Submarine cable, submarine cable positioning system, and submarine cable positioning method

Abstract

The application relates to a submarine cable, a submarine cable positioning system and a submarine cable positioning method. The submarine cable comprises a plurality of ultrasonic beacon detection units arranged in the submarine cable insulation material structure along the axial direction of the submarine cable. The ultrasonic beacon detection units are used for detecting whether the submarine cable is faulty. In the case that the submarine cable is faulty, the characteristic value of the ultrasonic signal is adjusted, and the ultrasonic signal is emitted at the adjusted set characteristic value, so that the fault point of the submarine cable can be conveniently positioned.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of submarine cable technology, and in particular to a submarine cable, a submarine cable positioning system, and a submarine cable positioning method. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the offshore wind power industry, the installed capacity of offshore wind power is constantly increasing, and the length of submarine cables used for transmitting power from offshore wind power is also constantly increasing. Offshore wind farms are generally located at a distance of tens of kilometers from the shore. As the development of offshore wind power resources gradually extends to the deep sea, the distance from the shore of offshore wind farms will expand to hundreds of kilometers. The electricity generated by offshore wind farms needs to be transmitted to the land via submarine cables to connect to the power grid. Therefore, with the continuous development of offshore wind power, the number of submarine cable lines is also increasing year by year. In order to protect the submarine cables, they are usually buried on the seabed more than 3 meters above the muddy surface. However, due to the influence of seabed erosion and seabed changes, after a certain period of time, the submarine cables may also be directly exposed in the seawater. Since there are many types of offshore vessels such as near-shore transport ships and fishing boats, when these vessels anchor near the submarine cables, they are very likely to snag the cables, causing various types of damage such as bending, breaking, and water ingress, resulting in power transmission line failures. Frequent anchor damage accidents have become one of the main causes of submarine cable failures. Once a submarine cable is damaged, it must be repaired as soon as possible; otherwise, the electricity generated by offshore wind farms will not be able to be transmitted, resulting in huge economic losses. However, because submarine cables are buried deep below the mud surface on the seabed, they cannot be visually inspected, making it extremely difficult to accurately locate the fault point in the vast ocean. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in the related art.

[0004] Therefore, the first objective of this invention is to provide a submarine cable in which multiple ultrasonic beacon detection units are sequentially arranged in the insulation material structure along the cable axis. The ultrasonic beacon detection units detect whether the submarine cable has a fault. In the event of a fault, the characteristic value of the ultrasonic signal is adjusted, and an ultrasonic signal is emitted with the adjusted set characteristic value, which can facilitate the location of the fault point of the submarine cable.

[0005] The second objective of this invention is to provide a submarine cable positioning system.

[0006] The third objective of this invention is to propose a method for positioning submarine cables.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, a first aspect of the present invention provides a submarine cable, comprising: a plurality of ultrasonic beacon detection units, wherein the plurality of ultrasonic beacon detection units are sequentially arranged in the submarine cable insulation material structure along the submarine cable axis, the ultrasonic beacon detection units being used to detect whether the submarine cable has a fault, and in the event of a fault in the submarine cable, adjusting the characteristic value of the ultrasonic signal and emitting an ultrasonic signal with the adjusted set characteristic value.

[0008] The submarine cable of this invention includes multiple ultrasonic beacon detection units, which are sequentially arranged in the insulation material structure of the submarine cable along the cable axis. The ultrasonic beacon detection units are used to detect whether the submarine cable has a fault. In the event of a fault in the submarine cable, the characteristic value of the ultrasonic signal is adjusted, and the ultrasonic signal is emitted with the adjusted set characteristic value, which can facilitate the location of the fault point of the submarine cable.

[0009] In addition, the submarine cable proposed in the first aspect embodiment of the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic beacon detection unit includes: a detection circuit, a detection chip, a beacon controller, an ultrasonic generator, and a power supply; wherein,

[0011] The detection circuit is embedded in the insulation material structure of the submarine cable along the axial direction of the submarine cable, and is divided into a symmetrical first circuit and a second circuit. The length of the detection circuit along the submarine cable is the same as the length of the ultrasonic beacon detection unit.

[0012] The detection chip is located in the middle of the first circuit and the second circuit. The first detection end of the detection chip is connected to the first circuit, and the second detection end of the detection chip is connected to the second circuit. The detection chip is used to detect the electrical parameters of the first circuit and the second circuit.

[0013] The signal input terminal of the beacon controller is connected to the signal output terminal of the detection chip, and the control terminal of the beacon controller is connected to the ultrasonic generator. The beacon controller is used to determine whether the submarine cable is faulty based on the electrical parameters of the first circuit and the second circuit, and in the event of a fault in the submarine cable, adjust the characteristic value of the ultrasonic signal and control the ultrasonic generator to emit an ultrasonic signal with the adjusted set characteristic value.

[0014] The power supply is connected to the power supply terminals of the ultrasound generator, the beacon controller, and the detection chip, respectively, and is used to supply power to the ultrasound generator, the beacon controller, and the detection chip.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the beacon controller determines whether the submarine cable has failed based on the electrical parameters of the first circuit and the second circuit, it includes:

[0016] If the change value of the electrical parameters of the first circuit and / or the second circuit exceeds the corresponding set change value, it is determined that the submarine cable has failed.

[0017] If the changes in the electrical parameters of the first circuit and the second circuit do not exceed the corresponding set changes, it is determined that the submarine cable has not malfunctioned.

[0018] The electrical parameters include resistance and voltage.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the beacon controller is used for:

[0020] If a fault is detected in the submarine cable, the ultrasonic generator is controlled to emit an ultrasonic signal with the original set characteristic value at first set intervals.

[0021] If it is determined that the submarine cable is not faulty, the ultrasonic generator is controlled to emit an ultrasonic signal at the adjusted set characteristic value at every second set time interval;

[0022] Wherein, the first set duration is greater than the second set duration.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the power source includes: an energy storage battery and an inductive power source; wherein,

[0024] The power transmission end of the energy storage battery is connected to the power supply end of the ultrasonic generator, the beacon controller, and the detection chip, respectively. The charging end of the energy storage battery is connected to the inductive power supply, which is used to obtain induced potential from the conductor of the submarine cable to charge the energy storage battery.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the detection circuit is made of aluminum alloy.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the detection circuit is 0.1 mm.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a predetermined number of adjacent ultrasonic beacon detection units in the plurality of ultrasonic beacon detection units are sequentially labeled as a group, and the characteristic values ​​of the ultrasonic signals emitted by the ultrasonic beacon detection units in each group are different;

[0028] The characteristic values ​​of the ultrasonic signal emitted by the ultrasonic beacon detection unit are set by modulating the frequency and amplitude of the ultrasonic signal emitted by the ultrasonic beacon detection unit.

[0029] To achieve the above objectives, a second aspect of the present invention provides a submarine cable positioning system, comprising: a submarine cable as described above, a receiver, and a positioning device; wherein the receiver is used to receive ultrasonic signals emitted by multiple ultrasonic beacon detection units in the submarine cable; wherein the ultrasonic signals carry corresponding feature values; the positioning device is connected to the receiver, and the positioning device is used to locate the fault location of the submarine cable based on the feature values ​​of the multiple ultrasonic signals.

[0030] The submarine cable positioning system of this invention includes a submarine cable, a receiver, and a positioning device as described above. The receiver receives ultrasonic signals carrying corresponding feature values ​​emitted by multiple ultrasonic beacon detection units in the submarine cable. The positioning device locates the fault location of the submarine cable based on the feature values ​​of the multiple ultrasonic signals. Thus, this system can conveniently locate the fault point of the submarine cable.

[0031] To achieve the above objectives, a third aspect of the present invention also proposes a submarine cable positioning method, the method comprising: acquiring ultrasonic signals at various locations of the submarine cable; and locating the fault location of the submarine cable based on the ultrasonic signals.

[0032] According to the submarine cable location method of this invention, ultrasonic signals from various locations on the submarine cable are first acquired, and then the fault location on the submarine cable is located based on the ultrasonic signals. Therefore, this method can conveniently locate the fault point on the submarine cable.

[0033] To achieve the above objectives, a fourth aspect of the present invention also provides an electronic device, comprising: at least one processor; and a memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein the memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor, the instructions being executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the above-described submarine cable positioning method.

[0034] The battery device of this invention can conveniently locate the submarine cable fault point by executing the above-described submarine cable positioning method.

[0035] To achieve the above objectives, a fifth aspect of the present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the above-described submarine cable positioning method.

[0036] The computer-readable storage medium of this invention can conveniently locate the submarine cable fault point by executing the above-described submarine cable positioning method.

[0037] To achieve the above objectives, the sixth aspect of the present invention also proposes a computer program product, which executes the above-described submarine cable positioning method when the instruction processor in the computer program product is executed.

[0038] The computer program product of this invention can conveniently locate the submarine cable fault point by executing the above-described submarine cable positioning method.

[0039] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0040] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a submarine cable according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an ultrasonic beacon detection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a submarine cable positioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a submarine cable positioning method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure label:

[0046] 1. Submarine cable; 2. Detection line; 21. First circuit; 22. Second circuit; 3. Ultrasonic beacon detection unit; 4. Seabed; 5. Seawater; 6. Receiver; 7. Repair vessel; 8. Detection chip; 9. Beacon controller; 10. Ultrasonic generator; 11. Energy storage battery; 12. Inductive power supply; 13. Power supply. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0048] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, describes an embodiment of the submarine cable, submarine cable positioning system, and submarine cable positioning method of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a submarine cable according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the submarine cable 1 of this embodiment includes:

[0051] Multiple ultrasonic beacon detection units 3 are sequentially arranged in the insulation material structure of the submarine cable 1 along the axis of the submarine cable 1. The ultrasonic beacon detection units 3 are used to detect whether the submarine cable 1 has a fault. In the event of a fault in the submarine cable 1, the characteristic value of the ultrasonic signal is adjusted and the ultrasonic signal is emitted with the adjusted set characteristic value.

[0052] In other words, the submarine cable 1 of the present invention is based on the common structure of submarine cable 1, and an ultrasonic beacon detection unit 3 is installed in the insulation material structure of submarine cable 1. The ultrasonic beacon detection unit 3 is installed along the axial direction of submarine cable 1, and an ultrasonic beacon detection unit 3 is installed at a fixed interval (e.g., 10m). This fixed interval is called the unit length of ultrasonic beacon detection unit 3.

[0053] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic beacon detection unit 3 of the present invention, as shown in the example... Figure 2 As shown, the system includes: a detection line 2, a detection chip 8, a beacon controller 9, an ultrasonic generator 10, and a power supply 13. The detection line 2 is embedded along the axial direction of the submarine cable 1 within the cable's insulation structure, and is divided into a symmetrical first loop 21 and a second loop 22. The length of the detection line 2 along the submarine cable 1 is the same as the length of the ultrasonic beacon detection unit 3. The detection chip 8 is located between the first loop 21 and the second loop 22. The first detection end of the detection chip 8 is connected to the first loop 21, and the second detection end of the detection chip 8 is connected to the second loop 22. The detection chip 8 is used to detect the first loop 21 and the second loop 22. Electrical parameters: The signal input terminal of the beacon controller 9 is connected to the signal output terminal of the detection chip 8, and the control terminal of the beacon controller 9 is connected to the ultrasonic generator 10. The beacon controller 9 is used to determine whether the submarine cable 1 has failed based on the electrical parameters of the first circuit 21 and the second circuit 22. In the event of a failure of the submarine cable 1, the characteristic value of the ultrasonic signal is adjusted, and the ultrasonic generator 10 is controlled to emit an ultrasonic signal with the adjusted set characteristic value. The power supply 13 is connected to the power supply terminals of the ultrasonic generator 10, the beacon controller 9, and the detection chip 8, respectively. The power supply 13 is used to supply power to the ultrasonic generator 10, the beacon controller 9, and the detection chip 8.

[0054] When the beacon controller 9 determines whether the submarine cable 1 has failed based on the electrical parameters of the first circuit 21 and the second circuit 22, it includes: determining that the submarine cable 1 has failed if the change value of the electrical parameters of the first circuit 21 and / or the second circuit 22 exceeds the corresponding set change value; and controlling the ultrasonic generator 10 to emit an ultrasonic signal with the original set characteristic value at a first set time interval if the change value of the electrical parameters of the first circuit 21 and the second circuit 22 does not exceed the corresponding set change value; and controlling the ultrasonic generator 10 to emit an ultrasonic signal with the adjusted set characteristic value at a second set time interval if the submarine cable 1 has failed. The electrical parameters include resistance and voltage, and the first set time is longer than the second set time.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, the power supply 13 includes: an energy storage battery 11 and an inductive power supply 12; wherein, the power transmission end of the energy storage battery 11 is connected to the power supply end of the ultrasonic generator 10, the beacon controller 9 and the detection chip 8 respectively, and the charging end of the energy storage battery 11 is connected to the inductive power supply 12. The inductive power supply 12 is used to obtain induced potential from the conductor of the submarine cable 1 to charge the energy storage battery 11.

[0056] Specifically, a predetermined number (e.g., 10) of adjacent ultrasonic beacon detection units 3 are grouped sequentially. Within each group, the ultrasonic signals emitted by the ultrasonic beacon detection units 3 have different characteristic values, and are sequentially labeled A, B, C, ..., I, J. The characteristic values ​​of the ultrasonic signals are set by modulating the frequency and amplitude of the ultrasound. During the manufacturing process of the submarine cable 1, the ultrasonic beacons are installed according to these groups. Along the axial direction of the submarine cable 1, the ultrasonic beacons are arranged as A, B, C, ..., I, J, and the sequence is repeated for different groups.

[0057] The detection line 2 is made of metal wire. The detection chip 8 periodically checks the resistance of the first circuit 21 and the second circuit 22, and also checks the voltage of the first circuit 21 and the second circuit 22. When the submarine cable 1 is damaged by external force, such as when anchor damage occurs, the detection line 2 may be torn. At the same time, seawater 5 will enter the wound of the submarine cable 1. Since seawater 5 is a good conductor, the detection line 2 is equivalent to grounding. At this time, the detection chip 8 will detect the voltage change of the detection line 2. Simultaneously, after the detection line 2 comes into contact with seawater 5, a rapid corrosion reaction occurs. The detection chip 8 will also detect the resistance change of the first circuit 21 and the second circuit 22 of the detection line 2. If the detection line 2 is torn along with the submarine cable 1 due to a fault, the detection chip 8 will also detect the change in the resistance of the detection line 2 circuit. When the detection chip 8 detects a change in either the voltage or the resistance of the detection line 2, it can determine that a fault has occurred in the submarine cable 1 within the unit length, and then sends a fault signal to the beacon controller 9. After receiving the fault signal, the ultrasonic controller controls the ultrasonic generator 10 to switch to the fault characteristic ultrasonic signal X.

[0058] When submarine cable 1 fails, it is shut down, and repair vessel 7 selects suitable weather conditions to conduct emergency repairs. Based on the nautical chart showing the cable 1's installation and the location of the fault point using the monitoring fiber optic cable, repair vessel 7 can initially determine the approximate geographical coordinates of the fault point. However, once repair vessel 7 reaches the vicinity of the fault point, it becomes difficult to pinpoint the exact location of the underwater fault. At this point, the cable 1 positioning method based on this invention is used for further fault point localization.

[0059] The positioning method involves the repair vessel 7 lowering a receiver 6 (such as a hydrophone) into the seawater 5 to listen for ultrasonic signals emitted by the ultrasonic beacon detection unit 3 in the submarine cable 1. Within a 300m range, the ultrasonic signals emitted by the ultrasonic beacon detection unit 3 can be clearly received, and the ground coordinates of the submarine cable 1 can be accurately located. The repair vessel 7 then cruises and listens along the direction of the submarine cable 1 in the water above it. For a fault-free ultrasonic beacon detection unit 3, the strongest signal detected is a cyclical repetition of signals A, B, C, ..., I, J. When an X signal is detected, it indicates that the fault point is approaching. The inspection vessel can locate the beacon near the fault point of the submarine cable 1 based on the location of the X signal source. The specific fault point of the submarine cable 1 is located within one unit distance to the left and right of that beacon. Then, further inspection and repair of the submarine cable 1 within this unit distance are carried out, including underwater exploration, salvage, and repair work. In another scenario, when the inspection vessel 7 is patrolling and listening along the direction of submarine cable 1, if it detects missing signals in the repeated A, B, C, ..., I, J signals—for example, after detecting the peak of signal A, no signal B is detected, but subsequently a peak of signal C is detected—it can be determined that the signal B beacon at that location is damaged and unable to transmit a signal. Therefore, there is a high probability that submarine cable 1 within the unit length where the signal B beacon is located has failed. In this case, the location of the signal B beacon on submarine cable 1 can be deduced based on nearby A and C beacon signals, and then a more thorough inspection of submarine cable 1 can be conducted.

[0060] The technical principle of this invention is to install an ultrasonic beacon detection unit 3 inside the submarine cable 1. When the submarine cable 1 suffers mechanical damage due to reasons such as anchor damage, the ultrasonic beacon detection unit 3 built into the submarine cable 1 will detect the fault within its unit and emit a fault characteristic signal through ultrasound. The ultrasonic signal can penetrate the seabed 4 and propagate in the seawater 5. When the repair vessel 7 arrives nearby, it can accurately locate the position of the ultrasonic generator 10 through hydrophone and positioning equipment, and then conduct in-depth inspections, such as manual exploration, to find the fault point of the submarine cable 1.

[0061] For example:

[0062] The detection circuit 2 of this invention uses ultra-fine aluminum alloy wires. When the submarine cable 1 is subjected to external mechanical damage and is invaded by seawater 5, it will corrode rapidly, leading to a short circuit or increased resistance in the wires. In this embodiment, each unit is 10m long, the total loop length of the detection circuit 2 is 20m, and the diameter of the detection circuit 2 is 0.1mm. The battery 11 of the ultrasonic beacon detection unit 3 is a high-energy-density rechargeable battery, which can support continuous operation of the ultrasonic beacon detection unit 3 for 6 months when fully charged. When the submarine cable 1 is energized, the inductive power supply 12 can obtain an electromotive force from the power transmission line of the submarine cable 1 and charge the battery 11 of the ultrasonic beacon detection unit 3.

[0063] The ultrasonic beacon detection units 3 are grouped into sets of 10, with the ultrasonic signal characteristic values ​​sequentially edited as A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and J. They are distributed along the axial direction of the submarine cable 1. Each group marks a total length of 100m of submarine cable 1. The actual number of groups is used based on the specific length of the submarine cable 1.

[0064] The ultrasonic beacon detection unit 3 is controlled at an appropriate power level, and the operating time of the ultrasonic generator 10 is also controlled to achieve energy saving and extend the battery 11's runtime. Under normal circumstances, the ultrasonic signal emitted by each ultrasonic beacon detection unit 3 allows specialized hydrophones to clearly detect the signal within a 300m range. If the ultrasonic beacon detection unit 3 does not detect a fault in the submarine cable 1, the ultrasonic generator 10 starts and operates continuously for 10 seconds at the top of the hour every first set time interval (e.g., 1 hour). When the ultrasonic beacon detection unit 3 detects a fault in the submarine cable 1, the operating time of the detected unit automatically increases, and the ultrasonic generator 10 starts and operates continuously for 10 seconds at the top of the minute every second set time interval (e.g., 2 minutes).

[0065] The submarine cable 1 of this invention is equipped with an ultrasonic beacon, possessing active ultrasonic marking capabilities. The maintenance vessel 7 can utilize hydrophones and specialized analysis and positioning equipment to detect and analyze the ultrasonic signal markers, thus pinpointing the exact location of the submarine cable 1. When a fault occurs in the submarine cable 1, the ultrasonic beacons within the unit length of the fault point emit fault characteristic signals, facilitating rapid detection and location by the maintenance vessel 7. Compared to traditional methods of submarine cable 1 detection and fault location, this submarine cable 1 and method are faster and more efficient. After a fault occurs, the exact coordinates of the fault point in the submarine cable 1 can be accurately located within one day, enabling rapid repair. This reduces fault handling time by 2-6 months compared to traditional methods, significantly minimizing power transmission losses caused by submarine cable 1 faults.

[0066] In summary, the submarine cable of this invention includes multiple ultrasonic beacon detection units, which are sequentially arranged in the insulation material structure of the submarine cable along the cable axis. The ultrasonic beacon detection units are used to detect whether the submarine cable has a fault. In the event of a fault in the submarine cable, the characteristic value of the ultrasonic signal is adjusted, and the ultrasonic signal is emitted with the adjusted set characteristic value, which can facilitate the location of the fault point of the submarine cable.

[0067] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a submarine cable positioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown, the submarine cable positioning system of this invention includes:

[0069] As described above, the submarine cable 1, receiver 6, and positioning device (not shown in the figure) are used to receive ultrasonic signals emitted by multiple ultrasonic beacon detection units in the submarine cable 1. The ultrasonic signals carry corresponding feature values. The positioning device is connected to the receiver 6 and is used to locate the fault location of the submarine cable 1 based on the feature values ​​of the multiple ultrasonic signals.

[0070] It should be noted that for details not disclosed in the submarine cable positioning system of this embodiment of the invention, please refer to the details disclosed in the submarine cable of this embodiment of the invention, which will not be repeated here.

[0071] The submarine cable positioning system of this invention includes a submarine cable, a receiver, and a positioning device as described above. The receiver receives ultrasonic signals carrying corresponding feature values ​​emitted by multiple ultrasonic beacon detection units in the submarine cable. The positioning device locates the fault location of the submarine cable based on the feature values ​​of the multiple ultrasonic signals. Thus, this system can conveniently locate the fault point of the submarine cable.

[0072] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a submarine cable positioning method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] like Figure 4 As shown, the submarine cable positioning method of this invention includes:

[0074] S401, acquire ultrasonic signals at various locations on the submarine cable.

[0075] For example, ultrasonic signals emitted by ultrasonic beacon detection units located at various positions in the submarine cable can be detected, and each ultrasonic signal carries a corresponding characteristic value.

[0076] S402, based on ultrasonic signals, locates the fault position in the submarine cable.

[0077] It should be noted that for details not disclosed in the submarine cable positioning method of this embodiment, please refer to the details disclosed in the submarine cable of this embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0078] According to the submarine cable location method of this invention, ultrasonic signals from various locations on the submarine cable are first acquired, and then the fault location on the submarine cable is located based on the ultrasonic signals. Therefore, this method can conveniently locate the fault point on the submarine cable.

[0079] Based on the above embodiments, the present invention also proposes an electronic device.

[0080] The electronic device of the present invention includes: at least one processor; and a memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein the memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor, the instructions being executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the above-described submarine cable positioning method.

[0081] The battery device of this invention can conveniently locate the submarine cable fault point by executing the above-described submarine cable positioning method.

[0082] Based on the above embodiments, the present invention also proposes a computer-readable storage medium.

[0083] The present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the above-described submarine cable positioning method.

[0084] The computer-readable storage medium of this invention can conveniently locate the submarine cable fault point by executing the above-described submarine cable positioning method.

[0085] Based on the above embodiments, the present invention also proposes a computer program product.

[0086] In an embodiment of the present invention, the above-described submarine cable positioning method is executed when the instruction processor in the computer program product is executed.

[0087] The computer program product of this invention can conveniently locate the submarine cable fault point by executing the above-described submarine cable positioning method.

[0088] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0089] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0090] Any process or method description in the flowchart or otherwise herein can be understood as representing a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing custom logic functions or processes, and the scope of preferred embodiments of the invention includes additional implementations in which functions may be performed not in the order shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order depending on the functions involved, as should be understood by those skilled in the art to which embodiments of the invention pertain.

[0091] The logic and / or steps represented in the flowchart or otherwise described herein, for example, can be considered as a sequenced list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions, and can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (such as a computer-based system, a processor-included system, or other system that can fetch and execute instructions from, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device). For the purposes of this specification, "computer-readable medium" can be any means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transmit programs for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable media include: an electrical connection having one or more wires (electronic device), a portable computer disk drive (magnetic device), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable and editable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), fiber optic devices, and portable optical disc read-only memory (CDROM). Alternatively, the computer-readable medium may be paper or other suitable media on which the program can be printed, since the program can be obtained electronically, for example, by optically scanning the paper or other medium, followed by editing, interpreting, or otherwise processing as necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

[0092] It should be understood that various parts of the present invention can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented in software or firmware stored in memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented in hardware as in another embodiment, it can be implemented using any of the following techniques known in the art, or a combination thereof: discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing logical functions on data signals, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) having suitable combinational logic gates, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0093] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the methods in the above embodiments can be implemented by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, the program includes one or a combination of the steps of the method embodiments.

[0094] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present invention can be integrated into a processing module, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into a module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0095] The storage medium mentioned above can be a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk, etc. Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is to be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A submarine cable, characterized in that, include: Multiple ultrasonic beacon detection units are sequentially arranged in the submarine cable insulation material structure along the submarine cable axis. The ultrasonic beacon detection units are used to detect whether the submarine cable has a fault. In the event of a fault in the submarine cable, the characteristic value of the ultrasonic signal is adjusted and an ultrasonic signal is emitted with the adjusted set characteristic value. The ultrasonic beacon detection unit includes: a detection circuit, a detection chip, a beacon controller, an ultrasonic generator, and a power supply; wherein, The detection circuit is embedded in the insulation material structure of the submarine cable along the axial direction of the submarine cable, and is divided into a symmetrical first circuit and a second circuit. The length of the detection circuit along the submarine cable is the same as the length of the ultrasonic beacon detection unit. The detection chip is located in the middle of the first circuit and the second circuit. The first detection end of the detection chip is connected to the first circuit, and the second detection end of the detection chip is connected to the second circuit. The detection chip is used to detect the electrical parameters of the first circuit and the second circuit. The signal input terminal of the beacon controller is connected to the signal output terminal of the detection chip, and the control terminal of the beacon controller is connected to the ultrasonic generator. The beacon controller is used to determine whether the submarine cable is faulty based on the electrical parameters of the first circuit and the second circuit, and in the event of a fault in the submarine cable, adjust the characteristic value of the ultrasonic signal and control the ultrasonic generator to emit an ultrasonic signal with the adjusted set characteristic value. The power supply is connected to the power supply terminals of the ultrasound generator, the beacon controller, and the detection chip, respectively, and is used to supply power to the ultrasound generator, the beacon controller, and the detection chip.

2. The submarine cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the beacon controller determines whether the submarine cable has malfunctioned based on the electrical parameters of the first and second circuits, it includes: If the change value of the electrical parameters of the first circuit and / or the second circuit exceeds the corresponding set change value, it is determined that the submarine cable has failed. If the changes in the electrical parameters of the first circuit and the second circuit do not exceed the corresponding set changes, it is determined that the submarine cable has not malfunctioned. The electrical parameters include resistance and voltage.

3. The submarine cable according to claim 2, characterized in that, The beacon controller is used for: If a fault is detected in the submarine cable, the ultrasonic generator is controlled to emit an ultrasonic signal with the original set characteristic value at first set intervals. If it is determined that the submarine cable is not faulty, the ultrasonic generator is controlled to emit an ultrasonic signal at the adjusted set characteristic value at every second set time interval; Wherein, the first set duration is greater than the second set duration.

4. The submarine cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power source includes: an energy storage battery and an inductive power source; wherein, The power transmission end of the energy storage battery is connected to the power supply end of the ultrasonic generator, the beacon controller, and the detection chip, respectively. The charging end of the energy storage battery is connected to the inductive power supply, which is used to obtain induced potential from the conductor of the submarine cable to charge the energy storage battery.

5. The submarine cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection circuit is made of aluminum alloy.

6. The submarine cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the detection circuit is 0.1 mm.

7. The submarine cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic beacon detection units of the plurality of ultrasonic beacon detection units are sequentially marked as a group, and the ultrasonic signals emitted by the ultrasonic beacon detection units in each group have different characteristic values. The characteristic values ​​of the ultrasonic signal emitted by the ultrasonic beacon detection unit are set by modulating the frequency and amplitude of the ultrasonic signal emitted by the ultrasonic beacon detection unit.

8. A submarine cable positioning system, characterized in that, include: The submarine cable, receiver, and positioning device as described in any one of claims 1-7; wherein, The receiver is used to receive ultrasonic signals emitted by multiple ultrasonic beacon detection units in the submarine cable; wherein the ultrasonic signals carry corresponding feature values. The positioning device is connected to the receiver and is used to locate the fault location of the submarine cable based on the characteristic values ​​of multiple ultrasonic signals.

9. A method for locating submarine cables, characterized in that, The submarine cable positioning method uses the submarine cable as described in claim 1, and the method includes: Acquire ultrasonic signals at various locations along the submarine cable; The fault location of the submarine cable is located based on the ultrasonic signal.

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