Another challenge for cabling tidal generators is
generator recovery from the seabed for periodic
servicing. This means the cable must either be
removable via wet-mate-able connector from the
generator, or have a service loop that is a minimum of
twice the water depth.
Dealing with such a cable service loop creates design
challenges. Excess cable must be stored on the
seabed during the periods of operation. Such storage
must prevent cable movement in a high current
environment to maximize cable life span.
A cable reel system is one potential answer, although
the author is not aware of any existing applications
such as this. Such a system would require
development of a prototype system from a firm that is
familiar with the challenges of operating in the harsh
underwater environment.