Connector modules for electrical power transfer between power sources and offshore units

Abstract

A cable connector module for electrical power transfer between a power source and an offshore unit is disclosed. The cable connector module comprises a cable connector for engaging a power connector of a power connector module of the offshore unit. The cable connector comprises at least one electrically conductive terminal for contacting at least one respective electrically conductive terminal of the power connector; and an interface plate to align the power connector and the cable connector for an electrical connection between the power connector and the cable connector.

Description

CONNECTOR MODULES FOR ELECTRICAL POWER TRANSFER BETWEEN POWER SOURCES AND OFFSHORE UNITSTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure pertains to the field of marine electrification systems, particularly involving marine power supply systems and charging solutions for marine vessels. The technology focuses on optimizing power delivery within marine environments, employing electrical and mechanical interfaces to facilitate power supply charging operations up to two kilometers offshore.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a cable connector module for electrical power transfer between a power source and an offshore unit, an electrical system comprising an electrical circuit and the cable connector module, a power connector module of an offshore unit for electrical power transfer between a power source and the offshore unit, a method of engaging a power connector of a power connector module of an offshore unit with a cable connector module, a control system configured to perform the method, a vessel, and a power transfer system.BACKGROUND

[0003] Marine electrification has gained momentum as part of a broader push towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable energy solutions. The industry is increasingly moving towards electric propulsion for various maritime vessels, necessitating robust and efficient charging infrastructure. Supplying electrical power to such marine vessels, however, face several challenges due to environmental conditions offshore, operational inefficiencies, and the inherent difficulties in providing stable power supply at sea. Existing solutions often involve docking stations located onshore or onboard charging systems that require physical connection within confined environments. These methods can be cumbersome and subject to significant environmental limitations, making them less than optimal for consistent marine applications. Also, the handling and connection of such heavy electrical cables present several challenges and risks. The weight and rigidity of such cables makes them difficult and dangerous for crew to manually handle on the vessel's deck. This can lead to potential injuries and accidents, as well as damage to the vessel and its components due to excessive tension on the cable, or wear and damage of the cable from contacting the vessel's surfaces, should an unplanned event or incident occur.P25-003PCT1

[0004] A significant challenge faced by current marine power supply technologies lies in their rigidity and lack of adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. Adverse sea states, unpredictable currents, and varying weather conditions add layers of complexity to the deployment and operation of traditional marine charging systems. Fixed shore-based charging stations, for example, limit the flexibility of vessels operating within more expansive areas, constraining operational range and requiring vessels to return to dock frequently. Furthermore, existing systems generally lack the necessary robustness to adapt to offshore charging requirements, and they often fail to address the need for modular upgrades as electric propulsion technologies evolve and vessel power requirements increase.

[0005] The operational inefficiency of conventional marine power supply solutions is further exacerbated by the physical limitations and logistical challenges associated with subsea cabling. Frequently, these infrastructures are not equipped to handle the dynamic loading conditions imposed by marine environments, leading to potential electrical transmission issues and maintenance challenges. Furthermore, many existing systems lack effective measures to mitigate navigational risks such as encounters with commercial fishing operations, resulting in potential hazards to both infrastructure and maritime traffic.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for improved electrical power transfer system to provide flexible and efficient power delivery to vessels, addressing operational, environmental, and logistical challenges associated with existing technologies. Such a system would offer improved adaptability to oceanic conditions, ensuring stable and reliable electrical connections even in dynamic environments. Additionally, it would mitigate navigational risks by allowing for safe overtrawling, reducing hazards to marine traffic while facilitating scalable voltage management for modular expansion. This would address broader maritime electrification needs, promoting sustainable integration of electric propulsion technologies in marine operations, while reducing the risks associated with manual handling, cable tension and connector orientation.SUMMARY

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cable connector module for electrical power transfer between a power source and an offshore unit, the cable connector module comprising: a cable connector for engaging a power connector of a powerP25-003PCT1connector module of the offshore unit, the cable connector comprising: at least one electrically conductive terminal for contacting at least one respective electrically conductive terminal of the power connector; and an interface plate to align the power connector and the cable connector for an electrical connection between the power connector and the cable connector.

[0008] The provision and use of the interface plate may help to correctly orientate the power connector from the offshore unit relative to the cable connector, which in turn may facilitate connection of the cable connector to the power connector thereby enabling transfer of electric power between the power source and the offshore unit. This may also make the connection repeatable, safe and fast, with minimal or no physical human interaction.

[0009] As used herein, the term “offshore unit” refers to a self-propelled or non-self-propelled or unpropelled body which is at least partially floating at the surface of, or submerged in, water or fixed on the surface of water with respect to an area of reference. The offshore unit is an intended recipient of electrical power from the power source. The offshore unit may be a floating or buoyant offshore unit, or a non-floating or non-buoyant offshore unit. Examples of such offshore units include vessels, such as self-propelled vessels, cruise lines, tug boats, non-self-propelled vessels, unpropelled vessels, buoys and offshore platforms.

[0010] Optionally, the cable connector module comprises an electrical connection ring to secure the electrical connection between the power connector and the cable connector. Such a connection ring may be metallic or non-metallic slip ring around an at least one electrically conductive terminal of the cable connector. Examples of the at least one electrically conductive terminal includes a wet mate connection pin (male) structured to ensure effective conduction for electrical power transfer.

[0011] Optionally, the cable connector module comprises a base element acting as an anchor for the cable connector module. The anchoring effect of the base element allows the cable connector module to remain stable by minimizing drift while making the connection with the power connector even in rough marine weather conditions. The base element comprises at least one electrical distribution box and at least one interconnection point enabling underwater electrical connections. The integration of the base element with the electrical distribution box and the interconnection point allows for easy mobilization, connection and later re-mobilization of the cable connector module.P25-003PCT1

[0012] Optionally, the cable connector module of claim 3, where the base element comprises a body defining at least one hole therethrough. The at least one hole is a lift point for guiding a messenger line through the hole for mobilization of the cable connector module.

[0013] Optionally, the cable connector module comprises a floating body on which the interface plate is mounted. The floating body may be partially submerged. Examples of such a floating body includes a buoy, such as a mooring buoy. The design allows for overtrawling by marine traffic and integrates mooring and stability configurations with suspension buoys and flotation modules engineered for various sea conditions, thereby mitigating risks typically associated with marine installations.

[0014] Optionally, the floating body is coupled to the electrical connection ring in a slip ring arrangement, where the at least one electrically conductive terminal of the cable connector terminates inside an enclosure that is part of the slip ring arrangement. Examples of the enclosure include a sealed oil-filled junction box suitable for underwater electrical connections. An end of the electrically conductive terminal may be connected to a power supply line (also referred to as a supply line) of the power source.

[0015] Optionally, the system includes a subsea power transmission and distribution setup, employing subsea cables installed within the seabed to manage voltage distribution between 11 KV and 66 KV. This subsea infrastructure supports modular scalability, facilitating the potential for additional buoy connections and enhancing the network's adaptability to marine power solution needs.

[0016] Optionally, the cable connector module comprises a tether system having at least one tether line between the floating body and base element. The tether system may enable the cable connector module to be held steady, in relation to the base element, in a turbulent marine environment. The electrical connection ring and the at least one electrically conductive terminal are structured to ensure effective conductive electrical power transfer between the cable connector module and the power connector module, while the tether system provides positional stability, accommodating dynamic marine conditions.P25-003PCT1

[0017] Optionally, the cable connector module comprises a connection cable between the at least one electrically conductive terminal and the supply line coupled at the base element. Optionally, the connection cable may be coupled to at least one floatation elements. Examples of such floatation elements include buoyancy elements.

[0018] Optionally, the power supply line includes bend restrictors for managing cable dynamics and protection against strain and wear.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure an electrical system is disclosed. The electrical system comprises an electrical circuit and the cable connector module as disclosed in the first aspect.

[0020] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a power connector module for power transfer, the power connector module comprising: a power connector for engaging a cable connector of a connecting cable, the power connector comprising: at least one electrically conductive terminal for contacting at least one respective electrically conductive terminal of the cable connector; and a guide element for guiding the power connector relative to an interface plate of the cable connector, wherein the guide element aligns circumferential to the interface plate to engage the power connector with the cable connector.

[0021] The provision and use of the guide element may help to correctly orientate the power connector relative to an interface plate of the cable connector, and thus the cable connector, which in turn may facilitate connection of the cable connector to the power connector. This may also make the connection repeatable, safe and fast, with minimal or no physical human interaction.

[0022] Optionally, the power connector module comprises a modified launch and recovery system (LARS) for deployment and retrieval of the power connector, relative to the cable connector. In an example, the power connector module in the offshore unit, includes a modified LARS equipped for deployment and retrieval of the power connector. This system is operable both manually and via remote-operated vessels (ROVs). Optionally, the power connector module may include a winch system to streamline the docking process during electrical power transfer operations.P25-003PCT1

[0023] Optionally, the power connector module comprises a payout winch configured to payout the power connector towards the cable connector, for connecting the power connector on the cable connector. This may facilitate positioning the power connector over the cable connector on the cable connector module.

[0024] Optionally, the payout winch is located on a crane onboard the offshore unit. This may help to preserve the payout winch.

[0025] Optionally, the power connector module comprises a payout line that is attached to the payout winch and attachable to a transfer line, wherein the payout winch has a spool around which at least a portion of the payout line is wound. This may enable the transfer line to be (indirectly) connected to the payout line at a location remote from the payout winch that might be more accessible or convenient than a location of the payout winch itself.

[0026] Optionally, the payout winch has a tension sensorthat is configured to measure a tension in the transfer line. This may provide a convenient and compact mechanism for enabling the tension to be measured.

[0027] Optionally, the guide element is a guide cone configured to twist lock circumferential to the interface plate to secure the power connector to the cable connector. Examples of the guide cone include a bucket shaped conical element having one end open to receive the at least one electrically conductive terminal of the cable connector on the cable connector module. This may establish a contact between the at least one electrically conductive terminal of the power connector and that of the cable connector thereby providing a secure connection between the power connector and the cable connector and facilitating electrical power transfer.

[0028] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electrical system, the electrical system comprising an electrical circuit and the power connector module of the third aspect electrically connected to the electrical circuit.

[0029] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of engaging a power connector of a power connector module of an offshore unit with a cable connector of a cable connector module, the method comprising: causing movement of a transfer line attached to the power connector module, while the transfer line is to be guided by a guideP25-003PCT1element of the power connector; and causing at least one electrically conductive terminal of the power connector to be brought into contact with at least one respective electrically conductive terminal of the cable connector.

[0030] Optionally, the causing the at least one electrically conductive terminal of the power connector to be brought into contact with the at least one respective electrically conductive terminal of the cable connector occurs after the causing movement of the transfer line.

[0031] Optionally, the method comprises causing the movement of the transfer line to cease. This may help avoid an excess of the transfer line to be paid out, which in turn could reduce a chance of the transfer line becoming tangled or snagged on something in the surrounding environment. This may help to reduce or avoid manual handling of the power connector, which may help to improve safety of the method.

[0032] Optionally, the method is a computer-implemented method.

[0033] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a control system configured to perform the method configured to perform the method of the fifth aspect of the present disclosure.

[0034] Optionally, the control system is deployed in an offshore unit, such as on a vessel. Alternatively, the control system may also be deployed on the offshore power source, such as on an Offshore Platform (OSP).

[0035] Optionally, the control system is at a remote-control centre remote from an offshore unit comprising the power connector module and remote from the cable connector module. Optionally, the remote-control centre is land-based. Optionally, the remote-control centre is a floating remote-control centre, distinct from the offshore unit.

[0036] The control system may comprise a computing system comprising one or more processors and memory accessible by the one or more processors and storing machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor or processors, cause the processor or processors to perform one of the methods. The memory may be local to, or remote from, the processor(s), ora combination of local and remote.P25-003PCT1

[0037] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-transitory storage medium storing machine-readable instructions that, when executed by a processor of a control system, cause the processor to perform the method of the fifth aspect of the disclosure.

[0038] According to an eight aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a vessel comprising the power connector module of the third aspect of the present disclosure, the electrical system of fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the control system of the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, or the non-transitory storage medium of the seventh aspect of the present disclosure.

[0039] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a power transfer system, comprising: (a) the cable connector module of the first aspect, the electrical system of the second aspect, or the vessel of the eight aspect of the present disclosure; and (b) the power connector module of the third aspect of the present disclosure; wherein the cable connector is engaged, or engageable, with the power connector.

[0040] It will be appreciated that optional features of aspects of the present invention may be equally applied to other aspects of the present invention, where appropriate.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a power transfer system comprising a cable connector module, a vessel, a floating remote-control centre and a land-based remote-control centre.

[0043] Fig. 2 is a schematic top view of a cable connector of the cable connector module.

[0044] Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of the cable connector.P25-003PCT1

[0045] Fig. 4 is schematic view showing the mechanism of connection and disconnection of the cable connector with a power connector of the vessel.

[0046] Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing a method of engaging the power connector with the cable connector.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Figure 1 shows an example of a power transfer system 1 comprising a cable connector module 10, an offshore unit in the form of a vessel 20, a floating remote-control center 30, and a land-based remote-control center 40. Each of these elements is described in turn below. The vessel 20 is an intended recipient of electrical power from a power source (not shown). The power source may be an offshore platform in a wind mill or wind park, or in some examples may be an onshore electrical power grid which supplies power to offshore deployments. In some examples, the power source may supply electrical power to the vessel 20 for charging one or more batteries of the vessel 20 or for powering one or more systems of the vessel 20, such as for providing idle load power while the vessel 20 idles. The vessel 20 may idle, for example, when waiting for a berth at a port or terminal, or when the vessel 20 is not required for other purposes.

[0048] The cable connector module 10 is an at least partially floating structure located offshore that is used to provide electrical power to offshore units, such as vessels. Example of the floating structure includes a mooring buoy which may allow mooring operations of the vessel 20 for electrical power transfer. In some examples, the cable connector module 10 may be deployed at distances from shore ranging from 0.5 nautical miles to 15 nautical miles. Due to the nature of the offshore units (tankers, bulkers, cruise liners, etc.), mooring functionality is necessary, because, some of these offshore units may not have dynamic positioning systems and may not be as nimble as the Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) and Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs). Since anchors cannot be dropped in these zones, mooring is a requirement which is also provided by the cable connector module 10.

[0049] The cable connector module 10 has a base element 102 that sits on the sea bed at the bottom of water. A water line WL of the body of water is shown in Figure 1. The cable connector module 10 is connected to a power source, which in this example comprises an offshore wind farm (not shown), has a power supply circuit 104 including an electrical distribution box (notP25-003PCT1shown) and at least one interconnection point (not shown) enabling underwater electrical connections. The electrical distribution box acts as a point of connection of a power supply line 106 to the power supply circuit 104, and to a connection cable 108 electrically connected to the power supply circuit 104. In some other examples, the power supply comprises a different supply of renewable or sustainable energy, such as an offshore solar farm, a wave farm, a tidal farm, or any combination of these farms. A cable connector 160 at an end of the connection cable 108 is electrically connectable to a power connector module 80 of the vessel 20 to supply electrical power from the power supply circuit 104 to the vessel 20 via the connection cable 108. The power connector module 80 and its constituent components are discussed in detail later in the description.

[0050] The connection cable 108 between an electrically conductive terminal 162 of the and the power supply line 106 coupled at the base element 102 is used to transfer power from the power source to the cable connector 160 of the cable connector module 10. The power supply line 106 includes bend restrictors 60 for managing cable dynamics and protection against strain and wear. Buoyancy elements 12 may be mounted at intervals on the connection cable 108 thereby allowing the connection cable 108 to stay afloat during operations and providing stability against drift currents and environmental disturbances of the marine environment.

[0051] The cable connector module 10 comprises the cable connector 160 for engaging a power connector 200 of a power connector module 80 of the vessel 20. The cable connector 160 comprises the electrically conductive terminal 162 for contacting at least one respective electrically conductive terminal of the power connector 200 from the vessel 20. The cable connector includes an interface plate 164 to align the power connector 200 and the cable connector 160 for an electrical connection between the power connector 200 and the cable connector 160. In an example, the interface plate in encased within a half shell protection sleeve 70 (not seen Figure 1 but can be seen in Figure 2 and Figure 3) composed of a composite material that resists biofouling, further diminishing maintenance requirements by reducing organism growth on the contact surfaces thereby allowing uninterrupted electrical contact for power transfer. This material may include antifouling coatings tailored for marine environments, promoting longevity and effectiveness of the cable connector 160.

[0052] One end of the cable connector 160 is connected via the interface plate 164 to a floating body 15 of the cable connector module 10. While the other end of the cable connector 160P25-003PCT1comprising the electrically conductive terminal 162 is hoisted out of the water line WL. In an example, the weight of the floating body 15 may be adjusted during manufacturing, so that the electrically conductive terminal 164 remains hoisted out of the Water line WL in a splash zone at a distance ranging between 1 meter to 18 meters distance from the vessel. In the field of offshore marine deployments, the splash zone may refer to the transition from air to water when lowering heavy loads into the sea. In this example, the buoyancy of the floating body 15 reduces the static mass of the cable connector module 10, but contact with the waves creates widely fluctuating dynamic forces. During the manufacture of the floating body 15 such dynamic forces created by the waves may be accounted for to find an optimal weight and size of the floating body 15. In an example, the weight of the floating body 15 varies between 25 Kgs to 3000 Kgs when the cable connector module 10 is deployed at depths ranging from 80 cm to 5 meters. In the illustrations herein, the cable connector module 10 and floating body 15 are shown as part of a single modular assembly. This modular assembly promoting ease of deployment and integration.

[0053] In an example, the cable connector module 10 comprises an electrical connection ring 166 (another view can be seen in Figure 2 and Figure 3) to secure the electrical connection between the power connector 200 and the cable connector 160. In an example, the electrical connection ring 166 may be in the form of a metallic padeye including a metal plate with a projecting loop or ring. In an example, the floating body 15 is coupled to the electrical connection ring 166 in a slip ring arrangement, wherein the at least one electrically conductive terminal 162 terminates inside an enclosure 35 (not visible in Figure 1 but can be seen in Figure 3) that is part of the slip ring arrangement. As shown in Figure 3, the enclosure 35 is a sealed junction box, which is oil-filled as part of the slip ring arrangement. This configuration is crucial for maintaining electrical integrity and ensuring the reliable transmission of electrical power, protecting the internal components from harsh marine conditions.

[0054] The electrical connection ring 166 is located between the electrically conductive terminal 162 and the interface plate 164 that is mounted on the floating body 15. The electrical connection ring 166 enables rotation of a guide element 202 of the power connector 200 relative to the floating body 15 to establish and maintain electrical connections between the electrically conductive terminal 162 and a respective terminal of the power connector 200 of a power connector module 80 of the vessel 20 engaging with the cable connector module 10. In some examples, the electrical connection ring 166 may have integrated sensors to detect and report the status of the electrical connection to a control system of the cable connector module 10. The sensors may provide dataP25-003PCT1such as current voltage levels, connector alignment status, and possible fault conditions, to the control system (not shown) of the cable connector module 10, thereby facilitating remote monitoring and enhancing operational safety.

[0055] The control system of the cable connector module 10 may be part of a control system 42 of the land-based remote control center 40 or part of a control system 32 of a floating remote control center 30. The control system of the cable connector module 10 is operatively connected to the electrical connection ring 166 and the interface plate 164 to control all operations of these elements of the cable connector module 10. The control system of the cable connector module 10 is also communicatively connected to the communications interface (not shown) so as to be capable of receiving the signals from the power connector module 200 or a control system of the power connector module 200 via the communications interface. The control system of the cable connector module also includes a wireless communications interface for sending and receiving information, such as instructions or indications, to and from the control system of the power connector module.

[0056] The cable connector module 10 comprises a tether system 170 having a first tether line 172 and a second tether line 174 between the floating body 15 and base element 102. Although Figure 1 , shows the floating body 15 connected to the base element 102 through two tether lines 172 and 174 there may be more than two or less than two tether line between the floating body 15 and base element 102. In some examples, the tether lines are made of polystyrene ropes, or steel ropes and / or ferrules. The tether system 170 maintains stability under varying sea conditions, by securely anchoring the cable connector module 10 and thereby minimizing drift. The inset illustration in Figure 1 provides a detailed view of the base element 102, highlighting the power supply circuit 104 and a tether line 174, reinforcing the cable connector module’s 10 stability to facilitate electrical power transfer and support charging operations across a defined marine zone. In an example, the tether system 170 may be embedded with tension sensors or length sensors. These tension and / or length sensors may be communicatively coupled to the control system of the cable connector module 10. These sensors may dynamically adjust tension to maintain positional stability under varying sea states, optimizing the floating body’s 15 orientation and reducing wear on the tethers 172 and 174. In some examples, the length of the two tethers 172 and 174 may also be monitored thereby facilitating remote monitoring of the stability of the cable connector module 10.P25-003PCT1

[0057] In some examples, the base element 102 is made of concrete. The weight of the base element 102 may vary depending on the depth of the water where the cable connector module 10 is deployed, number of tethers connecting the floating body 15 to the base element 102, and the weight of the cable connector 160 mounted on the floating body 15. In an example, the weight of the base element 102 may range between 1 Ton to 30 Tons. In an example, the base element 102 comprises a body 50 as shown in the inset illustration of Figure 1. The body 50 defines holes 54 therethrough, which act as a lift points for guiding a messenger line (not shown) through them for mobilization of the cable connector module 10. The holes 54 allow for easy deployment, mobilization, and re-deployment of the cable connector module 10 at different zones in the sea.

[0058] The vessel 20 and the power connector module 80 on the vessel 20 will now be discussed in more details. As shown in figure 1, the power connector module 80 comprises a power connector 200 for engaging a cable connector 160 of a connection cable 108. The power connector 200 comprising an electrically conductive terminal 204 for contacting at least one respective electrically conductive terminal 162 of the cable connector 160. In an example, the electrically conductive terminal 204 is an annular shaped electrical connection ring. Examples of such an electrical connection ring may include a pad eye. The power connector 200 further comprises the guide element 202 for guiding the power connector 200 relative to the interface plate 164 of the cable connector. The guide element 202 is configured to align circumferential to the interface plate 164 to engage the power connector 200 of the power connector module 80 with the cable connector 160 of the cable connector module 10.

[0059] As shown in figure 1, the guide element 202 is a conical enclosure configured to twist lock circumferential to the interface plate 164 to secure the power connector 200 to the cable connector 160. Once the power transfer from the power source to the vessel 20 is complete the guide element 202 may be unlocked from the interface plate 164. The locking and unlocking of the guide element 202 with respect to the interface plate 164 provides for steady, secure, and uninterrupted supply of power between the power source and the receipt vessel 20. The operation of locking and unlocking of the guide element 202 is explained further in connection with figure 4. In some examples, one or more sensors may be mounted on the guide element 202 to sense when the guide element 202 locks or unlocks with respect to the to the interface plate 164. In an example, a modified launch and recovery system (LARS) may be used for deployment and retrieval of the power connector 202, relative to the cable connector 160.P25-003PCT1

[0060] As shown in figure 1 , the power connector module 80 comprises a payout winch 206 configured to payout the power connector 200 towards the cable connector 160, for connecting the power connector 200 onto the cable connector 160. The payout winch 206 may facilitate positioning the power connector 200 over the cable connector 160 on the cable connector module 10. The payout winch 206 is located on a crane 25 onboard the vessel 20. This may help to preserve the payout winch 206. One end of a payout line 208 is attached to the payout winch 206 and attachable to a transfer line. The payout winch 206 has a spool around which at least a portion of the payout line 208 is wound.

[0061] The crane 25 and the payout line 208 are components of a power connector positioning mechanism 280 shown in Figures 1 and 4. The power connector positioning mechanism 280 is for positioning the power connector 200 relative to the cable connector module 10 ready for connection of the power connector 200 to the cable connector 160. More specifically, the power connector positioning mechanism 280 is adjusting rotational and translational positions of the power connector 200 relative to the cable connector 100 and the cable connector module 10. Furthermore, the power connector positioning mechanism 280 is for retaining the position of the power connector 200 relative to the cable connector 160 during flow of the electrical current through the connection cable 108 and into the power connector 260.

[0062] In some other examples, the power connector positioning mechanism 280 comprises a drive system for driving the power connector 200 relative to the cable connector module 10. Such a drive system could be controlled by one of the control systems 32, 42, or a control system of the power connector module 200, mentioned herein, either automatically or in response to commands received by the control system from a remote human operative. The drive system may be operable to drive the power connector 200 vertically downwards onto the cable connector 160 and rotationally relative to the interface plate 164 of the cable connector.

[0063] When the power connector 200 is positioned vertically above the cable connector 160 by positioning system of the vessel 20 or by mooring operations performed using the floating body 15 of the cable connector module 10, the payout winch 206 may release the payout line 208 thereby lowering the power connector 200 to engage with the cable connector 160. Once sensors (not shown) on the guide element 202 detect that the guide element 202 is circumferentially arranged relative to the interface plate 164 of the cable connector 160, thereby receiving an indication that the connection between the cable connector 160 and the power connector 200 isP25-003PCT1established, the payout winch 206 is stopped form further releasing the payout line 208, thereby preventing unnecessary slacking of the payout line or a power cable (not shown) connecting the power connector 200 to a power circuitry (not shown) of the vessel 20. In some examples, the payout winch 206 has a tension sensor (not shown) that is configured to measure a tension in the payout line 208. This may provide a convenient and compact mechanism for enabling the tension to be measured. Based on the measured tension, the payout winch 206 may be controlled by a control system (not shown) of the power connector module (200).

[0064] The control system of the of the power connector module 200 is operatively connected to the payout winch 206 and the payout line 208, so as to be able to control all operations of these elements of the power connector module 200. The control system of the power connector module 200 is also communicatively connected to the communications interface (not shown) of a tension sensor coupled to the payout winch 206 so as to be capable of receiving the tension indication via that communications interface. The control system of the power connector module also includes a wireless communications interface for sending and receiving information, such as instructions or indications, to and from the control system of the cable connector module 10.

[0065] The control system of the cable connector module 10 is communicatively connected to the control system of the power connector module 200. Both the floating remote-control center 30 and the land-based remote-control center 40 are remote from the cable connector module 10 and remote from the vessel 20. In some examples, the floating remote-control center 30 comprises a control system 32 that is communicatively connected to the control system of the cable connector module 10, to the control system of the power connector module 200, and to the control system 42 of the land-based remote-control center 40. Similarly, the control system 42 of the land-based remote-control center 40 is communicatively connected to the control system of the cable connector module 10, to the control system of the power connector module, and to the control system 32 of the floating remote-control center 30. The term control system, as used herein, comprises respective computing systems (not shown), each computing system comprising one or more processors and a non-transitory storage medium accessible by the one or more processors and storing machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor or processors, cause the processor or processors to perform any of the methods described herein. As such, each of the methods may be considered a computer-implemented method.P25-003PCT1

[0066] A mechanism of connection and disconnection of the power connector 200 of the power connector module 80 form the vessel 20 with the cable connector 160 of the cable connector module 10 is described herein. In an example, consider that the vessel 20 may use its own equipment to maintain a safe distance from the cable connector module 10 when their heading is changing due to external forces such as wind or tidal streams. It is likely that such vessels may be fitted with positioning systems, such as Azipod propulsion or dynamic positioning systems, high lift rudders or drop-down azimuth thrusters.

[0067] Just prior to arrival of the vessel 20, a small boat or a tug boat may connect a messenger line / hawser to the floating body 15 with a soft shackle and deploys. The vessel then approaches the floating body 15, stemming wind and tide with the tug providing heading control and the vessel engines providing braking.

[0068] In an example, a human operator (HO) at the tug may recover the messenger line / hawser with a grapnel hook and passes the messenger to the vessel 20. Another HO at the vessel 20 may pull in the messenger line / hawser and attaches it on a suitably rated strong point on the deck of the vessel 20. Once the messenger line / hawser is attaches, the HO on the vessel 20 releases the tug tow line.

[0069] Figure 5 describes a method 500 of connecting and disconnecting the power connector 200 with a cable connector 160 for transfer of electrical power from a power source to the vessel 20. the transfer line 150 (hereinafter referred to as the transfer line handling method, for brevity). The method 500 is described with reference to the schematic views in Figures 1 to 4 and the flow chart in Figure 5. The method 500 may be performed by the control system of the power connector module 200 of the vessel 20. However, in other examples, any of the other control systems 32, 42, or a control system of the cable connector module 10 may perform any one or more of the methods.

[0070] As the messenger line is attached to the floating body 15, and leads, the vessel 20 towards the cable connector module 10, this movement of the vessel towards the cable connector module 10 causes the power connector 200 to vertically overhang on the cable connector 160 once the vessel 20 enters a safe charging zone, as shown in position A of Figure 4. The safe charging zone may be referred to as a safe distance that is to be maintained between the cable connector module 10 and the vessel 20 while the power connector 200 engages with the cable connector 160 for transfer of electrical power between the cable connector 160 and the power connectorP25-003PCT1Y1200. In some examples, the safe charging zone may range between 3 meters to 18 meters standard, which can be extended to 30 meters with floating cables.

[0071] The method 500 comprises the control system of the power connector module 200 causing 502 movement of a transfer line attached to the power connector module 200. As the messenger line is attached to the floating body 115, the power connector 200 overhangs vertically above the cable connector module 10. The transfer line is guided downwards by the guide element 202 of the power connector 200.

[0072] In some examples, the method 500 next comprises the control system of the power connector module 200 causing 504 the power connector 200 to be positioned relative to the cable connector 160 such that the electrically conductive terminal 204 of the power connector module 200 is aligned to receive the electrically conductive terminal 162 of the cable connector 160, by way of the control system of the power connector module 200 causing a drive system mentioned above, to drive the power connector 200 vertically downwards in the direction of arrow 402 shown in Figure 4. Such driving of the power connector 200 vertically downwards guided by the guide element 202 causes the electrically conductive terminal 204 of the power connector 200 to be brought into contact with the respective electrically conductive terminal 162 of the cable connector 160. Thus, the method 500 comprises causing 506 at least one electrically conductive terminal 204 of the power connector 200 to be brought into contact with at least one respective electrically conductive terminal 162 of the cable connector 160.

[0073] Once the electrically conductive terminals 204 and 162 come in contact with each other, the method 500 comprises triggering 508 the power transfer operation to initiate. In some examples, the method 500 comprises causing a trigger signal to be sent to the control system of the power connector module 80 indicating that the electrically conductive terminals 204 and 162 has established contact. On receiving this indication, the method 500 may be paused and a human operative HO may twist the guide element 202 of the power connector circumferential to the interface plate 164 of the cable connector 160 in a direction of the arrow 404, as shown in figure 4, to a lock position thereby securing the power connector 200 to the cable connector 160. Once the power connector 200 is secured to the cable connector 160 electrical power transfer may be initiated between the cable connector 160 and the power connector 200.

[0074] Once the electrical power transfer to the vessel 20 is complete, the method 500 comprises receiving 510 an indication from the control system of the power connector module 200 that theP25-003PCT1power transfer operation is complete. On receiving the power transfer complete indication, the method 500 may include causing 512 a trigger to be sent to a control system of the cable connector module 10 to discontinue the flow of electrical power to the power connector 200. After transfer of power between the cable connector 160 and the power connector 200 stops, the method 500 ceases and a human operative HO may twist the guide element 202 of the power connector circumferential to the interface plate 164 of the cable connector 160 in a direction of the arrow 406, as shown in figure 4, to an unlock position thereby enabling the power connector 200 to be disengaged from the cable connector 160. Once the power connector 200 is disengaged from the cable connector 160, the power connector positioning mechanism 280 may operate the crane 25 and the payout winch 206 to pull in the payout line 208 thereby causing the power connector 200 to be moved away from the cable connector 160 along a direction of the arrow 408, as shown in Figure 4.

[0075] Example embodiments of the present invention have been discussed, with particular reference to the examples illustrated. However, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0076] For example, while in the illustrated embodiment the cable connector module 10 is fixed to a bed of a body of water, in other embodiments the cable connector module 10 may be, for example, a floating offshore connector module. Moreover, while in the illustrated embodiment the offshore unit is a vessel, in other embodiments the offshore unit may be, for example, a different type of floating offshore unit such as a buoy or may be a non-floating offshore unit, such as an offshore platform that is fixed to a bed of a body of water. Furthermore, while in the illustrated embodiment the power source is referred to as an offshore power source such as a wind farm or an OSP, in some examples, the power source may be an onshore electrical distribution grid. In some examples, the offshore power source itself is connected to a cable ending at the shore, with the cable connected to a main onshore electrical grid.P25-003PCT1

Claims

Claims:

1. A cable connector module for electrical power transfer between a power source and an offshore unit, the cable connector module comprising:a cable connector for engaging a power connector of a power connector module of the offshore unit, the cable connector comprising:at least one electrically conductive terminal for contacting at least one respective electrically conductive terminal of the power connector; andan interface plate to align the power connector and the cable connector for an electrical connection between the power connector and the cable connector.

2. The cable connector module of claim 1, further comprising an electrical connection ring to secure the electrical connection between the power connector and the cable connector.

3. The cable connector module of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a base element acting as an anchor for the cable connector module, wherein the base element comprises at least one electrical distribution box and at least one interconnection point enabling underwater electrical connections.

4. The cable connector module of claim 3, wherein the base element comprises a body defining at least one hole therethrough, wherein the at least one hole is a lift point for guiding a messenger line through the hole for mobilization of the cable connector module.

5. The cable connector module of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a floating body on which the interface plate is mounted.

6. The cable connector module of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the floating body coupled to the electrical connection ring in a slip ring arrangement, wherein the at least one electrically conductive terminal terminates inside an enclosure that is part of the slip ring arrangement.

7. The cable connector module of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a tether system having at least one tether line between the floating body and base element.P25-003PCT18. The cable connector module of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a connection cable between the at least one electrically conductive terminal and a power supply line coupled at the base element.

9. The cable connector module of claim 8, wherein the power supply line includes bend restrictors for managing cable dynamics and protection against strain and wear.

10. An electrical system, the electrical system comprising an electrical circuit and the cable connector module of any one of claims 1 to 9 electrically connected to the electrical circuit.

11. A power connector module for power transfer, the power connector module comprising: a power connector for engaging a cable connector of a connection cable, the power connector comprising:at least one electrically conductive terminal for contacting at least one respective electrically conductive terminal of the cable connector; anda guide element for guiding the power connector relative to an interface plate of the cable connector, wherein the guide element aligns circumferential to the interface plate to engage the power connector with the cable connector.

12. The power connector module of claim 11, further comprising a modified launch and recovery system (LARS) for deployment and retrieval of the power connector, relative to the cable connector.

13. The power connector module of claim 12, wherein the guide element is a guide cone configured to twist lock circumferential to the interface plate to secure the power connector to the cable connector.

14. An electrical system, the electrical system comprising an electrical circuit and the power connector module of any one of claims 12 to 13 electrically connected to the electrical circuit.

15. A method of engaging a power connector of a power connector module of an offshore unit with a cable connector of a cable connector module, the method comprising:P25-003PCT1causing movement of a transfer line attached to the power connector module, while the transfer line is to be guided by a guide element of the power connector, andcausing at least one electrically conductive terminal of the power connector to be brought into contact with at least one respective electrically conductive terminal of the cable connector.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the causing the at least one electrically conductive terminal of the power connector to be brought into contact with the at least one respective electrically conductive terminal of the cable connector occurs after the causing movement of the transfer line.

17. A control system configured to perform the method of claim 15 or claim 16.

18. A non-transitory storage medium storing machine-readable instructions that, when executed by a processor of a control system, cause the processor to perform the method of claim 15 or claim 16.

19. A vessel comprising the power connector module of any one of claims 11 to 13, the electrical system of claim 14, the control system of claim 17, or the non-transitory storage medium of claim 18.

20. A power transfer system, comprising:(a) the cable connector module of any one of claims 1 to 9, the electrical system of claim 14, or the vessel of claim 19; and(b) the power connector module of any one of claims 11 to 13 or the combination of claim 14; wherein the cable connector is engaged, or engageable, with the power connector.P25-003PCT1

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