Improved umbilical termination module

Abstract

A recoverable umbilical termination module (UTM) for a power distribution system is provided. The UTM(30) comprises a first connector(32), which is a wetmate connector that can be directly connected to a submarine transformer module(20), and a second connector(34), which can be connected to one or more offshore power generators(10). The first connector(32) and the second connector(34) are electrically connected to each other. The UTM(30) further comprises an integrated switchgear(50) or disconnector adapted to selectively control the flow of power from the second connector(34) to the first connector(32). A submarine power system comprising the UTM, as well as methods for installing and recovering the UTM, are also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of power distribution systems, particularly submarine power distribution systems. More specifically, the present disclosure describes an improved umbilical termination assembly or module having an integrated switchgear.

Background Art

[0002] This section is intended to introduce various aspects of the technical field related to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. This description is thought to help provide a framework for better understanding specific aspects of the present invention. Therefore, this section should be read from this perspective and is not necessarily an identification of prior art.

[0003] An umbilical termination assembly (UTA) is a component configured to terminate an umbilical cable and provide one or more connections for hydraulic, chemical, electrical, or fiber optic services. Specific uses of UTA include use in a submarine power distribution system that receives power from an offshore energy generation device and distributes power to various onshore devices. In practice, an umbilical cable is laid along the seabed and installed to carry power from a wind turbine to the UTA at the far end of the cable. Upon reaching the UTA, the umbilical cable is terminated to a plurality of wires and the power is distributed to a submarine transformer. Such a power system often includes a submarine switchgear module used to interrupt the power supply of the equipment in order to enable safe maintenance, installation, or recovery of the energized device.

[0004] Known submarine power distribution systems place submarine switchgear modules containing multiple circuit breakers in a separate location away from the UTA, but this has several disadvantages. Because the connection between the switchgear module and the UTA is underwater, "wetmate" connectors are used for electrical coupling between components. However, such connectors are significantly more expensive than those used on land with "drymate" connectors. Furthermore, placing the switchgear module as a separate and remote component from the UTA leads to increased hardware costs, a larger overall system size, and a reduced lifespan due to the input-side wetmate connector system operating near its maximum power rating.

[0005] Aspects of this disclosure aim to provide alternative arrangements of submarine components that mitigate these problems in conventional known systems. In particular, aspects of this disclosure aim to provide an improved umbilical termination module (UTM) that integrates the functions of a switchgear module, thereby enabling a more efficient and cost-effective power distribution system. [Overview of the project]

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a recoverable umbilical termination module (UTM) is provided. The UTM comprises a first connector, which is a wetmate connector, that can be directly connected to a submarine transformer module, and a second connector that can be connected to one or more offshore power generators. The first and second connectors are electrically connected to each other. The UTM further comprises a switchgear, which is adapted to selectively control the flow of power from the second connector to the first connector.

[0007] The switchgear may be a circuit breaker. Alternatively, the switchgear may be a disconnector, in which case the system further comprises an actuator electrically coupled to the disconnector, the actuator configured to activate or deactivate the disconnector.

[0008] The second connector of the UTM may be a drymate connector. Alternatively, the UTM may comprise a first module including a first connector and a switchgear element, and a second module connectable to one or more offshore power generators, wherein the second connector may be a wetmate connector between the switchgear and the second module.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a subsea power system is provided comprising a transformer module having a first side connectable to land-based equipment, and at least one UTM according to the first aspect of the present invention. The first connector, which is a wetmate connector, is connected to the second side of the transformer module.

[0010] Preferably, one or more offshore power generators are connected to the second connector. At least one offshore power generator may include multiple arrays of offshore power generators, and the system includes a UTM corresponding to each of the multiple arrays.

[0011] A third aspect of the present invention provides a method for installing an umbilical termination module (UTM) according to the first aspect of the present invention. The method includes the steps of connecting a second connector to one or more offshore power generators before submerged installation, installing the UTM in the sea, and connecting a first connector, which is a wetmate connector, to the second side of a submarine transformer module.

[0012] Optionally, the UTM further comprises a first module including a first connector and a switchgear, and a second module connected to one or more offshore power generators, wherein the second connector is a wetmate connector between the switchgear and the second module. In this configuration, the method includes the steps of detaching the first module from the second module, recovering the first module onto a surface vessel or platform, and detaching the second connector between the UTM and one or more offshore power generators. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] This disclosure will be further explained with reference to the examples shown in the attached figures. [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an underwater power distribution system. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the umbilical termination module used in the system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of an alternative umbilical termination module. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The following description illustrates the principles of this disclosure with specific examples and drawings. However, since variations will also be obvious to those skilled in the art and are considered to be included in this description, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the exact details of the examples. The terminology of parts used herein should be interpreted broadly to include equivalent functions and features. In some cases, alternative terms for structural features may be provided, but these terms are not intended to be exhaustive.

[0015] Embodiments of this disclosure provide an umbilical termination module (UTM) 30 having an integrated switchgear, enabling a power distribution system that is less expensive and more efficient than when using conventional umbilical termination assemblies.

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a subsea power distribution system having multiple UTMs 30. As shown, the power distribution system is connectable to at least one array of offshore power generators 10 configured to generate high-voltage power. Each array has one or more offshore power generators 10 and is electrically connected to the corresponding UTM 30 via an umbilical cable 60. To avoid doubt, an "array" may include a single power generator 10. Alternatively, an array may include multiple power generators 10 connected in series or in parallel. Examples of offshore power generators 10 include, but are not limited to, wind turbines, offshore solar panels, and tidal energy devices.

[0017] As best shown in Figures 2 and 3, each UTM 30 is equipped with a first connector 32 and a second connector 34 electrically coupled to each other. The second connector 34 is connectable to one or more offshore power generators 10. The first connector 32 is a wetmate connector that can be directly connected to the first side 24 of the submarine transformer module 20. The transformer module 20 is equipped with a step-down transformer configured to step down the relatively high input voltage from the UTM in a conventional manner readily understood by those skilled in the art. The second side of the transformer module 20 is connectable to various onshore equipment 70, such as an export cable 71, a high-voltage junction box (HVJB) 72, a shore transformer 73, and a shore switchgear 74.

[0018] Figure 2 shows a first example of a UTM 30. The UTM 30 comprises a housing 35 defining an enclosure and a device 37. The enclosure may be filled with gas or oil. The device 37 is configured to provide a wetmate connection between the UTM 30 and the submarine transformer module 20. A drymate connector 39 is provided on the first side 36 of the housing 35, connecting the housing 35 to the device 37. A connecting wire 62 near the second side 38 of the housing 35 is drymate connected to a termination head 33 via a second connector 34.

[0019] As shown in the figure, the termination head 33 is configured to terminate the umbilical cable 60 and separate the various cables bundled on the umbilical cable 60 into multiple terminals connected to the second connector 34. The switchgear 50, located inside the housing 35, has three switches in parallel, each switch having a connecting wire 62 that connects the second connector 34 and the drymate connector 39. The switchgear 50 is configured to selectively control the flow of power from the second connector 34 to the first connector 32 via the drymate connector 39. Therefore, the switchgear 50 is movable between an "open" position where the current flowing through the UTM 30 is interrupted and a "closed" position where the current flowing through the UTM 30 is permitted. The switchgear 50 further includes an actuator (not shown) configured to move the switchgear between the "open" and "closed" positions. The actuator can be operated manually, automatically, or both.

[0020] As those skilled in the art will understand, “switchgear” is a broad term referring to a variety of switching devices suitable for controlling, protecting, regulating, and isolating power systems. In one embodiment, switchgear 50 is a circuit breaker, designed to interrupt the current flowing through the UTM 30 when it detects a fault in the circuit. As those skilled in the art will understand, a fault refers to a situation in the UTM 30 where the conditions unfavorably deviate from safe operating parameters. Thus, a fault may occur when the current flowing through the UTM 30 exceeds a predetermined rating near and above the typical operating current of the UTM 30. Further examples of faults in the UTM 30 include short circuits or overheating. The circuit breaker may be a conventionally designed switch connected to either a bimetallic strip or an electromagnet. In one embodiment, switchgear 50 is a disconnector. As those skilled in the art will understand, a disconnector is only operable when there is no voltage applied to the system.

[0021] Figure 3 shows an example of an alternative UTM300. This alternative differs from the example shown in Figure 2 in that the UTM300 in Figure 3 comprises a first module 300a and a second module 300b, both of which are interconnected via a second connector 34, which is a wetmate connector. The first module 300a comprises a device 37 and a housing 35 having a switchgear 50. The second module 300b comprises a termination head 33. Each component is housed in individually recoverable modules, rather than a single UTM as shown in Figure 2. This configuration may contribute to reduced repair time when only a portion of the UTM300 needs to be removed for repair. This improves the functional availability of the UTM300 and the system. If the switchgear 50 needs to be replaced, the operator can disconnect the wetmate connector 34 between the two modules, lift the first module 300a out of the water, replace the defective part, then lower the first module 300a and reconnect it to the second module 300b. Furthermore, this configuration makes it possible to use less expensive lifting equipment during repair work.

[0022] The installation, operation, and retrieval of the present invention will be described in detail below. First, the installation of the UTM30 shown in Figure 2 will be described. The UTM30 is initially prepared on a platform on the water. The operator drymates the UTM30 to the termination head 33 connected to the umbilical cable 60 via the second connector 34. Next, the UTM30 is lowered into the water while connected to the power generator 10. Finally, the UTM30 is wetmates directly to the first side 24 of the submarine transformer module 20 via the first connector 32. During operation, the switchgear 50 is in the closed position. The UTM30 receives power from the offshore power generator 10 and transmits this power to the transformer module 20, where the voltage is boosted and distributed to various onshore equipment 70. If a fault is detected, the actuator moves the switchgear 50 to the open position. During retrieval, the wetmates connection of the first connector 32 between the first side 24 of the transformer module 20 and the UTM30 are disconnected. Next, the UTM30 is lifted out of the water and transferred to a suitable platform. Finally, the drymate connection of the second connector between the UTM30 and one or more power generators is disconnected.

[0023] The operation of UTM30 and 300 in Figures 2 and 3 is the same, however, the recovery of UTM300 in Figure 3 begins with an optional step of detaching the first module 300a from the second module 300b via the second wetmate connector 34, and then selecting one of the modules to recover onto a surface vessel or platform. Furthermore, the installation of UTM300 in Figure 3 begins with connecting the first module 300a to the second module 300b via the second connector 34.

[0024] The UTM30 and 300 with the integrated switchgear 50 have many technical advantages compared to the existing power distribution systems that use a separate switchgear module having a plurality of circuit breakers. First, the present invention realizes a reduction in hardware cost. It is known that wet-mate connectors are significantly more expensive than dry-mate connectors. In the existing systems, it is necessary to wet-mate connect the switchgear module to the umbilical termination assembly, which increases the cost. The present invention that integrates the switchgear 50 into the UTM30 and 300 means that after coupling them on the ground via dry-mate connectors, the entire UTM30 and 300 are installed underwater. As a result, the number of required wet-mate connections per UTM30 and 300 is reduced by one. Second, this configuration enables better utilization of the power ratings of the switchgear, dry-mate connectors, and wet-mate connectors. In the conventional systems, a wet-mate connector was provided between the switchgear module and the subsea transformer, but in this configuration, the wet-mate connector does not operate near the maximum power rating. Thereby, the life of the connector is improved. Third, by having the integrated switchgear 50, the size of the entire system can be reduced compared to the case of providing a separate switchgear module, and the hardware cost can be further reduced.

[0025] The wet mate connectors used in various embodiments of the present invention may be any connection mechanism suitable for mating and disconnecting in a wet underwater environment. Examples of such connectors that may be used in the present invention include a rubber molded connector that forms a watertight seal between a female connector end and a glass reinforced epoxy bulkhead connector using a locking sleeve and an overmold of neoprene or polyurethane, a rigid shell connector formed of a rigid body and having a watertight mechanism that screws together two connector halves and seals the joint with an O-ring, a fluid filled connector that uses a chamber filled with an insulating fluid such as oil to isolate the contacts from water prior to mating of the male and female ends, and an inductive coupling that magnetically couples components, but is not limited thereto. In contrast, dry mate connectors may be any suitable connector designed for use in applications where the plug and receptacle are submerged in water after being fully mated in a dry environment. Examples of such connectors include glass-to-metal sealed connectors and connectors for seismic exploration.

[0026] Equipment associated with power distribution systems, such as connections between batteries, machine-side converters, grid-side converters, generators, and umbilical cables, but not limited thereto, is not shown for clarity of explanation, but the inclusion and use of such equipment in the electrical systems of the present disclosure are well known and understood by those skilled in the art.

[0027] Descriptive terms should also be construed as broadly as possible. For example, the term "comprising" as used herein means "constituting at least a part of", and each description in this specification including the term "comprising" means that features other than the features preceded by the term may also exist. Related terms such as "comprise", "comprises" should be construed in the same manner.

Claims

1. A recoverable umbilical termination module (UTM) (30, 300), A first connector (32) is a wetmate connector that can be directly connected to the submarine transformer module (20), A second connector (34) that can be connected to one or more offshore power generators (10) and Equipped with, The first connector (32) and the second connector (34) are electrically connected to each other. UTM(30, 300), further comprising a switchgear(50) which is adapted to selectively control the flow of power from the second connector(34) to the first connector(32).

2. The switchgear (50) is a circuit breaker, as described in claim 1, UTM (30, 300).

3. The UTM (30, 300) according to claim 1, wherein the switchgear (50) is a disconnector, and the system further comprises an actuator electrically coupled to the disconnector, the actuator configured to activate or deactivate the disconnector.

4. The UTM (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second connector (34) is a Drymate connector.

5. A first module (300a) including the first connector (32) and the switchgear (50), A second module (300b) that can be connected to one or more offshore power generators (10) and Equipped with, The UTM (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second connector (34) is a wetmate connector between the switchgear (50) and the second module (300b).

6. A transformer module (20) having a first side that can be connected to land-based equipment, At least one UTM (30, 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and Equipped with, The first connector (32) is connected to the second side (24) of the transformer module in a submarine power system.

7. The system according to claim 6, further comprising one or more offshore power generators (10) connected to the second connector (34).

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the at least one offshore power generator (10) includes a plurality of arrays of offshore power generators (10), and the system comprises a UTM (30, 300) corresponding to each of the plurality of arrays.

9. A method for installing the umbilical termination module (UTM) (30, 300) described in claim 1, The process involves connecting the second connector (34) to one or more offshore power generators (10) before installation in the sea, The process of installing the UTM (30) in the sea, The steps include connecting the first connector (32) to the second side (24) of the submarine transformer module (20) and A method that includes this.

10. The aforementioned UTM (300) is The first module (300a) includes the first connector (32) and the switchgear (50), and the second module (300b) is further connected to one or more offshore power generators (10), wherein the second connector (34) is a wetmate connector between the switchgear (50) and the second module (300b), The method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of connecting the switchgear (50) and the second module (300b) underwater via the second connector.

11. A method for recovering a seabed umbilical termination module (UTM) (30, 300) according to claim 1, The steps include disconnecting the first connector (32) between the second side (24) of the submarine transformer module (20) and the UTM (30, 300), The process of recovering the UTM (30, 300) onto a surface vessel or platform, The steps include disconnecting the second connector (34) between the UTM (30, 300) and one or more offshore power generators (10), and A method that includes this.

12. The UTM (300) further comprises a first module (300a) including the first connector (32) and the switchgear, and a second module (300b) connected to one or more offshore power generators (10), wherein the second connector (34) is a wetmate connector between the switchgear (50) and the second module (300b), The method begins with the step of separating the first module (300a) from the second module (300b), The method according to claim 11, wherein the step of recovering the UTM includes the step of recovering the first module (300a) onto a surface vessel or platform.

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