Proserv: Revolutionizing Subsea Cable Monitoring for Offshore Wind Farms

Introduction

In the latest episode of the "Let's Talk Transition" podcast, host Dan sat down with Callum Maxwell, Business Development Manager at Proserv, to delve into their groundbreaking ECG system. This innovative technology is set to transform subsea cable monitoring in the offshore wind industry. Here's a comprehensive look at their conversation and the insights shared about the future of renewable energy and subsea cable monitoring.

Callum Maxwell's Journey into Renewables

Callum Maxwell's journey into the renewable energy sector began with a passion for geography and sustainable development. This interest led him to pursue a degree in applied chemistry at St. Andrews University and a master’s degree in sustainable energy at Glasgow University. After various roles, including a stint in ship management and time at the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult (ORE Catapult), Callum joined Proserv, driven by a shared vision of innovation in offshore wind technology.

Transition to Proserv and the Development of ECG

At ORE Catapult, Callum played a pivotal role in identifying and supporting innovative technologies within the renewable sector. His work there facilitated a natural transition to Proserv, where he became instrumental in developing the ECG system. Initially a collaboration project, the ECG system evolved into a robust product aimed at addressing the critical challenges of subsea cable monitoring in offshore wind farms.

The ECG System: An Overview

The ECG system, which stands for Electrical Characterization of Grids, is a comprehensive monitoring solution for subsea array cables in offshore wind farms. It integrates three levels of protection and monitoring to ensure the longevity and efficiency of the wind farm's infrastructure.

• Electrical Fault Detection and Location: This feature allows for precise fault location within subsea cables, pinpointing issues to an accuracy of less than 100 metres. This significantly reduces the time required to identify and repair faults, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
• Mechanical Vibration Sensing: This technology provides distributed monitoring of the entire subsea array cable, detecting significant vibrations that could lead to future faults. By addressing these issues early, the system helps prevent potential failures and extends the life of the infrastructure.
• Distributed Temperature Sensing: Utilising existing fibre optics within the subsea cables, this feature monitors temperature variations, providing another layer of protection and early fault detection.

Benefits and Economic Impact

The ECG system's ability to provide detailed monitoring and early fault detection offers substantial economic benefits. By minimising downtime and repair costs, the system ensures consistent power generation, which is crucial for the profitability and longevity of offshore wind farms. Callum emphasised that the savings from reduced production losses and downtime could run into hundreds of millions of pounds over the lifecycle of a wind farm.

Challenges in Subsea Cable Management

One of the major challenges in offshore wind is the vulnerability of subsea cables to mechanical stresses and environmental factors. The ECG system addresses these challenges by providing real-time data and early warnings, allowing operators to take proactive measures rather than reacting to major failures. This proactive approach not only saves costs but also enhances the reliability and safety of the wind farm operations.

Future Outlook and Industry Challenges

Looking ahead, Callum highlighted the importance of addressing infrastructural bottlenecks, particularly in grid capacity, to support the growing offshore wind sector. He stressed the need for