Laboratory testing of a HVDC submarine power cable for the Hawaii Deep Water Cable Program

Abstract

The objective of the Hawaii program is to prove the technical feasibility of a commercial submarine power cable system between the islands of Hawaii and Oahu. This represents almost four times the depth and twice the length of present state-of-the-art installations. Although at-sea testing will be required to verify system management of mechanical loade and insure requisite accuracy of placement, the mechanical, thermal and electrical capabilities of the self-contained oil-filled cable design will be fully characterized in the laboratory with 6,000 feet of test cable. The laboratory program, the rationale behind its development, and its relationship to other elements of the Hawaii Deep Water Cable Program are described.