Underwater high-voltage electrical connector

Abstract

A submersible high voltage electrical connector including a female connector and a male connector, the female connector having an internal chamber and a conduit configured to connect the internal chamber to a discharge pump, the male connector configured to fit within the chamber of the female connector, the conduit of the female connector further configured to substantially drain any liquid from the chamber of the female connector when the male connector and the female connector are mated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present subject matter relates to an apparatus and method for providing a high voltage electrical connector that can be submerged in water, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for providing a high voltage electrical connector suitable for use with an underwater pump-turbine or a large capacity underwater pump.

Background Art

[0002] Conventional pumped storage facilities include a pump-turbine connected to an upper reservoir and a lower reservoir. During certain time periods, water from the upper reservoir can flow by gravity through the pump-turbine into the lower reservoir. During such time periods, the pump-turbine generally functions as a turbine to convert the energy of the flowing water into electricity. During other time periods, water from the lower reservoir can be pumped by the pump-turbine (functioning as a pump) into the upper reservoir, and this cycle can be repeated. Generally, the pump-turbine requires power to operate when functioning as a pump. Usually, this power is supplied by an electric generator that functions as a motor configured to drive the pump. When the pump-turbine is functioning as a turbine, the electric generator functions as a generator to generate electricity.

[0003] As described in U.S. Patent No. 11,300,093 ("Reversible Pump-Turbine Installation," issued April 12, 2022), a pump-turbine and motor-generator assembly can be located in a well, which is a deep vertical hole between an upper and lower reservoir. The purpose of the well is to establish a sufficiently high absolute pressure on the low-pressure side of the pump-turbine to suppress cavitation. The purpose is not to pump out groundwater. Generally, such pump-turbine / motor-generator assemblies are for underwater use because the pump-turbine needs to be submerged considerably below the tailwater to suppress destructive cavitation. High-pressure water can also be introduced below the pump-turbine to raise it to the top of the well for service and maintenance purposes. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 11,300,093 [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The configuration of the disclosed technology addresses the shortcomings of the prior art. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional elevation view of an example of a reversible pump-turbine assembly including an underwater electrical connector, based on a specific configuration. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional elevation view of the male portion of the underwater electrical connector shown in Figure 1, which is placed inside a well. [Figure 3]Figure 1 is a cross-sectional elevation view showing the male and female portions of an underwater electrical connector, illustrating a non-mating configuration in which there is no electrical connection between the male and female portions of the underwater electrical connector. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional elevation view showing the male and female portions of an underwater electrical connector, illustrating a mating configuration in which an electrical connection exists between the male and female portions of the underwater electrical connector. [Figure 5a] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an underwater electrical connector. [Figure 5b] This is a detailed view of a part of Figure 5a. [Figure 6a] This diagram shows the male connector in Figure 3 on its own. [Figure 6b] This is a detailed view of a part of Figure 6a, as shown in the illustration. [Figure 6c] This is a detailed view of a part of Figure 6a, as shown in the illustration. [Figure 6d] This is a top view of Figure 6a. [Figure 6e] This is a detailed view of a part of Figure 6d, as shown in the illustration. [Figure 6f] This is a bottom view of Figure 6a. [Figure 6g] This is a detailed view of a part of Figure 6f, as shown in the illustration. [Figure 7a] Figure 3 shows the female connector on its own. [Figure 7b] This is a detailed view of a part of Figure 7a. [Figure 8a] Figure 5a is an isometric view of the hydraulically driven rotary brush alone. [Figure 8b] Figure 5a is a top view of the hydraulically driven rotary brush alone. [Figure 9] This figure shows the configuration of a bridge bearing type support that can be used to mount a male connector. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a female connector terminal, characterized in that an inflatable air actuator for loosening the terminal is linked to a spring for tightening the terminal, according to one configuration example. [Figure 11a]The top view of an example of a three-phase transformer that inductively couples power from a male connector to a female connector according to a certain configuration example. [Figure 11b] The isometric view of an example of a three-phase transformer that inductively couples power from a male connector to a female connector according to a certain configuration example. [Figure 12a] A diagram showing an example of a bidirectional optical data link connected through a high-voltage underwater electrical connector. [Figure 12b] The cross-sectional view of the part defined in FIG. 12a. [Figure 13] The cross-sectional view of a disengaged electrical connector. [Figure 14] The cross-sectional view of a partially engaged electrical connector where the protective cover of the male connector still surrounds the male connector. [Figure 15] The cross-sectional elevation view of a fully engaged electrical connector. [Figure 16] The cross-sectional elevation view of a fully engaged electrical connector. [Figure 17] The cross-sectional elevation view of a fully engaged electrical connector. [Figure 18] The cross-sectional view of a disengaged electrical connector where the enclosure around the connector is a completely removable bell jar. [Figure 19] The cross-sectional view of a partially engaged electrical connector where the protective cover of the male connector still surrounds the male connector. [Figure 20] The cross-sectional elevation view of a fully engaged electrical connector. [Figure 21] The enlarged cross-sectional elevation view of a fully engaged electrical connector. [Figure 22] The exploded view of an electrical connector, the pressure boundary around the electrical connector, and the bell jar. [Figure 23a] The cross-sectional view showing in detail one conductor ring in an engaged state and the related operating system. [Figure 23b] The cross-sectional view showing in detail one conductor ring in a disengaged state and the related operating system. [Figure 24a]This is a detailed diagram of the electrical contact system. [Figure 24b] This is a detailed diagram of the electrical contact system. [Figure 25a] This is a cross-sectional view of an example of a pump-turbine assembly that has been lowered into a well with a temporary air supply pipe attached. [Figure 25b] Figure 25a is a detailed view of a portion of the pump-turbine assembly shown in the view line. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] As described herein, embodiments relate to high-voltage electrical connectors that can be submerged in water. While this description focuses on using the disclosed technology to connect to a submersible reversible pump-turbine-motor generator assembly of a type used in a water storage system, the disclosed technology also has useful applications in other underwater connections of a similar nature, such as battery charging connectors for underwater mining equipment.

[0008] In the context of submersible pump-turbine-motor generator assemblies used in water storage systems, it is desirable to lower the assembly into a deep vertical well and establish the necessary power, auxiliary power, and control connections to operate the pump-turbine, without cumbersome manual cable handling and without placing cables in locations exposed to potentially damaging high-speed water flows. Therefore, in the configuration of the disclosed technology, the necessary connections are established simply by lowering the pump-turbine into the well. Once the pump-turbine-motor generator assembly is installed in the well, the controller can automatically perform necessary tasks such as pressurizing the female connector with a dielectric fluid, cleaning the male connector with water spray and an electric brush, and drying the male connector with an air knife. Conflicting requirements such as high contact pressure required for high current capacity, or low contact pressure or no contact during mating and unmating (i.e., disconnection), can be addressed, for example, by an inflatable annular actuator. Furthermore, the electrical connectors must withstand and dislodge the high-pressure water in the well.

[0009] In this configuration, by incorporating a three-phase transformer into the connector, low-voltage auxiliary power, which can be, for example, three-phase 480V AC, can be safely and reliably isolated from high-voltage power, which can be, for example, 36kV. In such a configuration, only magnetic flux passes between the male and female connectors, eliminating the need for low-voltage electrical terminals (for low-voltage auxiliary power) and high-voltage electrical terminals (for high-voltage power) to be present within the same connector.

[0010] As a result, the possibility of high voltage being mistakenly supplied to the auxiliary power circuit in the event of a fault in the dielectric medium surrounding the contacts or in the event of water ingress is significantly reduced. The three-phase transformer provides active electrical isolation between the low-voltage and high-voltage circuits (limited only by the dielectric strength of the transformer pole electrical shielding). Conductors connected to the transformer primary circuit within the electrical connector plug (i.e., male connector 2) are protected from high voltage by a grounded conductive metal conduit. Conductors connected to the transformer secondary circuit are similarly protected from nearby high-voltage conductors within a grounded conductive metal conduit.

[0011] In this configuration, data signals can be isolated from high-voltage power by transmitting and connecting data via optical signals. For the low data rates required for machine monitoring and control, a simple optical fiber connection, for example, is sufficient.

[0012] Submersible pumps—turbines or high-capacity submersible pumps—should be torsionally restrained at the bottom of the well, preferably with zero backlash. This can result in a lack of flexibility in mounting the machine to the well. Therefore, it is desirable to flexibly mount either male or female electrical connectors, preferably male electrical connectors. Compliance in the horizontal plane is of paramount importance. Excessive angular compliance in the vertical direction is undesirable because it can cause misalignment of the male and female connectors during insertion. A set of bridge bearing pads can be provided to allow sufficient horizontal movement (e.g., at least several inches) while maintaining the vertical alignment of the male connector. In typical prior art submersible pump installations, flexible electrical connections are provided by electrical cables within the well casing.

[0013] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional elevation view showing part of an example of a reversible pump-turbine assembly including an underwater electrical connector, according to one configuration example. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the male portion of the underwater electrical connector of Figure 1 placed in an example well. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional elevation view showing the male and female portions of the underwater electrical connector of Figure 1 in an unmated configuration or disengaged state, where no electrical connection exists between them. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the pump-turbine-motor generator assembly 64 may include a diffuser 58, a runner 59, a generator 60, an auxiliary equipment enclosure 61, an auxiliary equipment enclosure extension 62, and an underwater electrical connector including male connector 2 and female connector 3. A flow inverter 57 can be utilized at the top of the pump-turbine diffuser 58. Torque keys 63 at the bottom of the auxiliary equipment enclosure 61 secure the unit in place when it is installed in the well 55.

[0014] As shown in the figure, the pump-turbine-motor generator assembly 64 is configured to be installed in the well 65 such that the male connector 2 of the underwater electrical connector mates with the female connector 3 of the underwater electrical connector. As a result, power can be transmitted between the electrical junction 210 outside the well 55 and the pump-turbine-motor generator assembly 64 via the electrical conduit 54. By providing a reliable waterproof connector, the pump-turbine-motor generator assembly 64 can be installed, removed, and repaired without the need to manually cut or handle electrical cables. As shown in the figure, the male connector 2 and female connector 3 of the underwater electrical connector are coupled when the pump-turbine-motor generator assembly 64 is inserted into the well, and disconnected when the pump-turbine-motor generator assembly 64 is removed from the well, with the male connector 2 remaining inside the well 55 after the pump-turbine-motor generator assembly 64 has been removed from the well 55.

[0015] The male connector 2 is substantially cylindrical, and the female connector 3 includes a substantially cylindrical internal chamber. In this context, "substantially cylindrical" means having a form that is roughly or essentially a right circular cylinder without requiring perfect cylindricity. The drawings show examples of a substantially cylindrical male connector 2 and a female connector 3 including a substantially cylindrical internal chamber.

[0016] Typically, pump-turbine systems, such as the pump-turbine-motor generator assembly 64 shown in Figure 1, have a rating of 50 MW or more. As a result, electrical connectors with higher ratings than those in the prior art are required. The metal-to-metal contact area of ​​each terminal of the connector depends on the contact pressure. Excessive contact pressure can cause excessive wear during mating and unmating, potentially leading to the generation of electrically conductive wear material. Embodiments of the disclosed technology are configured to reduce wear and suppress the generation of electrically conductive wear material by releasing or reducing the contact pressure during mating and unmating.

[0017] Figure 3, in particular, shows the male connector 2 and female connector 3 in the disengaged state. The female connector 3 includes a cleaning and sealing assembly 4 and the body 5 of the female connector 3. The outer diameter 10 of the body 5 of the female connector 3 engages with the sheath 8 of the male connector 2. As a result, mechanical alignment occurs between the male connector 2 and the female connector 3 before the male connector core 6 engages with the female connector 3. Compliance of the male connector 2 is achieved by elastomer bridge bearings 7 mounted on the fixing structure 138. The male connector cover 77 seals the top of the male connector core 6.

[0018] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional elevation view showing the male connector 2 and female connector 3 of the underwater electrical connector shown in Figure 1, in a mating configuration with an electrical connection between them. As shown in Figure 4, the male connector transformer element 27 transmits power to the female connector transformer element 26 via an alternating magnetic field. Note that Figure 4 simply shows the transformer elements in a schematic manner. More detailed renderings of examples of these transformer elements are shown in Figures 11a and 11b.

[0019] The configuration shown in Figure 4 is configured to transmit three-phase "station service power" to the equipment in the auxiliary equipment enclosure 61 of Figure 1. Such equipment may include dewatering pumps, dehumidifiers, oil filtration pumps, hydraulic pumps, water pumps, battery chargers, and control systems. To avoid the risk of high voltage reaching low voltage terminals, it is safer to use magnetic coupling rather than, for example, additional terminals for the auxiliary 480-volt power. The male connector optical data element 156 communicates with the female optical data element 155. Further details of the optical data unit example are shown in Figures 12a and 12b. Optical data transmission reduces the risk of high-voltage and high-current lines interfering with low-voltage signals. The lower level connection 130 can be used to recover dielectric fluids if they are used (as described below).

[0020] Figure 5a is a cross-sectional elevation view of the underwater electrical connector of Figure 1. Figure 5b is a detailed view of a part of Figure 5a. Figure 8a is an isometric view of the hydraulically driven rotating brush of Figure 5a alone, and Figure 8b is a top view thereof. As shown in Figures 5b and 8a, a rotating brush 11 for cleaning the male connector 2 extends 360 degrees around the outer circumference of the male terminal assembly 75. This brush 11 is driven by impulse turbine buckets 12, which are further driven by one or more water jets 15. The water jets 15 are connected to a water source such as a pressure tank with a reservoir in an auxiliary equipment enclosure 61 or a battery-powered pump. Typically, a limited operating time and limited water volume are sufficient to remove debris from the male connector 2. The combined cleaning effect of the rotating brush 11 and the flowing water from the water source reduces the risk of the presence of hygroscopic fibrous material between the male connector 2 and the female connector 3 that could short-circuit the high-voltage terminals. As shown in the figure, the rotating brush 11 is mounted on the inner ring 17 of a ball bearing assembly, which also includes a ball bearing 13 and an outer ring 14. The outer ring 14 is held in place by a structural support 16. Preferably, the ball bearing 13, or the inner ring 17 and outer ring 14, are made of elastomer. Compared to rigid parts, the rigid parts of a ball bearing assembly are fixed and the ball bearing itself cannot roll, whereas the advantage of elastomer parts is that they deform and adapt to, for example, sand particles or other debris.

[0021] The air knife 18 receives a supply of compressed air during the mating process and serves to keep water away from the upper terminal. The air knife 18 can be connected to a compressed air source that can be activated as needed. The air knife 18 can be used not only to clean the male connector but also to cover the protective cap 78 (described later) and to dry and clean the outside of the protective cap 78 as the receptacle 3 descends. The lip seal 19 serves as a redundant barrier against water and debris.

[0022] The elastomer seals 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24 serve to block debris and also enable the establishment of a vacuum between the male connector 2 and the female connector 3 when the male connector 2 and female connector 3 are mated, for the purpose of removing any residual water. These same elastomer seals 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24 also serve to seal a dielectric fluid or gas used to electrically insulate the terminals from each other. The elastomer seals 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24 can be, for example, O-rings. Referring to Figure 4, the conduit 75 serves to carry water from between the male connector 2 and the female connector 3, for example, when the conduit 75 is connected to a discharge pump. Thus, the female connector 3 is configured to substantially discharge any liquid from the chamber of the female connector 3 in which the male connector 2 is housed via the discharge pump and the conduit 75 when the male connector 2 and female connector 3 are mated. As used in this context, "substantially drained" means to be roughly or essentially empty without the need to completely remove all fluid from between the male connector 2 and the female connector 3. The conduit 75 can also introduce dielectric fluid between the male connector 2 and the female connector 3, for example, when the conduit 75 is connected to a dielectric fluid reservoir. Thus, the female connector 3 is configured to connect its internal chamber to a dielectric fluid source, and the conduit of the female connector is further configured to substantially fill the internal chamber of the female connector 3, which houses the male connector 2, with dielectric fluid when the male and female connectors are mated. As used in this context, "substantially filled" means to be roughly or essentially filled without the need for the entire capacity to be completely occupied by dielectric fluid. The drain pump and dielectric fluid reservoir can be located, for example, within an auxiliary equipment enclosure 61.

[0023] Figure 6a shows the male connector of Figure 3 alone. Figure 6b is a detailed view of a part of Figure 6a. As shown in Figures 6a and 6b, the male connector terminals 44 are sealed to the insulating spacers 45 and 46 with elastomer seals 47, 48, 49 and 50, which can be, for example, O-rings. Cable lugs 52 are fitted to the inner diameter of the male connector terminals 44. The male connector terminals 44 can be firmly held to the insulating spacers 45 and 46 by tie rods 131 inside the male connector. The tie rods 131 can be made of, for example, glass fiber. The tie rods 131 can be kept under constant tension over a wide operating temperature range by using, for example, wave springs 132 below the tie rod nut 133. A preferred material for the spacers 45 and 46 is glass ceramic because it is easy to clean and does not have surface porosity.

[0024] Figure 7a shows the electrical connector receptacle or female connector 3 of Figure 3 alone. Figure 7b is a detailed view of a part of Figure 7a. As shown in Figure 7b, elastomer seals 21, 22, 23 and 24 provide a seal against water ingress. Spacers 38, 39, 40, 41 and 42 electrically insulate and mechanically support the electrical receptacle contacts 66 and the inflatable actuators 34, 35, 36 and 37. The electrical receptacle contacts 66 substantially surround the male connector when the male connector is mated to the female connector. In this context, "substantially surround" means generally or essentially surround, not necessarily a perfect circle. As an example, a conductor 43 is connected to one of the electrical receptacle contacts 66. Further conductors, such as stranded wires and insulated wires, are connected to each electrical receptacle contact 66. Not all conductors are shown in Figure 7b to avoid cluttering it.

[0025] As shown in the figure, the electrical receptacle contact 66 is configured to expand its outer circumference to reduce the contact pressure between the electrical receptacle contact 66 and the male connector 2 during mating and unmating of the male connector 2 and the female connector 3. Furthermore, the electrical receptacle contact 66 is also configured to contract its outer circumference to increase the contact pressure between the electrical receptacle contact 66 and the male connector 2 when the male connector 2 and the female connector 3 are mated. For example, a corresponding inflatable actuator 34, 35, 36, or 37 can expand or contract to transition the electrical receptacle contact 66 between a contracted outer circumference configuration and an expanded outer circumference configuration.

[0026] Figure 8a is an isometric view of the hydraulically driven rotary brush alone as shown in Figure 5a, and Figure 8b is a top view thereof. As shown in Figures 8a and 8b, the rotary brush 11 is supported on a ball bearing 13 that supports the inner ring 17 against the outer ring 14. The outer ring 14 is held in place by a structural support 16. The brush 11 is driven by an impulse turbine bucket 12, which is driven by one or more water jets 15 receiving water from a pressurized tank in an auxiliary enclosure.

[0027] Figure 9 shows an example of a bridge bearing support that can be used to position a male connector. As mentioned above, horizontal alignment is paramount for the relative positioning of the male connector 2 and the female connector 3. Therefore, excessive angular compliance in the vertical direction is undesirable, as this could cause misalignment of the male connector 2 and the female connector 3 during insertion. To allow sufficient horizontal movement (e.g., at least several inches) while maintaining the vertical alignment of the male connector 2, a set of elastomer bridge bearing supports 7 can be provided. As shown in Figure 9, the elastomer bridge bearing support 7 includes a stack of alternating steel discs 136 and elastomer discs 137. The elastomer discs 137 provide shear compliance, which allows translation between the male connector support 139 and the fixed surface 138. Each pad provides high rigidity in the vertical direction but is flexible (compliant) with respect to shear for horizontal movement. An arrangement of at least three pads is preferred because it provides precise angular constraint for the male connector. Along with such accommodatingly attached male connectors, flexible conductors are used, for example, in the form of twisted copper cables.

[0028] Figure 10 shows an example of a female connector terminal, characterized in that an inflatable air actuator for loosening the terminal is linked to a spring for tightening the terminal, according to one configuration example. As an alternative to those shown in Figures 7a and 7b, as shown in Figure 10, when the connector is mated, the spring 67 can be used to tighten the terminal 66, and during mating and unmating, the inflatable actuator 68 can be used to reduce the spring pressure and loosen the terminal. As shown in the figure, the inflatable actuator 68 is configured to expand to loosen the terminal 66 and contract to tighten the terminal 66.

[0029] Figure 11a is a top view of an example of a three-phase transformer that inductively couples power from a male connector to a female connector, according to one configuration example, and Figure 11b is an isometric view thereof. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the female connector coils 69, 70, and 71 induce a magnetic field in the male connector core 72 and female connector core 73 across the dielectric gap 74. The illustrated configuration is set up to transmit three-phase "station service power" to the equipment in the auxiliary equipment enclosure 61 shown in Figure 1.

[0030] Figure 12a shows an example of a bidirectional optical data link connected via an underwater high-voltage electrical connector. Figure 12b is a cross-sectional view of the portion defined in Figure 12a. As shown in Figures 12a and 12b, data from within the auxiliary equipment enclosure is transmitted from an optical emitter 135, which can be one or more light-emitting diodes, through an optical fiber 153 into the electrical connector receptacle. The data exits the optical fiber 153, enters the electrical connector receptacle window 140, then crosses a gap 148 into the electrical connector plug window 141, further into the optical fiber 152, and is transmitted to the (single or double) photodetector 129. Similarly, data from a control facility outside the well can be transmitted by an optical emitter 128, transmitted through the optical fiber 151 to window 142, from there across gap 148 into window 143, and from there to the photoreceptor 134 through optical fiber 150. The optical emitters 128 and 135, and the photodetectors 129 and 134 are preferably positioned at a safe distance from high-voltage conductors or devices. In this way, data can be transmitted bidirectionally using high-voltage electrical connectors without placing sensitive low-voltage electrical circuits or wires adjacent to high voltages or high currents. As a result, the risk of high voltage being applied to low-voltage circuits is significantly reduced or eliminated, and inductive noise on low-voltage signal circuits is significantly reduced or eliminated, providing a safer and more reliable system. The gap 148 can be filled with the same gaseous or liquid dielectric material that can fill the electrical connector receptacle, or it can be filled with a transparent elastomer having a refractive index similar to that of windows 140, 141, 142, and 143 to minimize signal loss due to reflections in the gap 148.

[0031] Referring to Figures 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, it can be seen that when the electrical connector is disengaged, as shown in Figure 13, the female connector 3 is located above the male connector 6. The male connector 6 is covered by a protective cap 78. When the connector is fully engaged (i.e., when the male connector 6 is fully mated into the female connector 3), the protective cap 78 lifts up and becomes located inside the protective cap housing 79, as shown in Figures 15, 16, and 17.

[0032] In the configuration of the disclosed technology, an electrical connector can be configured to prevent the electrical connector plug from coming into contact with water, as well as to prevent water from entering the electrical connector receptacle. This can be done by providing a protective cap 78 that protects the electrical connector plug 6 from contact with river water when the electrical connector plug 6 is detached from the electrical connector receptacle. The protective cap 78 is configured to substantially cover the electrical terminals 44 of the male connector 6 when the male connector 6 is not mated to the female connector 3. As used in this context, "substantially cover" means to roughly or essentially surround the electrical terminals 44 of the male connector 6 to prevent water from coming into contact with them, but does not require a complete seal. The protective cap 78 can be configured to slide off the electrical connector plug 6 once the electrical connector plug 6 is fully inserted into the electrical connector receptacle 3. The protective cap 78 can then be moved using differential pneumatics to a position in a protective cap housing 79 located, for example, above the electrical connector receptacle 3. In this embodiment, it is necessary that the inner diameter (ID) of the electrical connector receptacle 3 is larger than the outer diameter (OD) of the protective cap 78. For this reason, it is further necessary that the inner diameter of the female connector be adjustable, that is, that a gap be allowed between the OD of the protective cap 78 and the internal elements of the electrical connector receptacle 3 even though the ID of the protective cap 78 is larger than the OD of the electrical connector plug 6.

[0033] Therefore, in this configuration, when the electrical connector plug 6 is submerged in water, the protective cap 78 can keep it clean and dry with clean, dry air supplied through the electrical connector plug 6 to the underside of the protective cap 78. The flow rate of such clean, dry air (or other gas) can be adjusted to prevent water from entering the annular space between the male connector and the inside of the cap. Excessive flow rates should be avoided so as not to force the cap off the male connector. The protective cap 78 can be prevented from floating up from the electrical plug connector 6 by means of, for example, a detent or ballast weight. For example, an inflatable annular ring 106 can be used as a detent to prevent the protective cap 78 from floating up. Such an inflatable annular ring can be operated with compressed air or other gas without the need to place conductive components near the high-voltage conductors 29, 30, 31 and 32 identified in Figure 4.

[0034] Furthermore, it is desirable to remove water from the auxiliary equipment enclosure 61. Removal of water when the electrical connector plug 6 is seated in the electrical connector receptacle 3 can be achieved using O-rings 20 and 21, etc. Water ingress into the auxiliary equipment enclosure 61 when the connector mating is disengaged can be prevented by maintaining the air (or other gas) pressure inside the electrical connector receptacle housing 83 at a pressure higher than the water pressure. To avoid having to pressurize the entire auxiliary equipment enclosure in this way, it is considered more convenient to provide a pressurized female connector enclosure and add an enclosure for the male connector protective cap to it. These two enclosures are preferably removable and separable to allow maintenance access to the female connector assembly.

[0035] Shims 117 within the well 55 align the unit before the male connector 6 engages with the female connector 3. The terminal box 96 includes an access port that provides internal access to the busbars 116. The terminal box 96 is mounted on a base plate 102 attached to anchor bolts 98. A flexible conduit connection 114 provides compliance so that the male connector 6 can adapt during engagement. The cable to the generator 107 extends from the female electrical connector 3 to the generator above through pressure-tight glands 150 within the electrical connector receptacle housing 83. The shims 117, together with a guide 118 fixed to the bottom of the auxiliary equipment enclosure 61, are fixed to the wall of the "well" 55, aligning the electrical connector receptacle 3 with the electrical connector plug 6 accurately and repeatedly. Angular alignment is achieved by adjusting the anchor bolt nuts 100 and 101 on the anchor bolts 98. It is preferable to use three anchor bolts to achieve precise constraint regarding the angular alignment of the electrical connector plug 6. Any remaining horizontal misalignment is addressed by shear-compliant rubber bearings 115, constructed in a manner similar to bridge bearings and earthquake isolation bearings, having alternating layers of elastomer and high modulus membranes to prevent the ejection of compressed elastomer. Each busbar is preferably housed in an insulating bushing 127 along its entire length. Flexible conduit connections 114 allow for adjustment of the position and orientation of the terminal box 96 relative to the conduit 54, which can be firmly embedded in concrete. Electrical cables 29, 30, 31, 32, etc., are fitted as long as there is slack in the vertical-to-horizontal bending portion within the conduit elbow 118.Three-phase power for equipment such as lubrication pumps within the auxiliary equipment enclosure 61 can be supplied through a separate conduit 109, which may or may not be located within conduit 54. Conduit 109 may be entirely flexible or may include a combination of rigid and flexible sections. Alternatively, conduit 109 may consist of an embedded rigid section 109 connected to a flexible cable 121 sealed by a cable gland 123, as shown in the figure. A high-voltage rated insulating sleeve 122 is preferably fitted along the entire length of the rigid conduit 112.

[0036] Referring to Figures 25a and 25b, the configuration of the disclosed technology allows a temporary air hose 104 to be connected to the pump-turbine assembly when the pump-turbine assembly is lowered into the well. The temporary air hose 104 can be connected to the pump-turbine assembly 64 with a modified air fitting in which a weight 200 is held engaged at the end of the hose 104. This weight sufficiently overcomes the air pressure to maintain the connection when the connection is lower than the free water level 206 in the well 55. In this manner, dry compressed air can be supplied to the electrical connector housing 83 through a fixed airline 205 inside the pump-turbine assembly 64 when the pump-turbine assembly 64 is lowered into the well 55. As a result, a depressed water surface 210 is maintained at the bottom of the female electrical connector. As the pump-turbine assembly 64 descends, the water pressure below it increases, reducing the volume of air trapped above the free water surface at the bottom of the electrical connector receptacle 3. This supply of makeup air keeps the electrical connector receptacle housing 83 dry and air-filled while the pump-turbine assembly 64 is lowered. Once the pump-turbine assembly 64 is fully lowered, the O-rings 20 and 21 at the bottom of the electrical connector receptacle 3 engage with the surface of the male connector 2, and there is no longer a need to supply compressed air (or other gas). The temporary air hose 104 can then be withdrawn from above. At this point, the compressed air is retained within the electrical connector receptacle housing 83 by the check valve 203 and solenoid shut-off valve 204 within the pump-turbine assembly. Water ingress through the air supply pipe 205 is prevented by the liquid shut-off valve 202.

[0037] Figures 18, 19, 20, and 21 illustrate embodiments of the disclosed technology. The auxiliary equipment enclosure 61 can be removed downward from the motor-generator 66 to provide service access to the electrical connector receptacle 3 and to auxiliary equipment such as lubrication and control systems (not shown). Removal of the auxiliary equipment enclosure 61 from the motor-generator 66 is performed when the unit is raised to the top of the well 55 during maintenance. Figure 21 shows the equipment in an operating configuration where the electrical contacts are engaged and the protective cap is raised within the protective cap housing 79 in a retracted position. The terminal box 96 is mounted on a base plate 102 attached to anchor bolts 98. Compliance for mounting the base plate 102 of the terminal box 96 is achieved through shear-resistant rubber bearings 115 attached to the anchor bolts 98 using anchor bolt nuts 100 and 101. A flexible conduit connector 114 provides compliance so that the male connector 6 can adapt during engagement. Cables 29, 30, 31, and 32 are flexible and enter conduit 54 after passing through elbow 118. To avoid cluttering the diagram, only electrical cables 29, 30, 31, and 32 are shown within conduit 54. In reality, there can be a total of 20 power cables: 6 cables per phase plus 2 cables for the neutral terminal. This also applies to the diagram of cable 107 between electrical connector receptacle 3 and motor generator 66. Similarly, for electrical connector plug 6, only one of the 4 vertical busbars 116 is shown to avoid ambiguity of the structure. Electrical cable 107, of which only 2 out of approximately 20 are shown, does not need to be cut to achieve access. Three-phase power for equipment within the auxiliary equipment can be supplied through another conduit 109, which may or may not be located within conduit 54. Conduit 109 may be entirely flexible or may include a combination of rigid and flexible sections. Alternatively, the conduit 109 may consist of an embedded rigid portion of the conduit 109 connected to a flexible cable 121 sealed by a cable gland 123, as shown in the figure.The conduit 109 is connected to a vertical conduit 112 in the terminal box 96, which also serves as a tension member that bundles the alternating electrical terminals 44, the electrical insulator 46, and the primary side 119 of the transformer, where the three-phase (e.g., 480-volt) power cable inside the conduit 112 should terminate. A high-voltage rated insulating sleeve 122 is preferably fitted along the entire length of the rigid conduit 112. The internal conical surface 154 at the bottom of the electrical connector receptacle housing 83 presses against the external conical surface 124 of the electrical connector plug 6, causing the electrical connector receptacle 3 to be precisely aligned with the electrical connector plug 6. Alignment is facilitated by the compliance of the elastomer bearing 115 and the horizontal positioning effect of the shim 117.

[0038] In the configuration of the disclosed technology, an electrical connector plug 6 can be mounted on top of a waterproof terminal box 96, which has openings on each of its four vertical surfaces, preferably with removable waterproof access covers 103. One of these openings is used to connect conduits 54 for electrical cables, etc. The other three openings provide access to terminal blocks at the base of each vertical busbar. When the system is in use, the access covers 103 are fitted to these openings. The conduits 54 can be connected to the terminal box by flexible couplings to allow adjustment of the position and orientation of the terminal box relative to the conduits, which can be fixed and embedded in concrete. The terminal box and electrical connector plug 6 can be filled with dielectric gas or fluid for electrical insulation and cooling. The pressure inside the terminal box and male connector can be maintained slightly higher than the ambient water pressure to prevent water ingress through leakage. For this purpose, for example, a pressure equalizing membrane can be used.

[0039] Figure 22 shows an exploded view of the auxiliary equipment enclosure 61 and the electrical connector. This figure shows the electrical connector receptacle housing 83 separated from the auxiliary equipment enclosure and the electrical connector receptacle 3. The protective cap housing 79 also provides structural support for the electrical connector receptacle 3. The electrical cable 107 extends along the outside of the protective cap housing 79.

[0040] In the configuration of the disclosed technology, the electrical connector receptacle 3 can be enclosed in a rated-pressure waterproof enclosure, i.e., within the electrical connector receptacle housing 83. This configuration serves several purposes, including 1) preventing water from entering the auxiliary equipment enclosure when air (or other gas) pressure is lost, 2) providing a vacuum to dry the female connector when it is flooded with water, 3) establishing a pressure within the female connector that is different from the pressure within the auxiliary equipment enclosure, and 4) using a dielectric gas or liquid to withstand the high voltage within the electrical connector. This rated-pressure waterproof enclosure may include an extension for housing a protective cap 78. To facilitate maintenance of the electrical connector receptacle, wires, cables, hoses, fiber optic cables, etc., that must enter the enclosure can be supplied through a pressure-resistant gland 105 within the electrical connector receptacle housing 83. This bulkhead may include an O-ring gland for sealing to the male connector and a flange connection for sealing to a rated-pressure waterproof enclosure that can be lifted upward to facilitate service access to the female electrical connector. The enclosure for the protective cap may be configured to stay in place while allowing the rated-pressure waterproof enclosure to be lifted around it. As a result, the overhead space required above the female electrical connector is reduced.

[0041] In the disclosed technology configuration, sensors for water detection, humidity measurement, dielectric strength measurement, pressure measurement, temperature measurement, smoke detection, arc detection, acoustic monitoring, video imaging, and the like can be mounted on the electrical connector receptacle housing 83.

[0042] In the configuration of the disclosed technology, as can be seen with reference to Figures 20, 21, and 22, the auxiliary equipment enclosure 61 is configured to be removable downward from the pump-turbine assembly 64, thereby improving service access to the electrical connector receptacle 3 by providing virtually unobstructed service access to the electrical connector receptacle 3. This solution is particularly desirable when the diameter of the auxiliary equipment enclosure is small, resulting in little to no working space between the interior of the auxiliary equipment enclosure 61 and the electrical connector receptacle housing 83. In such a configuration, it is desirable to mount the auxiliary equipment at a height above the electrical connector receptacle housing 83, while supporting the auxiliary equipment with a structure fixed to the upper generator bulkhead. In this way, such auxiliary equipment can be left in place and simply connected when access to the electrical connector receptacle is required.

[0043] Figures 23a and 23b show sectioned perspective views of a portion of an electrical connector assembly illustrating the connection of one phase. Figure 23a shows an open or disconnected connector. Figure 23b shows a closed or connected connector. An electrical insulating bushing 46 isolates the electrical terminal 44. An O-ring 125 forms a seal between the insulator 46 and the terminal 44. The purpose of this seal is to contain the dielectric fluid or gas within the electrical connector plug 6 by blocking water in case water exceeds the protective cap. The O-ring also serves to center the insulating element 46 together with the electrical terminal 44 despite the radial gap that can be provided to allow for a high coefficient of thermal expansion of the electrical terminal 44 (likely made of copper or an alloy thereof) relative to the insulating bushing 46 (likely made of ceramic or glass).

[0044] The receptacle contact shoes 66 are actuated by a connecting actuator 91. The actuation serves two purposes: to move the contact shoes radially from a position without a protective cap to a position where they contact the electrical connector plug terminals, and to establish contact pressure essential for low-resistance contact and minimal heat generation.

[0045] The gap between the electrical connector plug 6 and the electrical connector receptacle 3 can be switched between the connector mating configuration shown in Figure 23b and the power transmission configuration shown in Figure 23a. The necessary configuration changes are made by the "inflatable actuator connection" 91 and the "inflatable actuator disconnection" 92, as well as the inflatable insulator 85. The inflatable connection actuator 91 generates uniform contact pressure over the entire arc length of each contact shoe. To achieve optimal contact pressure, the disconnection actuator 92 must be contracted when the connection actuator 91 expands. An inflatable insulator 85 can also be provided to achieve a higher dielectric breakdown voltage through a gas adjacent to the insulating bushing and to reduce the risk of ionized track (e.g., caused by incident ionizing radiation). The film of the inflatable insulator provides significant dielectric strength, but it can also be expanded with a dielectric gas such as SF6 to maximize dielectric strength. Typically, the inflatable insulator operates (expands) together with the connection actuator. The support tube 86 provides a surface on which the connecting actuator 91, the cutting actuator 92, and the inflatable insulator 85 react. The support tube 86 functions as a mounting surface for the actuators and the inflatable insulator, and also as a guide for the yoke 94 that electrically and mechanically connects the contact shoe 66 to the terminal block 95. The terminal block 95 is bolted or otherwise connected to the terminal block clamp 126 and the yoke reaction plates 93. The yoke reaction plates 93 are preferably made of insulating material. The terminal block cover 113 provides insulation between the terminal block clamp 126 and the electrical connector receptacle housing 83. The busbar 116 is attached to the electrical terminal 44 and extends downward into the terminal box 96, where the electrical cables 29, 30, 31, 32, etc., are connected. The other three (typical) busbars are not shown in the drawings to avoid cluttering them. Each busbar is preferably housed in an insulating bushing 127 (shown in Figure 17) for its entire length.

[0046] In the disclosed technology configuration, an expandable insulator 85 can be provided between the electrical connector support tube 86 and each electrical connector plug terminal 87 to achieve higher safety against dielectric breakdown without increasing the size of the device beyond the limits of available space. The presence of an expandable insulator in close contact with the surface of the male connector insulator increases the air gap distance that is affected by dielectric breakdown, for example, when an arc may be initiated by the incidence of ionizing radiation. Dielectric breakdown along the surface of the electrical connector plug 6 can also be similarly suppressed by its close contact with the expandable insulator.

[0047] Figures 24a and 24b show detailed diagrams of the electrical contact system. The contact shoe 66 is connected to the terminal block 95 via the yoke 94. The yoke reaction plate 93 is attached to the terminal block 95. The terminal block clamp 126 secures the generator cable 107 to the terminal block 95. The terminal block cover 113 provides insulation around the terminal block clamp 126.

[0048] The connector may include contacts for a neutral terminal in addition to contacts for each of the three phases, for example, when used with a star-connected motor generator. By adding contacts, it can also accommodate other connection configurations, such as for doubly-fed asynchronous motor generators. Radial operation of female connector contacts is desirable for several reasons, including: 1) It is undesirable to drag soft conductive materials such as gold or copper against potentially abrasive insulators such as ceramics. This can result in conductive particles adhering to a surface that should be insulating, making the surface conductive and potentially causing a short circuit. 2) Male connectors with protective caps are necessarily larger in diameter than the male connector itself. Therefore, an extra gap is required within the female connector to insert the male connector with protective caps. 3) High contact pressure within the electrical contacts minimizes contact resistance and heat generation, maximizing contact life and reliability. These requirements are met by further embodiments of the disclosed technology, namely, by providing annular expansion actuators for engaging and disengaging electrical contacts. The inflatable actuators preferably have a flat cross-section when contracted and a generally toroidal shape when expanded. They are preferably endless, i.e., they extend continuously 360 degrees around the connector without terminations or joints. Stress relief inserts can be incorporated to reduce stress on the elastomer during expansion. Hereinafter, the inflatable actuators for making contact will be referred to as "connecting actuators 91". In a preferred embodiment, these actuators exert an inward force directly on the outer diameter of the electrical receptacle contact 89 during expansion, while exerting an outward force on the inside of the receptacle support tube 86. Another annular inflatable actuator, referred to below as a cutting actuator 92, exerts an inward force on the outside of the receptacle support tube 86 during expansion, while exerting an outward force on each yoke reaction plate 93. The electrical receptacle contact 89 may be integrated with generally radial conductors forming the yoke 94.Each yoke 94 can incorporate a terminal block 95 connected to a yoke reaction plate 93. This arrangement allows all electrical receptacle contacts 89 within the electrical receptacle 3 to move radially inward or radially outward simultaneously as needed, using simple pneumatic control unaffected by high voltage.

[0049] Accordingly, according to one aspect of the disclosed technology, the water level inside the female connector can be kept under control by supplying pressurized air into the connector.

[0050] According to further embodiments of the disclosed technology, an electric cleaning brush can be provided for the purpose of cleaning the male connector assembly.

[0051] According to further embodiments of the disclosed technology, an integrated air knife can be incorporated for the purpose of removing excess water from either a male or female connector assembly.

[0052] According to further embodiments of the disclosed technology, inductive coupling can be provided to supply low-voltage power through the same connector used for high-voltage power, while avoiding the risk of introducing high voltage to low-voltage terminals.

[0053] In a further aspect of the disclosed technology, an optical data path or bus can be provided for transmitting signals without the risk of introducing high voltage into the data circuit.

[0054] According to further embodiments of the disclosed technology, a guide means can be provided for angularly aligning male and female connectors without applying significant force to the terminals of the connectors.

[0055] According to further embodiments of the disclosed technology, an elastomer bearing similar to the elastomer bridge bearing can be used to keep the male connector vertical while allowing the male connector to self-align with the female connector through shear deformation of the elastomer bridge bearing.

[0056] According to further embodiments of the disclosed technology, the male connector may remain housed within a sheath when not mated. Such a sheath may take the form of, for example, a telescoping assembly, bellows, or a folding membrane.

[0057] According to further embodiments of the disclosed technology, the male connector can be automatically covered with a protective cap when not mated.

[0058] According to further embodiments of the disclosed technology, water can be removed from such protective caps through pressurized air or other gases.

[0059] According to further embodiments of the disclosed technology, the interior of the male conductor can be filled with a dielectric fluid or gas.

[0060] According to further embodiments of the disclosed technology, the female connector can be filled with a dielectric fluid or gas. Such a dielectric fluid or gas may or may not fill the space between the male and female connectors. The dielectric fluid may be similar to transformer oil or may have a high melting point so that it solidifies and is easily recovered if it leaks into river water.

[0061] According to further aspects of the disclosed technology, an apparatus is provided for connecting a three-phase high-voltage circuit underwater, including a generally cylindrical male connector mating with a corresponding female connector, wherein the electrical contacts between the male and female connectors can be dried under vacuum and refilled with a dielectric gas or fluid.

[0062] According to further embodiments of the disclosed technology, drying under vacuum can be assisted by the operation of a heater.

[0063] According to further embodiments of the disclosed technology, the apparatus further includes magnetically assisted power coupling.

[0064] According to further embodiments of the disclosed technology, the apparatus further includes an optical data link.

[0065] According to further embodiments of the disclosed technology, the apparatus further includes magnetically assisted power coupling and an optical data link.

[0066] According to further embodiments of the disclosed technology, the apparatus is provided, further comprising a plurality of shear-resistant mounts that enable lateral alignment of male and female connectors while preventing angular misalignment of the male and female connectors.

[0067] According to further aspects of the disclosed technology, there is a device that can increase the contact pressure between mating contacts in the case of power transmission and decrease or eliminate it during mating and unmating of the connector.

[0068] A further aspect of the disclosed technology is provided, which can use pneumatic or gas pressure to suppress the water level inside a female connector in order to block water and debris from a disengaged female connector.

[0069] According to further embodiments of the disclosed technology, the apparatus is provided further comprising a rotating brush attached to a female connector, which can be used to clean a male connector before mating. The rotating brush can be driven by water, which also serves to remove dirt.

[0070] According to a further aspect of the disclosed technology, the apparatus is provided that can pump a dielectric fluid through a water scavenging device while the connector is transmitting power.

[0071] Accordingly, the disclosed technology relates to underwater connectors for high-voltage power, low-voltage power, electrical signals, and optical signals. This technology extends the capabilities of such connectors to higher power levels, such as 100 MW, than prior art, and also enhances reliability by adding an active water level control mechanism and an active cleaning mechanism to prevent the accumulation of hygroscopic fibers, for example, in the insulator. This technology includes male and female connector elements that can be mated and unmated while achieving current carrying capacities of several thousand amperes and withstand voltage capacities of tens of thousands of volts, combined with the ability to simultaneously provide low-voltage three-phase power connections of 480 volts AC at 100 amperes, for example, in combination with optical signal connections.

[0072] [Examples] The following are illustrative examples of the technologies disclosed. Specific configurations of these technologies may include one or more of the embodiments described below, or any combination thereof.

[0073] Embodiment 1 is an underwater high-voltage electrical connector comprising a female connector having an internal chamber and a conduit configured to connect the internal chamber to a discharge pump, and a male connector configured to fit within the chamber of the female connector, wherein the conduit of the female connector is further configured to substantially discharge any liquid from the chamber of the female connector when the male and female connectors are mated.

[0074] Embodiment 2 includes the electrical connector of Embodiment 1, wherein the conduit of the female connector is further configured to connect the chamber to a dielectric fluid supply source, and the conduit of the female connector is further configured to substantially fill the chamber of the female connector with dielectric fluid when the male and female connectors are mated.

[0075] Example 3 includes the electrical connector of Example 1 or 2, wherein the chamber of the female connector is substantially cylindrical and the male connector is substantially cylindrical.

[0076] Example 4 includes any of the electrical connectors from Examples 1 to 3, further comprising a three-phase transformer that inductively couples power between a male connector and a female connector.

[0077] Example 5 includes the electrical connector of Example 4, wherein the three-phase transformer includes one or more female connector coils configured to induce a magnetic field within the male connector core, within the female connector core, and across the dielectric gap.

[0078] Example 6 includes any of the electrical connectors from Examples 1 to 5, further comprising a bidirectional optical data link between a male connector and a female connector.

[0079] Example 7 includes an electrical connector of any of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the female connector further includes a rotating brush configured to remove debris from the male connector when the male connector is mated to the female connector.

[0080] Example 8 includes the electrical connector of Example 7, wherein the rotating brush is driven by an impulse turbine bucket driven by one or more water jets.

[0081] Example 9 includes the electrical connector of Example 7 or 8, wherein the rotating brush is located at the entrance to the internal chamber of the female connector.

[0082] Example 10 includes an electrical connector of any of Examples 1 to 9, further comprising an air knife configured to blow compressed air to remove water and debris from the male connector when the male connector is mated with the female connector.

[0083] Example 11 includes the electrical connector of Example 10, wherein the air knife is located at the entrance to the internal chamber of the female connector.

[0084] Embodiment 12 further includes an electrical terminal configured to substantially surround the male connector when the male connector is mated to the female connector, wherein the electrical terminal is configured to expand in a first configuration to reduce the contact pressure between the electrical terminal and the male connector during mating and unmating of the male and female connectors, and the electrical terminal is further configured to contract in a second configuration to increase the contact pressure between the electrical terminal and the male connector when the male and female connectors are mated. This includes an electrical connector of any of Embodiments 1 to 11.

[0085] Example 13 includes the electrical connector of Example 12, wherein the electrical terminal includes an expandable actuator configured to expand to transition the electrical terminal from a second configuration to a first configuration.

[0086] Example 14 includes the electrical connector of Example 13, wherein an expandable actuator is configured to contract to transition the electrical terminal from a first configuration to a second configuration, and the electrical terminal also includes a spring configured to transition the electrical terminal from a first configuration to a second configuration.

[0087] Example 15 includes an electrical connector of any of Examples 1 to 14, further comprising a protective cap configured to move so as to substantially cover the electrical terminals of the male connector when the male connector is not mated to the female connector, and to expose the electrical terminals of the male connector when the male connector is mated to the female connector.

[0088] Embodiment 16 is a pump-turbine-motor generator assembly comprising a pump-turbine, a motor generator, and a submersible electrical connector, wherein the pump-turbine is configured to operate as a pump when fluid passes through the pump-turbine in a first direction and as a turbine when fluid passes through the pump-turbine in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the motor generator is configured to operate as a motor driving the pump-turbine when fluid flows through the pump-turbine in a first direction and as a generator when fluid flows through the pump-turbine in a second direction, the submersible electrical connector is configured to transmit power between the motor generator and an electrical contact outside the pump-turbine-motor generator assembly, the electrical connector includes a female connector having an internal chamber and a conduit configured to connect the internal chamber to a discharge pump, and a male connector configured to fit within the chamber of the female connector, the conduit of the female connector being further configured to substantially discharge any liquid from the chamber of the female connector when the male and female connectors are mated.

[0089] Example 17 includes the pump-turbine-motor generator assembly of Example 16, wherein the conduit of the female connector is further configured to connect the chamber to a dielectric fluid supply source, and the conduit of the female connector is further configured to substantially fill the chamber of the female connector with dielectric fluid when the male and female connectors are mated.

[0090] Example 18 includes the pump-turbine-motor generator assembly of Example 16 or 17, further comprising a three-phase transformer that inductively couples power between a male connector and a female connector.

[0091] Example 19 includes a pump-turbine-motor generator assembly according to any of Examples 16-18, further comprising a bidirectional optical data link between a male connector and a female connector.

[0092] Example 20 includes a pump-turbine-motor generator assembly according to any of Examples 16-19, wherein the female connector further includes a rotating brush driven by an impulse turbine bucket, the rotating brush being configured to remove debris from the male connector when the male connector is mated to the female connector.

[0093] Example 21 includes a pump-turbine-motor generator assembly according to any one of Examples 16 to 21, further comprising an air knife configured to blow compressed air to remove water and debris from the male connector when the male connector is mated to the female connector.

[0094] Embodiment 22 further includes an electrical terminal configured to substantially surround the male connector when the male connector is mated to the female connector, wherein the electrical terminal is configured to expand in a first configuration to reduce the contact pressure between the electrical terminal and the male connector during mating and unmating of the male and female connectors, and the electrical terminal is further configured to contract in a second configuration to increase the contact pressure between the electrical terminal and the male connector when the male and female connectors are mated. This embodiment includes a pump-turbine-motor generator assembly according to any one of Embodiments 16 to 21.

[0095] Example 23 includes a pump-turbine-motor generator assembly according to any of Examples 16 to 22, further comprising a protective cap configured to move so as to substantially cover the electrical terminals of the male connector when the male connector is not mated to the female connector, and to expose the electrical terminals of the male connector when the male connector is mated to the female connector.

[0096] Example 24 includes a pump-turbine-motor generator assembly from any of Examples 16 to 23, wherein the male connector is attached to a fixed surface through at least three bridge bearing supports, and each bridge bearing support comprises alternating layers of metal discs and elastomer discs.

[0097] *****

[0098] The versions of the subject matter disclosed above have many advantages described or that are obvious to those skilled in the art. However, not all of these advantages or features are necessary in all versions of the disclosed apparatus, system, or method.

[0099] Furthermore, this specification refers to certain features. The disclosures herein should be understood to include all possible combinations of these features. For example, if a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular configuration, this feature may be used in the context of other configurations as much as possible.

[0100] Furthermore, where this application refers to a method having two or more specified steps or operations, these specified steps or operations may be performed in any order or simultaneously, unless the possibility is ruled out by the context.

[0101] Furthermore, where the term "comprises" and its grammatical equivalents are used in this application, it means that there may be other components, features, steps, processes, operations, etc. For example, an article "comprises" components A, B, and C may consist only of components A, B, and C, or it may consist of components A, B, and C along with one or more other components.

[0102] Furthermore, directions such as "vertical," "horizontal," "up," and "down" are used for convenience, referring to the views shown in the drawings. However, the disclosed technology may have various orientations in actual use. Therefore, features labeled vertical, horizontal, up, or down in the drawings may not necessarily have the same orientation or direction in all actual uses.

[0103] While specific structural examples have been provided for illustrative purposes, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without deviating from the purpose and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A submersible high-voltage electrical connector, A female connector having an internal chamber and a conduit configured to connect the internal chamber to a discharge pump, A male connector configured to fit inside the chamber of the female connector, Equipped with, The conduit of the female connector is further configured to substantially drain any liquid from the chamber of the female connector when the male connector and the female connector are mated together. The female connector further includes a rotating brush configured to remove debris from the male connector when the male connector is mated with the female connector. Underwater high-voltage electrical connector.

2. The rotating brush is driven by an impulse turbine bucket driven by one or more water jets. The electrical connector according to claim 1.

3. The rotating brush is located at the entrance to the internal chamber of the female connector. The electrical connector according to claim 1.

4. A submersible high-voltage electrical connector, A female connector having an internal chamber and a conduit configured to connect the internal chamber to a discharge pump, A male connector configured to fit inside the chamber of the female connector, Equipped with, The conduit of the female connector is further configured to substantially drain any liquid from the chamber of the female connector when the male connector and the female connector are mated together. The female connector further includes an air knife configured to blow compressed air to remove water and debris from the male connector when the male connector is mated with the female connector. Underwater high-voltage electrical connector.

5. The air knife is located at the entrance to the internal chamber of the female connector. The electrical connector according to claim 4.

6. A submersible high-voltage electrical connector, A female connector having an internal chamber and a conduit configured to connect the internal chamber to a discharge pump, A male connector configured to fit inside the chamber of the female connector, Equipped with, The conduit of the female connector is further configured to substantially drain any liquid from the chamber of the female connector when the male connector and the female connector are mated together. The female connector further includes an electrical terminal configured to substantially surround the male connector when the male connector is mated to the female connector, wherein the electrical terminal is configured in a first configuration to expand its outer circumference to reduce the contact pressure between the electrical terminal and the male connector during mating and unmating of the male and female connectors, and the electrical terminal is further configured in a second configuration to contract its outer circumference to increase the contact pressure between the electrical terminal and the male connector when the male and female connectors are mated. Underwater high-voltage electrical connector.

7. The electrical terminal includes an expandable actuator configured to expand the electrical terminal to transition it from the second configuration to the first configuration. The electrical connector according to claim 6.

8. The expandable actuator is configured to contract in order to move the electrical terminal from the first configuration to the second configuration, and the electrical terminal also includes a spring configured to move the electrical terminal from the first configuration to the second configuration. The electrical connector according to claim 7.

9. A submersible high-voltage electrical connector, A female connector having an internal chamber and a conduit configured to connect the internal chamber to a discharge pump, A male connector configured to fit inside the chamber of the female connector, Equipped with, The conduit of the female connector is further configured to substantially drain any liquid from the chamber of the female connector when the male connector and the female connector are mated together. The male connector further includes a protective cap configured to move to substantially cover the electrical terminals of the male connector when the male connector is not mated to the female connector, and to expose the electrical terminals of the male connector when the male connector is mated to the female connector. Underwater high-voltage electrical connector.

10. A pump-turbine-electric generator assembly, Pump-turbine and, Electric generator and, Underwater electrical connector and Equipped with, The pump-turbine is configured to operate as a pump when the fluid passes through it in a first direction, and as a turbine when the fluid passes through it in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The motor-generator is configured to operate as a motor that drives the pump-turbine when the fluid flows through the pump-turbine in the first direction, and to operate as a generator when the fluid flows through the pump-turbine in the second direction. The underwater electrical connector is configured to transmit power between the motor-generator and an electrical contact located outside the pump-turbine-motor-generator assembly. The aforementioned electrical connector is A female connector having an internal chamber and a conduit configured to connect the internal chamber to a discharge pump, A male connector configured to fit inside the chamber of the female connector, The conduit of the female connector is further configured to substantially drain any liquid from the chamber of the female connector when the male connector and the female connector are mated together. The female connector further includes a rotating brush driven by an impulse turbine bucket, the rotating brush being configured to remove debris from the male connector when the male connector is mated with the female connector. Pump-turbine-electric generator assembly.

11. A pump-turbine-electric generator assembly, Pump-turbine and, Electric generator and, Underwater electrical connector and Equipped with, The pump-turbine is configured to operate as a pump when the fluid passes through it in a first direction, and as a turbine when the fluid passes through it in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The motor-generator is configured to operate as a motor that drives the pump-turbine when the fluid flows through the pump-turbine in the first direction, and to operate as a generator when the fluid flows through the pump-turbine in the second direction. The underwater electrical connector is configured to transmit power between the motor-generator and an electrical contact located outside the pump-turbine-motor-generator assembly. The aforementioned electrical connector is A female connector having an internal chamber and a conduit configured to connect the internal chamber to a discharge pump, A male connector configured to fit inside the chamber of the female connector, The conduit of the female connector is further configured to substantially drain any liquid from the chamber of the female connector when the male connector and the female connector are mated together. The female connector further includes an air knife configured to blow compressed air to remove water and debris from the male connector when the male connector is mated with the female connector. Pump-turbine-electric generator assembly.

12. A pump-turbine-electric generator assembly, Pump-turbine and, Electric generator and, Underwater electrical connector and Equipped with, The pump-turbine is configured to operate as a pump when the fluid passes through it in a first direction, and as a turbine when the fluid passes through it in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The motor-generator is configured to operate as a motor that drives the pump-turbine when the fluid flows through the pump-turbine in the first direction, and to operate as a generator when the fluid flows through the pump-turbine in the second direction. The underwater electrical connector is configured to transmit power between the motor-generator and an electrical contact located outside the pump-turbine-motor-generator assembly. The aforementioned electrical connector is A female connector having an internal chamber and a conduit configured to connect the internal chamber to a discharge pump, A male connector configured to fit inside the chamber of the female connector, The conduit of the female connector is further configured to substantially drain any liquid from the chamber of the female connector when the male connector and the female connector are mated together. The female connector further includes an electrical terminal configured to substantially surround the male connector when the male connector is mated to the female connector, wherein the electrical terminal is configured in a first configuration to expand its outer circumference to reduce the contact pressure between the electrical terminal and the male connector during mating and unmating of the male and female connectors, and the electrical terminal is further configured in a second configuration to contract its outer circumference to increase the contact pressure between the electrical terminal and the male connector when the male and female connectors are mated. Pump-turbine-electric generator assembly.

13. A pump-turbine-electric generator assembly, Pump-turbine and, Electric generator and, Underwater electrical connector and Equipped with, The pump-turbine is configured to operate as a pump when the fluid passes through it in a first direction, and as a turbine when the fluid passes through it in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The motor-generator is configured to operate as a motor that drives the pump-turbine when the fluid flows through the pump-turbine in the first direction, and to operate as a generator when the fluid flows through the pump-turbine in the second direction. The underwater electrical connector is configured to transmit power between the motor-generator and an electrical contact located outside the pump-turbine-motor-generator assembly. The aforementioned electrical connector is A female connector having an internal chamber and a conduit configured to connect the internal chamber to a discharge pump, A male connector configured to fit inside the chamber of the female connector, The conduit of the female connector is further configured to substantially drain any liquid from the chamber of the female connector when the male connector and the female connector are mated together. The male connector further includes a protective cap configured to move to substantially cover the electrical terminals of the male connector when the male connector is not mated to the female connector, and to expose the electrical terminals of the male connector when the male connector is mated to the female connector. Pump-turbine-electric generator assembly.

14. A pump-turbine-electric generator assembly, Pump-turbine and, Electric generator and, Underwater electrical connector and Equipped with, The pump-turbine is configured to operate as a pump when the fluid passes through it in a first direction, and as a turbine when the fluid passes through it in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The motor-generator is configured to operate as a motor that drives the pump-turbine when the fluid flows through the pump-turbine in the first direction, and to operate as a generator when the fluid flows through the pump-turbine in the second direction. The underwater electrical connector is configured to transmit power between the motor-generator and an electrical contact located outside the pump-turbine-motor-generator assembly. The aforementioned electrical connector is A female connector having an internal chamber and a conduit configured to connect the internal chamber to a discharge pump, A male connector configured to fit inside the chamber of the female connector, The conduit of the female connector is further configured to substantially drain any liquid from the chamber of the female connector when the male connector and the female connector are mated together. The male connector is attached to the stationary surface through at least three bridge bearing supports, each of which comprises alternating layers of metal discs and elastomer discs. Pump-turbine-electric generator assembly.

Images