Cable connector system for floating ocean platform

Abstract

The invention relates to a cable connector system for connecting a power cable in a cable connector channel open at the bottom of a floating ocean platform, a cable connector system includes a plug-in connector for insertion into a cable connector channel, a cable hanger secured to a power cable, a plurality of pulling ropes extending side by side between the plug-in connector and the cable hanger, and a cable protector on the cable hanger, the plug-in connector, the pulling rope, the cable hanger, and the cable protector define a subsequent cable path section for an internal cable path of the power cable.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This invention relates to a cable connector system for connecting power cables to cable connector channels in floating offshore platforms. Floating offshore platforms can be used to support wind turbines. The cable connector channels are typically open at the bottom of the floating offshore platform for underwater insertion. The power cables connect the wind turbines to an offshore power grid. Summary of the Invention

[0002] A known cable connector system has a plug-in connector for insertion into a cable connector channel, and a bent reinforcement hanging downwards from the plug-in connector. The power cable is threaded through and attached to the cable connector system before being installed beneath a floating offshore platform. The plug-in connector is locked underwater within the cable connector channel by means of multiple latches. The power cable passes through a top support at the upper end of the cable channel and is terminated or stripped to expose its electrical conductors. During the service life of the floating offshore platform, the latches may fail and can only be released using an expensive work-class remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV). In practice, the plug-in connector can only be removed destructively. When the power cable needs to be temporarily disconnected during the service life of the floating offshore platform, it is cut below the top support, resulting in a loss of cable length. Therefore, some extra length of power cable must be allowed during initial installation, and re-termination and reconfiguration of the cable configuration beneath the floating offshore platform are necessary upon reconnection after a temporary disconnection, representing an expensive offshore operation.

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cable connector system for connecting power cables in cable connector channels of a floating marine platform, wherein the power cables can be reversibly connected to and disconnected from the floating marine platform.

[0004] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an assembly comprising a floating marine platform and a cable connector system, the floating marine platform having a cable connector channel opening at the bottom of the floating marine platform, the cable connector system for connecting an electrical cable in the cable connector channel, wherein the cable connector system includes an insert connector for insertion into the cable connector channel, a cable hanger secured to the electrical cable, a plurality of traction ropes extending side-by-side between the insert connector and the cable hanger, and a cable protector located on the cable hanger, wherein the insert connector, traction ropes, cable hanger, and cable protector define a subsequent cable path segment for an internal cable path for the electrical cable.

[0005] The cable connector system according to the invention includes a cable hanger fixed to a power cable and an insert connector suspended from the cable hanger by means of a tow rope. Therefore, there is no need for underwater latches or other devices to keep the insert connector inserted into the cable connector channel. The power cable can be disconnected from the floating marine platform by lowering the cable hanger to which it is fixed. The distal end is protected by a cable protector on the cable hanger. The entire cable can be sunk to the seabed and retrieved without damage, thus allowing for reuse of its full length instead of being cut. In this way, the power cable can be reversibly connected to and disconnected from the floating marine platform without the need for expensive work-class remotely operated underwater vehicles or adjustments to the cable configuration below the platform.

[0006] In this embodiment, the traction ropes extend parallel to each other.

[0007] In one embodiment, the traction rope is distributed around the cable passage segment it defines.

[0008] In one embodiment, the traction rope is evenly distributed around the cable passage segment it defines.

[0009] In one embodiment, the plug-in connector includes an insertion plug for insertion into a cable connector channel.

[0010] In one embodiment, the plug-in connector includes a radially projecting flange whose radial dimension is larger than the insertion opening toward the cable connector channel. The projecting flange prevents the plug-in connector from being inserted too deeply into the insertion channel at the bottom of the floating offshore platform during installation of the cable connector system.

[0011] In this embodiment, the plug has a distal end with a larger distal outer diameter and a proximal end with a larger proximal outer diameter. When the cable connector channel has correspondingly different diameters at the distal and proximal positions, the proximal and distal ends of the plug engage with the insertion channel approximately synchronously only in the final stage of insertion, which facilitates proper insertion of the plug.

[0012] In one embodiment, the cable connector system includes a bend limiter located between the cable hanger and the insert connector, the bend limiter defining a cable path segment of the internal cable path.

[0013] In one embodiment, the bend limiter includes a series of interconnected bend limiter links having traction rope channels through which the traction rope extends. The traction rope can keep the bend limiter links aligned before the power cable is inserted into the internal cable path.

[0014] In one embodiment, the bending limiter link includes a concave member incorporated into the convex member, and the convex member extends into the concave member of a subsequent bending limiter link.

[0015] In one embodiment, the concave component includes an internal insertion channel, and the convex component includes a radially extending edge that is confined within the insertion channel and has a gap in the direction of the internal cable passage.

[0016] In one embodiment, the cable connector system includes a bending reinforcement connected to a plug-in connector, the bending reinforcement defining a cable passage segment of an internal cable path.

[0017] In one embodiment, the cable passage segment of the bending reinforcement forms an orientation angle with the cable passage segment of the plug connector.

[0018] In one embodiment, the bending reinforcement is connected to the insert connector via a reel with a set orientation angle.

[0019] In one embodiment, the cable protector is removably mounted to the cable hanger to expose the distal end of the power cable after the cable hanger is secured relative to the cable connector channel. The cable protector can be reinstalled when the power cable is disconnected from the floating offshore platform.

[0020] In one embodiment, the cable protector includes a protective tube for receiving the end of the power cable, and a distal lifting connector located on the protective tube for lifting the cable connector system. The entire assembly of the power cable and cable connector system can be lifted into the cable connector system, for example, by means of a lifting cable lowered through the cable connector channel at the distal lifting connector.

[0021] In one embodiment, the cable hanger includes a fixed bushing defining a cable path segment that defines an internal cable path, and a radially open and radially accessible insertion slot for inserting a suspension lock.

[0022] In one embodiment, the cable connector system includes a guide that is removably mounted around the connection between the cable hanger and the cable protector.

[0023] In one embodiment, the floating marine platform includes at least one column, which includes a circumferential wall, a bottom wall, and a cable connector channel extending through the column and through an opening in the bottom wall. The cable connector system has an installed state and an unconnected state. In the installed state, a plug-in connector is inserted into the cable connector channel and suspended from a cable hanger via a traction cable extending through the cable connector channel. In the unconnected state, the cable connector system is located outside the cable connector channel.

[0024] In one embodiment, the plug-in connector includes a plug for insertion into a cable connector channel, and distal and proximal elastomers extending spaced apart from each other around the plug, wherein, in the installed state, the distal and proximal elastomers are compressed and contact the inner surface of the cable connector channel.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the floating marine platform includes a central column, a plurality of peripheral columns arranged circumferentially around the central column, radially extending external support brackets connecting the peripheral columns to the central column, and tension ribs tensioned between each pair of adjacent peripheral columns.

[0026] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a cable connector system for use in components according to a first aspect of the present invention.

[0027] According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for connecting a power cable to a floating marine platform using a cable connector system, wherein the floating marine platform includes a cable connector channel with an opening at the bottom of the floating marine platform, and wherein the cable connector system includes an insert connector for insertion into the cable connector channel, a cable hanger fixed to the power cable, a plurality of traction ropes extending side-by-side between the insert connector and the cable hanger, and a cable protector located on the cable hanger, wherein the insert connector, traction ropes, cable hanger, and cable protector define a subsequent cable path segment for an internal cable path for the power cable; wherein the method includes the steps of: inserting the power cable into the internal cable path and fixing the inserted power cable relative to the cable hanger; and hoisting the cable connector system from below the bottom of the floating marine platform into the cable connector channel by means of a hoisting cable extending through the cable connector channel on the cable protector, wherein the insert connector remains suspended on the traction ropes after reaching its final insertion position.

[0028] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method for disconnecting an electrical cable on a floating marine platform by means of a cable connector system, wherein the floating marine platform includes a cable connector channel with an opening at the bottom of the floating marine platform, and wherein the cable connector system includes an insert connector for insertion into the cable connector channel, a cable hanger fixed to the electrical cable, a plurality of traction ropes extending side by side between the insert connector and the cable hanger, and a cable protector located on the cable hanger, wherein the insert connector, traction ropes, cable hanger, and cable protector define a subsequent cable path segment for an internal cable path for the electrical cable; wherein the method includes the steps of: placing the cable protector on the cable hanger; and lowering and removing the cable connector system from the cable connector channel by means of a lifting cable extending through the cable connector channel on the cable protector.

[0029] The aspects and features described and illustrated in the specification may be applied individually where possible. These individual aspects, in particular the aspects and features described in the appended dependent claims, may serve as the subject matter of a divisional patent application. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The invention will be explained with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 It is an isometric view of a floating marine platform that supports a wind turbine and is connected to an offshore power cable via a cable connector system according to the invention;

[0032] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Isometric views of only relevant components of a floating offshore platform;

[0033] Figure 3A and Figure 3B yes Figure 2 Isometric view and partial longitudinal section of the central column of the floating offshore platform, in which the cable connector system is inserted;

[0034] Figure 4 yes Figure 3A and Figure 3B Further details of the center post and cable connector system;

[0035] Figure 5 During installation Figure 1 Side view of the cable connector system during operation on a floating offshore platform; and

[0036] Figures 6A-6D As shown Figure 5 Details of the cable connector system shown. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Figure 1A floating offshore platform 1 is shown, in this example supporting a wind turbine 300 to form a floating wind turbine 5. The wind turbine 300 has a vertical tower 301, a nacelle 302, and a rotor 303. The rotor 303 has a hub 304 connected to a generator within the nacelle 302. In this example, the wind turbine 300 has three blades 305 radiating from the hub 304. The wind turbine 300 is capable of generating more than 1 MW of electricity, currently reaching approximately 10 MW to 15 MW. For a +10 MW wind turbine, the base diameter of the tower 301 may be between 5 and 10 meters. Each of the three blades 305 may be over 100 meters long. One example is General Electric's 12 MW Haliade X turbine. Other turbine designs, such as vertical-axis wind turbines, can also be supported by the floating offshore platform 1. The wind turbine 300 is connected to the offshore power grid by means of an electric cable 90, which is installed to the floating offshore platform 1 by means of a cable connector system 100 according to the invention.

[0038] Figure 2 A floating marine platform 1 without a wind turbine 300, walkways, railings, and installed utilities is shown to illustrate its structural components.

[0039] like Figure 2 , Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the floating offshore platform 1 includes a central column 10 made of steel and having a central axis B. The central column 10 has a vertical cylindrical circumferential wall section 11, which is closed by a top wall 17 and, in this embodiment, merges downwards via a flared wall section or a tapered, widening middle circumferential wall section 12 into a vertical cylindrical lower circumferential wall section 13, which is closed at the bottom by a bottom wall 14 to define an internal chamber 16. The diameter of the central column 10 at the circumferential wall section 11 is approximately equal to the bottom diameter of the tower 301, and increases towards the bottom or keel diameter of the central column 10 via the tapered, widening middle circumferential wall section 12. The central column 10 may be provided with a foot (not shown) with a larger diameter below the base wall section 13 to provide additional volume. When the foot is filled with air, it helps support the weight of the wind turbine 300. When the foot is filled with water, it helps provide stability for the floating wind turbine 5. Alternatively, the central column 10 has a vertical cylindrical wall with a constant diameter over its entire height, wherein the constant diameter is preferably approximately equal to the bottom diameter of the tower 301.

[0040] like Figure 2As shown, the floating offshore platform 1 in this example includes three vertical cylindrical stabilizing columns or peripheral columns 30 made of steel, each having a central axis A. The peripheral columns 30 are arranged radially around the central column 10 at 120-degree intervals, with their central axis A extending parallel to the central axis B of the central column 10. Each peripheral column 30 includes a vertical cylindrical circumferential wall 31, which is closed on its upper side by a top wall 32 to form an internal chamber 34. Each peripheral column 30 includes a watertight platform located within the internal chamber 34, just below the mean waterline W, and from this watertight platform, the internal chamber 34 opens to the sea. The peripheral columns 30 include a skirt 33 surrounding the bottom edge of the circumferential wall 31.

[0041] The floating offshore platform 1 includes three outer support brackets 50 extending radially between a central column 10 and peripheral columns 30. Each outer support bracket 50 is made of steel and consists of an upper tubular member 51 and a lower tubular member 52, which in this example extend parallel to each other and are interconnected by diagonal struts 53. Alternatively, at least one of the upper tubular member 51 and the lower tubular member 52 may be inclined relative to the other. Alternatively, the upper tubular member 51 and the lower tubular member 52 may be separate components not interconnected by struts.

[0042] The floating offshore platform 1 includes three pre-tensioned slender upper structural members or upper tension ribs 60 of the same length, which interconnect the upper ends of the outer perimeter columns 30, and three pre-tensioned slender lower structural members or lower tension ribs 65 of the same length, which interconnect the lower ends of the outer perimeter columns 30 at the skirt plate 33.

[0043] The base diameter of the central column 10 can reach 20 meters. The total height of the central column 10 and the outer columns 30 is typically 20 to 30 meters, and in this example, it is approximately 24 meters. The diameter of the outer columns 30 is between 6 and 12 meters. Each of the tension ribs 60 and 65 is between 60 and 90 meters long.

[0044] like Figure 3BAs shown, the central column 10 includes an intermediate platform 18 extending parallel to the top wall 17 and the bottom wall 14. In this example, the intermediate platform 18 connects at the junction of the circumferential wall segment 11 and the intermediate circumferential wall segment 12. The central column 10 in this example includes an internal cable connector channel 20 having a circular cross-section and a central axis C, which is offset from and extends parallel to the centerline B of the central column 10. The cable connector channel 20 in this example is formed by a steel insert 21 having a first inner diameter D1, which extends through the bottom wall 14 into the sea via a bottom opening 27. The insert 21 merges via a steel tapered section 22 into a longer steel riser 23 having a smaller second inner diameter D2, which extends through the main waterline W. Riser 23 passes through and is welded to intermediate platform 18, and opens via top opening 25 at a height above the main waterline W, a height that ensures that seawater remains within cable connector channel 20 even when seawater temporarily rises above the main waterline W (e.g., due to wave impact). Riser 23 merges into mounting flange 26 extending around top opening 25. Cable connector system 100 includes suspension lock 101 on mounting flange 26, which suspension lock 101 in Figure 6A The details are shown in more detail below. The suspension lock 101 in this example includes two mating lock bodies 102, which are formed from flat steel plates to form split flanges and together cover the entire mounting flange 26. Each locking plate 102 includes a recess 103 with a constant radius, which together define a circular internal locking passage 104.

[0045] The central column 10 includes a hoisting winch 106 (mounted on the intermediate platform 18 in this example), a hoisting pulley 107 located above the cable connector channel 20 (suspended from the top wall 17 in this example), and a hoisting cable 108 on the hoisting winch 106, which passes around the hoisting pulley 107 and hangs downwards directly above the center of the cable connector channel 20. The area between the top wall 17 and the intermediate platform 18 forms a workspace in which operators can move to control the hoisting winch 106, install the suspension lock 101, and connect the power cable 90 to the electrical installations of the floating offshore platform 1 and the wind turbine 300.

[0046] exist Figure 5 and Figures 6A-6D The image shows in more detail a cable connector system 100 inserted into a cable connector channel 20 with a power cable 90. The power cable 90 includes a plurality of bendable or flexible electrical conductors 91, each of which has a conductive core 92 and an electrical insulating sheath 93. The power cable 90 includes an armored or reinforcing sheath 95 surrounding the bundled flexible electrical conductors 91.

[0047] The cable connector system 100 includes an insert connector 110 for insertion into a cable connector channel 20 in the lifting direction H. The insert connector 110 includes a rigid insert plug 111 with a circular cross-section. The insert connector 110 may be made of steel. In this embodiment, the insert plug 111 includes a proximal tube 112 with a first outer diameter E1, which merges via a tapered reduction section 113 into a longer distal tube 114 with a smaller second outer diameter E2. The insert plug 111 includes a bottom flange 116 surrounding the underside of the proximal tube 112. In this embodiment, the insert connector 110 includes a tubular distal elastomer 115 surrounding the end of the distal tube 114, giving the insert connector 110 a locally larger initial outer diameter E3 relative to the distal tube 114, which can be reduced by reversible radial compression. In this embodiment, the plug-in connector 110 includes a tubular proximal elastomer 119 surrounding the proximal tube 112, giving the plug-in connector 110 a locally larger initial outer diameter E4 relative to the proximal tube 112, which can be reduced by radial compression. The plug 111 has an internal plug-in connector channel 117 along a central axis C, which forms a cable passage through which the power cable 90 extends.

[0048] The cable connector system 100 includes a flexible bend reinforcement 130 having a central axis D, which is connected to a bottom flange 116 via a reel 140. The bend reinforcement 130 is made of flexible plastic or synthetic rubber, such as flexible polyurethane (PU). The bend reinforcement 130 includes a cylindrical segment 131 that merges into a longer tapered segment 132. The bend reinforcement 130 has an internal bend reinforcement channel 133 having a central axis D and forming a cable passage segment through which a power cable 90 extends. The reel 140 is made of steel and includes: a top flange 141 mounted to a bottom flange 116 of the insert plug 111; a bottom flange 142 mounted to a bending reinforcement 130; a bent tube 143 connected to and passing through openings in the top flange 141 and bottom flange 142; and a plurality of reinforcements 144 extending radially around the bent tube 143 and welded to the bent tube 143, the top flange 141, and the bottom flange 142. The reel 140 maintains the inner bending reinforcement channel 133 at a fixed and well-defined bending angle Q relative to the inner insert connector channel 117. In this example, the bending angle Q is not 180 degrees, but for example, 150 degrees. The cable connector channel 20 and the insert connector 110 are provided with an orientation device that applies an azimuth angle R between the cable 90 and the offshore platform 1. In this example, the orientation device includes a guide edge 24 within the insertion tube 21, which engages with a protruding notch 118 on the insertion connector 110. The bending angle Q and azimuth angle R are defined by the end-to-end three-dimensional trajectory of the suspended power cable 90 as it passes through the seawater.

[0049] The cable connector system 100 includes a cable hanger 150 made of steel. The cable hanger 150 includes a bottom mounting flange 151 with multiple mounting holes 152 and a smaller top mounting flange 159, both incorporated into a cylindrical retaining bushing 154 having an internal passage 155 that forms a cable passage segment through which a power cable 90 extends. In this example, the internal passage 155 is tapered, thus decreasing inward radial direction towards the bending reinforcement 130. The power cable 90 is secured to the cable hanger 150, in this example by means of a wedge (not shown) that wedges between the power cable 90 and the internal passage 155. Alternatively, a resin body is formed between the power cable 90 and the internal passage 155. The cable hanger 150 includes two parallel and spaced-apart edges 157 projecting from a retaining bushing 154 to define a radially open insertion slot 158 ​​that extends radially into the circumference of the retaining bushing 154. The diameter of the insertion slot 158 ​​at its bottom corresponds to the inner diameter of the locking passage 104 of the suspension lock 101. The cable hanger 150 is formed as a unit in this example, but it can also be formed by mating components mounted to each other around the power cable 90 to form the cable hanger 150.

[0050] The cable connector system 100 includes multiple flexible traction cables or cords 160 extending parallel to each other between the insert connector 110 and the cable hanger 150. In this example, the cable connector system 100 includes four traction cords 160 evenly distributed around the power cable 90 to form a cable passage segment for the power cable 90. In this example, the traction cords are synthetic cords, such as Dyneema cord. Each of these traction cords 160 is connected at one end to the distal end of the insert connector 110 and at the opposite end to a bottom mounting flange 151. In this example, the cords 160 extend through mounting holes 152, where cable clamps (not shown) located on the bottom mounting flange 151 engage the cords 160.

[0051] In this example, the cable connector system 100 includes two bend limiters 170 located between the insert connector 110 and the cable hanger 150. The bend limiters 170 are made of rigid plastic, and each of the bend limiters 170 includes a series of interconnected bend limiter links 172. Figure 6C and Figure 6DThe details are shown below. A bend limiter link 172 extends around the power cable 90 and, in this example, has a cylindrical outer side. The bend limiter link 172 includes a concave member 173 having an internal insertion channel 175 extending circumferentially. The concave member 173 merges into a convex member 176 having a smaller outer diameter, which merges at its distal end into an edge 177 extending circumferentially and radially, the edge 177 being confined within the insertion channel 175 with an axial clearance, thereby enabling the interconnected bend limiter links 172 to follow and limit any bends of the power cable 90 along the length of the bend limiter 170. The bend limiter link 172 has an internal channel 179 that forms a cable passage segment for the power cable 90. The bend limiter link 172 includes a traction rope channel 178 passing through the concave member 173. A traction rope 160 extends through the traction rope channel 178 and can be secured therein to maintain alignment of the bend limiter 170 and the power cable 90. In this example, the cable connector system 100 includes a bend limiter 170 located at the cable hanger 150 and a bend limiter 170 located at the insert connector 110. Alternatively, the cable connector system 100 includes a continuous bend limiter 170 along the entire length between the cable hanger 150 and the insert connector 110.

[0052] The cable connector system 100 includes an optional steel cable protector 190, which is temporarily mounted to a cable hanger 150. The cable protector 190 includes: a protective tube 191 forming an internal cable passage section in which the power cable 90 is completely enclosed at the location of the exposed electrical conductor 91; a bottom mounting flange 192 bolted to a top mounting flange 159 of the cable hanger 150; and a top mounting flange 193 mounted to a lifting coupling 195 having a distal lifting ring 196. The cable connector system 100 includes a steel guide 200 temporarily mounted above the cable hanger 150 and the cable protector 190. The guide 200 includes a tapered head 201, a cylindrical wall 202, and an inwardly pointing edge 203 extending into an insertion slot 158 ​​of the cable hanger 150. The guide 200 consists of multiple mating parts connected to each other around the cable hanger 150.

[0053] The cable connector system 100 can be used to connect the power cable 90 to the floating marine platform 1 when a new offshore wind farm is put into operation, and can reversibly disconnect and reconnect the power cable 90 at sea without cutting and discarding a certain length of the power cable 90.

[0054] During commissioning of the floating offshore platform 1, the entire cable connector system 100 is attached to the power cable 90, for example, on shore or on an anchor-laying vessel. A lifting cable 108 is released and lowered through the cable connector channel 20 for underwater retrieval (e.g., via a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV)), brought aboard, and connected to the lifting ring 196. The power cable 90 and the cable connector system 100 are then pushed into the sea. The lifting cable 108 is wound up by a winch 106 in the lifting direction H, while the power cable 90 is guided underwater toward the cable connector channel 20. The cable protector 190 first enters the cable connector channel 20, followed by the protected cable hanger 150, the bend limiter 170, and finally the insertion connector 110. In the final stage of insertion of the plug-in connector 110 into the cable connector channel 20, the distal elastomer 115 slides along the tapered reduction section 22, thus finally being compressed within the riser 23, while the proximal elastomer 119 simultaneously ends up compressed within the insertion tube 21, achieving a tight fit between the plug-in connector 110 and the cable connector channel 20. The bottom flange 116 prevents the plug 111 from entering the cable connector channel 20 too deeply, but a gap remains between the bottom flange 116 and the bottom wall 14. In this final position, the cable hanger 150 extends through the mounting flange 26 at the intermediate platform, allowing the operator to remove the guide 200, and the suspension lock 101 can be mounted onto the mounting flange 26 by inserting two lock bodies 102 into the insertion slots 158 of the cable hanger 150 in the radial insertion direction L. The lock bodies 102 can be secured relative to the mounting flange 26, for example, by means of bolts. After installing the suspension lock 101, remove the cable protector 190 to expose the electrical conductor 91 for connecting to the electrical equipment of the floating marine platform 1 and the wind turbine 300.

[0055] When it is necessary to disconnect the power cable 90 from the floating offshore platform 1, disconnect the electrical conductor 91 from the electrical equipment, install the cable protector 190 onto the cable hanger 150 and lift it slightly upwards to remove the suspension lock 101 and install the guide 200, and then lower the power cable 90 together with the cable connector system 100 to the seabed, where the power cable 90 and the cable connector system 100 can be retrieved later.

[0056] It should be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Based on the above discussion, those skilled in the art will appreciate many variations, which will still be covered within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An assembly comprising a floating offshore platform having a cable connector passage opening at a bottom of the floating offshore platform, and a cable connector system for connecting a power cable in the cable connector passage, wherein, The cable connector system includes a plug-in connector for plugging into the cable connector passage, a cable hanger secured to the power cable, a plurality of tow ropes extending alongside one another between the plug-in connector and the cable hanger, and a cable protector on the cable hanger, wherein the plug-in connector, the tow ropes, the cable hanger, and the cable protector define a subsequent cable passage segment of the internal cable passage for the power cable.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, The tow ropes extend parallel to one another.

3. The assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The tow ropes are distributed evenly around the cable passage segment defined thereby.

4. The assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The tow ropes are distributed evenly around the cable passage segment defined thereby.

5. The assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The plug-in connector includes a plug-in plug for plugging into the cable connector passage.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein, The plug-in connector includes a radially protruding flange having a radial dimension greater than an insertion opening of the cable connector passage.

7. The assembly of claim 5 or 6, wherein, The plug-in plug has a distal end with a distal outer diameter and a proximal end with a greater proximal outer diameter.

8. The assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The cable connector system includes a bend limiter between the cable hanger and the plug-in connector, the bend limiter defining a cable passage segment of the internal cable passage.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein, The bend limiter includes a series of interconnected bend limiter links provided with a tow rope passage through which the tow ropes extend.

10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein, The bend limiter links include a female part merged into a male part, and the male part extends in a female part of a subsequent bend limiter link.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein, The female part includes an internal insertion passage, and the male part includes a radially extending rim confined within the insertion passage and having a gap in the direction of the internal cable passage.

12. The assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The cable connector system includes a bend stiffener connected to the plug-in connector, and the bend stiffener defines a cable passage segment of the internal cable passage.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein, The cable passage segment of the bend stiffener is at an orientation angle to the cable passage segment of the plug-in connector.

14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein, The bend stiffener is connected to the plug-in connector via a spool member setting the orientation angle.

15. The assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The cable protector is removably mounted to the cable hanger.

16. The assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The cable protector includes a protection tube for accommodating an end of the power cable, and a distal hoist coupling on the protection tube for hoisting the cable connector system.

17. The assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The cable hanger includes a fixed bushing bounding a cable passage segment of the internal cable passage, and a radially open and radially accessible insertion slot for plugging in a suspension lock.

18. The assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The cable connector system includes a guide removably mounted around a connection between the cable hanger and the cable protector.

19. The assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The floating offshore platform comprises at least one column comprising a circumferential wall, a bottom wall and a cable connector passage extending through the column and through an opening in the bottom wall, wherein the cable connector system has a mounted state in which the plug-in connector is inserted in the cable connector passage and suspended from the cable hanger via a tow cable extending through the cable connector passage and an unconnected state in which the cable connector system is located outside the cable connector passage.

20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein, The plug-in connector comprises an insertion plug for insertion into the cable connector passage and a distal elastomer and a proximal elastomer extending spaced apart from each other around the insertion plug, wherein in the mounted state the distal elastomer and the proximal elastomer are compressed and in contact with an inner surface of the cable connector passage.

21. The assembly of claim 19 or 20, wherein, The floating offshore platform comprises a central column, a plurality of peripheral columns arranged circumferentially around the central column, radially extending outrigger braces connecting the peripheral columns with the central column, and a tension tendon tensioned between each pair of adjacent peripheral columns.

22. A cable connector system for use in an assembly according to any of the preceding claims.

23. A method of connecting a power cable to a floating offshore platform by means of a cable connector system, wherein, The floating offshore platform comprises a cable connector passage opening at a bottom of the floating offshore platform, and wherein the cable connector system comprises a plug-in connector for insertion into the cable connector passage, a cable hanger fixed to the power cable, a plurality of tow ropes extending alongside each other between the plug-in connector and the cable hanger, and a cable protector located on the cable hanger, wherein the plug-in connector, the tow ropes, the cable hanger and the cable protector define a subsequent cable passage section of an internal cable passage for the power cable; wherein the method comprises the steps of inserting the power cable into the internal cable passage and fixing the inserted power cable relative to the cable hanger, hoisting the cable connector system into the cable connector passage from below the bottom of the floating offshore platform by means of a hoisting cable on the cable protector extending through the cable connector passage, wherein the plug-in connector remains suspended on the tow ropes after the plug-in connector has reached its final insertion position.

24. A method of disconnecting a power cable on a floating offshore platform by means of a cable connector system, wherein, The floating offshore platform comprises a cable connector passage which is open at the bottom of the floating offshore platform, and wherein the cable connector system comprises a plug-in connector for plugging into the cable connector passage, a cable hanger, a plurality of tow ropes which extend alongside each other between the plug-in connector and the cable hanger, and a cable protector which is located on the cable hanger, wherein the plug-in connector, the tow ropes, the cable hanger and the cable protector define a subsequent cable passage section of an internal cable passage for the power cable; wherein the method comprises the steps of placing the cable protector on the cable hanger, lowering the cable connector system out of the cable connector passage by means of a hoisting cable on the cable protector which extends through the cable connector passage.

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