This marks the first time TDR has been employed on such an exceptional cable length. A comprehensive analysis of the joint positions once again revealed non- linear pulse propagation, which could significantly impact the accuracy of distance measurements for fault location.

To address this challenge and enhance the preparedness plan, numerous cable joints were measured along the entire length of the cable, enabling the individual assessment of pulse propagation characteristics. As a result, future fault locations can be identified with greater precision using TDR.

Also for the first time, a Murray Bridge fingerprint has been created for the Viking Link. This case study highlights the potential of utilizing Murray Bridge techniques to measure both low and high resistance cable faults over this extensive cable length. The results from the measurements were fast and with impressive measuring accuracy. The integration of the Murray Bridge technique complements the TDR test, providing a means to validate measurement results through an alternative method in the event of a cable fault.

C39D, meeting Wednesday, October 23, 2024 from 8-10 AM, will include the following presentation:

Seismic Design for Underground Transmission System

Wei Zheng, Kiewit, USA

Abstract: Seismic design of underground transmission systems is critical for ensuring the resilience and reliability of essential infrastructures during earthquake events. However, there are no well-established guidelines on seismic design of underground transmission systems. This presentation will describe the seismic design of entire electrical power system and identify major seismic hazards and design challenges for the underground transmission systems. Underground cable performance during the Christchurch Earthquakes will be reviewed to identify key considerations in seismic design. Seismic design guidelines for water pipelines will be reviewed to explore how design earthquake is determined based on water pipeline function classes and levels of redundancy. Finally, a design process is recommended for a safe and resilient seismic design of underground transmission system.

!!! ICC HOTEL POWER HAS BEEN RESTORED !!!

I’ve received confirmation from the ICC hotel that power was restored late last night and as of this morning, all hotel systems are operating normally.  The ICC will be meeting in Bonita Springs as planned.

For nearby restaurants, shopping, attractions, etc., I’m told that the ICC hotel was last to be restored so I would expect these venues to be open unless prevented by storm damage; however, I recommend calling to confirm.  

The two overflow hotels (Hyatt Place and TownPlace by Marriot) are also open but I would still confirm that you have a reservation.

I’m looking forward to seeing you soon in Bonita Springs.

The news continues to be encouraging – but no hotel power quite yet:

The hotel is still on generators and remains ready to reopen once utility power has been restored.  All other utilities (water, sewer, internet, landline phones) are working.

I’ve been in daily contact with the hotel Sales Director, and he reports that Florida Power & Light is on the hotel property today (Sunday) replacing a switchbox.  He’s been told by FP&L this is the last item needed to restore hotel power but until everything’s been energized, we won’t know for sure.

I’m very sensitive to the extremely unfortunate timing of this hurricane event and need to either keep or cancel travel plans – especially for our international attendees.

If power is not restored by Monday morning (Oct.14), the ICC and IEEE will begin discussions on canceling the meeting. Since a contract is involved, we’ll start the process Monday morning with hope that power will be restored later in the day.  If not, then as early as possible on Tuesday (Oct. 15), I’ll send out notification that the meeting has been canceled with information on refunds, etc.

Once hotel power has again been fully restored, I’ll send out an immediate update.

Thanks for your patience,

Bert

Albert H. Spear III

ICC Chair (2024-2025)

I have some very encouraging news to report:

The ICC meeting hotel came through Hurricane Milton relatively unscathed.  There was no flooding or rain intrusion into the hotel.  The hotel exterior has been completely cleaned and the hotel pools and Lazy River will be available.  All hotel staff have been told to report to work on Monday.

The hotel is still without power and remains on generators since the hurricane began. Today, hotel power came on very briefly and then was interrupted due to an offsite equipment problem which the electric utility (Florida Power & Light) is working to repair. This is still good news since the power path (poles, transformers, cable, etc.) has been restored aside from this latest equipment issue.  On a side note, this hotel hosted the FP&L line crews during Hurricane Ian, and I feel confident the hotel General Manager is using that prior relationship to expedite repairs.   

The Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is open.  I would expect that area restaurants, shopping, etc. if they have power will be open (storm damage permitting) but I would recommend calling first.

The ICC hotel private island beach remains closed.  The current status of nearby beaches can be checked here: https://www.visitfortmyers.com/beach-conditions

Once hotel power has again been fully restored, I’ll send out another update.

If you need to reach Jennifer Quandel about existing reservations, she can be contacted at JQuandel@hpnglobal.com.

Bert

Albert H. Spear III

ICC Chair (2024-2025)

The ICC meeting hotel survived Hurricane Helene relatively unscathed but now we have Hurricane Milton heading toward Florida’s west coast.

The National Hurricane Service reports that Milton is expected to make landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday somewhere near the Tampa Bay area which is well north of the ICC meeting hotel in Bonita Springs.  Bonita Springs will likely experience some degree of wind, rain, and storm surge from Milton but it’s too early to make any projections as to the extent of any damage that would prevent the ICC from meeting as planned.

We have been in periodic contact with the hotel and as soon as Milton has passed through, the hotel will provide a timely assessment if the hotel will be available for the meeting and then we’ll send updates via email and the ICC website to provide information on the meeting status.

In the meantime, you can keep your existing hotel reservations that can be canceled later without penalty if the hotel is unavailable due to hurricane damage. 

The Hyatt Place Coconut Point Bonita Springs overflow hotel is fully booked.  The Townplace Suites Fort Myers Estero overflow hotel still has rooms on an as available basis through Wednesday October 10.

If you need to reach Jennifer Quandel about existing reservations, she can be contacted at JQuandel@hpnglobal.com.  Jennifer is located on the west coast of Florida and may have limited or no email availability after Hurricane Milton.

As you may know, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida and it effects were felt in southern Florida include the ICC meeting hotel in Bonita Springs.  I’m happy to report that the ICC hotel only required minimal cleanup and is open for business. The Fall 2024 ICC meeting will be there as planned.

However, the ICC hotel private island and beach experienced infrastructure damage and is expected to be closed for repairs for a few weeks and will likely be unavailable in time for the ICC meeting. The rest of the hotel property has resumed normal operations, and all other hotel outdoor amenities are open including the waterfall pool, lap pool, adventure pool, waterslide, Lazy River, fire pits, lawn games, and the Nature Boardwalk Trail.

There are many other nearby beaches, and the current status can be checked here:  Fort Myers & Sanibel Florida Current Beach Conditions – Visit Fort Myers

The ICC overflow hotels will continue to accept reservations until Friday Oct. 4 or until the room block is sold out.If you make reservations at the ICC hotel and later find that you cannot attend, before canceling your hotel reservation, please email Jennifer Quandel at JQuandel@hpnglobal.com so that your reservation can be exchanged for another ICC attendee who is on the ICC hotel wait list

The final agenda for the Fall 2024 Meeting, October 20-23, 2024, has been posted here.

Discussion Group C37 on Submarine Cables would like to announce the following presentations at their upcoming meeting during the Fall 2024 ICC Meeting.

Title: “Thermal aspects of submarine cable bend stiffener”.
Author: George Anders, Consultant.

Recent years have seen a significant increase in new offshore installations requiring large numbers of submarine power cables. The most recent trend is construction of floating wind farms, which also require new cable construction and installation conditions. These, so-called, dynamic cables, have not only construction different from the traditional subsea cables but also involve several innovative installation features. Some of the most challenging from the thermal analysis point of view are installations involving bend stiffeners. 

The component is cone-shaped and may reach a length of several meters (see Fig. 1). From a mechanical point of view, the stiffness of the dynamic cable installation is increased. This prevents overbending of the cable due to water current-induced motions.  Bend stiffener is, however, considered a thermal bottleneck as it hinders heat dissipation from the cable to the surroundings and, therefore, requires detailed analysis. 

In this presentation, the thermal conditions of the 3-core dynamic submarine cable installed in a bend stiffener in water are investigated with the finite element (FEM) analysis. The purpose of this work is to define the accurate boundary conditions for the FEM model with the aim of developing in the future a theoretical model for calculations of the current rating for similar arrangements.

Title “ATC Straits of Mackinac Submarine Cable Replacement”Authors: Adam Brecklin, Principal Engineer, ATC
Justin Bardwell, Underground Transmission Manager, Black & Veatch

This presentation is a summary of the replacement of six existing 138kV SCFF (self-contained fluid filled) single phase cables with two 138kV XLPE three phase cables on an accelerated timeline.  This presentation will address the planning and execution of the replacement with a focus on the risks and challenges identified and the solutions developed.  The Straits of Mackinac connect Lake Michigan to Lake Huron and present a particular set of challenges for cable installation and operation with significant weather and access limitations.

The ICC Fall 2024 Newsletter is now available!  A printable version can also be obtained here.  Please take a moment to read up on what is happening at the ICC.  And most importantly, when you are finished reading, please share it with others in your company to spread the word about the importance of the work done at the ICC.  Thank you!