Submarine energy cable arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a submarine energy cable arrangement (100, 200, 300), comprising at least one submarine energy cable (102, 202, 302) configured to transmit electrical energy, at least one active float (104, 204, 304) connected to the submarine energy cable (102, 202, 302) via at least one first float connection (106, 206) and configured to exert a buoyancy force on the submarine energy cable (102, 202, 302), at least one passive float device (114, 214, 314) connected to the submarine energy cable (102, 202, 302) via at least one second float connection (118, 218), comprising at least one activatable float replacement body (116, 216), wherein the passive float device (114, 214, 314) Detection of a float damage indication can be triggered such that the float replacement body (116, 216) is activated, so that the float replacement body (116,216) in an activated state exerts a buoyancy force on the submarine energy cable (102, 202, 302).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a submarine energy cable arrangement comprising at least one submarine energy cable configured to transmit electrical energy, and at least one active floating body connected to the submarine energy cable via at least one first floating body connection, configured to exert a buoyancy force on the submarine energy cable. Furthermore, the invention relates to an offshore system and a method.

[0002] Nowadays, energy generation systems based on so-called renewable energy sources are increasingly being used to provide electrical energy. Electrical energy generation systems comprise at least one energy generation device, preferably a plurality of energy generation devices.

[0003] For example, wind energy systems or wind farms with at least one wind turbine as the power generation device are used as electrical energy generation systems. A wind turbine is designed specifically to convert kinetic wind energy into electrical energy. In addition to wind energy systems and wind farms, photovoltaic systems and photovoltaic parks are also increasingly being constructed as electrical energy generation systems, which typically employ a plurality of photovoltaic modules to generate electrical energy.

[0004] Such energy generation systems are found not only at onshore locations, but increasingly also at offshore locations. There are many reasons for choosing an offshore location: For example, the available space on land may be limited. Furthermore, it has been shown that energy yields can be increased, for example, in wind farms. Offshore locations are typically characterized by relatively consistent wind conditions and high average wind speeds, leading to an increase in the construction of so-called offshore wind energy systems or offshore wind farms. Offshore photovoltaic parks, for example, can be installed due to space constraints.

[0005] Typically, an offshore energy generation system comprises a large number of offshore structures, such as a large number of offshore wind turbines and at least one offshore substation, through which an offshore wind farm is electrically connected, for example, to an onshore substation or another offshore substation or offshore converter station.

[0006] An onshore substation, in turn, can be connected to a public power grid. To transmit electrical energy between two offshore structures or between an offshore structure and an onshore structure, energy cables in the form of (dynamic) submarine energy cables are laid between these structures.

[0007] While it has previously been common practice for offshore wind turbines and offshore substations, but also for other offshore structures such as photovoltaic platforms, platforms for gas or oil exploration, platforms or systems for hydrogen production, etc., to anchor them on or in the underwater bed, in particular a seabed, using a foundation structure (e.g. monopile, tripod, triple or jacket foundations), there are increasing considerations about installing floating or buoyant offshore structures, for example buoyant energy generation devices, such as buoyant offshore wind turbines or buoyant photovoltaic platforms.

[0008] One reason for the use of floating offshore structures is the possibility of installing such offshore structures in areas with great water depths, for example more than 150 m.

[0009] A buoyant or floating offshore structure may have at least one buoyant foundation with at least one floating body. A device with at least one cable connection may be arranged on the buoyant foundation. In variants, the cable connection may also be arranged on the foundation. A submarine energy cable connection is configured for connecting a submarine energy cable.

[0010] For example, a substation with at least one transformer, a wind power device, a photovoltaic device, a hydrogen production device, etc. can be installed as a device on a floating or non-floating foundation.

[0011] Typically, at least one floating or buoyant body is installed on a (dynamic) offshore energy cable (connected to a previously described offshore structure). The floating body is designed to (float) hold the offshore energy cable, particularly within a specific depth range. This serves, in particular, to ensure an inert wave configuration.

[0012] In such a submarine energy cable arrangement, comprising the submarine energy cable and at least one (active) floating body coupled to the submarine energy cable during intended use, the problem repeatedly arises in practice that damage to the submarine energy cable arrangement occurs over the course of its lifetime. In this case, damage refers in particular to damage to the at least one floating body or to the floating body connection between the floating body and the submarine energy cable. For example, water may penetrate the floating body, causing it to lose its buoyancy. The floating body connection (for example, comprising a clamp, strap, rope, eyelet, etc.) may also be damaged, causing the floating body to slip or even become detached from the submarine energy cable.

[0013] In addition to material wear, the cause of such damage can be a strong current and / or waves and / or a fishing line, anchor, etc. that damages the float and / or the float connection.

[0014] While it is known from the state of the art to regularly inspect submarine energy cables using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), this technology takes a long time to detect and, in particular, repair the damage. Furthermore, the submarine cable can sink. Salvage and repair are associated with considerable effort. Damage to a floating body and / or a floating body connection also always carries the risk of damaging the submarine energy cable in the submarine energy cable arrangement.

[0015] Therefore, the object of the invention is to provide a possibility which at least reduces the disadvantages of the prior art and in particular at least reduces the risk of damage to a submarine energy cable of a submarine energy cable arrangement.

[0016] The object is achieved according to a first aspect of the invention by a submarine power cable arrangement according to claim 1. The submarine power cable arrangement comprises at least one (preferably exactly one) submarine power cable. The submarine power cable is configured to transmit electrical energy. The submarine power cable arrangement comprises at least one active floating body connected to the submarine power cable via at least one first floating body connection. The at least one active floating body is configured to exert a buoyancy force on the submarine power cable. The submarine power cable arrangement further comprises at least one passive floating body device connected to the submarine power cable via at least one second floating body connection, comprising at least one activatable replacement floating body.The passive float device can be triggered upon detection of a float damage indication such that the float replacement body is activated so that the float replacement body, in an activated state, exerts a buoyancy force on the submarine energy cable.

[0017] By arranging a passive floating body device with an activatable floating body on the submarine energy cable according to the invention, in contrast to the prior art, which in an inactivated state exerts essentially no buoyancy force on the submarine energy cable and which is activated upon detection of damage to the at least one active floating body or the floating body connection between the active floating body and the submarine energy cable, such that the floating body exerts a buoyancy force on the submarine energy cable in the activated state, the disadvantages of the prior art are at least reduced and, in particular, the risk of damage to a submarine energy cable of a submarine energy cable arrangement is at least reduced. This can prevent the submarine energy cable from sinking.In particular, the repair effort is significantly reduced, as there is no need to install an active float to replace the defective active float.

[0018] According to the invention, the submarine energy cable arrangement comprises at least one submarine energy cable, in particular precisely one submarine energy cable. A submarine energy cable, also referred to as an underwater cable, serves to transmit electrical energy or electrical power. A submarine energy cable is preferably a medium-voltage submarine cable (in particular between 3 kV and 30 kV) or a high-voltage submarine cable (60 kV to 110 kV). The power capacity of a submarine energy cable according to the invention is preferably between 3 MW and 2.5 GW.

[0019] A submarine energy cable may comprise at least one phase conductor for transmitting electrical energy, preferably three phase conductors. Furthermore, at least one optical fiber may be integrated into the submarine energy cable as an (optical) communication conductor. It is understood that a submarine energy cable may comprise additional cable elements, such as at least one insulation layer, at least one shielding layer, at least one armor layer, an outer sheath, filler material, and / or the like.

[0020] When installed, the submarine energy cable can run between two offshore structures or between an offshore structure and an onshore structure, in particular to transmit electrical energy from one structure to the other. At least a section of the submarine energy cable can run through water (in particular the sea) and in particular be held or supported by at least one active floating body. In particular, a submarine energy cable can be (targeted) guided through the water by means of active floating bodies. Another section of the submarine energy cable can rest on the seabed or be buried therein. In variants of the invention, the submarine energy cable can also be held and in particular guided floating in the water over its entire course by two or more active floating bodies.

[0021] A floating body or buoyancy device, such as an active floating body or an activated buoyancy substitute, is capable of floating independently, particularly due to its buoyancy through displacement according to the Archimedes principle. Floating bodies can preferably be hollow and filled with air or a light solid. For example, a floating body can be designed as a buoy.

[0022] In this case, an active floating body means, in particular, a floating body that always exerts a (predefined) buoyancy force on the submarine energy cable during the intended operation of the submarine energy cable arrangement, i.e., in an installed state of the submarine energy cable arrangement, and in a damage-free state (of the at least one active floating body or the first floating body connection). A replacement floating body means, in this case, in particular, a floating body that essentially exerts no buoyancy force on the submarine energy cable during the intended operation of the submarine energy cable arrangement, i.e., in an installed state of the submarine energy cable arrangement, and in a damage-free state of the at least one active floating body (in particular, of all active floating bodies) and the floating body connection of the submarine energy cable arrangement, as well as in an inactivated state.

[0023] The at least one active floating body is attached to the submarine energy cable by means of at least one first floating body connection. The first floating body connection may, for example, comprise a clamp, a strap, a rope, an eyelet, and / or the like.

[0024] According to the invention, the submarine power cable assembly comprises at least one passive submarine power cable assembly comprising at least one activatable replacement buoyancy body. In other words, a passive buoyancy body device exerts essentially no buoyancy force on the submarine power cable of the submarine power cable assembly in the installed and damage-free state (of the at least one active buoyancy body or the first buoyancy body connection).

[0025] The at least one passive float device is attached to the submarine energy cable in particular by means of at least one second float connection. The second float connection can comprise, for example, a clamp, a strap, a rope, an eyelet, and / or the like.

[0026] According to the invention, the passive floating body device comprising at least one floating body is configured to activate the floating body upon detection of a floating body damage indication, in particular by a triggering module. A floating body damage indication indicates, in particular, damage (that has occurred) to the at least one active floating body or to the first floating body connection between the active floating body and the submarine energy cable. As already described, in addition to material wear, the cause of such damage can be a strong current and / or heavy waves and / or a fishing line, anchor, etc. that damages the active floating body and / or the floating body connection.

[0027] In other words, if the buoyancy force exerted on the submarine energy cable changes, in particular due to the damage described above, the passive buoyancy device is triggered such that the substitute buoyancy body is activated, i.e., in particular, is switched from an inactivated state to an activated state, so that the substitute buoyancy body exerts a buoyancy force on the submarine energy cable in the activated state. In particular, after a reduction in the buoyancy force exerted on the submarine energy cable in the installed state due to the damage described above, the buoyancy force exerted on the submarine energy cable can be increased again, in particular, restored.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the submarine power cable arrangement according to the invention, a plurality of active floating bodies can be connected or attached to the submarine power cable (via respective first floating body connections). The plurality of active floating bodies can be arranged at a distance from one another along the longitudinal extent of the submarine cable, in particular to guide the submarine power cable (in a targeted manner). In principle, even with a plurality of active floating bodies, only a single passive floating body device can be connected to the submarine power cable. In particular, the number of active floating bodies and deactivated replacement floating bodies can differ.

[0029] Preferably, for each of the plurality of active floats, a respective passive float device, in particular each with (exactly) one replacement float, can be connected or attached to the submarine power cable (via respective second float connections). In particular, this makes it possible to replace each failed or defective active float with a replacement float. The risk of damage to the submarine power cable can be minimized even with two or more defective active floats.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the submarine energy cable arrangement according to the invention, the buoyancy force exerted on the submarine energy cable by the activatable replacement float in the activated state can be substantially identical to the buoyancy force exerted on the submarine energy cable by the active float. In particular, this allows the portion of the buoyancy force no longer exerted on the submarine energy cable due to the failure of the active float or the float connection to be fully and as precisely compensated for. This ensures that the water position or the routing of the submarine energy cable remains substantially unchanged (at least after complete or completed activation of the replacement float).In other words, a replacement buoyancy body is particularly designed to replace a defective active buoyancy body which itself no longer exerts any buoyancy force on the submarine energy cable, such that the (total) buoyancy force exerted on the submarine energy cable remains substantially the same even after the failure due to the buoyancy force of the replacement buoyancy body.

[0031] To ensure that the position of the submarine power cable in the water remains at least virtually unchanged after the failure of an active floating body, according to a further preferred embodiment of the submarine power cable arrangement, the passive floating body device can be connected to the submarine power cable within a predefined maximum distance from the active floating body connected to the submarine power cable. The predefined maximum distance can be, for example, 5 m, preferably 2 m. In other words, a passive floating body device is spaced a maximum of 5 m, preferably a maximum of 2 m, in the longitudinal direction from the active floating body.

[0032] In particular, each active float can be assigned (exactly) one passive float device and arranged within the predefined distance. Upon detection of a defective active float, preferably only the passive float device assigned to this defective active float is triggered. Preferably, in addition, the buoyancy force exerted on the submarine energy cable by the activatable replacement float in the activated state can be substantially identical to the buoyancy force exerted on the submarine energy cable by the active float. This can ensure that, in the event of a failure of an active float, the buoyancy force is fully compensated by this float, in particular at the point on the submarine energy cable at which it previously acted.

[0033] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the submarine energy cable arrangement according to the invention, the at least one floating body device can comprise a weight module detachably connected to the submarine energy cable (in particular by means of a second floating body connection). The magnitude of the weight force exerted on the submarine energy cable by the weight module can be substantially identical to the magnitude of the buoyancy force exerted on the submarine energy cable by the substitute floating body. In other words, in an inactivated state, the force exerted on the submarine energy cable by the passive floating body device is substantially zero. The buoyancy force of the substitute floating body is (fully) compensated, in particular, by the weight force of the weight module.

[0034] The passive float device can preferably comprise a separation mechanism as a triggering module. Upon detection of a float damage indication, the separation mechanism can be triggered such that the weight module is separated from the submarine power cable. For example, a clamp, grip, etc. can be provided as the separation mechanism, which can be opened such that the weight module attached to the clamp is separated from the submarine power cable (and in particular sinks to the underwater floor). As a result, the buoyancy force of the substitute float is no longer compensated, so that the substitute float now acts as an active or activated float and, in particular, exerts a buoyancy force on the submarine power cable. A defective active float can be easily compensated.

[0035] According to a further (particularly alternative) embodiment of the submarine power cable arrangement, the at least one buoyancy device can comprise an inflatable buoyancy device as a buoyancy replacement body. The passive buoyancy device can comprise a pump module as a triggering module. Upon detection of a buoyancy damage indication, the pump module can be triggered such that the buoyancy replacement body is filled with a gas. In particular, the pump module can be a gas generator. Preferably, the at least one gas generator is selected from the group comprising: - a compressed air reservoir, - a pyrotechnic gas generator, - a cold gas generator and - a hybrid gas generator.

[0036] A compressed air reservoir may include a valve that can be opened to fill the inflatable float with the air stored in the compressed air reservoir. Such an embodiment can be advantageous because such a compressed air reservoir with a drivable valve can simplify the design and practicality of the inflatable float. In particular, a particularly rapid inflation process is generally not required.

[0037] A pyrotechnic gas generator may comprise an ignition unit and a solid propellant. The ignition unit can be activated by an electrical pulse. The electrical pulse can ignite the solid propellant, which may be in tablet form. The resulting hot gas (e.g., approximately 1350 °C) can flow from the gas generator into the inflatable bag. Due to expansion, the temperature of the gas flowing into the inflatable bag can drop (e.g., to only approximately 150 °C).

[0038] A cold gas generator can consist of a gas reservoir and an activator. For example, a helium-argon mixture can be stored under high pressure. When the inflatable buoyancy device is triggered, an explosive device can rupture a membrane, allowing the cold gas to flow into the inflatable bag. A hybrid gas generator is specifically a combination of a pyrotechnic gas generator and a cold gas generator. It is understood that other gas generators can also be used.

[0039] In variants of the invention, the inflatable float can initially be filled with water. The gas generator can inject the gas into the inflatable float in such a way that the water is emptied.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment of the submarine power cable assembly according to the invention, the submarine power cable assembly can comprise at least one sensor device. The sensor device can be configured to detect damage to the at least one active floating body and / or the at least one first floating body connection. Upon detection of such damage, the sensor device can output a floating body damage indication.

[0041] The sensor device can preferably comprise at least one sensor (for example, a plurality of sensors) and in particular at least one evaluation module. The at least one sensor and / or the at least one evaluation module can preferably be arranged, in particular integrated, in the at least one active floating body. Preferably, each active floating body can each have at least one sensor and in particular each have an evaluation module. In variants of the invention, a sensor can also be arranged in the submarine energy cable and / or an evaluation module can be arranged in the submarine energy cable.

[0042] The at least one sensor can be configured to measure a damage parameter indicative of damage to the at least one active floating body and / or the at least one floating body connection between the at least one active floating body and the submarine energy cable. In other words, the at least one damage parameter measured by the sensor is particularly indicative of a change in buoyancy of the submarine energy cable. By having each active floating body with a corresponding sensor, a failure of an active floating body can be detected reliably and, in particular, promptly. The at least one sensor can be configured to detect, in particular monitor, a damage parameter selected from the group comprising: - water depth, - Pressure, - water ingress, - Acceleration.

[0043] A change in pressure, water depth, and / or acceleration are indicators that damage has occurred. Preferably, the sensor can monitor water ingress into the cavity of the active float. Water ingress can be reliably detected and is a reliable indication of damage.

[0044] According to a further embodiment, the at least one evaluation module can be configured to determine whether damage to the at least one active floating body and / or the at least one first floating body connection is present (or not), in particular based on the at least one damage parameter measured by the at least one sensor. For example, by comparing the measured damage parameter with a damage criterion, it can be determined whether damage to the at least one active floating body and / or the at least one first floating body connection is present (or not). The damage criterion (for example, a predefined damage parameter value range) can indicate when corresponding damage is present.

[0045] The evaluation module can, in particular, be configured to output the float damage indication upon determining that damage to the at least one active float and / or the at least one first float connection is present. Outputting the float damage indication, in particular, causes a float damage indication to be detected, so that the at least one passive float device is triggered (as described in particular).

[0046] According to a further preferred embodiment of the submarine power cable arrangement, the floating body device can comprise a triggering module (e.g., the separation mechanism or the pump module) that can be triggered via a transmission means of the submarine power cable arrangement. The triggering module can be triggered via the transmission means or by means of the transmission means upon detection of the floating body damage indication such that the replacement floating body is activated. The transmission means can preferably be a messenger wire. Triggering of the passive floating body device can occur in a safe manner.

[0047] For example, the sensor device can be coupled to the transmission means, for example directly or via a (central) monitoring system (e.g. formed by at least one computing device and, for example, part of a control system of the offshore structure), which is arranged, for example, on an offshore structure. Detecting a floating body damage indication comprises, in particular, actuating or controlling the transmission means by the sensor device or the monitoring system such that the triggering module of the passive floating body device coupled to the transmission means is triggered, so that the deactivated floating body is placed into the activated state.

[0048] Another aspect of the invention is an offshore system. The offshore system comprises at least one submarine power cable arrangement as described above. The floating body device comprises a triggering module that can be triggered via a transmission means of the offshore system. The triggering module can be triggered via the transmission means upon detection of the floating body damage indication such that the floating replacement body is activated.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the offshore system according to the invention, the transmission means can be a remotely controlled vessel (also referred to as a remotely operated vehicle (ROV)). For example, the vessel can be configured to separate a previously described weight module of a passive floating body device from the offshore energy cable, for example, to cut a connection between the weight module and the offshore energy cable. For this purpose, the remotely controlled vessel can have a corresponding cutting or severing tool. For example, the remotely controlled vessel can be remotely controlled by the described monitoring system.

[0050] In a further embodiment of the offshore system according to the invention, the ROV can further be configured to detect a floating body damage indication. For example, the ROV can be equipped with an optical detection device, e.g., in the form of a camera, to detect damage to an active floating body or a first floating body connection. Advantageously, the at least one ROV can be used simultaneously as a sensor device and transmission means. As described, a (central) monitoring system can additionally be provided to control the ROV.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment of the offshore system according to the invention, the offshore system can comprise at least one offshore structure with a cable connection. The submarine energy cable of the submarine energy cable arrangement can be connected to the cable connection. From the cable connection, the submarine energy cable can be guided to the underwater bed or a desired water depth by means of the at least one active floating body (preferably a plurality of active floating bodies). The submarine energy cable can then run on the underwater bed, in the underwater bed, or at the specific depth, supported in particular by a plurality of active floating bodies. For example, the other end of the submarine energy cable can be connected to another cable connection of another structure (of the offshore system), such as another offshore structure or an onshore structure.

[0052] The (floating or non-floating) offshore structure may comprise at least one device arranged on the foundation. This device may comprise the at least one cable connection or submarine energy cable connection. Preferably, the device may be an electrical power generation device. Examples of non-exhaustive devices with a cable connection include substation devices with at least one electrical transformer, wind power devices (e.g., comprising a tower, nacelle, rotor, generator, etc.), photovoltaic devices (preferably with a plurality of photovoltaic modules), and hydrogen production devices, in particular a water electrolysis device.

[0053] In variants of the application, the sensor device can also be at least partially integrated (e.g. the evaluation module) in the at least one offshore structure of the offshore system.

[0054] Furthermore, the offshore system may comprise the monitoring system described above, which may, for example, be implemented on the at least one offshore structure of the offshore system.

[0055] Yet another aspect of the invention is a method for operating a submarine energy cable arrangement as described above. The method comprises: - Triggering the passive float device upon detection of a float damage indication such that the float replacement body is activated so that the float replacement body exerts a buoyancy force on the submarine energy cable in an active state.

[0056] A previously described module, device, apparatus, etc. may comprise at least some hardware elements (e.g., processor, memory means, etc.) and / or at least some software elements (e.g., executable code). It should also be noted that terms such as "first," "second," "further," etc., do not indicate a sequence, but rather serve to distinguish between two elements (e.g., float connection, etc.).

[0057] The features of the submarine energy cable arrangements, the offshore systems, and the methods can be freely combined with one another. In particular, features of the description and / or the dependent claims can be independently inventive, even if they completely or partially circumvent features of the independent claims, either alone or freely combined with one another.

[0058] There are now numerous possibilities for designing and further developing the submarine energy cable arrangement, the offshore system, and the method according to the invention. Reference is made, on the one hand, to the patent claims subordinate to the independent patent claims and, on the other hand, to the description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1a is a schematic partial view of an embodiment of a submarine energy cable arrangement according to the present invention in an installed and undamaged state, Fig. 1b a further schematic partial view of the embodiment according to Fig. 1a in a damaged condition, Fig. 2 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a submarine energy cable arrangement according to the present invention in an installed and undamaged state, Fig. 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an offshore system according to the present invention with an embodiment of a submarine energy cable arrangement according to the present invention, and Fig. 4 a diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the present invention.

[0059] In the following, similar reference numerals are used for similar elements. Furthermore, z denotes the vertical axis and x denotes the horizontal axis.

[0060] The Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b show schematic partial views or sections of a preferred embodiment of a submarine energy cable arrangement 100 according to the present invention.

[0061] The illustrated submarine energy cable arrangement 100 comprises a submarine energy cable 102 with at least one phase conductor 108 (preferably three phase conductors) and an outer sheath 110. As already described, a submarine energy cable 102 typically comprises a plurality of further cable elements, which are not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0062] The submarine energy cable 102, in particular the at least one phase conductor 108, serves to transmit electrical energy or electrical power. The submarine energy cable 102 is preferably a medium-voltage submarine cable (in particular between 3 kV and 30 kV) or a high-voltage submarine cable (60 kV to 110 kV). The power capacity of a submarine energy cable 102 according to the invention is preferably between 3 MW and 2.5 GW.

[0063] In addition to the submarine energy cable 102, the submarine energy cable arrangement 100 comprises at least one active floating body 104, preferably in the form of a buoy filled with a gas (preferably air). The at least one active floating body 104 is connected to the submarine energy cable 102 via a first floating body connection 106 (e.g., a band, rope, clamp, etc.), in particular fastened to the outer sheath 110. The arrow in the Fig. 1a indicates that the active floating body 104 provides a buoyancy force 112 and exerts this force in particular on the submarine energy cable 102 in the installed and damage-free state.

[0064] Furthermore, the submarine energy cable arrangement 100 according to the invention comprises at least one passive float device 114 connected to the submarine energy cable 102 via at least one second float connection 118, 122 (e.g., a band, rope, etc.). The passive float device 114 comprises at least one activatable substitute float body 116, preferably exactly one activatable substitute float body 116.

[0065] In the present preferred embodiment, the passive floating body device comprises, in addition to the activatable floating body 116, a weight module 120 detachably connected to the submarine energy cable 102. The activatable floating body 116 can be attached, in particular, to the outer casing 110 of the submarine energy cable 102 via a first second floating body connection 118, and the weight module 120 can be attached, in particular, to the outer casing 110 of the submarine energy cable 102 via a further second floating body connection 122. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 1a, the weight module 120 and the activatable floating replacement body 116 can be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the submarine energy cable, in particular at the same position or location of the submarine energy cable 102. In the circumferential direction of the submarine energy cable 102, the weight module 120 and the activatable floating replacement body 116 can be arranged on opposite sides.

[0066] As already described, the Fig. 1a shows the submarine energy cable assembly 100 in an installed state, i.e., when the two cable ends of the submarine energy cable 102 are each connected to a cable connector to enable electrical energy to be transmitted between the cable connectors. Furthermore, the submarine energy cable assembly 100 is shown in a damage-free state. A damage-free state means, in particular, that the at least one active floating body 104 and the at least one first floating body connection 106 are undamaged, in particular such that the active floating body 104 exerts the buoyancy force 112 on the submarine energy cable 102.

[0067] The passive float device 114 can be triggered upon detection of a float damage indication such that the float replacement body 116 is activated, so that the float replacement body 116, in a (then) activated state, exerts a buoyancy force 126 on the submarine energy cable 102.

[0068] In the inactivated state of the passive float device 114, as in the Fig. 1a, the buoyancy substitute body 116 does not exert any buoyancy force 126 on the submarine energy cable 102. This is achieved in the present embodiment in that the passive buoyancy substitute body 114 comprises the weight module 120. The amount of the weight force 128 exerted by the weight module 120 on the submarine energy cable 102 is in particular substantially identical to the amount of the buoyancy force 126 exerted by the buoyancy substitute body 116 on the submarine energy cable 102. In other words, the forces 126, 128 exerted on the submarine cable cancel each other out in the inactivated state, as shown in the Fig. 1a. Furthermore, the buoyancy force 126 is essentially identical to the buoyancy force 112.

[0069] In the Fig. Figure 1b illustrates the damage scenario in which the active float 104 or the first float connection 106 is damaged. For example, the first float connection 106 is torn in this case, for example, by an anchor (not shown). The damage results in the active float 104 being defective and, in particular, no longer exerting a buoyancy force 112 on the submarine energy cable 102. Such damage leads to the detection of a float damage indication. Upon detection of the float damage indication, the passive float device 114 is triggered, activating the replacement float 116.

[0070] In the preferred embodiment, this is done by separating the weight module 120 from the submarine power cable 102, as shown in the Fig. 1b. The passive float device 114 can comprise a separation mechanism 124 as a triggering module. For example, an openable clamp can be provided. Upon detection of a float damage indication, the separation mechanism 124 is triggered in this case such that the weight module 120 is separated from the submarine power cable 102 and, in particular, sinks to the underwater floor (not shown). As a result, the replacement float 116 is activated or switched from the inactivated state to the activated state. In particular, only the replacement float 116 now exerts a buoyancy force 126 on the submarine power cable 102, while the weight force 128 of the weight module 120 no longer acts on the submarine power cable. Since, in particular, the magnitude of the buoyancy force 126 is identical to the magnitude of the buoyancy force 112, the damaged active float 104 is completely replaced by the activated replacement float 116.

[0071] The passive float device 114 can be triggered, for example, via a transmission means 134 of the submarine power cable arrangement 100. In particular, the triggering module (in the form of the separation mechanism 124) can be triggered via the transmission means 134 upon detection of the float damage indication such that the replacement float body 116 is activated. For example, the transmission means 134 is a messenger wire, which can be guided past the submarine power cable 102, for example, by means of guide elements (e.g., eyelets 136). In particular, the separation mechanism can be triggered mechanically by the transmission means 134, for example, controlled by a transmission system (not shown).

[0072] To detect damage to the active floating body 104 and / or the first floating body connection 106, the submarine energy cable arrangement 100 can comprise at least one sensor device 140. In particular, a respective sensor device 140 can be present for each active floating body 104. In the present case, the sensor device 140 is integrated into the active floating body 104. A sensor device 140 comprises at least one sensor 130 and at least one evaluation module 132. The at least one sensor 130 can be configured to measure a damage parameter that is indicative of damage to the at least one active floating body 104 and / or the at least one floating body connection 106 between the at least one active floating body 104 and the submarine energy cable 102. For example, the at least one sensor 130 can be a motion sensor, a humidity sensor, a depth sensor, a pressure sensor, and / or the like.

[0073] The at least one evaluation module 132 can be configured to determine whether damage to the at least one active float 104 and / or the at least one first float connection 106 is present (or not), in particular based on the at least one damage parameter measured by the at least one sensor 130. If damage is detected, the evaluation module 132 can output the float damage indication, so that, in particular, the previously described triggering can be carried out, for example, via the monitoring system.

[0074] Furthermore, the Fig. As can be seen from Figure 1a, a distance 138 exists between the active floating body 104 and the passive floating body device 114. The distance 138 is at least smaller than a predefined maximum distance (e.g., 2 m). In other words, the passive floating body device 114 is preferably connected to the submarine energy cable 102 within a predefined maximum distance from the active floating body 104 connected to the submarine energy cable 102.

[0075] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic partial view or a section of another embodiment of a submarine energy cable arrangement 200 according to the present invention in an installed and damage-free state. To avoid repetition, only the differences from the previous embodiment are described below, and otherwise reference is made to the previous explanations regarding Fig. 1a or 1b respectively.

[0076] The submarine energy cable assembly 200 comprises a submarine energy cable 202 and an active floating body 204, which is connected to the submarine energy cable 202, in particular, is attached thereto, by means of a first floating body connection 206. For example, the sensor device 240 with the at least one sensor 230 and the at least one evaluation module 232 is integrated into the active floating body 204.

[0077] The submarine energy cable arrangement 200 further comprises at least one passive buoyancy device 214 with an activatable buoyancy replacement body 216 in the form of an inflatable buoyancy replacement body 216, which is attached to the submarine energy cable 202 by means of a second buoyancy connection 218. The passive buoyancy device 214 can comprise a pump module 244, in particular in the form of a gas generator, as a trigger module. Upon detection of a buoyancy damage indication, the pump module 244 can be triggered, in particular, such that the inflatable buoyancy replacement body 216 is filled with a gas. Preferably, the at least one gas generator is a compressed air reservoir. For better clarity, the illustration of a transmission means with which, for example, the compressed air reservoir can be activated has been omitted here.

[0078] The Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of an offshore system 350 according to the present invention with an embodiment of a submarine energy cable arrangement 300 according to the present invention. To avoid repetition, only the differences from the previous embodiments are described below, and otherwise reference is made to the previous explanations regarding Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b and Fig. 2.

[0079] As can be seen, the submarine energy cable arrangement 300 comprises a plurality of active floating bodies 304 and a plurality of passive floating body devices 314. In particular, each active floating body 304 can be assigned (exactly) one passive floating body device 314. For example, the passive floating body device 314 according to the embodiment according to Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b be formed.

[0080] The illustrated offshore system 350 comprises at least one offshore structure 352, 354, in the present example two offshore structures 352, 354 in the form of a floating wind turbine and a non-floating wind turbine. Each offshore structure 352, 354 can comprise a cable connection 356, 358. The submarine energy cable 302 runs, in particular, between the aforementioned cable connections 356, 358. The active floating bodies 304 here support the submarine energy cable 302 in an undamaged condition and guide it (in a defined manner) between the aforementioned offshore structures 352, 354.

[0081] The offshore system 350 here comprises a transmission means, for example in the form of a remote-controlled watercraft 360. For example, the remote-controlled watercraft 360 can be controlled by a central monitoring system 366 of the offshore system 350. A triggering module of a passive float device 314 can be triggered via the transmission means in the form of the remote-controlled watercraft 360 upon detection of the float damage indication such that the replacement float is activated. For example, the remote-controlled watercraft 360 can comprise a cutting tool 362 for cutting the second float connection of the weight module to the submarine power cable 302.

[0082] The remote-controlled watercraft 360 can further be configured to detect damage to an active floating body 304 and / or a first floating body connection. For example, the remote-controlled watercraft 360 can be equipped with an optical detection device 364, e.g., in the form of a camera, to detect damage to an active floating body 304 or a first floating body connection.

[0083] The Fig. Figure 4 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the present invention. The method is used for operating a submarine energy cable arrangement, for example according to Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b, Fig. 2 and / or 3, in an offshore system, for example Fig. 3.

[0084] In a first optional step 401, damage to an active floating body and / or a first floating body connection is detected and, in particular, a floating body damage indication is output if corresponding damage is detected, as has already been described in particular.

[0085] In a step 403, the passive float device is triggered upon detection of a float damage indication, such that the float replacement body is activated, so that the float replacement body exerts a buoyancy force on the submarine energy cable in an active state, as already described. List of reference symbols: 100 submarine energy cable arrangement 102 submarine energy cables 104 active swimming bodies 106 first float connection 108 phase conductors 110 outer jacket 112 Buoyancy force 114 passive float device 116 replacement float bodies 118 second float connection 120 weight module 122 second float connection 124 Separation mechanism 126 buoyancy force 128 Weight force 130 sensors 132 Evaluation module 134 transmission means 136 eyelet 138 distance 140 Sensor device 200 submarine energy cable arrangement 202 submarine energy cables 204 active floats 206 first float connection 214 passive float device 216 replacement float bodies 218 second float connection 230 Sensor 232 Evaluation module 240 Sensor device 244 Pump module 300 submarine energy cable arrangement 302 submarine energy cables 304 active float 314 passive float device 350 offshore system 352 Offshore structure 354 Offshore structure 356 cable connection 358 cable connection 360 remote-controlled watercraft 362 cutting tool 364 Recording device 366 surveillance system

Claims

[1] Submarine energy cable arrangement (100, 200, 300), comprising: - at least one submarine energy cable (102, 202, 302) designed to transmit electrical energy, - at least one active floating body (104, 204, 304) connected to the submarine energy cable (102, 202, 302) via at least one first floating body connection (106, 206), arranged to exert a buoyancy force on the submarine energy cable (102, 202, 302), characterized by that the submarine energy cable arrangement (100, 200, 300) further comprises: - at least one passive floating body device (114, 214, 314) connected to the submarine power cable (102, 202, 302) via at least one second floating body connection (118, 122, 218), comprising at least one activatable floating body replacement body (116, 216), - wherein the passive floating body device (114, 214, 314) can be triggered upon detection of a floating body damage indication, such that the floating replacement body (116, 216) is activated, so that the floating replacement body (116, 216) exerts a buoyancy force on the submarine energy cable (102, 202, 302) in an activated state. [2] Submarine energy cable arrangement (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1, characterized by , that - a plurality of active floating bodies (104, 204, 304) are connected to the submarine energy cable, and - for each of the plurality of active floating bodies (104, 204, 304), a respective floating body device (114, 214, 314) is connected to the submarine power cable (102, 202, 302). [3] Submarine energy cable arrangement (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that - the buoyancy force exerted by the activatable replacement float body (116, 216) in the activated state on the submarine energy cable (102, 202, 302) is substantially identical to the buoyancy force exerted by the active float body (104, 204, 304) on the submarine energy cable (102, 202, 302). [4] Submarine energy cable arrangement (100, 200, 300) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the passive floating body device (114, 214, 314) is connected to the submarine energy cable (102, 202, 302) within a predefined maximum distance from the active floating body (104, 204, 304) connected to the submarine energy cable (102, 202, 302). [5] Submarine energy cable arrangement (100, 200, 300) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the at least one passive floating body device (114, 214, 314) comprises a weight module (120) detachably connected to the submarine energy cable (102, 202, 302), wherein the amount of the weight force exertable by the weight module (120) on the submarine energy cable (102, 202, 302) is substantially identical to the amount of the buoyancy force exertable by the floating replacement body (116, 216) on the submarine energy cable (102, 202, 302), and - the passive floating body device (114, 214, 314) comprises a separation mechanism (124) as a triggering module, wherein upon detection of a floating body damage indication, the separation mechanism (124) can be triggered such that the weight module (120) is separated from the submarine energy cable (102, 202, 302). [6] Submarine energy cable arrangement (100, 200, 300) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the at least one passive buoyancy device (114, 214, 314) comprises an inflatable buoyancy substitute body (116, 216) as the buoyancy substitute body (116, 216), and - the passive float device (114, 214, 314) comprises a pump module (244) as a triggering module, wherein upon detection of a float damage indication, the pump module (244) can be triggered such that the float replacement body (116, 216) is filled with a gas. [7] Submarine energy cable arrangement (100, 200, 300) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the submarine energy cable arrangement (100, 200, 300) comprises at least one sensor device (140, 240) configured to detect damage to the at least one active floating body (104, 204) and / or the at least one first floating body connection (106, 206), - wherein the sensor device (140, 240) is in particular configured to output the floating body damage indication upon detection of damage to the at least one active floating body (104, 204) and / or the at least one first floating body connection (106, 206). [8] Submarine energy cable arrangement (100, 200, 300) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the passive floating body device (114, 214, 314) comprises a triggering module which can be triggered via a transmission means (134) of the submarine energy cable arrangement (100, 200, 300), - wherein the triggering module can be triggered via the transmission means (134) upon detection of the float damage indication such that the float replacement body (116, 216) is activated. [9] Submarine energy cable arrangement according to claim 8, characterized by , that - the transmission means (134) is a messenger wire. [10] Offshore system (350), comprising: - at least one submarine energy cable arrangement (100, 200, 300) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, - wherein the passive float device (114, 214, 314) comprises a triggering module that can be triggered via a transmission means of the offshore system (350), and wherein the triggering module can be triggered via the transmission means upon detection of the float damage indication such that the float replacement body (116, 216) is activated. [11] Offshore system (350) according to claim 10, characterized by , that - the transmission means is a remote-controlled watercraft (360). [12] Offshore system (350) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by that the offshore system (350) includes: - at least one offshore structure (352, 354) with a cable connection (356, 358), - wherein the submarine power cable (102, 202, 302) of the submarine power cable assembly (100, 200, 300) is connected to the cable connector (356, 358). [13] Offshore system (350) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by that the offshore system (350) includes: - at least one monitoring system (366) arranged to control the remotely controllable watercraft (360). [14] A method for operating a submarine energy cable arrangement (100, 200, 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - triggering the passive float device (114, 214, 314) upon detection of a float damage indication such that the float replacement body (116, 216) is activated so that the float replacement body (116, 216) exerts a buoyancy force on the submarine energy cable (102, 202, 302) in an active state.

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