High-voltage electrical rotary-joint device configured to equip a facility for harvesting energy

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical rotary-joint device configured to route electrical energy, comprising a first portion (11) having at least one first electrical connection terminal (111), a second portion (12) having at least one second electrical connection terminal (121), an electrical interconnection mechanism configured to electrically interconnect the first terminal and the second terminal, and an electrically insulated routing conduit (35) provided with a rigid external jacket mechanically secured, by a first end, to one of the first and second electrical connection terminals, with a conductive core housed in the rigid external jacket and electrically connected to the electrical interconnection mechanism, and with an insulating fluid in an internal space of the electrically insulated routing conduit placed between the rigid external jacket and the conductive core, with the rigid external jacket being configured to be mechanically secured, by a second end opposite to its first end, to a distant apparatus.

Description

[0001] Title: High voltage electrical rotating joint device configured to equip an energy exploitation installation

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003]

[0001] The invention relates to electrical rotating joint devices configured to equip energy exploitation installations, of the fluidic and / or electrical type, in particular on offshore or underwater platforms.

[0004]

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to a high-voltage electrical rotary joint device configured to convey electrical energy from and / or to a remote device.

[0005]

[0003] The invention also relates to an energy exploitation installation, in particular fluidic and / or electrical, and for example on an offshore or underwater platform, comprising at least one such electrical rotating joint device and at least one remote device electrically connected to the electrical rotating joint device.

[0006] STATE OF THE ART

[0007]

[0004] The rotating joint devices configured to equip energy exploitation installations in the maritime domain can be installed on ships, structures allowing the production and / or distribution of fluidic and / or electrical energy, and / or fluidic and / or electrical connection.

[0008]

[0005] An example of such an installation is aimed at oil production, and in particular allows the exploitation of offshore hydrocarbon fields.

[0009]

[0006] Floating production, storage, processing, unloading units can be formed by a ship which is mobile, due to its environment, around a mooring turret which is geostationary. The ship can be temporarily secured to the turret.

[0010]

[0007] The installations may comprise conduits and cables which form an underwater network and which allow energy, fluid and / or electrical communication for energy transfer between the seabed and the ship.

[0011]

[0008] Such electrical rotating joint devices may be part of a rotating joint assembly further comprising a stack of sealing rotating joint devices ("swivel stack device" in English terminology), the electrical rotating joint device being able to be interposed between the sealing rotating joint devices.

[0012]

[0009] Such electrical swivel joint devices, also called rotating electrical collectors or, in English terminology, "electrical swivel devices" are electromechanical devices configured to transfer electrical energy, for example, between the floating unit, in particular the ship, which is mobile, and the mooring turret which is fixed.

[0013]

[0010] To ensure sealing and the transfer of electrical energy between the floating unit and the turret, the electrical rotating joint devices are provided with a first part, called fixed, secured to the turret and a second part, called mobile, secured to the ship. The second part of the electrical rotating joint devices is therefore mobile relative to the first part of the electrical rotating joint devices.

[0014]

[0011] The electrical rotating joint devices have an internal chamber delimited by the first part and by the second part. This internal chamber is generally closed and fluid-tight.

[0015]

[0012] For example, the electric rotary joint devices may be provided with several dynamic sealing members, called dynamic joints, arranged in spaces provided between the first fixed part and the second mobile part of the electric rotary joint devices.

[0016]

[0013] Such dynamic sealing members may, for example, comprise lips whose function is to ensure sealing against the fluid.

[0017]

[0014] Patents EP 3 379 660 and EP 3 736 919 disclose in particular electrical rotary joint devices which operate with circular conductive tracks which are mounted on one of the first fixed part and second mobile part, in the internal chamber, and which cooperate with friction blocks which are mounted on the other of the second mobile part and first fixed part, in the internal chamber, in order to establish electrical connections, in particular according to several electrical phases.

[0018]

[0015] In such an offshore application, the so-called high-voltage electrical rotary joint devices may, for example, be configured to transmit voltages of the order of or greater than 1,500 V in direct current or 1,000 V in alternating current, allowing the transfer of significant electrical power between a fixed structure connected to the seabed (subsea equipment) and a mobile part such as a floating production, storage and offloading vessel (or FPSO, acronym for "Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessel" in English terminology) or a floating wind turbine

[0016] The electrical rotary joint devices that are used in such applications must meet predetermined quality requirements to provide a certain level of safety, particularly in a potentially explosive atmosphere.

[0019]

[0017] For these purposes, the internal chamber of the electrical rotating joint devices may contain in particular a dielectric fluid.

[0020]

[0018] In document EP 3 379 660, it is provided that the dielectric fluid is a dielectric insulating gas having a dielectric strength greater than that of the air surrounding the electrical rotary joint device.

[0019] In document EP 3 736 919, a system for generating and injecting a mist of dielectric fluid into the internal chamber is provided, and a system for recovering and reinjecting the dielectric medium formed from the dielectric fluid and the mist of dielectric fluid into the internal chamber.

[0021]

[0020] These solutions make it possible in particular to isolate the conductive tracks in order, for example, to avoid the formation of electric arcs with neighboring conductive parts (generally metal parts), possibly to reduce the distance between the conductive tracks, or even to clean the internal chamber.

[0022]

[0021] The devices described in these solutions may comprise electrical connectors mounted on connector supports which are themselves mechanically secured to the first part and / or to the second part.

[0023]

[0022] The connector supports may be angled and hollow so as to receive an electrical conductor having an insulating sheath and being electrically connected to a conductive track.

[0024]

[0023] At a first end of the connector holder, the connector is insulated therefrom by means of an insulating ring, while at a second end of the connector holder, opposite its first end, the connector holder is open into the internal chamber.

[0025]

[0024] Usually, beyond the connector together with the connector support, the electrical energy is routed via electrical cables having electrical, electromagnetic, insulating and mechanical properties which are adapted on the one hand, to the voltages and currents to be routed and on the other hand, to the environment in which the rotating joint device is located.

[0026]

[0025] For example, such electrical cables are provided with a conductive core, single-strand or multi-strand, a solid insulating sheath around the conductive core, a plurality of reinforcing, shielding and / or grounding jackets, and an outer sheath.

[0027]

[0026] These cables run from the rotating joint device to a remote device, or vice versa.

[0028] STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0029]

[0027] The invention aims to provide an electrical rotating joint device, in particular high voltage, configured to equip an energy exploitation installation, in particular fluidic and / or electrical, having even better performances compared to the devices of the aforementioned prior art, while being simple, convenient and economical.

[0030]

[0028] The invention thus relates, according to a first aspect, to an electrical rotating joint device configured to convey electrical energy from and / or to a remote device in an energy exploitation installation, the electrical rotating joint device comprising a first part having at least one first electrical connection terminal, a second part having at least one second electrical connection terminal, and an electrical interconnection mechanism configured to electrically interconnect the at least one first electrical connection terminal and the at least one second electrical connection terminal, with the first part and the second part being movable relative to each other and defining between them a closed internal chamber in which the electrical interconnection mechanism is housed;characterized in that the electrical rotating joint device further comprises at least one electrically insulated routing conduit provided with a rigid outer casing mechanically secured, by a first end, to at least one of the first electrical connection terminal and the second electrical connection terminal, at least one conductive core housed in the rigid outer casing and electrically connected to the electrical interconnection mechanism, and an insulating fluid in an internal space of the at least one electrically insulated routing conduit provided between the rigid outer casing and the at least one conductive core, with the rigid outer casing being configured to be mechanically secured, by a second end opposite its first end, to the remote device.;

[0031]

[0029] In the electrical rotating joint device according to the invention, the mechanical and electrical connection of at least one electrically insulated routing conduit on the first part and / or on the second part makes it possible, on the one hand, to simplify the assembly due to the rigid external envelope of such a conduit while making the device particularly robust and, on the other hand, to route the electrical energy in an isolated environment, thus reducing the risks of fire and electromagnetic interference.

[0032]

[0030] Particularly simple, convenient and economical preferred characteristics of the device according to the invention are presented below.

[0033]

[0031] The at least one electrically insulated routing conduit may comprise a plurality of sections mechanically secured to each other.

[0034]

[0032] The sections may have a straight shape and / or a curved shape, including a bent shape and / or an S shape and / or an arc shape.

[0035]

[0033] Two consecutive sections can be welded by means of a covering ring located at a joint.

[0036]

[0034] The electrical rotating joint device may have an external face and an internal face opposite the external face, and at least one section may be mechanically secured to at least one of the external face and the internal face.

[0037]

[0035] The at least one electrically insulated routing conduit may have several distinct and insulated conductive cores in the rigid outer casing.

[0036] The at least one conductive core may be made from copper and / or aluminum.

[0038]

[0037] The rigid outer casing can be made from aluminum, steel and / or stainless steel.

[0039]

[0038] The rigid outer casing may be provided with an earthing connection at its first end and / or at its second end.

[0040]

[0039] The at least one routing conduit may comprise a flexible section, having an external envelope different from the rigid external envelope.

[0041]

[0040] The at least one routing conduit is electrically insulated by a dielectric fluid, in particular an insulating gas or an insulating fluid.

[0042]

[0041] The first portion may have at least one first connector support mounted on the first electrical connection terminal, the second portion may have at least one second connector support mounted on the second electrical connection terminal, and the at least one electrically insulated routing conduit may include at least one securing flange configured to mechanically interconnect its rigid outer casing to at least one of the first connector support and the second connector support.

[0043]

[0042] The invention also relates, according to a second aspect, to an energy exploitation installation, in particular fluidic and / or electrical, comprising at least one electrical rotating joint device as described above, with the first part of the rotating joint device which is subject to a fixed unit of the installation and the second part of the rotating joint device which is subject to a mobile unit of the installation, and at least one remote device electrically connected to the electrical rotating joint device.

[0044]

[0043] The fixed unit may be, for example, a mooring turret and the floating unit may be, for example, a ship, a wind turbine, or a hub-type concentrator in English terminology.

[0045]

[0044] The at least one remote device may be an electrical cabinet.

[0046]

[0045] The installation may comprise a stack of several rotating joint devices which are axially superimposed, including one or more electrical rotating joint devices, with at least one electrically insulated routing conduit which is mechanically and electrically secured to the electrical rotating joint device and which runs along the stack, inside and / or outside at least one other rotating joint device.

[0047]

[0046] The at least one electrically insulated routing conduit can run along the stack, along a determined path having predetermined and reproducible straight sections and / or curved sections.

[0048]

[0047] The straight sections may extend in a generally longitudinal axial direction of the stack and radially inside and / or outside the rotating joint devices of the stack, and / or the curved sections may extend in a direction generally perpendicular to the generally longitudinal axial direction, and above and / or below the rotating joint devices of the stack.

[0049] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0050]

[0048] The invention, according to an exemplary embodiment, will be well understood and its advantages will appear better on reading the detailed description which follows, given for information purposes and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings.

[0051]

[0049] Figure 1 schematically and partially represents an energy exploitation installation on an offshore platform, provided with a ship, a mooring turret, a network of underwater pipes and cables allowing communication for the transfer of fluids and / or energy between the turret and the ship, and a rotating joint assembly comprising a stack of at least one rotating sealing joint device provided to ensure the seal between the ship and the turret and the integrity of the transfer of fluids, and at least one electrical rotating joint device provided to ensure the routing of electrical energy between the ship and the turret.

[0052]

[0050] Figure 2 schematically represents in perspective, from one viewing angle, the electrical rotating joint device of the installation illustrated in Figure 1.

[0053]

[0051] Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 2, taken from a different viewing angle.

[0054]

[0052] Figure 4 is a perspective view with partial cutaway to show the interior of the electrical rotating joint device.

[0055]

[0053] Figure 5 schematically and partially represents a stack of several electrical rotating joint devices according to the invention, each provided with gas-insulated routing conduits.

[0056]

[0054] Figure 6 schematically and partially represents a stack of several electrical rotating joint devices according to an alternative embodiment.

[0057]

[0055] Figure 7 schematically and partially represents a portion of an electrically insulated routing conduit.

[0058]

[0056] Figure 8 is a longitudinal mid-sectional view of the portion of electrically insulated routing conduit illustrated in Figure 7.

[0059] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0057] Figure 1 illustrates an energy exploitation installation 1, in particular here of fluids, on an offshore platform, allowing for example the exploitation of hydrocarbon fields at sea 2.

[0060]

[0058] Alternatively, it could for example be an electrical energy exploitation installation allowing the exploitation of wind farms.

[0061]

[0059] The installation 1, also called a floating production, storage and unloading unit, can be provided with a mobile unit such as a ship 3 which is mobile due to its environment formed by the sea 2, and a fixed unit such as a mooring turret 4 which is geostationary and around which the ship 3 is mobile.

[0062]

[0060] The mooring turret 4 can for example be mechanically secured to the seabed 2 via underwater anchors 5.

[0063]

[0061] The ship 3 can be movable relative to the mooring turret 4 by means of a rolling mechanism 7.

[0064]

[0062] The installation 1 may be provided with conduits 6 which form a network of underwater pipes allowing fluid or electrical communication for the transfer of fluid and / or power between the mooring turret 4 and the ship 3.

[0065]

[0063] The installation 1 comprises a rotating joint assembly ensuring the seal between the ship 3 and the mooring turret 4 and therefore the integrity of the fluid transfer, via a stack in particular of rotating sealing joint devices.

[0066]

[0064] This rotating joint assembly also ensures the transfer of electrical energy between the ship 3 and the mooring turret 4, via at least one electrical rotating joint device 10 installed in the stack of sealing rotating joint devices.

[0067]

[0065] The at least one electrical rotating joint device 10 may be interposed between rotating sealing joint devices, or superimposed on the latter, in an axial direction, or even arranged concentrically with at least one of these rotating sealing joint devices and / or with at least one other electrical rotating joint device.

[0068]

[0066] Figures 2 and 3 show such an electric rotating joint device 10, which is generally cylindrical and comprises a first part 11, here fixed, which is configured to be secured to the mooring turret 4, as well as a second part 12, here mobile, which is configured to be secured to the ship 3.

[0069]

[0067] In the example illustrated, the second part 12 can be movable in rotation relative to the first part 11, by means of a rolling element or bearing (not shown) at least partially interposed between the first and second parts 11 and 12.

[0068] The first and second parts 11 and 12 are here arranged in a substantially concentric manner.

[0070]

[0069] The first part 11 may be provided with a cylindrical outer wall 20, a bottom wall 21 connected to a lower end of the cylindrical outer wall 20, and a central barrel 22 extending from the bottom wall 21, opposite the cylindrical outer wall 20.

[0071]

[0070] The second part 12 may be provided with a top wall 25 having a central opening coinciding with the central barrel 22.

[0072]

[0071] In the example illustrated, the first part 11 and the second part 12 are assembled so that the top wall 25 is located inside the cylindrical external wall 20 of the first part 11, substantially flush with an upper end of the cylindrical external wall 20 opposite its lower end, and with the central opening of the second part 11 which is located around the central barrel 22 of the first part 11.

[0073]

[0072] Thus, the cylindrical external wall 20 of the first part 11 defines an external face of the rotating joint device 10, while the central barrel 22 defines an internal face of the rotating joint device 10.

[0074]

[0073] The electrical rotating joint device 10 is provided with sealing members (not shown) which are housed between the first and second parts 11 and 12 and which ensure dynamic sealing between them.

[0075]

[0074] Still referring to figures 2 and 3, and also to figure 4 which shows an alternative embodiment of the electrical rotating joint device 10, the latter is provided with an internal chamber 15 delimited by the assembly of the first part 11 and second part 12.

[0075] This internal chamber 15 is here generally closed and sealed, except at the level of first and second electrical connection terminals 111 and 121 (see below).

[0076]

[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, the internal chamber 15 may comprise a dielectric medium, which may be under pressure.

[0077]

[0077] Such a dielectric medium may comprise a mixture of dielectric liquid and / or dielectric gas, optionally with a mist of dielectric fluid.

[0078]

[0078] The internal chamber 15 may further comprise an inert gas.

[0079]

[0079] The rotating joint device 10 is provided with a plurality of electrical connection elements which are here mounted projecting from the bottom wall 21 and the top wall 25 and which extend around the central barrel 22.

[0080]

[0080] Among these electrical connection elements are the first and second electrical connection terminals 111 and 121 which extend respectively through and project from the bottom wall 21 of the first part 11 and the top wall 25 of the second part 12.

[0081]

[0081] Thus, openings are provided in each of the bottom wall 21 of the first part 11 and the top wall 25 of the second part 12, at the location of the first and second electrical connection terminals 111 and 121.

[0082]

[0082] With particular reference to FIG. 4, the electrical rotary joint device 10 comprises first connector supports 122 and second connector supports 128 respectively mounted on the first and second electrical connection terminals 111 and 121.

[0083]

[0083] The first and second connector supports 122 and 128 are cylindrical and here have an angled shape.

[0084]

[0084] The first and second connector supports 122 and 128 extend respectively from a first open end which opens into the internal chamber 15 at the level of the first and second electrical connection terminals 111 and 121 respectively, to a second end opposite the first end.

[0085]

[0085] The electrical rotating joint device 10 further comprises connectors 123 mounted in insulating rings 124, the assembly being assembled with the first and second connector supports 122 and 128 at their respective second ends.

[0086]

[0086] The connectors 123 close the respective second ends and extend projecting from the first and second connector supports 122 and 128.

[0087]

[0087] The electrical rotary joint device 10 further comprises an electrical interconnection mechanism configured to electrically interconnect the connectors 123 by the first and second electrical connection terminals 122 and 128.

[0088]

[0088] In particular, in the illustrated example, the electrical interconnection mechanism is provided with electrical conductors 125 received in the first and second electrical connection terminals 122 and 128 and each extending from a connector 123 to an end provided with a friction brush 126 in the internal chamber 15.

[0089]

[0089] The first part 11 is provided with first conductive tracks 127 and the second part is provided with second conductive tracks 129, respectively in electrical contact with a friction brush 126 and interconnected to connectors 123 by means of the electrical conductors 125 passing through the respective first and second electrical connection terminals 111 and 121.

[0090]

[0090] The first and second connector supports 122 and 128 each here furthermore have a mechanism 39 for conveying a dielectric medium into the internal chamber 15, formed for example by a tap and a valve opening into the interior of these first and second connector supports 122 and 128.

[0091]

[0091] We will now describe, with reference to Figure 5, a stack of two electrical rotating joint devices 10, each being electrically connected on the one hand, to one or more first electrical cabinets 30 mounted on a fixing structure 31 of the installation 1 secured both to the second part 12 which is here mobile and to the mobile unit, namely the ship 3, and on the other hand, to one or more second electrical cabinets 32 mounted on the fixed unit, namely the mooring turret 4.

[0092] The two electrical rotating joint devices 10 are here axially superimposed and configured to convey electrical energy from the first electrical cabinets 30 to the second electrical cabinets 32, and vice versa.

[0092]

[0093] The first electrical cabinets 30 and the second electrical cabinets 32 form what will subsequently be called remote devices.

[0093]

[0094] In other words, the two electrical rotating joint devices 10 are configured to convey electrical energy from and / or to the remote devices of the installation 1.

[0094]

[0095] Each of the two electrical rotating joint devices 10 is here provided with gas-insulated routing conduits 35 for conveying electrical energy to and / or from at least some of the remote devices.

[0095]

[0096] In the example illustrated in Figure 5, the gas-insulated routing conduits 35 are mechanically and electrically secured to the first parts 11 and to the second parts 12 and run along the stack, inside and outside the rotating joint devices 10.

[0096]

[0097] In particular here, gas-insulated routing conduits 35 are mechanically and electrically secured on the one hand to connector supports 128 mounted on first connection terminals 111 and on the other hand to remote devices corresponding to the second electrical cabinets 32; while other gas-insulated routing conduits 35 are mechanically and electrically secured on the one hand to connector supports 122 mounted on second connection terminals 121 and on the other hand to intermediate connectors 36 which are electrically connected to the remote devices corresponding to the first electrical cabinets 30 by means of electrical cables 38.

[0097]

[0098] In the example illustrated in Figure 5, the gas-insulated routing conduits 35 which connect to the second electrical cabinets 32 from the first parts 11 of the two electrical rotary joint devices 10 have straight sections and curved sections which run at least partially inside the respective central barrel 22, which defines the internal face of the rotary joint device 10, and which also run at least partially outside the two electrical rotary joint devices 10.

[0098]

[0099] As explained below, such straight and / or curved sections are generally predetermined and reproducible.

[0099]

[0100] Here, the cross sections extend in a generally longitudinal axial direction of the stack, in other words vertically, and radially inside and outside the rotating joint devices 10 of the stack.

[0100]

[0101] Furthermore, the curved sections extend in a direction generally perpendicular to the generally longitudinal axial direction, in other words to form a section oriented rather horizontally, and above and below the rotating joint devices 10 of the stack.

[0101]

[0102] The stack visible in Figure 6 differs from that visible in Figure 5 essentially in that the gas-insulated routing conduits 35 which connect to the second electrical cabinets 32 from the first parts 11 of the two electrical rotating joint devices 10 have straight sections and curved sections which run only outside the central barrel 22.

[0102]

[0103] The other gas-insulated routing conduits 35 which are mechanically and electrically secured to intermediate connectors 36 for their connections to the first electrical cabinets via the electrical cables 38 also extend only outside the two electrical rotating joint devices 10.

[0103]

[0104] Regardless of the routing of the gas-insulated routing conduits 35, the latter may be mechanically secured to the external face or to the internal face of a respective electrical rotating joint device 10.

[0104]

[0105] Such an electrically insulated routing conduit 35 will now be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0105]

[0106] The electrically insulated routing conduit 35 here comprises a plurality of sections mechanically secured to each other, including two main sections 40 of straight shape, and end sections 41 of curvilinear and in particular bent shape which are located on either side of the main sections 40.

[0106]

[0107] The two main sections 40 are, in the example illustrated, welded by means of a covering ring 42 located at a joint 43.

[0107]

[0108] The electrically insulated routing conduit 35 further comprises here a securing flange 44 at each end section 41 and which is configured to mechanically interconnect the electrically insulated routing conduit 35 for example to a connector support, of the type of the first and second connector supports described above, and / or sections of the electrically insulated routing conduit 35, in order to establish an electrical connection with additional connectors 45 such as those described above.

[0108]

[0109] The electrically insulated routing conduit 35 is provided with a rigid outer casing 50 extending between a first end 51 and a second end 52 opposite the first end 51.

[0109]

[0110] The routing conduit 35 may comprise one or more mechanisms for conveying an insulating medium, for example such as those comprised in the first and second connector supports described above.

[0111] The rigid outer casing 50 is intended to be mechanically secured, by its first end 51 and by means of the securing flange 44 to one or other of the first and second parts of the electric rotating joint device.

[0110]

[0112] The rigid outer casing 50 is also designed to be mechanically secured, by its second end 52 and by means of the other securing flange 44 to one of the remote devices.

[0111]

[0113] The rigid outer casing 50 can be made from aluminum, steel and / or stainless steel.

[0112]

[0114] The rigid outer casing 50 may be provided with an earthing connection at its first end 51 and / or at its second end 52.

[0113]

[0115] The electrically insulated routing conduit 35 is further provided with a conductive core 55 housed in the rigid external casing 50.

[0114]

[0116] The conductive core 55 is intended to be electrically connected to the electrical interconnection mechanism of one of the electrical rotating joint devices via one of the additional connectors 45.

[0115]

[0117] The electrically insulated routing conduit 35 is further provided with an insulating gas 60 in an internal space 65 of the electrically insulated routing conduit 35 arranged between the rigid external envelope 50 and the conductive core 55.

[0116]

[0118] The conductive core 55 may be made from copper and / or aluminum.

[0117]

[0119] The rigid outer casing 50 of the electrically insulated routing conduit 35 may be formed from several sections assembled together, as described above, to facilitate assembly and very easily determine paths along which the electrically insulated routing conduit 35 circulates.

[0118]

[0120] The conductive core 55 can be in a single piece along the entire length of the routing conduit 35 and be introduced into the rigid external envelope 50 once the sections are assembled or as they are assembled.

[0119]

[0121] The conductive core, for example, is here devoid of an insulating sheath strictly speaking surrounding it.

[0120]

[0122] The insulating gas can be pressurized air or a gas with an electrical strength greater than that of air.

[0121]

[0123] In the electrical rotating joint device 10 described above, the mechanical and electrical connection of the electrically insulated routing conduits 35 on the first part 11 and / or on the second part 12 makes it possible, on the one hand, to simplify the assembly due to the rigid external envelope of such a conduit 35 while making the device particularly robust and, on the other hand, to route the electrical energy in an isolated environment, thus reducing the risks of fire and electromagnetic interference.

[0122]

[0124] Variants not shown are shown below.

[0125] Gas-insulated conduits have several separate conductive cores insulated from each other in the rigid outer casing, so as to carry, for example, polyphase electrical energy.

[0123]

[0126] The sections may have a straight shape and / or a curved shape, including an angled shape and / or an S shape and / or an arc shape.

[0124]

[0127] The conductive core may be provided with an insulating material surrounding it.

[0125]

[0128] The insulating gas can be replaced or combined with a dielectric fluid, such as oil.

[0126]

[0129] The inner chamber is not insulated and lacks a dielectric medium.

[0127]

[0130] The first part could be movable in rotation relative to the second part which would be fixed, or the first and second parts are movable.

[0128]

[0131] The installation rather allows the exploitation of electrical energy, for example in a wind farm environment or is configured to equip a hub-type concentrator.

[0129]

[0132] The installation allows a floating production, storage and offloading vessel to be supplied with electricity from a land-based installation or from a wind farm environment.

[0130]

[0133] It is recalled more generally that the invention is not limited to the examples described and represented.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An electrical rotary joint device configured to convey electrical energy from and / or to a remote device (31, 32) in an energy exploitation installation (1), the electrical rotary joint device (10) comprising a first part (11) having at least one first electrical connection terminal (111), a second part (12) having at least one second electrical connection terminal (121), and an electrical interconnection mechanism configured to electrically interconnect the at least one first electrical connection terminal and the at least one second electrical connection terminal, with the first part and the second part being movable relative to each other and defining between them a closed internal chamber (15) in which the electrical interconnection mechanism is housed;characterized in that the electrical rotating joint device further comprises at least one electrically insulated routing conduit (35) provided with a rigid outer casing (50) mechanically secured, by a first end (51), to the at least one of the first electrical connection terminal and second electrical connection terminal, at least one conductive core (55) housed in the rigid outer casing and electrically connected to the electrical interconnection mechanism, and an insulating fluid (60) in an internal space (65) of the at least one electrically insulated routing conduit provided between the rigid outer casing and the at least one conductive core, with the rigid outer casing being configured to be mechanically secured, by a second end (52) opposite its first end, to the remote device.; 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one electrically insulated routing conduit (35) comprises a plurality of sections (40, 41) mechanically secured to each other.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the sections (40, 41) have a straight shape and / or a curved shape, including a bent shape and / or an S shape and / or an arc shape.

4. Device according to one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that two consecutive sections (40, 41) are welded by means of a covering ring (42) located at a joint (43).

5. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that it has an external face and an internal face opposite the external face, and at least one section (40, 41) mechanically secured to at least one of the external face and the internal face.

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one electrically insulated routing conduit (35) has several distinct and insulated conductive cores in the rigid external casing (50).

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least one conductive core (55) is made from copper and / or aluminum.

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the rigid external casing (50) is made from aluminum, steel and / or stainless steel.

9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the rigid external casing (50) is provided with an earthing connection at its first end (51) and / or at its second end (52).

10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the at least one routing conduit (35) comprises a flexible section having an external envelope different from the rigid external envelope (50).

11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the at least one routing conduit (35) is electrically insulated by a dielectric fluid.

12. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the first part (11) has at least one first connector support (128) mounted on the first electrical connection terminal (111), the second part (12) has at least one second connector support (122) mounted on the second electrical connection terminal (121), and the at least one electrically insulated routing conduit (35) comprises at least one securing flange (44) configured to mechanically interconnect its rigid external casing (50) to at least one of the first connector support and the second connector support.

13. Energy exploitation installation, in particular fluidic and / or electrical, comprising at least one electrical rotating joint device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, with the first part (11) of the rotating joint device which is secured to a fixed unit (4) of the installation (1) and the second part (12) of the rotating joint device which is secured to a mobile unit (3) of the installation, and at least one remote device (30, 32) electrically connected to the electrical rotating joint device.

14. Installation according to claim 13, characterized in that the fixed unit is a mooring turret (4) and the floating unit is a ship (3), a wind turbine, or a concentrator.

15. Installation according to one of claims 13 and 14, comprising a stack of several rotating joint devices which are axially superimposed, including one or more electrical rotating joint devices (10), with at least one electrically insulated routing conduit (35) which is mechanically and electrically secured to the electrical rotating joint device and which runs along the stack, inside and / or outside at least one other rotating joint device.

16. Installation according to claim 15, characterized in that the at least one electrically insulated routing conduit (35) runs along the stack, along a determined path having predetermined and reproducible straight sections and / or curved sections.

17. Installation according to claim 16, characterized in that the straight sections extend in a generally longitudinal axial direction of the stack and radially inside and / or outside the rotating joint devices of the stack, and / or the curved sections extend in a direction generally perpendicular to the generally longitudinal axial direction, and above and / or below the rotating joint devices of the stack.

Images