An undersea cable having a stepped multi-layered protection structure

Abstract

The application discloses an undersea cable with a stepped multilayer protection structure and belongs to the technical field of undersea cables. The undersea cable comprises a cable main body, one end of the cable main body is an electricity connection end, a first exposed part and a second exposed part are sequentially arranged in the direction away from the electricity connection end, a first conductor and a second conductor are arranged on the electricity connection end, the first conductor extends to the first exposed part in the direction away from the electricity connection end to contact with seawater, the second conductor extends to the second exposed part in the direction away from the electricity connection end to contact with seawater, the first conductor and the second conductor are insulated from each other in the cable main body, a current loop is formed between the first conductor, the second conductor and seawater, and a target magnetic field is formed in the seabed according to the current loop. The application forms a current loop between the first conductor, the second conductor and seawater, forms a magnetic field in the seabed by the current loop, and achieves the purpose of actively arranging a target magnetic field.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of underwater cable technology, and particularly relates to an underwater cable with a stepped multi-layer protection structure. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, submarine cables mainly include submarine power cables, submarine optical cables, and submarine fiber-optic composite cables. Submarine power cables are key infrastructure for marine energy development such as offshore wind power and offshore oil platforms, mainly used for underwater transmission of high-power electrical energy to achieve cross-sea energy interconnection. Submarine optical cables are the backbone of modern communication networks, supporting the normal operation of transnational businesses such as the Internet, international telephone, financial transactions, and video conferencing. They are mainly used for long-distance communication services and undertake global international data traffic transmission. Submarine fiber-optic composite cables embed optical fiber units into the gaps in the cable core, and through composite design, they simultaneously meet the needs of power and communication, capable of transmitting both electrical energy and optical signals.

[0003] However, existing submarine cables lack the technology to deploy target magnetic fields on the seabed. Current submarine cables mainly use the magnetic field naturally generated after being energized for detection and positioning, and lack the ability to actively deploy target magnetic fields.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design an underwater cable with a stepped, multi-layered protective structure to solve the problem mentioned above of not having a cable capable of deploying a target magnetic field on the seabed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the technical problem mentioned in the background art of the lack of cables capable of deploying target magnetic fields on the seabed, an underwater cable with a stepped multi-layered protective structure is provided to solve the aforementioned problem.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the specific technical solution of the submarine cable with a stepped multi-layer protection structure of the present invention is as follows:

[0007] A submarine cable with a stepped multi-layered protective structure includes a cable body, one end of which is a power receiving end. A first exposed portion and a second exposed portion are sequentially arranged in the direction away from the power receiving end. A first conductor and a second conductor are arranged on the power receiving end. The first conductor extends away from the power receiving end to the first exposed portion to contact seawater, and the second conductor extends away from the power receiving end to the second exposed portion to contact seawater. The first conductor and the second conductor are insulated from each other within the cable body. The current passing through the power receiving end forms a current loop between the first conductor, the second conductor, and the seawater, and a target magnetic field is formed on the seabed based on the current loop.

[0008] Furthermore, the current passing through the terminal forms a current loop between the first conductor, the second conductor, and the seawater, including:

[0009] The current at the terminal is emitted from the positive terminal of the power supply device connected to the terminal, flows through the first conductor to the seawater, then from the seawater to the second conductor, and finally from the second conductor to the negative terminal of the power supply device, forming a current loop.

[0010] Furthermore, the current passing through the terminal forms a current loop between the first conductor, the second conductor, and the seawater, and also includes:

[0011] The current at the terminal is emitted from the positive terminal of the power supply device connected to the terminal, flows through the second conductor to the seawater, then from the seawater to the first conductor, and finally from the first conductor to the negative terminal of the power supply device, forming a current loop.

[0012] Furthermore, the first exposed portion and the second exposed portion are connected by an intermediate portion.

[0013] Furthermore, the second exposed portion includes a water-permeable protective layer extending from the electrical terminal to the second exposed portion and a first insulating core. The second exposed portion consists of, from the inside out, the first insulating core, the second conductor, and the water-permeable protective layer.

[0014] Furthermore, the middle part also includes a first water-blocking strip and a second insulating layer extending from the power receiving end to the middle part. The middle part consists of a first insulating core, a second conductor, a first water-blocking strip, a second insulating layer and a water-permeable protective layer from the inside to the outside.

[0015] Furthermore, the first exposed portion also includes a first conductor extending from the electrical terminal to the first exposed portion, and the first exposed portion consists of, from the inside out, a first insulating core, a second conductor, a first water-blocking strip, a second insulating layer, the first conductor, and a water-permeable protective layer.

[0016] Furthermore, the power receiving end also includes a second water-blocking strip and a sheath. From the inside out, the power receiving end consists of a first insulating core, a second conductor, a first water-blocking strip, a second insulating layer, a first conductor, a second water-blocking strip, a sheath, and a water-permeable protective layer.

[0017] Furthermore, the permeable protective layer includes a first aramid braided layer and a second aramid braided layer, with the first aramid braided layer fitted onto the second aramid braided layer, and the mesh count of the second aramid braided layer being greater than that of the first aramid braided layer;

[0018] The first insulating core includes a load-bearing core, a third water-blocking tape is attached to the load-bearing core, a third insulating layer is attached to the third water-blocking tape, and the first insulating core is connected to the second conductor through the third insulating layer.

[0019] Furthermore, the second conductor includes a second soft copper layer and a second non-woven fabric layer. The second soft copper layer is wound around the outer surface of the first insulating core, and the second non-woven fabric layer wraps around the second soft copper layer and fixes the second soft copper layer on the first insulating core. The first conductor includes a first soft copper layer and a first non-woven fabric layer. The first soft copper layer is wound around the outer surface of the second insulating layer, and the first non-woven fabric layer wraps around the first soft copper layer and fixes the first soft copper layer on the second insulating layer.

[0020] The submarine cable with a stepped multi-layer protection structure of the present invention has the following advantages:

[0021] This invention achieves the purpose of actively deploying a target magnetic field by forming a current loop between a first conductor, a second conductor, and seawater, thereby creating a magnetic field on the seabed. This fills the technical gap in the prior art for deploying a target magnetic field on the seabed.

[0022] This invention achieves in-depth waterproofing through a stepped design consisting of a sheath, multiple water-blocking tape layers, and multiple non-woven fabric layers, extending the cable's service life. The synergistic design of the permeable protective layer and the load-bearing core enhances the overall tensile strength of the cable and improves its resistance to lateral pressure. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main cable structure of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the second exposed portion of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the middle part of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first exposed portion of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the electrical connection terminal of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the second conductor structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the first conductor structure of the present invention.

[0030] Explanation of markings in the diagram: 1. Electrical connection terminal; 2. First exposed part; 3. Middle part; 4. Second exposed part; 5. Water-permeable protective layer; 501. First aramid braided layer; 502. Second aramid braided layer; 101. First insulating core; 1011. Load-bearing core; 1012. Third water-blocking tape; 1013. Third insulating layer; 102. Second conductor; 1021. Second soft copper layer; 1022. Second non-woven fabric layer; 103. First water-blocking tape; 104. Second insulating layer; 105. First conductor; 1051. First soft copper layer; 1052. First non-woven fabric layer; 106. Second water-blocking tape; 107. Sheath. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] Those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not others, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention and form different embodiments. For example, in the claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0033] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 1 To be continued Figure 7 The present invention describes an underwater cable with a stepped, multi-layered protective structure.

[0034] There is a technological gap in the existing submarine cables used to deploy target magnetic fields to the seabed. Current submarine cables mainly use the magnetic field naturally generated after being energized for detection and positioning, and lack the ability to actively deploy target magnetic fields.

[0035] Therefore, this invention provides a submarine cable with a stepped, multi-layered protective structure, such as... Figure 1As shown, the cable includes a cable body, with a power terminal 1 at one end. A first exposed portion 2 and a second exposed portion 4 are sequentially arranged in the direction away from the power terminal 1. A first conductor 105 and a second conductor 102 are arranged on the power terminal 1. The first conductor 105 extends away from the power terminal 1 to the first exposed portion 2 to contact seawater, and the second conductor 102 extends away from the power terminal 1 to the second exposed portion 4 to contact seawater. The first conductor 105 and the second conductor 102 are insulated from each other within the cable body. The current passing through the power terminal 1 forms a current loop between the first conductor 105, the second conductor 102, and the seawater. Based on this current loop, a target magnetic field is formed on the seabed. In this embodiment of the invention, the target magnetic field refers to the material interaction field generated on the seabed by the current. The first method of generating the target magnetic field is as follows: the current passing through the power terminal 1 flows from the power terminal 1... The current emitted from the positive terminal of the connected power supply device (not shown in the figure) flows through the first conductor 105 to the seawater, then from the seawater to the second conductor 102, and finally from the second conductor 102 to the negative terminal of the power supply device, forming a current loop and thus generating the first type of target magnetic field. The second type of target magnetic field is generated as follows: the current passing through the terminal 1 is emitted from the positive terminal of the power supply device connected to the terminal 1, flows through the second conductor 102 to the seawater, then from the seawater to the first conductor 105, and finally from the first conductor 105 to the negative terminal of the power supply device, forming a current loop and thus generating the second type of magnetic field. The directions of the first and second magnetic fields are opposite. The power supply device at the terminal 1 provides alternating current. The power supply device controls the direction of the magnetic field by adjusting the direction of the current, and obtains magnetic fields of different intensities by adjusting the magnitude of the current in the power supply device, thereby achieving the purpose of actively deploying the target magnetic field.

[0036] As a preferred option, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first exposed part 2 and the second exposed part 4 are connected by an intermediate part 3. Specifically, the intermediate part 3 is set as a transition section between the first exposed part 2 and the second exposed part 4, and the length of the target magnetic field is set by adjusting the length of the intermediate part 3.

[0037] As a preferred option, such as Figure 2 As shown, the second exposed portion 4 includes a water-permeable protective layer 5 extending from the electrical terminal 1 to the second exposed portion 4 and a first insulating core 101. The second exposed portion 4, from the inside out, consists of the first insulating core 101, the second conductor 102, and the water-permeable protective layer 5. Specifically, the water-permeable protective layer 5 serves as the outermost protective structure while also allowing the second conductor 102 to contact seawater. In one specific embodiment, such as... Figure 1As shown, the permeable protective layer 5 includes a first aramid braided layer 501 and a second aramid braided layer 502. The first aramid braided layer 501 is sleeved on the second aramid braided layer 502. The mesh count of the second aramid braided layer 502 is greater than that of the first aramid braided layer 501. The first aramid braided layer 501 provides wear-resistant protection for the cable body and resists seawater pressure, water flow impact, etc. The second aramid braided layer 502 strengthens the tensile strength of the cable body and resists tension and lateral pressure during laying and operation.

[0038] Among them, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first insulating core 101 includes a load-bearing core 1011, a third water-blocking tape 1012 is sleeved on the load-bearing core 1011, and a third insulating layer 1013 is sleeved on the third water-blocking tape 1012. The first insulating core 101 is connected to the second conductor 102 through the third insulating layer 1013. The load-bearing core 1011 bears the tension of the main cable in the length direction. For example, the load-bearing core 1011 bears the underwater traction during cable laying and the tension of seawater buoyancy and its own weight during operation, preventing the main cable from being pulled apart. In a specific embodiment, the load-bearing core 1011 is an aramid braided core. The aramid braided core, together with the second aramid braided layer 502, further enhances the tensile strength of the cable body.

[0039] As a preferred option, such as Figure 3 As shown, the middle part 3 also includes a first water-blocking strip 103 and a second insulating layer 104 extending from the power receiving end 1 to the middle part 3. The middle part 3 consists of a first insulating core 101, a second conductor 102, a first water-blocking strip 103, a second insulating layer 104 and a water-permeable protective layer 5 from the inside out. Specifically, the second insulating layer 104 isolates the first conductor 105 from the second conductor 102 to prevent current leakage or short circuit, ensure efficient power transmission, and resist the electrochemical corrosion of seawater.

[0040] As a preferred option, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first exposed portion 2 also includes a first conductor 105 extending from the power terminal 1 to the first exposed portion 2. The first exposed portion 2 consists of a first insulating core 101, a second conductor 102, a first water-blocking strip 103, a second insulating layer 104, the first conductor 105, and a water-permeable protective layer 5 from the inside out. Specifically, the second conductor 102, in addition to serving as a current carrier, also has electromagnetic shielding capabilities, reducing the interference of the external marine electromagnetic environment on the main cable and reducing the interference of seawater circuit current.

[0041] As a preferred option, such as Figure 5As shown, the power receiving terminal 1 also includes a second water-blocking strip 106 and a sheath 107. From the inside out, the power receiving terminal 1 consists of a first insulating core 101, a second conductor 102, a first water-blocking strip 103, a second insulating layer 104, a first conductor 105, a second water-blocking strip 106, a sheath 107, and a water-permeable protective layer 5. Specifically, the sheath 107 serves as the first line of physical protection, resisting underwater mechanical wear and seawater chemical corrosion, preventing the external environment from directly intruding into the internal structure, and working in conjunction with the second water-blocking strip 106 to form an external waterproof barrier, preventing seawater from initially seeping in through gaps or damage to the sheath 107.

[0042] As a preferred option, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the second conductor 102 includes a second soft copper layer 1021 and a second non-woven fabric layer 1022. The second soft copper layer 1021 is wound around the outer surface of the first insulating core 101, and the second non-woven fabric layer 1022 wraps around the second soft copper layer 1021 and fixes the second soft copper layer 1021 to the first insulating core 101. The first conductor 105 includes a first soft copper layer 1051 and a first non-woven fabric layer 1052. The first soft copper layer 1051 is wound around the outer surface of the second insulating layer 104, and the first non-woven fabric layer 1052 wraps around the first soft copper layer 1051 and fixes the first soft copper layer 1051 to the second insulating layer 104. Specifically, the first non-woven fabric layer 1052 and the second non-woven fabric layer 1022 disperse the influence of external mechanical stress on the internal conductor and avoid direct wear or chemical reaction between materials.

[0043] As a preferred option, to adapt to the complex underwater environment, the cable body is designed as a flexible cable. The second insulation layer 104 and the third insulation layer 1013 are both made of TPV material to increase the flexibility and bending resistance of the main cable. The sheath 107 is made of TPU material to provide a certain degree of hardness and abrasion resistance while ensuring flexibility. At the same time, it is understandable that the cable body is also designed as a rigid cable. Any structure or combination of the second insulation layer 104, the third insulation layer 1013 and the sheath 107 can be made of rigid material.

[0044] Meanwhile, the first water-blocking strip 103, the second water-blocking strip 106, and the third water-blocking strip 1012 not only ensure the radial water tightness of the cable body, but also the axial water tightness of the cable body.

[0045] This invention achieves the purpose of actively deploying a target magnetic field by forming a current loop between the first conductor 105, the second conductor 102 and the seawater, thereby creating a magnetic field on the seabed. This fills the technical gap in the prior art for deploying a target magnetic field on the seabed.

[0046] This invention achieves in-depth waterproofing through a stepped design consisting of a sheath 107, multiple water-blocking tape layers, and multiple non-woven fabric layers, extending the cable's service life. The permeable protective layer 5 works in conjunction with the load-bearing core 1011 to enhance the overall tensile strength of the cable and improve its resistance to lateral pressure.

[0047] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A subsea cable having a stepped multi-layered armour structure, comprising a cable body, characterised in that, One end of the cable body is an electricity connection end, a first exposed part and a second exposed part are sequentially arranged in the direction away from the electricity connection end, the electricity connection end is provided with a first conductor and a second conductor, the first conductor extends to the first exposed part in the direction away from the electricity connection end to contact with seawater, and the second conductor extends to the second exposed part in the direction away from the electricity connection end to contact with seawater; the first conductor and the second conductor are insulated from each other in the cable body, and a current passing through the electricity connection end forms a current loop between the first conductor, the second conductor and seawater, and a target magnetic field is formed in the seabed according to the current loop; The first exposed part and the second exposed part are connected through an intermediate part; The second exposed part comprises a water-permeable protective layer and a first insulating core extending from the electricity connection end to the second exposed part, and the second exposed part comprises, from inside to outside, the first insulating core, the second conductor and the water-permeable protective layer.

2. The submarine cable having a stepped multi-layer armor structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The current passing through the electricity connection end forms a current loop between the first conductor, the second conductor and seawater, comprising: The current of the electricity connection end is emitted from the positive pole of a power supply device connected with the electricity connection end, flows to seawater through the first conductor, flows to the second conductor from seawater, and finally flows to the negative pole of the power supply device from the second conductor, to form the current loop.

3. The submarine cable having a stepped multi-layer armor structure according to claim 1, wherein, The current passing through the electricity connection end forms a current loop between the first conductor, the second conductor and seawater, further comprising: The current of the electricity connection end is emitted from the positive pole of a power supply device connected with the electricity connection end, flows to seawater through the second conductor, flows to the first conductor from seawater, and finally flows to the negative pole of the power supply device from the first conductor, to form the current loop.

4. The submarine cable having a stepped multi-layer armor structure according to claim 1, wherein, The intermediate part further comprises a first water-blocking tape and a second insulating layer extending from the electricity connection end to the intermediate part, and the intermediate part comprises, from inside to outside, the first insulating core, the second conductor, the first water-blocking tape, the second insulating layer and the water-permeable protective layer.

5. The submarine cable having a stepped multi-layer armor structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first exposed part further comprises the first conductor extending from the electricity connection end to the first exposed part, and the first exposed part comprises, from inside to outside, the first insulating core, the second conductor, the first water-blocking tape, the second insulating layer, the first conductor and the water-permeable protective layer.

6. The submarine cable having a stepped multi-layer armor structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The electricity connection end further comprises a second water-blocking tape and a sheath, and the electricity connection end comprises, from inside to outside, the first insulating core, the second conductor, the first water-blocking tape, the second insulating layer, the first conductor, the second water-blocking tape, the sheath and the water-permeable protective layer.

7. The submarine cable having a stepped multi-layer armor structure according to claim 1, wherein, The water-permeable protective layer comprises a first aramid woven layer and a second aramid woven layer, the first aramid woven layer is sleeved on the second aramid woven layer, and the second aramid woven layer has a higher number of meshes than the first aramid woven layer; The first insulating core comprises a force-bearing core, the force-bearing core is sleeved with a third water-blocking tape, the third water-blocking tape is sleeved with a third insulating layer, and the first insulating core is connected with the second conductor through the third insulating layer.

8. The submarine cable having a stepped multi-layer armor structure according to claim 5, wherein, The second conductor comprises a second soft copper layer and a second non-woven fabric layer, the second soft copper layer is wound on the outer surface of the first insulating core, and the second non-woven fabric layer wraps the second soft copper layer and fixes the second soft copper layer on the first insulating core; the first conductor comprises a first soft copper layer and a first non-woven fabric layer, the first soft copper layer is wound on the outer surface of the second insulating layer, and the first non-woven fabric layer wraps the first soft copper layer and fixes the first soft copper layer on the second insulating layer.

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