Improved umbilical termination module

Description

1 / 9 “Improved Umbilical Termination Module” Dissemination Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to the field of power distribution systems and, in particular, to submarine power distribution systems. More specifically, this disclosure describes an improved umbilical termination assembly or module having an integrated distribution frame. Fundamentals

[0002] This section is intended to introduce various aspects of the art that may be associated with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It is believed that this discussion will help to provide a framework to facilitate a better understanding of particular aspects of the present invention. Consequently, it should be understood that this section should be read in that light, and not necessarily as admissions of the prior art.

[0003] An umbilical termination assembly (UTA) is a structured component for terminating umbilical cables and providing one or more connections for hydraulic, chemical, electrical, or fiber optic services. A particular use of UTAs is in subsea power distribution systems, which receive power from offshore power generation devices and distribute the power to various onshore appliances. In practice, an umbilical cable is installed so that it runs along a seabed and carries power from a wind turbine to a UTA at a remote end of the cable. Upon reaching the UTA, the umbilical cable is terminated into a plurality of wires and the electricity is distributed to a subsea transformer. Such power systems often comprise subsea switching modules that are used to de-energize equipment in order to allow for safe maintenance, installation, or recovery of previously powered appliances.

[0004] Known submarine power distribution systems have a submarine switchgear module, including multiple circuit breakers, Petition 870250088073, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 12 / 29 2 / 9 remote and separate from the UTA, and this presents numerous disadvantages. Since the connections between the switchgear module and the UTA are made underwater, wet coupling connectors are used to electrically couple the components. However, such connectors are significantly more expensive than connecting components above the surface using dry coupling connectors. Furthermore, supplying a switching module as a separate and remote component to the UTA results in increased hardware costs, a larger system size, and leads to the incoming wet coupling connector system being operable near its maximum power rating, thus reducing its lifespan.

[0005] Aspects of this disclosure seek to provide an alternative arrangement of subsea components that alleviate these problems with previously known systems. In particular, aspects of this disclosure seek to provide an improved umbilical termination module (MTU) that integrates the functionality of a switching module, leading to a more efficient and economical power distribution system. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a recoverable umbilical termination module (MTU) is provided. The MTU comprises a first wet coupling connector directly connectable to a subsea transformer module and a second connector connectable to one or more offshore power generation devices. The first connector and the second connector are electrically connected to each other. The MTU further comprises a distribution board, the distribution board being adapted to selectively control the power flow from the second connector to the first connector.

[0007] The distribution board may be a circuit breaker. Alternatively, the distribution board may be a disconnection distribution board, wherein the system further comprises an actuator electrically coupled to the disconnection switch, the actuator configured to activate or deactivate the disconnection switch. Petition 870250088073, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 13 / 29 3 / 9

[0008] The second connector of the MTU may be a dry coupling connector. Alternatively, the MTU may comprise a first module containing the first connector and the switchgear element; and a second module connectable to one or more offshore power generation devices; wherein the second connector is a wet coupling connector between the switchgear and the second module.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a subsea power system is provided comprising a transformer module having a first side connectable to onshore components; and at least one MTU according to the first aspect of the invention. The first wet coupling connector is connected to a second side of the transformer module.

[0010] Preferably, one or more offshore power generation devices are connected to the second connector. The at least one offshore power generation device may include a plurality of arrays of offshore power generation devices, such that the system comprises a respective MTU for each of the plurality of arrays.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for installing an umbilical termination module (MTU) according to the first aspect of the invention. The method comprises connecting the second connector to one or more offshore power generation devices prior to subsea installation; installing the subsea MTU; and connecting the first wet coupling connector to the second side of a subsea transformer module.

[0012] Optionally, the MTU further comprises a first module containing the first connector and the distribution board and a second module connected to one or more offshore power generation devices, wherein the second connector is a wet coupling connector between the distribution board and the second module. In this arrangement, the method comprises the steps of disconnecting the first module from the second module; retrieving the first module to a vessel or surface platform; and disconnecting the second connector between the MTU and one or more offshore power generation devices. Petition 870250088073, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 14 / 29 4 / 9 Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] The disclosure will be further described with reference to the examples shown in the attached figures, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a submarine power distribution system;

[0015] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an umbilical termination module used in the system of Figure 1; and

[0016] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an alternative umbilical termination module. Detailed Description

[0017] The following description presents particular examples and, together with the drawings, serves to explain the principles of the disclosure. However, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the precise details of the examples, since variations will be evident to one skilled in the art and are considered covered by the description. The terms for components used in this document should be given a broad interpretation that also encompasses equivalent functions and characteristics. In some cases, alternative terms for structural characteristics may be provided, but such terms are not intended to be exhaustive.

[0018] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an umbilical termination module (MTU) 30 having an integrated distribution frame to provide a less expensive and more efficient power distribution system than those employing conventional umbilical termination assemblies.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a submarine power distribution system having a plurality of 30 MTUs. As represented, the power distribution system is connectable to at least one array of offshore power generation devices 10 structured to generate high-voltage power. Each array has one or more offshore power generation devices 10, which is electrically connected with a corresponding 30 MTU via an umbilical cable 60. For the avoidance of doubt, an array may comprise a single Petition 870250088073, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 15 / 29 5 / 9 power generation device 10. Alternatively, the array may comprise multiple power generation devices 10 connected in series or in parallel. Examples of offshore power generation devices 10 include, but are not limited to, wind turbines, offshore solar panels and tidal power devices.

[0020] As best seen in Figures 2 and 3, each MTU 30 is provided with a first connector 32 and a second connector 34 which are electrically coupled to each other. The second connector 34 is connectable to one or more offshore power generation devices 10. The first connector 32 is a wet coupling connector directly connectable to a first side 24 of a subsea transformer module 20. The transformer module 20 comprises a step-down transformer structured to reduce the relatively high input voltage of the MTU by conventional means easily understood by one skilled in the art. A second side of the transformer module 20 is connectable to various onshore components 70, such as an export cable 71, a high voltage junction box (HVJB) 72, an onshore transformer 73 and an onshore switchboard 74.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a first example of the MTU 30. The MTU 30 comprises a housing 35 defining an enclosure and an apparatus 37. The enclosure may be filled with gas or oil. The apparatus 37 is structured to provide a wet coupling connection between the MTU 30 and the subsea transformer module 20. A first side 36 of the housing 35 is provided with a dry coupling connector 39 coupling the housing 35 to the apparatus 37. The connecting wires 62 adjacent to a second side 38 of the housing 35 are dry coupled to the termination head 33 via the second connector 34.

[0022] As depicted, the termination head 33 is structured to terminate the umbilical cable 60 and separate the various cables grouped in the umbilical cable 60 into a plurality of terminals that are connected to the second connector 34. A distribution panel 50 located in the housing 35 has 3 switches in parallel, where each switch has a connecting wire 62 that connects to the second Petition 870250088073, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 16 / 29 6 / 9 connector 34 to dry coupling connector 39. The distribution board 50 is configured to selectively control the flow of power from the second connector 34 to the first connector 32 via the dry coupling connector 39. The distribution board 50 is thus movable between an open position where current is unable to flow through the MTU 30; and a closed position where current can flow through the MTU 30. The distribution board 50 further comprises an actuator (not shown) designed to move the distribution board between the open and closed positions. The actuator can be operated manually, automatically, or both.

[0023] As would be understood by one skilled in the art, a switchboard is a broad term describing a variety of switching devices suitable for controlling, protecting, regulating, and isolating power systems. In some embodiments, the switchboard 50 is a circuit breaker designed to prevent the flow of electricity through the MTU 30 after the detection of a fault in the circuit. A fault would be understood by those skilled in the art as when the conditions in the MTU 30 deviate adversely from safe operating parameters. Thus, a fault may be when the current flow through the MTU 30 exceeds a predetermined rating near and above the typical operating current of the MTU 30. Other examples of faults in the MTU 30 include short-circuiting or overheating. The circuit breaker may be a conventional design of a switch connected to a bimetallic strip or an electromagnet. In some embodiments, the switchboard 50 is a disconnect switch.As understood by those skilled in the art, the disconnect switch can only be operated without voltage in the system.

[0024] FIG. 3 is an alternative example of an MTU 300. What distinguishes this alternative example from that shown in FIG. 2 is that the MTU 300 of FIG. 3 comprises a first module 300a and a second module 300b, and that the modules are connectable to each other via the second connector 34, which is a wet coupling connector. The first module 300a comprises the device 37 and the housing 35 having the distribution board 50. The second module 300b Petition 870250088073, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 17 / 29 7 / 9 comprises the termination head 33. The components are housed in separately recoverable modules, rather than a single MTU as shown in FIG 2. This can help decrease repair time in case only part of the MTU 300 needs to be removed and repaired. This allows the MTU 300 and the system to have enhanced functional availability. If the distribution board 50 needs to be replaced, service operators can disconnect the wet coupling connector 34 between the two modules, lift the first module 300a out of the water, replace the defective parts, and then lower and reconnect the first module 300a to the second module 300b. Furthermore, this arrangement allows the use of less expensive lifting equipment during repair operations.

[0025] The installation, operation, and recovery of the present invention will now be described in detail.Referring first to the installation of MTU 30 in FIG 2, the MTU 30 is initially supplied on a platform above the water. An operator dry-couples the MTU 30 to the termination head 33, which is connected to the umbilical cable 60 via the second connector 34. Then, the MTU 30, while connected to the power generation unit 10, is lowered underwater. Finally, the MTU 30 is directly wet-coupled to the first subsea transformer module 20 lateral 24 via the first connector 32. In operation, the distribution panel 50 is closed. The MTU 30 receives power from the offshore power generation unit 10 and transfers this power to the transformer module 20, where the voltage is stepped up and distributed to various onshore components 70. If a fault is detected, the actuator moves the distribution panel 50 to the open position.During recovery, the wet coupling connection of the first connector 32 between the first side 24 of the transformer module 20 and the MTU 30 is disconnected. Then, the MTU 30 is lifted above the water and onto a suitable platform. Finally, the dry coupling of the second connector between the MTU 30 and one or more power generating devices is disconnected.

[0026] Although the operation of MTUs 30 and 300 in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 is the same, the recovery of MTU 300 in FIG. 3 begins with an optional step of Petition 870250088073, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 18 / 29 8 / 9 Disconnect the first module 300a from the second module 300b via the second wet coupling connector 34, then select one of the modules to retrieve to the container or surface platform. Additionally, the installation of the MTU 300 from FIG. 3 begins with a step of connecting the first module 300a to the second module 300b via the second connector 34.

[0027] The MTU 30,300 with integrated switchgear 50 provides numerous technical benefits over existing power distribution systems employing separate switchgear modules with multiple circuit breakers. First, the present invention provides a reduction in hardware cost. Wet coupling connectors are known to be significantly more expensive than dry coupling connectors. Existing systems require their switching modules to be wet-coupled to an umbilical termination assembly, which increases expense. The present invention by integrating the switchgear 50 into the MTU 30,300 means that they can be coupled via a dry coupling connector above the surface, before the entire MTU 30,300 is installed underwater. This means that one less wet coupling connection is required per MTU 30,300.Secondly, the present arrangement provides better utilization of the switchgear, dry coupling connector, and wet coupling connector power ratings. Unlike previous systems that provided a wet coupling connector between the switching module and the subsea transformer, the wet coupling connector in this arrangement is not operated near its maximum power. This improves the service life of the connectors. Thirdly, having an integrated switchgear as opposed to a separate switchgear module allows for a reduction in the overall system size, further reducing hardware costs.

[0028] The wet coupling connectors used in various embodiments of the present invention may be any connection mechanism suitable for coupling or uncoupling in wet subsea environments. Examples of such connectors that may be used in the present invention include, but are not limited to: Petition 870250088073, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, p. 19 / 29 9 / 9 molded rubber connectors, which use a neoprene or polyurethane locking sleeve and overmolding to create a watertight seal between a female connector end and a glass-reinforced epoxy bulkhead connector; rigid housing connectors, which are molded into a rigid body and have a water-locking mechanism involving screwing the two connector halves together before sealing the joint with an O-ring; fluid-filled connectors, which use a chamber filled with dielectric fluid, such as oil, to isolate the contacts from water until the male and female ends are mated; and inductive couplings that magnetically join components. On the other hand, dry coupling connectors can be any suitable connector designed for applications where the plug and receptacle will be fully coupled in a dry environment and then submerged in water.Examples of such connectors include sealed glass-to-metal connectors and seismic survey connectors.

[0029] Auxiliary equipment for power distribution systems, such as, but not limited to, batteries, machine-side converters, grid-side converters, connections between generators and the umbilical cable, etc., have not been represented for the sake of clarity, although the inclusion and use of such equipment in electrical systems of the present disclosure are known and appreciated by those skilled in the art. Descriptive terms are also given the broadest possible interpretation; for example, the term comprising, as used in this descriptive report, means consisting at least in part of, so that the interpretation of each statement in this descriptive report that includes the term comprising, features different from those or those preceded by the term may also be present. Related terms, such as comprise and includes, should be interpreted in the same way. Petition 870250088073, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 20 / 29

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Recoverable umbilical termination module, MTU (30, 300), characterized in that it comprises: a first wet coupling connector (32) directly connectable to a subsea transformer module (20); a second connector (34) connectable to one or more offshore power generation devices (10); wherein the first connector (32) and the second connector (34) are electrically connected to each other; and wherein the MTU (30) further comprises a distribution board (50), the distribution board (50) being adapted to selectively control the energy flow from the second connector (34) to the first connector (32).

2. MTU (30, 300), according to claim 1, characterized in that the distribution board (50) is a circuit breaker.

3. MTU (30, 300), according to claim 1, characterized in that the distribution board (50) is a disconnect switch and the system further comprises an actuator electrically coupled to the disconnect switch, the actuator configured to activate or deactivate the disconnect switch.

4. MTU (30), according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second connector (34) is a dry coupling connector.

5. MTU (300), according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the MTU (300) comprises: a first module (300a) containing the first connector (32) and the distribution board (50); and a second module (300b) connectable to one or more offshore power generation devices (10); wherein the second connector (34) is a wet coupling connector between the distribution board (50) and the second module (300b). Petition 870250088073, dated 29 / 09 / 2025, page 21 / 29 2 / 3 6. Subsea power system, characterized in that it comprises: a transformer module (20) having a first side connectable to onshore components; at least one MTU (30, 300), as defined in any one of claims 1 to 5; wherein the first wet coupling connector (32) is connected to a second side (24) of the transformer module.

7. System according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises one or more offshore power generation devices (10) connected to the second connector (34).

8. System according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one offshore power generation apparatus (10) comprises a plurality of offshore power generation apparatus arrays (10), and wherein the system comprises a respective MTU (30, 300) for each of the plurality of arrays.

9. Method for installing an umbilical termination module, MTU (30, 300), as defined in claim 1, the method, characterized in that it comprises: connecting the second connector (34) to one or more offshore power generation devices (10) prior to subsea installation; installing the MTU (30) subsea; and connecting the first wet coupling connector (32) to the second side (24) of a subsea transformer module (20).

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the MTU (300) further comprises: a first module (300a) containing the first connector (32) and the distribution board (50), and a second module (300b) directly connectable to one or more offshore power generation devices (10), wherein the second connector (34) is a wet coupling connector between the distribution board (50) and the second module (300b); and wherein the method further comprises the step of connecting the distribution board (50) and the second module (300b) via the second subsea connector.

11. Method for recovering a subsea umbilical termination module, MTU (30, 300), as defined in claim 1, the method, characterized in that it comprises: disconnecting the first wet coupling connector (32) between the second side (24) of the transformer module (20) and MTU (30, 300); recovering the MTU (30, 300) to a surface vessel or platform; and disconnecting the second connector (34) between the MTU (30, 300) and one or more offshore power generation devices (10).

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the MTU (300) further comprises: a first module (300a) containing the first connector (32) and the distribution panel, and a second module (300b) connected to one or more offshore power generation devices (10), wherein the second connector (34) is a wet coupling connector between the distribution panel (50) and the second module (300b); wherein the method begins with the step of: disconnecting the first module (300a) from the second module (300b); and wherein the step of recovering the MTU comprises recovering the first module (300a) to a vessel or surface platform. Petition 870250088073, dated 29 / 09 / 2025, pp. 23 / 29

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