First in Taiwan: Ta Ya’s Underwater Dynamic Cables Test, a Success [NOWnews]

2017/04/07

Ta Ya’s underwater dynamic cables test is a Success, unprecedented in Taiwan and additional artillery for renewable energy development　 (Image provided by Ta Ya Group)

        The Government is in full throttle developing renewable energy. To manage offshore wind turbine generation will require safer and more stable underwater cables. The Ta Ya Group and the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) have teamed up for underwater dynamic cables development projects and sea testing. After two years’ endeavor, the tests are officially declared successful, which is conducive to speed up the development of wave energy generation technology.

       Mr. Chuan Pa-Kuei, General Manager for Ta Ya Group’s Energy & Telecom Cable Business Group, points out that Ta Ya is the only enterprise in Taiwan’s wires and cables sector to invest in the underwater cable R&D. At the end of last year (2016), Ta Ya laid down underwater dynamic cables in Keelung’s Badouzi Fishing Port and conducted tests on generator sets. After enduring rough sea conditions and challenging Northeast Monsoon rains for two months, dynamic cables and optic fiber loops are confirmed to maintain working signals. This serves as empirical evidence that Ta Ya’s underwater dynamic cables can satisfy dynamic maritime demands and help with accelerating Taiwan’s domestic wave energy generation related technology development and offer an additional option to Taiwan’s renewable energy.

       Mr. Chuan Pa-Kuei emphasizes that underwater dynamic cables can be applied in the wave power generation, and additionally, as the installation position of future offshore wind turbines will gradually move further into the sea, conversion to floating offshore wind turbines will then need to be adopted to take full advantage of the excellent wind conditions in the middle of the Taiwan Strait. As a result, underwater dynamic cables will also be part of the necessary technology involved.

       Mr. Chuan Pa-Kuei points out that in the wake of the above successful technical tests, Ta Ya will continue to collaborate with ITRI, with then aim of lowering development costs, while preparing for the official commercialization (of the relevant products).