Biological colonization sensor

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a temperature measurement device configured to be applied to an immersion component. This device comprises: a heating element (ElCh) controlled by a heating circuit (CElC); at least one temperature sensing module (M1, M2) controlled by the temperature measurement module (CEMT) for sensing a temperature in the vicinity of the heating element (ElCh) for a predetermined period of time; at least one memory module (M) for storing the temperature obtained by the temperature measurement module (CEMT); and a data transmission module (MTrs) for transmitting the data stored in the memory module (M). Such a device further comprises a portion P1 comprising, on the one hand, means for powering the temperature measuring device and, on the other hand, modules comprising, in particular, a heating circuit, a temperature measuring module, a memory module and a transmission module. The part P1 is different from the so-called heating and measuring part P2, and at least a part of the part P1 has a treatment that limits biological colonization. The disclosure also includes systems and methods related to implementing such devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the measurement of biological colonization. The present disclosure relates more particularly to the measurement of biological colonization in a marine environment. The present disclosure also relates more particularly to an apparatus for measuring biological colonization in a marine medium. Background Art

[0002] Floating wind turbine projects are developing in a promising way around the world. One of its key components is the dynamic power cable, which enables the wind turbine to be connected to its substation and the underwater energy grid. This power transmission cable obtained from the wind turbine is a key component of the electrical system. Therefore, its operation must be carefully monitored. It is easy to think that this cable has no operational difficulties, because it rests on the seabed and is ultimately subjected to little stress compared to the wind turbine itself. However, this idea should be challenged: this cable itself is also affected by time, especially due to the little-known but highly influential effects of biological colonization. Here, biological colonization means the development of marine nodules (algae, mussels, oysters), whose thickness can reach tens of centimeters. This biological colonization occurs paradoxically under the influence of cable operation: the passage of a large amount of electricity in the cable makes it hot. This heating of the cable causes local heating of the seawater in contact with the cable. This heating itself promotes biological colonization by making the medium close to the cable more conducive to the formation of nodules. However, conventionally, the parameters of power cable manufacturers include the ability of the cable to cool due to the medium (i.e., due to the seawater around it). Therefore, the biological colonization leads to in-situ changes in the initial parameters considered during the manufacture of the power cable. In other words, the transmission of electricity can increase the temperature of the water surrounding the cable, which leads to a more significant biological colonization of the cable.

[0003] Furthermore, biocolonization will affect the dynamic behavior of the cable due to thermal shielding, additional mass and changes in roughness. Among the main effects generated by biocolonization, special attention should be paid to hydrodynamic stresses, which change the behavior in case of storms or fatigue; but also thermal effects around the cable. Modeling this phenomenon remains a challenge, considering the diversity of the elements of the cable (floating modules, reinforcements) and the diversity of the biological environment. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the role of biocolonization and all its variability in order to focus the research on specific components.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need not only to address the effects of biological colonization of a dynamic umbilicus on heat exchange, but also to have a means for measuring the extent of biological colonization itself, either in real time or delayed. There is also a need to measure this biological colonization, in order to assess in particular the need for cable maintenance or replacement. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure was conceived in view of these shortcomings of the prior art. The present disclosure more particularly relates to an apparatus for indirectly measuring biological colonization. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a temperature measurement apparatus configured to be applied to an immersed component in order to assess biological colonization. Such a temperature measurement apparatus comprises:

[0006] a heating element, controlled by a heating circuit;

[0007] at least one temperature sensing module, controlled by the temperature measurement module, the sensing module being intended to sense the temperature in the vicinity of the heating module during a predetermined period of time;

[0008] at least one storage module, used to store the temperature obtained by the temperature measurement module;

[0009] The data transmission module is used to transmit the data stored in the memory module.

[0010] This device also comprises a part P1 which comprises, on the one hand, the power supply means of the temperature measuring device and, on the other hand, modules which in particular comprise a heating circuit, a temperature measuring module, a storage module and a transmission module. This part is different from the so-called heating and measuring part P2, and at least part of the part P1 comprises a process for limiting biological colonization.

[0011] It is thus possible to record the temperature in the vicinity of the heating element incorporated in the device, during a predetermined period of time, during and after the period in which the heating element is activated and heated. This configuration of the device, comprising two parts P1 and P2, enables the device to be optimally adapted to the cable on which it is installed, which enables, on the one hand, optimal measurement of temperature data and, on the other hand, optimal processing of these measured / recorded data. Moreover, the treatment applied to part P1 and limiting biological colonization advantageously makes it easier to repair the device when it is immersed and incorporated / fixed to a cable. It is also simpler to ensure its underwater maintenance. The device may comprise an autonomous power source, such as a set of batteries or accumulators for powering the heating and electronic modules intended to control and measure the temperature as a function of time, thereby keeping the device in sleep mode.

[0012] According to particular characteristics, the so-called heating and measuring part P2, having an overall semi-cylindrical shape, comprises a plurality of layers comprising:

[0013] a support layer, in contact with the outer surface of the immersed component;

[0014] An insulating layer to insulate the support layer;

[0015] a heating layer comprising said at least one heating element;

[0016] The so-called accumulation metal layer is used to accumulate the heat generated by the heating layer.

[0017] This configuration makes it possible to control the conditions of heating and temperature measurement over time.

[0018] According to a particular feature, the device comprises at least two temperature sensing modules, and at least a first temperature sensing module is inserted into the build-up layer and at least a second temperature sensing module is inserted into the insulating layer.

[0019] According to particular characteristics, the data transmission module comprises acoustic transmission means.

[0020] According to another aspect, the present invention also relates to a system for obtaining data representative of the biological colonization of a component immersed in the open sea, the system being characterized in that it comprises at least one temperature measuring device as described herein and at least one device for processing the temperature response data transmitted by said at least one temperature measuring device, the processing device being capable of characterizing the biological colonization of the immersed component as a function of the temperature response data.

[0021] The temperature response data can be time-stamped temperature data from the temperature sensing module, which is stored in the memory. They are a function of time and are obtained in a short time (usually less than 15 minutes).

[0022] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a method for obtaining data representative of biological colonization of an immersed component. This method is implemented by the system described in this document and comprises the following steps:

[0023] the step of heating said heating element of said at least one temperature measuring device during a predetermined period of time;

[0024] a plurality of steps of measuring the temperature resulting from the heating step;

[0025] a step of storing the measurement data, in particular including time stamping these data; and subsequently,

[0026] The step of transmitting the stored data is followed by the step of characterizing the biological colonization using the transmitted temperature data.

[0027] According to particular features, the step of characterizing the biological colonization using the transmitted temperature data comprises calculating the heat transfer coefficient h of the underwater flora and fauna constituting the biological colonization using a 1D analytical thermal model or a conductive heat model solved by a quadrupole method.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the various steps of the method according to the present disclosure are implemented by one or more software or computer programs, which include software instructions intended to be executed by a data processor of an execution terminal according to the present technology and are designed to control the execution of the various steps of the method implemented at a communication terminal, a remote server and / or a unit chain within the scope of the distribution of the process executed and determined by the script source code or compiled code.

[0029] Therefore, the present technology is also directed to programs executable by a computer or a data processor, the programs comprising instructions for controlling the execution of steps such as those of the above-described methods.

[0030] The program may use any programming language and may be in the form of source code, object code or a byte code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form or in any other desired form.

[0031] The present technology is also directed to an information medium that can be read by a data processor and includes instructions such as the program mentioned above.

[0032] The information medium may be any entity or terminal capable of storing a program. For example, the medium may include a storage device such as a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a microelectronic circuit ROM, or a magnetic recording device such as a removable medium (memory card) or a hard disk drive or an SSD.

[0033] On the other hand, the information medium may be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, which may be routed via electrical or optical cable, by radio or by other means.The program according to the present technology may in particular be downloaded over a network of the Internet type.

[0034] Alternatively, the information medium may be an integrated circuit in which the program is embodied, the circuit being suitable for carrying out or for carrying out the method in question.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the present technology is implemented by means of software and / or hardware components. In this regard, the term "module" in this document may correspond to a software component as well as a hardware component or a group of software and hardware components.

[0036] A software component corresponds to one or more computer programs, one or more subroutines of a program, or more generally to any element of a program or software capable of implementing a function or a set of functions according to the description below for the modules involved. Such a software component is executed by a data processor of a physical entity (terminal, server, gateway, set-top box, router, etc.) and is able to access the hardware resources of this physical entity (memory, recording medium, communication bus, input / output electronic card, user interface, etc.).

[0037] In the same way, a hardware component corresponds to any element of a hardware assembly capable of implementing a function or a set of functions according to the description below for the modules involved. This may involve a hardware component that can be programmed or has an integrated processor for executing software, such as an integrated circuit, a chip card, a memory card, an electronic card for executing firmware, etc.

[0038] Each component of the above-described system of course implements its own software module.

[0039] The various embodiments described above may be combined with each other to implement the present technology. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent on reading the following description, given by way of simple illustrative and non-limiting examples, in relation to the accompanying drawings, comprising:

[0041] Figure 1 shows a cross section of a portion of a temperature measurement device;

[0042] Figure 2 The various modules of the temperature measurement device are shown;

[0043] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a semi-cylindrical configuration of a portion of a temperature measurement device on an immersion element;

[0044] Figure 4 The implemented methods for measurement and processing are schematically shown;

[0045] Figure 5 An embodiment of a temperature measurement device is shown;

[0046] Figure 6 As Figure 5 The example shows a cross-sectional view of a second portion of the temperature measuring device.

[0047] Figure 7 The programming structure of a temperature measuring device is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] In each of the accompanying drawings, the same elements have the same reference numerals. In particular, the structures and / or functional elements common to various exemplary embodiments may have the same reference numerals, and may have the same structure, size and material properties. For the sake of clarity, only the steps and elements that can be used to understand the described exemplary embodiments are shown and described in detail. In particular, there is no detailed description of the circuit for generating a signal and for controlling the frequency and intensity of the signal, and the circuit for controlling and receiving the value provided by the sensor, and the described exemplary embodiments are compatible with such circuits in general. Unless otherwise stated, when referring to two elements connected to each other, this means a direct connection without an intermediate element other than a conductor, and when referring to two elements linked or connected together, this means that the two elements can be connected or linked or connected by one or more other elements. In the following description, when referring to absolute position qualifiers, such as terms "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", etc., or relative position qualifiers, such as terms "above", "below", "upper", "lower", etc., or orientation qualifiers, such as terms "horizontal", "vertical", etc., unless otherwise specified, the expressions "approximately", "approximately", "substantially" and "in order" mean within 20%, preferably within 5%.

[0049] As mentioned before, underwater cables, in particular the heat exchange around the cables, is more or less altered by biological colonization (development of marine nodules such as algae, mussels, oysters, etc.), so that higher temperature levels ultimately lead to a shorter service life of the cables. Therefore, real-time or semi-real-time monitoring of the growth of biological colonization and its impact on the heat exchange is important for maintenance, in particular of offshore wind turbines.

[0050] The present disclosure therefore aims to assess the progress of biological colonization of cables and pipelines laid on the seabed. In particular, the present disclosure is interested in assessing the need to clean or replace such cables or pipelines. The present disclosure comprises two independent elements, but provides a certain complementarity. According to a first aspect, a device capable of measuring the biological colonization of an underwater cable is disclosed (for simplicity, such a device is also referred to as a sensor, including, for example, a pulsed or modulated heating module associated with a subsurface temperature sensor, which operates in a non-stable mode and is configured to be applied to an immersed component). According to a second aspect, a method for measuring biological colonization using data provided by a device for measuring biological colonization is disclosed. The method is based on the principle of indirect measurement of biological colonization. More specifically, in this second aspect, the present disclosure includes measuring the effect of biological colonization on the heat exchange of immersed components (e.g., cables, and pipelines or other immersed elements subjected to biological colonization).

[0051] Thus, the present disclosure includes sensors to be incorporated into or mounted on submerged components, the sensors being capable of providing data related to temperature response. Figures 1 to 3 The general principle of the sensor that is the object of the present disclosure is shown. Such a sensor comprises a combination of multiple layers of material, included in a portion (P2) of the device: an upper layer (C1) (for example made of stainless steel), the upper surface of which is in contact with the medium (for example water), a layer (C2) located below the upper layer, comprising one or more heating elements, a thermoplastic layer (C3) (for example polyethylene) located below the layer comprising the heating elements, a lower layer (C4) called contact layer, for example formed of rubber, the lower surface of which is in contact with the element to be monitored (cable, pipe, etc.). The combination of layers also comprises at least two temperature measuring components (M1, M2) (for example thermocouples), which are located between layers C1 and C2 on the one hand and between layers C3 and C4 on the other hand.

[0052] More specifically, the sensor that is the object of the present disclosure is in the form of an assembly comprising a heating layer (C2) comprising at least one sheet-like heating element (ElCh) comprising connection means to a heating circuit (CElC) that delivers electrical pulses of predetermined duration and intensity via the connection means, as described below. Figure 3 As shown, the shape of the sensor is adapted to match the configuration of the immersed component: in the schematic cross-sectional view Figure 3 In the embodiment of the invention, the sensor (CPT) is mounted on a cylindrical immersion part (CmpI) and the bottom of the sensor (represented by layer C4) therefore has a concave shape matching the cylindrical shape of the immersion part. Of course, the shape of the sensor is adapted to the shape of the immersion part (CmpI) in any case. The heating circuit (CElC) is in turn connected to a power supply (ALIM). In the example shown, the power supply is in the form of a battery incorporated in the sensor. Such an embodiment is possible depending on the intended use of the sensor. More specifically, under operating conditions, the sensor is not used frequently (four to six times a year) due to the slow biological colonization process. Therefore, the energy demand of the sensor is reduced and there is no need to provide it with a continuous power supply. Under other operating conditions, the power supply comprises, for example, a power supply cable leading from the surface: in the case where a wind turbine is at the surface, the power supply cable can, for example, be led from the wind turbine and the power supply for the sensor is provided indirectly by it. Finally, hybrid power supply means are also possible, combining batteries and means for recharging the batteries, for example in the form of cables as described above, or in any other form suitable for the marine medium in which the sensor is located (eg small water turbines).

[0053] In any case, in this example, the sensor also includes an electronic temperature measurement circuit (CEMT). This electronic temperature measurement circuit is activated at the beginning of the heating phase of the heating element. It is able to determine the temperature variation over time starting from an initial temperature (before heating) to a final temperature (which is the initial temperature, as described below). This electronic temperature measurement circuit (CEMT) sends the temperature measured over time to an electronic analysis and storage device (not shown in the figure) at predefined intervals, which is stored in a memory M. The transmission is performed by a transmission module (MTrans). All these modules can be combined in a single identical customer-made electronic component. These modules can be controlled by a microprocessor or microcontroller (not shown). The transmission can be wireless transmission (for example, by an acoustic transmission method), for example to a receiving station for the information, or can even be performed using a cable to a suitable receiving station for the information, like a power supply. The power supply, the heating circuit (CElC), the temperature measurement module (CEMT), the memory M and the transmission module (MTrans) are included in a part of the device, called P1, which is different from part P2.

[0054] Once in possession of the temperatures measured over time, optionally during and after the heating phase, the electronic analysis and storage device is able to characterize the biological colonization of the immersed part. This configuration thus makes it possible to record the temperature in the vicinity of the heating element incorporated in the sensor over a predetermined period of time, during and after the period of activation and heating of the heating element. Thus, curves showing the rise and fall of the measured temperature can be obtained (for example one curve per temperature sensing module). Based on these data, the biological colonization (composition, thickness) can then be characterized.

[0055] This characterization comprises two parts, for example: the first part consists in determining the thickness of the nodules located at the edge of the sensor (i.e., the nodules formed on the sensor itself and in its immediate environment). Therefore, the cooling phase just after the end of heating is used to derive the total heat exchange coefficient using, for example, a conductive heat model developed using the quadrupole method. This one-dimensional analytical thermal model allows predicting the temperature and heat flow in the experimental multilayer device, with Fourier-type surface boundary conditions and thus with the heat transfer coefficient. Based on the knowledge of the temperature variation measured as a function of time after the pulse heating, a parameter identification method is applied to minimize the deviation between the measured temperature and the temperature calculated by the developed thermal model to estimate the heat transfer coefficient. Therefore, the heat transfer coefficient characterizes the heat exchange around the sensor. In other words, the total thermal resistance related to the thickness and type of biological colonization is evaluated. Tests based on the aforementioned sensors have shown that for an immersion thermal sensor, the presence of a 3-4 cm layer of mussels reduces the heat transfer coefficient by a factor of two, which demonstrates the high sensitivity of the measurement technique according to the present disclosure to the presence of biological colonization. It should also be noted that, for example, a two-fold reduction in the heat transfer coefficient has a significant impact on the operating temperature level of the underwater cable.

[0056] Depending on the operating conditions of the embodiment and use, in addition to the modules and devices mentioned above, the device of the present disclosure also includes a device for obtaining data on the direction and / or speed of the water flow around the temperature measurement device. Such a device can be in the form of a Doppler current meter or a propeller current meter. These devices can be incorporated into the temperature measurement device, or even combined with the temperature measurement device, depending on the embodiment. The data obtained via these devices are also stored in the memory component. Then, these data are sent simultaneously with the temperature change data.

[0057] The second part of the nodule characterization consists in identifying the colonizing species that formed the nodule. Based on a database, the curve of the falling temperature is associated with one or more colonizing species. More specifically, the application can associate the heat exchange curve with the thickness of the biological colonization and a given species based on the database. The database includes, for example, the ten most common colonizing species (mussels, oysters, algae). For example, during routine monitoring dives, the effective identification of the colonizing species can be determined or confirmed in advance or subsequently and used to increase the amount of knowledge of the characterization database.

[0058] On the other hand, the present disclosure may also use software blocks to characterize biological colonization based on actual measured temperature responses.

[0059] Combination Figure 4 The general operating principles of the measurement methods implemented using this sensor are described and include:

[0060] Heating step ( E001 ), during a predetermined period: an electric pulse is applied to the heating element of layer C2 ; this has the effect of heating the portion; the metal layer situated above the heating element conducts (and distributes) the generated heat over all its surface.

[0061] a plurality of temperature measurement steps ( E002 ), in particular after the heating has stopped, for example by means of temperature sensors M1 and M2 ;

[0062] a step (E003) of storing the measured data, in particular comprising time-stamping these data; and subsequently,

[0063] a step ( E004 ) of transmitting the stored data, in particular the temperature data, to an electronic analysis device; and

[0064] Step (E005) of characterizing biological colonization using the transmitted temperature data.

[0065] The characterization task performed by the electronic analysis device can be based on previously performed learning (i.e., based on a set of characterization data, such that the presence / amount / type of biological colonization can be inferred based on one or more temperature data curves). More specifically, based on the changes in the measured temperature, a 1D analytical thermal model or a conductive thermal model solved by a quadrupole method is used to calculate the heat transfer coefficient h of the underwater flora and fauna constituting the biological colonization. The advantage of having at least two sensors (M1, M2) located at different sensor positions is that they can each measure different temperatures (and temperature changes). Therefore, the solution to the problem of characterizing biological colonization can use these different sources of temperature changes to improve the calculations.

[0066] The use of the temperature sensor according to the present disclosure comprises, for example, a step of positioning the control device of the sensor vertically above it (for example, the device can be incorporated in a surface vessel); a step (E004) of sending, by the control device, an acoustic command (sound or ultrasound) for enabling the transmission of data, these data being optionally periodically acquired during the previous measurement cycles (steps E001 to E003). At the end of the transmission, a characterization step (E005) is carried out directly on board the vessel (depending on the available equipment), or subsequently. Cable cleaning activities can then be considered, depending on the characterization of the biological colonization.

[0067] As mentioned previously, depending on the embodiment of the operating conditions used, data related to the speed of the water flow and the direction of this water flow can also be transmitted in order to refine the characterization of the biological colonization. For example, such data can be used as a function of the geographical location of the temperature measurement device, which potentially implies the presence of underwater fauna and flora constituting a porous medium with open pores and through which the water flow is more or less passed, and can therefore be more accurately characterized by using data from the current meter.

[0068] Various complementary features of the present disclosure are possible. Thus, the sensor can be incorporated on the submerged component (rather than clamped), given that the pulses (heating) are not very frequent, with energy autonomy. As previously mentioned, the interrogation and power supply can be routed along the cable.

[0069] The present disclosure has at least two other fields of application: Floating offshore platforms for hydrocarbon production with monitoring of risers that transport oil at significant temperatures (150°C) and for which fatigue problems may arise at depths of 20 to 50 m, depending on the site, in the presence of biological colonization. Instrumented specimens upstream of a floating wind turbine installation site. These specimens consist of a multilayer structure that has, in sequence, an insulating layer, a heating element and a metal sheet equipped with thermocouples.

[0070] Combination Figure 5 , will describe about Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 An exemplary embodiment of a sensor schematically shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the sensor is autonomous and operates using a battery or accumulator power supply. As previously mentioned, it is divided into two parts (P1, P2), the first part (P1) being of overall cylindrical shape and having a hollow central area (ZC), dividing the lower part (PInf) of the sensor into two suspension protrusions (Ex1, Ex2), each of which includes a component with a certain mass (e.g., a battery or accumulator). These two weighted protrusions can ensure a certain stability of the sensor during its installation, in particular in a stationary position once installed. The upper part (PSup) of the sensor is the part that is suspended on the cable or the immersion element being inspected. In particular, the heating circuit (CElC), the electronic temperature measurement circuit (CEMT) and the wireless transmission circuit are located in this upper part, in the present case, the wireless transmission circuit is an acoustic transmission circuit linked to an acoustic transmission device (HPI). In this exemplary embodiment, the sensor is therefore autonomous and the transmission of temperature measurement data is periodically performed by the acoustic device. The acoustic transmission device (HPI) is located on top of the sensor and is oriented towards the surface of the body of water in which the sensor is immersed. On the one hand, this orientation allows direct transmission to the surface and can facilitate the operation of recording the transmitted data. In this exemplary embodiment, it is important that the acoustic transmission device (HPI) remains free of any biological colonization. For this purpose, and at least, the upper surface of the acoustic transmission device (HPI) that is in contact with the aqueous medium is treated to prevent or limit biological colonization. This treatment can be performed by making the upper surface hydrophobic or by using a suitable paint or coating. In certain exemplary embodiments, the entire outer surface of the first part (P1) is treated to prevent biological colonization: in this way, when the sensor is immersed and bonded / fixed to the cable, it is simpler to repair the sensor and it is also simpler to provide it with underwater maintenance.

[0071] The second part (P2) of the sensor is in the form of a longitudinal protrusion starting from the first part and extending along the axis of the immersion element: this protrusion is intended to be colonized by organisms. It has a substantially semi-cylindrical shape adapted to the shape of the immersion element on which it is mounted. The inner radius of curvature of the second part is therefore adapted to the outer radius of curvature of the immersion element (cable) for which the degree of biological colonization is sought to be measured. This second part is generally composed of Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The various layers and components described in the above, except for the power supply and electronic circuits inserted in the first part (P1) as described above. More specifically, in combination Figure 6In an exemplary embodiment taking into account the operating conditions, the second part consists of the following layers: a polymer support used as layer C4 (in contact with the outer surface of the immersed element), a first insulating layer (C3), a heating layer (C2), a steel layer (C1) and a polymer layer (C0) of the same type as the outer wall of the underwater cable and the external medium sensor assembly. In this exemplary embodiment, the thickness of these layers is of the order of magnitude of 1 to 5 mm for C4, 1 to 5 mm for C3, 0.2 to 1 mm for C2 and 1 to 3 mm for C1, preferably with the following values: 1 for C4, 1.9 mm for C3, 0.3 mm for C2 and 1.6 mm for C1. This layer is of the same type as the cable in order to have the same conditions for biological colonization and attachment as on the underwater cable.

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment (not shown), the measuring device of the present disclosure includes a third part extending longitudinally along the device opposite to the second part. The third part is globally asymmetric with the second part. The third part can be considered as a second measuring arm. The second arm (constituting the first part and containing a battery or accumulator) located on either side of the electronic unit is covered with an anti-biological colonization coating. In this configuration, the temperature measurement performed during and after the heating pulse is directly associated with the speed of the ocean current. In this embodiment, a "differential" measuring device is obtained using two measuring arms (one is biologically colonized and the other is free of any biological colonization). Therefore, in this embodiment (and in all embodiments that implement variations of this principle), the measuring device can also indirectly measure the speed of the ocean current (a factor to be considered) by adding a second measuring arm (or element) (covered with an anti-biological colonization treatment) to obtain information about the impact of the flow of the ocean current on the heat transfer around the immersion element, in other words, it is possible to indirectly measure the speed of the ocean current. Another branch (part P2) covered with biological colonization provides information about the impact of biological colonization plus the impact of ocean currents. The assembly with two arms constitutes a "differential" device that makes it possible to isolate the influence of a single biological colonization and therefore characterize it more precisely, without the (more or less significant) deviations related to the influence of the currents.

[0073] Using an apparatus such as that described in the previous figures, it is possible to achieve the following Figure 4 The measurement method described.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment under operating conditions, the following features may be considered. Each of them, in combination or individually, has properties that allow for optimal acquisition of biological colonization data from immersed elements, in particular power transmission cables for offshore wind turbines. The features are as follows:

[0075] Heating lasts from 15 seconds to 10-15 minutes;

[0076] Record the duration of the cooling phase: 5 to 10 times the duration of the heating phase;

[0077] One or two temperature sensors consisting of thermocouples or Pt 100 (depending on the onboard electronics);

[0078] The heating power is 5 to 100 W, depending on, for example, possible previous visual indications of previous biological colonization in the installation area of ​​the sensor.

[0079] Commands are transmitted acoustically to the sensor, just as temperature readings are transmitted acoustically from the sensor to the receiver. These readings include temperature readings, power supply voltage readings, all as a function of time. These readings are performed at a predetermined period (e.g., quarterly, semi-annual, or longer, depending on the type of biological colonization) from the surface, vertically above the equipment, from a vessel.

[0080] Combination Figure 7 , describes a simplified electronic architecture of a biological colonization suitable for implementing the measurement method as described above. This biological colonization sensor includes a memory 71, a processing unit 72, the processing unit 72 is equipped with, for example, a microprocessor, and is controlled by a computer program 73, so as to implement the method according to the present disclosure. In at least one embodiment, the present invention is partially implemented in the form of an application installed on a communication device owned by an entity (such as a user or a technician) and / or by means of a device that is uniquely dedicated to receiving acoustic data from the biological colonization sensor. This biological colonization sensor includes, for example, all or part of the following devices:

[0081] Data acquisition devices (temperature and voltage);

[0082] A memory, at least having a volatile memory;

[0083] Heating control equipment;

[0084] Sound transmitting and receiving equipment;

[0085] Batteries or accumulators for electronics and heating (depending on use, autonomy 3 to 4 years);

[0086] As described above, software code execution devices are in the form of specific software applications, or even in the form of dedicated hardware components configured to perform these functions, such as secure elements (SE) or secure execution environments. The secure element can be in the form of a Sim, USim or UICC card, or even a specific secure component.

[0087] In a complementary manner, according to an embodiment, it is also possible to read the temperature at the sensor in order to perform a temperature measurement of the water (which is not heated). The ambient temperature measurement of the water is performed using a sensor on the surface above the sensor, as far away as possible from the heating area and at a point where biological colonization is not possible. Therefore, in this embodiment, the temperature sensor of the water is located near the acoustic emitter due to the presence of a treatment at the surface that prevents biological colonization.

Claims

1. A temperature measurement device configured to be applied to an immersed component to assess biological colonization, the device being characterized in that it comprises: Heating element (ElCh), controlled by heating circuit (CElC); at least one temperature sensing module (M1, M2), controlled by a temperature measurement module (CEMT), the sensing module being used to sense the temperature near the heating element (ElCh) during a predetermined period of time; at least one memory module (M) storing the temperature obtained by said temperature measurement module (CEMT); a data transmission module (MTrans) for transmitting data stored in the memory module (M), and The temperature measuring device comprises a part (P1) which, on the one hand, comprises a power supply device for the temperature measuring device and, on the other hand, comprises a module (PSup), the module (PSup) in particular comprising the heating circuit (CElC), the temperature measurement module (CEMT), the memory module (M) and the transmission module (MTrans), the part P1 being different from the so-called heating and measuring part (P2), at least a part of the part P1 comprising a process for limiting biological colonization.

2. The temperature measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that The so-called heating and measuring part (P2) having an overall semi-cylindrical shape comprises a plurality of layers comprising: a support layer (C4) in contact with the outer surface of the immersion component; an insulating layer (C3) for insulating the support layer; a heating layer (C2) comprising said at least one heating element (ElCh); The so-called accumulation metal layer (C1) is used to accumulate the heat generated by the heating layer.

3. The temperature measuring device according to claim 2, characterized in that The temperature measuring device includes at least two temperature sensing modules (M1, M2), and at least a first temperature sensing module (M1) is inserted into the accumulation layer (C1), and at least a second temperature sensing module (M2) is inserted into the insulation layer (C3).

4. The temperature measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that The data transmission module (MTrans) comprises a sound transmission component (HPi).

5. A system for obtaining data representative of the biological colonization of a component immersed in the open sea, the system being characterized in that it comprises at least one temperature measuring device according to claim 1 and at least one device for processing temperature response data transmitted by the at least one temperature measuring device, the processing device being capable of characterizing the biological colonization of the immersed component as a function of the temperature response data.

6. A method for obtaining data representative of biological colonization of an immersed component, the method being implemented by a system according to claim 5 and characterized in that The method comprises the following steps: A step (E001) of heating said heating element of said at least one temperature measuring device during a predetermined period of time; a plurality of steps (E002) of measuring the temperature resulting from the heating step; a step (E003) of storing the measured data, in particular comprising time-stamping these data; and subsequently, A step of transmitting the stored data ( E004 ) is followed by a step of characterizing the biological colonization using the transmitted temperature data ( E005 ).

7. Method for obtaining data representative of biological colonization of an immersed component according to claim 6, characterized in that The step (E005) of characterizing the biological colonization using the transmitted temperature data comprises calculating the heat transfer coefficient h of the underwater flora and fauna constituting the biological colonization using a 1D analytical thermal model or a conductive heat model solved by a quadrupole method.

8. A computer program product comprising program code instructions for implementing the method for obtaining data representing biological colonization according to claim 6 when executed by a computer.

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