Offshore monitoring system, in particular for an offshore energy production system

Abstract

The invention relates to an offshore monitoring system, in particular for an offshore energy production system, comprising at least one monitoring device which is connected to a first submarine cable running in an offshore area and at least one second submarine cable running in the offshore area, wherein the first submarine cable comprises at least one first optical waveguide, and the second submarine cable comprises at least one second optical waveguide. The monitoring device comprises at least one measuring module which is at least designed to measure a first measurement signal of the first optical waveguide and a second measurement signal of the second optical waveguide, and the monitoring device comprises at least one detection module which is at least designed to detect a first signal pattern of the first measurement signal and a second signal pattern of the second measurement signal. The monitoring device also comprises at least one detection module which is designed to determine a watercraft data set of a watercraft on the basis of the detected first signal pattern and the detected second signal pattern, said watercraft data set containing at least one piece of position information of the watercraft.

Description

[0001] Offshore monitoring system, in particular for an offshore energy production system

[0002] The invention relates to an offshore monitoring system, in particular for an offshore energy production system. Furthermore, the invention relates to an offshore energy production system, a monitoring method, and a computer program.

[0003] Nowadays, energy generation systems based on so-called renewable energy sources are increasingly being used to provide electrical energy. Electrical energy generation systems comprise at least one energy generation device, preferably a plurality of energy generation devices.

[0004] For example, wind energy systems or wind farms with at least one wind turbine as the power generation device are used as electrical energy generation systems. A wind turbine is designed specifically to convert kinetic wind energy into electrical energy. In addition to wind energy systems or wind farms, photovoltaic systems or photovoltaic parks are also increasingly being installed as electrical energy generation systems, which generally employ a plurality of photovoltaic modules for electrical energy generation. Furthermore, hydrogen production systems designed to produce hydrogen are increasingly being installed. These systems can also be combined with one another.

[0005] Such energy generation systems are found not only at onshore locations, but increasingly also at offshore locations. There are many reasons for choosing an offshore location: For example, the available space on land may be limited. Furthermore, it has been shown that energy yields can be increased, for example, in wind farms. Offshore locations are typically characterized by relatively consistent wind conditions and high average wind speeds, so that, for example, so-called offshore wind energy systems or offshore wind farms are increasingly being built. Offshore photovoltaic parks, for example, can be installed due to space constraints.

[0006] Typically, an offshore energy generation system or offshore energy generation farm comprises a plurality of offshore structures, such as a plurality of offshore wind turbines and at least one offshore substation. Furthermore, an offshore energy generation system may include at least one onshore structure, such as an onshore substation. An offshore wind farm can be electrically connected via the offshore substation, for example, to the onshore substation or another offshore substation or offshore converter station.

[0007] An onshore substation, in turn, can be connected to a public power grid. To transmit electrical energy between two offshore structures, or between an offshore structure and an onshore structure, or between two onshore structures, energy cables in the form of (dynamic) submarine energy cables are laid between the aforementioned structures. In other offshore energy generation systems, such as an offshore photovoltaic farm and / or an offshore hydrogen production farm, each with a plurality of offshore structures and in particular at least one onshore structure, a plurality of submarine energy cables and / or fluid lines can also be laid between the plurality of offshore structures of an offshore energy generation system and / or at least one offshore structure and an onshore structure of the offshore energy generation system.

[0008] For safety reasons, such as to protect against damage, a protection zone or safety area is usually provided around an offshore energy generation system. This geographical safety area (e.g., defined by geographical coordinates) specifically represents an area into which watercraft are not permitted to enter (unless they are authorized to do so). However, in practice, it has been shown that watercraft, such as fishing boats, fishing trawlers, sailing vessels, motor yachts, etc., repeatedly enter the safety area of ​​an offshore energy generation system without permission.In addition to the risk of a collision with an offshore structure, there is also the risk that damage may occur, for example, to a submarine cable and / or a fluid line laid, as a result of a vessel anchoring in the safety area or of nets deployed in the safety area.

[0009] Therefore, the object of the invention is to create a possibility with which the disadvantages of the prior art can be at least reduced and in particular the risk of damage to an offshore energy generation system or the like can be at least reduced.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by an offshore monitoring system, in particular for an offshore energy production system. The offshore monitoring system comprises at least one monitoring device connected to a first submarine cable running in an offshore area and to at least one second submarine cable running in the offshore area, wherein the first submarine cable comprises at least one first optical fiber and the second submarine cable comprises at least one second optical fiber. The monitoring device comprises at least one measuring module. The measuring module is configured at least to measure a first measurement signal of the first optical fiber and to measure a second measurement signal of the second optical fiber. The monitoring device comprises at least one detection module.The detection module is configured to detect at least a first signal pattern of the first measurement signal and a second signal pattern of the second measurement signal. The monitoring device comprises at least one detection module. The detection module is configured to determine a watercraft data set of a watercraft based on the detected first signal pattern, the detected second signal pattern, and preferably at least one predefined reference criterion. The determined watercraft data set contains at least one position indication of the watercraft.

[0011] By providing, in contrast to the prior art, an offshore monitoring system with a monitoring device, in which vessel traffic in a defined offshore area is monitored by the at least two submarine cables laid in this offshore area by evaluating detected signal patterns (e.g., based on at least one predefined reference criterion), the disadvantages of the prior art are at least reduced and, in particular, the risk of damage to an offshore energy generation system or the like is at least reduced. In particular, a high evaluation quality can be provided by evaluating two measurement signals from two submarine cables, particularly those laid adjacent to each other (e.g., maximum distance between 1 m and 10 km, preferably between 1 m and 1 km). In particular, large-scale tracking of ships or the like can be achieved. The detection probability can be increased.

[0012] The offshore monitoring system is particularly configured to monitor vessel traffic in a defined offshore area. Preferably, an offshore energy production system can be located at least partially within the defined offshore area. It is understood that other defined offshore areas can also be monitored (independently of an offshore energy production system). The offshore area or the geographical extent of the offshore area can be defined, in particular, by the route of the at least two submarine cables. As will be described below, preferably three or more submarine cables can be used. The at least two submarine cables can run adjacent to one another, at least in sections. The maximum distance between two adjacent submarine cables in the monitored, defined offshore area can be between 1 m and 10 km, preferably between 1 m and 1 km.

[0013] In this case, a submarine cable comprises at least one optical fiber. The at least one optical fiber serves, in particular, as a (linear) monitoring sensor. The at least one optical fiber may comprise at least one optical fiber, which may be enclosed by a sheath. Additional optical fiber elements may be present in an optical fiber.

[0014] The first submarine cable, in particular the first optical fiber of the first submarine cable, and at least the second submarine cable, in particular the second optical fiber of the second submarine cable, are connected to a monitoring device. The monitoring device can be formed, for example, by at least one computing device or data processing device with at least one processor configured to execute software modules or computer code.

[0015] The monitoring device comprises at least one measuring module. The measuring module is configured to measure or record (optical) measurement signals. In particular, at least a first (optical) measurement signal provided by the first optical fiber and a second (optical) measurement signal provided by the second optical fiber can each be measured or recorded (preferably at least almost continuously). In particular, an optical measurement signal can be location-dependent and time-dependent and, in particular, represent sound waves and / or vibrations impinging on the optical fiber (spatially resolved).

[0016] The at least two measured measurement signals from two different submarine cables can be provided to an acquisition module for further processing. The acquisition module can acquire or determine a first signal pattern (e.g., a frequency signal pattern or spectrum) from the first measurement signal (e.g., by applying a Fourier transform or the like to the first measurement signal) and acquire or determine at least one second signal pattern (e.g., a frequency signal pattern or spectrum) from the second measurement signal (e.g., by applying a Fourier transform or the like to the second measurement signal).

[0017] The at least two detected signal patterns of two different measurement signals can be provided to a detection module for further processing. The detection module is configured to detect a watercraft in the defined offshore area. In particular, the detection module can determine at least the position information (e.g., in the form of geographical coordinates, such as GPS coordinates or the like) of the watercraft. In particular, the detection module is configured to determine a watercraft data set containing at least the aforementioned position information. According to the invention, the aforementioned determination is carried out at least by evaluating the detected first signal pattern and the detected second signal pattern.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the detection module can be configured to determine the watercraft data set of a watercraft based on the detected first signal pattern, the detected second signal pattern and at least one predetermined reference criterion.

[0019] The reference criterion, which can be stored, for example, in a database of the monitoring device, can in particular contain information with which it can be checked whether the first signal pattern and the second signal pattern were caused by a watercraft. Based on the described location dependence of a respective measurement signal, the position information of the detected watercraft can be determined. In the case of two submarine cables, the position information can be determined in particular by determining a point of intersection of the straight lines perpendicular to the location (foot point of the straight line) and / or area of ​​the respective signal maximum of the respective signal pattern. In particular, it has been recognized that the distance between two submarine cables is inversely proportional to the signal amplitude of a frequency (e.g. frequency decomposition using, for example, Fourier).

[0020] By evaluating at least two signal patterns from two different or separate submarine cables, a vessel in the defined offshore area can be detected and its position determined with particularly high reliability. Reliable monitoring of a defined offshore area can be provided.

[0021] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the offshore monitoring system according to the invention, the monitoring device can be a Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) monitoring device or can be configured according to DAS technology. In particular, a DAS monitoring device can be configured to couple light, in particular in the form of light pulses, into the respective optical fiber of the respective submarine cable. Changes and / or general characteristics in the respective optical measurement signal received by the measuring module are in particular reactions to acoustic activities in the vicinity of the respective submarine cable. The optical reactions are in particular characteristic of the respective acoustic source. In particular, when a watercraft passes by a submarine cable, this change is characteristic of the watercraft, which is reflected in particular in a signal pattern of the measurement signal.Particularly reliable monitoring can be provided.

[0022] The measuring module can comprise a generator and a measuring element. The generator can couple an optical signal (e.g., light, EM wave, laser) into the optical fiber. The measuring element can detect the reflected optical signal (e.g., light, EM wave, laser), which can be evaluated, in particular, by an evaluation element. According to a preferred embodiment of the offshore monitoring system according to the invention, a first monitoring device can be located at a first end of the optical fiber and a second monitoring device can be located at the other end of the optical fiber. In particular, it has been recognized that this can increase the quality and / or the possible measuring distance.

[0023] According to a further preferred embodiment of the offshore monitoring system according to the invention, the offshore monitoring system can comprise at least one amplifier device. Particularly in the case of long optical fibers, at least one amplifier device can be arranged on the optical fiber, configured to amplify the respective signal. During operation, the amplifier device can be located underwater. In particular, it has been recognized that this can increase the quality and / or the possible measurement distance.

[0024] In yet further embodiments of the offshore monitoring system according to the invention, the offshore monitoring system can comprise at least one third monitoring device. Particularly in the case of long optical fibers, at least one third monitoring device can be configured to transmit a signal and evaluate a measurement signal, as described. Upon renewed signal transmission and evaluation by a third monitoring device, the measurement result can be transmitted by the third monitoring device to the (first) monitoring device via at least one additional existing optical fiber (or a corresponding fiber) to one end of the optical fiber.

[0025] During operation, the amplifier device can be located underwater. It has been recognized, in particular, that this can increase the quality and / or the possible measurement distance.

[0026] According to a further embodiment of the offshore monitoring system according to the invention, the reference criterion can comprise at least one signal reference pattern of a watercraft. A signal reference pattern (in particular a frequency reference pattern or frequency spectrum reference pattern) is in particular a signal pattern that is characteristic of a watercraft. A frequency reference pattern can in particular have a defined amplitude curve and / or lie in a defined frequency band. In particular, the at least one signal reference pattern can be a watercraft-type-specific signal reference pattern that is characteristic of a particular watercraft type and / or a group of watercraft(s). The detection module can be configured at least to compare the first signal pattern with the at least one signal reference pattern and to compare the second signal pattern with the at least one signal reference pattern.In particular, a comparison can be used to determine whether a detected signal pattern substantially corresponds to a (stored) signal reference pattern. The detection module can be configured to determine the vessel data set based on comparing the first signal pattern with the at least one signal reference pattern and comparing the second signal pattern with the at least one signal reference pattern.

[0027] For example, the detection module can detect a watercraft in the defined offshore area if it is determined that the detected signal pattern, in particular at least both the detected first signal pattern and the detected second signal pattern, substantially corresponds to the signal reference pattern. In other words, in this case, it can be determined that the reference criterion is met. As described, a watercraft data record can then be determined. If a detected signal pattern does not substantially correspond to the at least one signal reference pattern, it can be concluded, for example, that the cause of the change in light reflection is not a watercraft or originates from an unknown watercraft.

[0028] According to a further embodiment of the offshore monitoring system, the detection module can be configured to receive at least one vessel reference parameter provided by an automatic identification system. In other words, the detection module can access an automatic identification system (also referred to as an automatic identification system (AIS)). An automatic identification system is, in particular, a radio system in which vessel parameters of vessels (with corresponding transponders) are (centrally) recorded, such as vessel speed, vessel direction of movement, vessel type, etc. In the prior art, an automatic identification system is used, for example, for collision prevention of vessels.

[0029] At least one of these vessel parameters can be provided to the detection module by the automatic identification system. The detection module can be configured to determine the vessel data set, additionally based on the at least one received vessel reference parameter. In particular, at least the position information of the detected vessel can be linked and / or verified with the additional vessel reference parameter. Monitoring of the defined offshore area can be further improved.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the offshore monitoring system according to the invention, the offshore monitoring system can comprise at least one signal reference pattern database. A plurality of different signal reference pattern data sets can be stored in the signal reference pattern database as reference criteria. Each signal reference pattern data set can contain at least one (vessel type-specific) signal reference pattern and a vessel type associated with this signal reference pattern.

[0031] In particular, the detection module can access the signal reference pattern database to determine the vessel data set of a vessel detected in the defined offshore area. In particular, the first signal pattern and the second signal pattern can be compared with the at least two stored (vessel type-specific) signal reference patterns.

[0032] For example, the detection module can detect a watercraft of a specific watercraft type in the defined offshore area if it is determined that the detected signal pattern, in particular at least both the detected first signal pattern and the detected second signal pattern, substantially corresponds to one of the plurality of signal reference patterns. By determining the watercraft type, in particular in addition to the position information, the risk posed by this watercraft, for example for an offshore energy production system, can be estimated even better. In particular, the risk of damage can be different for a first watercraft type (e.g. fishing trawler) and a second watercraft type (motor yacht). For example, a fishing net on a fishing trawler can pose a greater risk than an anchor on a motor yacht.

[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment of the offshore monitoring system according to the invention, the offshore monitoring system can comprise a generation module. The generation module can be configured to generate a signal reference pattern data set based at least on a first signal pattern of a first measurement signal measured during a passage of a watercraft of a known watercraft type and a second signal pattern of the second measurement signal measured during the passage of the watercraft of the known watercraft type.

[0034] A generated signal reference pattern data set, in particular a database containing a plurality of generated signal reference pattern data sets, can preferably be made available to at least one further monitoring device. The at least one further monitoring device can thereby be enabled to detect a corresponding watercraft type without these monitoring devices having (ever) previously detected or measured a corresponding watercraft by the further monitoring device.

[0035] The known vessel type can be received, in particular, by the detection module (e.g., via a communications network) from an automatic identification system as a vessel reference parameter. Alternatively or additionally, in a test phase, a plurality of known vessel types, i.e., each of which has a known vessel type, can travel through the defined offshore area. In particular, the reference signal pattern can be generated from the first signal pattern detected in the test phase or learning phase and the second signal pattern detected. The known vessel type of the vessel that caused this reference signal pattern can be assigned to this reference signal pattern. In particular, the signal reference pattern database can be created (in a learning phase and / or during operation). Monitoring can be continuously improved.In particular, new types of watercraft can also be recorded during operation.

[0036] As already described, learning can continue during operation. In particular, continuous learning and thus improving data set quality can be achieved by repeatedly detecting and / or measuring a similarly constructed vessel by the detection module. Artificial intelligence or machine learning, e.g., in the form of neural networks, can be used for this purpose.

[0037] Furthermore, according to a further embodiment of the offshore monitoring system according to the invention, the detection module can be configured to determine the vessel data set further comprising at least one vessel parameter selected from the group comprising:

[0038] Vessel speed, vessel direction of movement, vessel type.

[0039] As already described, the detection module can, for example, determine the vessel type based on the signal reference pattern database. Due to the spatial and temporal dependence of the optical measurement signals from different submarine cables, the vessel speed and / or the vessel's direction of movement can be determined, in particular calculated (based on DAS technology). By determining the vessel type, the vessel's direction of movement, and preferably the vessel speed, in particular in addition to the position information, the risk posed by this vessel, for example, to an offshore energy production system or another system, can be even more accurately assessed.

[0040] As already described, two or more submarine cables can be used. According to a further embodiment of the offshore monitoring system according to the invention, the monitoring device can be connected to at least a third submarine cable. The third submarine cable can comprise a third optical fiber. The measuring module can be configured to measure at least a third measurement signal from the third optical fiber. The acquisition module can be configured to acquire at least a third signal pattern of the third measurement signal. The detection module can be configured to determine the vessel data set, additionally based on the acquired third signal pattern. Further submarine cables can be connected in a corresponding manner. In principle, the at least two submarine cables can originate from different systems, such as different offshore energy production systems.

[0041] For example, the offshore monitoring system may comprise at least the first submarine cable and the second submarine cable, preferably each submarine cable connected to the monitoring device. According to a further embodiment of the offshore monitoring system according to the invention, the monitoring device may comprise at least one output module. The output module may be configured to output the specific vessel data set. For example, the output module may be a transmission module for transmitting a corresponding vessel data set to one or more receivers (e.g., a user's terminal device) (via a communications network). In particular, a vessel data set may be transmitted to a receiver to cause the vessel data set to be displayed by a user interface (e.g., visual display, loudspeaker, etc.) of the receiver (e.g., a user's terminal device).Alternatively or additionally, the output module can be a user interface of the monitoring device (e.g. optical display, loudspeaker, etc.).

[0042] According to a further preferred embodiment of the offshore monitoring system according to the invention, the monitoring device can comprise at least one evaluation module. The evaluation module can be configured to evaluate at least the position information of the watercraft based on at least one geographical reference area criterion. The reference area criterion can, in particular, comprise a geographical safety area (e.g., defined by geographical coordinates), for example, of an offshore energy production system. Preferably, at least one further watercraft parameter can be evaluated by the evaluation module, such as the watercraft speed, the watercraft direction of movement, and / or the watercraft type.The monitoring device can comprise at least one alarm module configured to output an alarm message (only) upon determining that the position information of the watercraft satisfies the geographical reference area criterion. In one (simple) case, the reference area criterion can be satisfied if, based on the position information of the watercraft, it is determined that the detected watercraft is located in the geographical safety area. In another case, the reference area criterion can be satisfied if, based on an evaluation of the (current) position information, the (current) watercraft speed, and the (current) watercraft direction of movement, it emerges that (while maintaining the (current) watercraft speed and the (current) watercraft direction of movement), the watercraft will enter the geographical safety area.In other cases, the type of vessel may also be taken into account.

[0043] The alarm module can transmit an alarm message, at least if, and preferably only if, it is determined that the reference area criterion is met. For example, the alarm module can transmit an alarm message to the detected vessel (e.g., via a standard radio channel) to inform the vessel that it has entered or is about to enter a geographical safety area. Alternatively or additionally, an alarm message can be sent to the operator of the offshore energy production system and / or an official entity that a vessel has entered or is about to enter a geographical safety area. In particular, this can prevent damage and, in particular, reduce the corresponding risk.

[0044] A submarine cable, also referred to as an underwater cable, can be a submarine cable whose sole function is to monitor a defined offshore area. Alternatively, the submarine cable can be a telecommunications cable or data cable comprising at least one optical fiber, in particular a plurality of optical fibers. At least one of this plurality of optical fibers can be used (additionally) to detect acoustic signals, as described. According to a preferred embodiment of the offshore monitoring system according to the invention, a (first, second, etc.) submarine cable can be a submarine power cable in the form of a medium-voltage submarine cable (in particular between 3 kV and 30 kV) or a high-voltage submarine cable. The submarine power cable (60 kV to 110 kV) can comprise at least one phase conductor. The submarine power cable can, in particular, be an already installed submarine power cable and / or a submarine power cable yet to be installed.The at least one phase conductor can be configured to transmit electrical energy.

[0045] The power capacity of a submarine energy cable is preferably between 3 MW and 2.5 GW. For example, a submarine energy cable can be laid between two offshore structures, or between an offshore structure and an onshore structure, or between two onshore structures. The submarine energy cable can be at least partially buried in the underwater bed and / or at least partially supported on the underwater bed and / or at least partially suspended in the water (by means of a float).

[0046] A submarine energy cable can comprise at least one phase conductor for transmitting electrical energy, preferably three phase conductors. Furthermore, a plurality of optical fibers can preferably be integrated. In addition to the sensor function, an optical fiber can also be used for data transmission. It is understood that a submarine energy cable can comprise additional cable elements, such as at least one insulation layer, at least one shielding layer, at least one armor layer, an outer sheath, filler material, and / or the like.

[0047] According to a further embodiment of the offshore monitoring system according to the invention, a (first, second, etc.) optical fiber can, in particular, comprise at least optical fibers with attenuation values ​​in the wavelength range of approximately 1550 nm in the range of up to 0.25 dB / km, and in particular of up to 0.15 dB / km or up to 0.144 dB / km. Furthermore, optical fiber connection technologies using connectors or, in particular, splicing technologies can preferably be used. These technologies can have attenuation values ​​in the wavelength range of approximately 1550 nm in the range of up to 0.25 dB, and in particular of up to 0.1 dB or up to 0.06 dB.

[0048] A corresponding optical fiber is particularly suitable for the detection of watercraft and provides particularly good detection results.

[0049] Another aspect of the invention is an offshore energy production system (as described above) comprising at least one offshore structure. The offshore energy production system includes at least one offshore monitoring system as described above.

[0050] Typically, an offshore energy generation system comprises a large number of offshore structures, such as a large number of offshore wind turbines and at least one offshore substation, via which an offshore wind farm is electrically connected, for example, to an onshore substation or another offshore substation or offshore converter station.

[0051] An onshore substation, in turn, can be connected to a public power grid. To transmit electrical energy between two offshore structures, or between an offshore structure and an onshore structure, power cables in the form of (dynamic) submarine power cables are laid between the aforementioned structures.

[0052] Offshore wind turbines and offshore substations, as well as other offshore structures such as photovoltaic platforms, gas or oil exploration platforms, hydrogen production facilities, etc., can be anchored (non-floating) on ​​or in the underwater bed, in particular a seabed, by a foundation structure (e.g., monopile, tripod, triple pile, or jacket foundations) or can be formed as buoyant offshore structures. The at least one offshore structure can be connected to one of the at least two submarine cables. In particular, the offshore energy generation system can comprise at least the first submarine cable and the second submarine cable.

[0053] A further aspect of the invention is a monitoring method, in particular a computer-implemented monitoring method. The monitoring method comprises:

[0054] Measuring, by a measuring module of a monitoring device, a first measurement signal of a first optical fiber of a first submarine cable connected to the monitoring device and measuring, by the measuring module, a second measurement signal of the second optical fiber of a second submarine cable connected to the monitoring device, detecting, by a detection module of the monitoring device, a first signal pattern of the first measurement signal and detecting, by the detection module, a second signal pattern of the second measurement signal, and determining, by a detection module of the monitoring device, a watercraft data record of a watercraft based on the detected first signal pattern and the detected second signal pattern (and preferably at least one predetermined reference criterion), wherein the watercraft data record contains at least one position indication of the watercraft.

[0055] The monitoring method can be used in particular for operating and / or controlling an offshore monitoring system as described above.

[0056] Yet another aspect of the invention is a computer program comprising instructions that cause a processor of an offshore monitoring system, in particular of a (previously described monitoring device), to execute the method steps described above. The computer program is, in particular, a monitoring computer program and can be installed in a monitoring device. The computer program is a software application executable by one or more processors of the monitoring device.

[0057] The computer program, in particular the instructions or

[0058] Program instructions can be stored in a computer program product, in particular in a program memory. For example, a program memory is a non-volatile memory such as flash memory, magnetic memory, EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), and / or optical memory.

[0059] Additionally, a monitoring device may include a main memory, for example, a volatile or non-volatile memory, in particular a random access memory (RAM), such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM), and / or magnetic random access memory (MRAM). The processor of the monitoring device may, for example, store intermediate results or the like in the main memory.

[0060] A previously described module, device, apparatus, etc. may comprise at least some hardware elements (e.g., processor, memory means, etc.) and / or at least some software elements (e.g., executable code). It should also be noted that terms such as "first," "second," "further," etc., do not indicate a sequence, but rather serve to distinguish between two elements (e.g., submarine cable, etc.).

[0061] The features of the offshore monitoring systems, offshore energy production systems, monitoring methods, and computer programs can be freely combined with one another. In particular, features of the description and / or the dependent claims may be independently inventive, even if they completely or partially circumvent features of the independent claims, either alone or freely combined with one another.

[0062] There are now numerous possibilities for designing and further developing the inventive offshore monitoring system, the inventive offshore energy production system, the inventive method, and the inventive computer program. Reference is made, on the one hand, to the claims subordinate to the independent patent claims and, on the other hand, to the description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawing. The drawing shows:

[0063] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an offshore monitoring system according to the present invention,

[0064] Fig. 2 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an offshore energy production system according to the present invention with a further embodiment of an offshore monitoring system according to the present invention, and

[0065] Fig. 3 is a diagram of an embodiment of a monitoring method according to the present invention.

[0066] Similar elements are designated by similar reference numerals below.

[0067] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of an offshore monitoring system 100 according to the present invention. The offshore monitoring system 100 serves, in particular, to monitor a defined (geographical) offshore area 128 or the shipping traffic in this offshore area 128. The offshore area 128 is defined, in particular, by the route of the first submarine cable 120 and the second submarine cable 122. In particular, the at least two submarine cables 120, 122 in the defined offshore area 128 can have a maximum distance of 1 km from each other.

[0068] According to the invention, the offshore monitoring system 100 comprises at least one monitoring device 102. Furthermore, the offshore monitoring system 100 can comprise at least two submarine cables 120, 122.

[0069] By way of example, the monitoring device 102 is arranged in an offshore structure 114. In variants of the invention, the monitoring device 102 can also be arranged in an onshore structure. In yet further variants of the invention, the monitoring device 102 can be a distributed monitoring device, which can be formed from two or more distributed computing devices (e.g., servers, cloud, etc.).

[0070] In particular, the modules of a monitoring device can be implemented distributed in a plurality of computing devices.

[0071] The monitoring device 102 may in particular comprise at least one processor (not shown) configured to execute software modules, such as at least one measuring module 104, an acquisition module 106 and a detection module 108.

[0072] As can be seen from Figure 1, the monitoring device 102 is (directly) connected to the first submarine cable 120 and the second submarine cable 122. In variants of the invention, an indirect connection via a communications network can also be provided. The first submarine cable 120 comprises at least one first optical fiber 124, and the second submarine cable 122 comprises at least one second optical fiber 126. It is understood that a submarine cable can comprise two or more optical fibers. The monitoring device 102 is, in particular, a distributed acoustic sensing monitoring device, or evaluates the measured or received optical measurement signals according to the DAS principle.

[0073] The measuring module 104 of the monitoring device 102 is configured to measure or record (optical) measurement signals received from the at least two submarine cables 120, 122. In particular, at least a first (optical) measurement signal provided by the first optical fiber 124 and a second (optical) measurement signal provided by the second optical fiber 126 can each be measured or recorded at least almost continuously.

[0074] In particular, a DAS monitoring device 102 can be configured to couple light, in particular in the form of light pulses, into the respective optical waveguide 124, 126. Changes in the respective optical measurement signal received by the measuring module 104 are, in particular, reactions to acoustic activities in the vicinity of the respective submarine cable 120, 122. The optical reactions are, in particular, characteristic of the respective acoustic source and are evident, for example, in different frequency amplitudes of a signal pattern in the form of a frequency pattern or frequency spectrum. In particular, a watercraft 130, when passing a submarine cable 120, 122, can cause a change in the measurement signal that is characteristic of the watercraft 130, which is evident, in particular, in the signal pattern detected from the measurement signal.

[0075] The acquisition module 106 is configured to acquire at least a first signal pattern of the first measurement signal and to acquire a second signal pattern of the second measurement signal. The acquisition module 106 can acquire or determine a first signal pattern (e.g., a frequency signal pattern or spectrum) from the first measurement signal (e.g., by applying a Fourier transform or the like to the measurement signal) and acquire or determine at least one second signal pattern (e.g., a frequency signal pattern or spectrum) from the second measurement signal (e.g., by applying a Fourier transform or the like to the measurement signal).

[0076] Furthermore, the monitoring device 102 according to the invention comprises a detection module 108. The detection module 108 is configured to determine a watercraft data set of a watercraft 130 based on the detected first signal pattern, the detected second signal pattern and preferably at least one predetermined reference criterion.

[0077] The at least one reference criterion can preferably be a signal reference pattern data set stored in a signal reference pattern database 110. Particularly preferably, a plurality of (different) signal reference pattern data sets can be stored in said database 110.

[0078] A signal reference pattern data set contains at least one signal reference pattern. The detection module 108 can be configured to at least compare the detected first signal pattern with the at least one signal reference pattern and to compare the detected second signal pattern with the at least one signal reference pattern. In particular, a comparison can be used to determine whether a detected signal pattern substantially corresponds to a (stored) signal reference pattern. The detection module 108 can be configured to determine the watercraft data set based on comparing the first signal pattern with the at least one signal reference pattern and comparing the second signal pattern with the at least one signal reference pattern.

[0079] For example, the detection module 108 can detect a watercraft 130 in the defined offshore area 128 if it is determined that both the detected first signal pattern and the detected second signal pattern substantially correspond to a stored signal reference pattern. In other words, in this case, it can be determined that the reference criterion is met. If, in a preferred embodiment, a signal reference pattern data set contains a watercraft type associated with the signal reference pattern in addition to the signal reference pattern, the watercraft type of the detected watercraft 130 can also be determined in addition to the position information. As described, the detection module 108 can determine at least one further watercraft parameter, such as the watercraft speed and / or the watercraft direction of movement.

[0080] In particular, the watercraft 130 or the path of the watercraft 130 through the defined offshore area 128 can be (continuously) monitored by the monitoring device 102 (in particular at least by continuously determining the position information of the watercraft 130).

[0081] Optionally, the monitoring device 102 can include at least one output module 112. The output module 112 can be configured to output the specific vessel data set. For example, the output module 112 can be a transmission module for transmitting a corresponding vessel data set to one or more (not shown) receivers (e.g., a user's terminal device) to cause the vessel data set to be displayed by a user interface (e.g., a visual display, loudspeaker, etc.) of the receiver. Alternatively or additionally, the output module 112 can be a user interface of the monitoring device 102 (e.g., a visual display, loudspeaker, etc.).

[0082] Figure 2 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of an offshore energy production system 240 according to the present invention with a further embodiment of an offshore monitoring system 200 according to the present invention. To avoid repetition, only the differences from the previous embodiment are described below, and otherwise reference is made to the previous explanations. The offshore monitoring system 200 serves in particular to monitor a defined offshore area 228.

[0083] In addition to the monitoring device 202 with a measuring module 204, a recording module 206, a detection module 208, a signal reference pattern database 210, and an output module 212, a first submarine cable 220 and a second submarine cable 222 are provided here. For the sake of clarity, the optical fibers in the submarine cables have been omitted from Figure 2.

[0084] The offshore energy production system 240 is, by way of example, an offshore wind farm. It is understood that the following explanations can be applied to other offshore energy production systems, such as an offshore photovoltaic farm, an offshore hydrogen production farm, or any combination of offshore energy production systems.

[0085] For example only, the monitoring device 202 is arranged in an offshore structure 214 of the offshore energy production system 240, such as an offshore substation. The offshore substation is connected, for example, to an onshore structure 216 in the form of an onshore substation via the first submarine cable 220 and the second submarine cable 222. The electrical energy generated by the offshore wind farm can be fed into a public grid (not shown) via the onshore substation.

[0086] Furthermore, by way of example, at least one further offshore structure 260 in the form of an offshore wind turbine is connected to the offshore substation via a third submarine cable 254, at least one further offshore structure 260 in the form of a further offshore wind turbine is connected via a fourth submarine cable 256, and at least one further offshore structure 260 in the form of a yet further offshore wind turbine is connected via a fifth submarine cable 258. The submarine cables 220, 222, 254, 256, 258 of the offshore energy production system 240 are preferably medium-voltage submarine cables or high-voltage submarine cables described above.

[0087] The monitoring device 202 is connected in particular to each submarine cable 220, 222, 254, 256, 258. The measuring module 204 is configured to measure a respective measurement signal. The acquisition module 206 is configured to acquire a respective signal pattern. The detection module 208 is configured in particular to determine the position information of a watercraft 230.

[0088] For two submarine cables 220, 254, the position information can be determined, in particular, by determining the intersection point 262 of the straight lines 264, 266 perpendicular to the location (base point of the straight lines 264, 266) and / or the area of ​​the respective signal maximum of the respective signal pattern. In particular, it has been recognized that the distance between two submarine cables 220, 222, 254, 256, 258 is inversely proportional to the signal amplitude of a frequency (e.g., frequency decomposition using, for example, Fourier).

[0089] The detection module 208, in particular by means of a communication module 248 of the monitoring device 202, can be configured to receive at least one watercraft reference parameter provided by an automatic identification system 252, for example, via a (wireless and / or wired) communication network 250. In other words, the detection module 208 can access an automatic identification system 252 (also referred to as an Automatic Identification System (AIS)). The automatic identification system 252 can, in particular, (centrally) detect and provide watercraft parameters of watercraft, such as watercraft speed, watercraft direction of movement, watercraft type, etc.

[0090] The detection module 208 can be configured to determine the vessel data set, additionally based on the at least one received vessel reference parameter. In particular, at least the position information of the detected vessel 230 can be linked and / or verified with the additional vessel reference parameter.

[0091] The offshore monitoring system 200, in particular the monitoring device 202, can preferably comprise a generation module 242. The generation module 242 can be configured to generate a signal reference pattern data set, at least based on a first signal pattern of a first measurement signal measured during a passage of a watercraft 230 of a known watercraft type, and a second signal pattern of the second measurement signal measured during the passage of the watercraft 230 of the known watercraft type. The known watercraft type can, in particular, be received by the automatic identification system 252 as a watercraft reference parameter. In particular, the reference signal pattern can be generated from the first detected signal pattern and the second signal pattern. The watercraft type of the watercraft 230 that caused this reference signal pattern can be assigned to this reference signal pattern.In particular, the signal reference pattern database 210 can be created (during a training phase and / or during operation). Preferably, additional data can be added to a signal reference pattern data set, such as the maximum speed of the vessel, dimensions of the vessel, etc.

[0092] Alternatively or additionally, calibration using watercraft or sound generators is conceivable, particularly to increase accuracy. In particular, a (generated) signal reference pattern (e.g., defined by frequency band and / or frequency amplitude) can be assigned to a defined watercraft type and / or a defined speed.

[0093] Optionally, the monitoring device 202 can comprise at least one evaluation module 244. The evaluation module 244 can be configured to evaluate at least the position information of the watercraft 230 based on at least one geographical reference area criterion. The reference area criterion can in particular comprise a geographical safety area (e.g., defined by geographical coordinates), for example of the offshore energy production system 240 or another system. This geographical safety area can be at least partially formed by the defined offshore area or located in front of it. Preferably, at least one further watercraft parameter can be evaluated by the evaluation module 244, such as the watercraft speed, the watercraft direction of movement, and / or the watercraft type.

[0094] The monitoring device 202 can comprise at least one alarm module 246 configured to output an alarm message (only) upon determining that the position information of the watercraft 230 satisfies the geographical reference area criterion. In one (simple) case, the reference area criterion can be satisfied if, based on the position information of the watercraft 230, it is determined that the detected watercraft 230 is located in the geographical safety area. In another case, the reference area criterion can be satisfied if, based on an evaluation of the position information, the watercraft speed, and the watercraft's direction of movement, it emerges that (while maintaining the watercraft speed and the watercraft's direction of movement), the watercraft 230 will enter the geographical safety area. In yet other cases, the watercraft type can also be taken into account.

[0095] The alarm module 246 can transmit an alarm message, at least if, and preferably only if, it is determined that the reference area criterion is met. For example, the alarm module 246 can transmit an alarm message to the detected vessel (e.g., via a common radio channel) to inform the detected vessel 230 that it has entered or is about to enter a geographical security area. Alternatively or additionally, an alarm message can be sent to the operator of the offshore energy production system 240 and / or an official entity that a vessel 230 has entered or is about to enter a geographical security area.

[0096] Figure 3 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a (computer-implemented) monitoring method according to the present invention. The method is used in particular for operating and / or controlling an offshore monitoring system as shown in Figure 1 and / or Figure 2.

[0097] In a step 301 (which can in particular be carried out at least almost continuously), a measurement is carried out by a measuring module of a monitoring device, of a first measurement signal of a first optical fiber of a first submarine cable connected to the monitoring device and a measurement is carried out by the measuring module, of a second measurement signal of the second optical fiber of a second submarine cable connected to the monitoring device, as already described.

[0098] In a step 303 (which can in particular be carried out at least almost continuously), a detection module of the monitoring device detects a first signal pattern of the first measurement signal and the detection module detects a second signal pattern of the second measurement signal, as already described.

[0099] In a step 305 (which can in particular be carried out at least almost continuously), a detection module of the monitoring device determines a watercraft data record of a watercraft based on the detected first signal pattern, the detected second signal pattern and at least one predetermined reference criterion, wherein the watercraft data record contains at least a position indication of the watercraft, as already described. Optionally, in a step 307, a specific

[0100] Vessel record of a vessel, as previously described.

[0101] List of reference symbols:

[0102] 100 offshore monitoring system

[0103] 102 Monitoring device

[0104] 104 measuring module

[0105] 106 Recording module

[0106] 108 Detection module

[0107] 110 Database

[0108] 112 Output module

[0109] 114 Building

[0110] 120 first submarine cable

[0111] 122 second submarine cable

[0112] 124 first optical fiber

[0113] 126 second optical fiber

[0114] 128 Offshore Area

[0115] 130 watercraft

[0116] 200 Offshore Monitoring System

[0117] 202 Monitoring device

[0118] 204 measuring module

[0119] 206 Recording module

[0120] 208 Detection module

[0121] 210 Database

[0122] 212 Output module

[0123] 214 Building

[0124] 216 Building

[0125] 220 first submarine cable

[0126] 222 second submarine cable

[0127] 228 Offshore Area

[0128] 230 watercraft

[0129] 240 Offshore energy production system 242 Generation module

[0130] 244 Evaluation module

[0131] 246 Alarm module

[0132] 248 Communication module 250 Communication network

[0133] 252 Automatic Identification System

[0134] 254 third submarine cable

[0135] 256 fourth submarine cable

[0136] 258 fifth submarine cable 260 structure

[0137] 262 Intersection

[0138] 264 straight

[0139] 266 straight

Claims

Patent claims 1. Offshore monitoring system, in particular for an offshore Energy production system, comprising: at least one connected to a first in an offshore area Submarine cable and at least one second submarine cable running in the offshore area, wherein the first submarine cable comprises at least one first optical fiber and the second submarine cable comprises at least one second optical fiber, wherein the monitoring device comprises at least one measuring module, configured at least for measuring a first measurement signal of the first optical fiber and for measuring a second measurement signal of the second optical fiber, wherein the monitoring device comprises at least one detection module, configured at least for detecting a first signal pattern of the first measurement signal and for detecting a second signal pattern of the second measurement signal, and wherein the monitoring device comprises at least one detection module, configured for determining a vessel data record of a Vessel, based on the detected first signal pattern and the detected second signal pattern, wherein the vessel data set contains at least one position indication of the vessel.

2. Offshore monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection module is configured to determine the vessel data set of a vessel based on the detected first signal pattern, the detected second signal pattern and at least one predefined reference criterion.

3. Offshore monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the monitoring device is a distributed acoustic sensing monitoring device.

4. Offshore monitoring system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the reference criterion comprises at least one signal reference pattern of a watercraft, and the detection module is configured at least to compare the first signal pattern with the at least one signal reference pattern and to compare the second signal pattern with the at least one signal reference pattern, and the detection module is configured to determine the watercraft data set based on comparing the first signal pattern with the at least one signal reference pattern and comparing the second signal pattern with the at least one signal reference pattern.

5. Offshore monitoring system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection module is configured to receive at least one vessel reference parameter provided by an automatic identification system, and the detection module is configured to determine the vessel data set, additionally based on the received vessel reference parameter.

6. Offshore monitoring system according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the offshore monitoring system comprises at least one signal reference pattern database in which a plurality of different signal reference pattern data sets are stored as reference criteria, each signal reference pattern data set containing at least one signal reference pattern and a vessel type associated with the signal reference pattern.

7. Offshore monitoring system according to claim 6, characterized in that the offshore monitoring system comprises a generation module configured to generate a signal reference pattern data set, at least based on a first signal pattern of a first measurement signal measured during a passage of a watercraft of a known watercraft type and a second signal pattern of the second measurement signal measured during the passage of the watercraft of the known watercraft type, wherein the known watercraft type is receivable in particular by an automatic identification system as a watercraft reference parameter.

8. Offshore monitoring system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection module is configured to determine the vessel data set further comprising at least one vessel parameter selected from the group comprising: vessel speed, Vessel movement direction, vessel type.

9. Offshore monitoring system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the monitoring device is connected to at least one third submarine cable, wherein the third submarine cable comprises a third optical fiber, wherein the measuring module is configured at least to measure a third measurement signal of the third optical fiber, wherein the detection module is configured at least to detect a third signal pattern of the third measurement signal, and wherein the detection module is configured to determine the vessel data set, additionally based on the detected third signal pattern.

10. Offshore monitoring system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the monitoring device comprises at least one output module configured to output the specific vessel data set.

11. Offshore monitoring system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the monitoring device comprises at least one evaluation module, configured to evaluate the position information of the vessel, based on at least one geographical reference area criterion, and the monitoring device comprises at least one alarm module, configured to output an alarm message (only) upon detection that the position information of the vessel exceeds the geographical Reference range criterion met.

12. Offshore monitoring system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a submarine cable is a submarine energy cable in the form of a medium-voltage submarine cable or a high-voltage submarine cable, wherein the submarine energy cable comprises at least one phase conductor configured to transmit electrical energy.

13. Offshore energy production system comprising: at least one offshore structure, and an offshore monitoring system according to any one of the preceding claims 14. Surveillance procedures, in particular computer-implemented surveillance procedures, comprising: Measuring, by a measuring module of a monitoring device, a first measuring signal of a first optical fiber of a first submarine cable connected to the monitoring device and measuring, by the measuring module, a second measuring signal of the second optical fiber of a second submarine cable connected to the monitoring device, Detecting, by a detection module of the monitoring device, a first signal pattern of the first measurement signal and detecting, by the detection module, a second signal pattern of the second measurement signal, and Determining, by a detection module of the monitoring device, a watercraft data set of a watercraft based on the detected first signal pattern and the detected second signal pattern, wherein the watercraft data set contains at least one position indication of the watercraft.

15. A computer program comprising instructions that cause a processor of an offshore surveillance system to carry out the method steps of claim 14.

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