Adaptable Electrical Connection for Galvanic Anode Polarization Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore wind turbine steel support structures face significant corrosion challenges due to seawater, leading to high maintenance costs and environmental impact from galvanic anodes, as existing cathodic protection systems require frequent replacement and uneven protection.
Innovation Solution
An adaptable electrical connection system for galvanic anodes connected to steel support structures, allowing for controlled polarization and reduced anode material consumption, utilizing a control unit with sensors and reference electrodes to optimize protection and extend anode life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If galvanic anodes are used to protect steel support structures from corrosion, then corrosion protection is achieved, but the anodes are consumed and require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the electrical connection adaptable rather than fixed. The electrical connection can change the rate of electron flow from galvanic anodes to the steel support structure, dynamically adjusting the protection level to match actual corrosion conditions. This prevents over-protection and unnecessary anode consumption, extending anode life while maintaining adequate corrosion protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of electron flow rate by using an adaptable electrical connection that can modify its electrical characteristics. This allows the system to adjust the current output from galvanic anodes based on measured polarization levels, optimizing the balance between protection effectiveness and anode material consumption.
2Reliability
If galvanic anodes are distributed over the steel support structure, then corrosion protection coverage is improved, but the polarization becomes uneven with more negative potential close to anodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different regions of the steel support structure to receive different levels of electron flow from galvanic anodes. The adaptable electrical connection adjusts the current distribution based on local polarization measurements, providing higher current where needed and lower current where protection is already sufficient, achieving uniform protection across the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to measure the polarization potential of the steel support structure and using this information to adjust the electrical connection characteristics. This closed-loop control ensures that polarization remains within the optimal range (-800 mV to -1050 mV) across all areas of the structure, preventing both under-protection and over-protection.
3Reliability
If replacement of consumed galvanic anodes is performed, then continuous corrosion protection is maintained, but the operation becomes complex and expensive offshore
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the cathodic protection system to automatically adjust its own operation through the adaptable electrical connection. The system monitors its own performance via sensors and autonomously modifies electron flow rates to extend anode life, eliminating the need for manual intervention and complex offshore maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining adequate corrosion protection throughout the extended anode lifecycle. The adaptable electrical connection continuously adjusts protection levels to prevent anode depletion, ensuring uninterrupted corrosion protection without requiring periodic shutdowns or maintenance interventions.
4Reliability
If high electron flow rate is used from galvanic anodes, then polarization effectiveness is improved, but anode material consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by delivering only the amount of electron flow necessary to achieve adequate polarization (-800 mV to -1050 mV) rather than maximum possible flow. The adaptable electrical connection modulates the current to provide sufficient protection without excess, optimizing the trade-off between polarization effectiveness and anode material conservation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system reduces maintenance needs, prolongs galvanic anode life, and minimizes environmental impact by dynamically adjusting polarization to ensure effective corrosion protection across the steel support structure.
Implementation Method 1
The galvanic anodes are made of a more electrochemical active material than the steel support structure. When the galvanic anode is connected to the structure, an electrical circuit is established, running as ion current in the seawater and electrical current in the metal connection.
Implementation Method 2
the first electrical connection is an adaptable electrical connection that can change the rate of electrons flowing from the one or more galvanic anodes to the steel support structure
Implementation Method 3
Adequate protection according to norms and standards (EN12495, DNV-RP-B401 for instance) in an aerobic environment is when the structure to electrolyte potential is below −800 mV vs a Ag/AgCl/seawater reference electrode.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a support system (100) for supporting an offshore wind turbine comprising a steel support structure (180) for supporting the offshore wind turbine and a cathodic protection system (101-105) configured to protect the steel support structure from corrosion. The cathodic protection system comprising one or more galvanic anodes (101) arranged in connection with the steel support structure and a first electrical connection (102) electrically connecting the one or more galvanic anodes to the steel support structure. This allows the steel support structure to be polarized by the electrons flowing from the one or more galvanic anodes to the steel support structure. The first electrical connection is an adaptable electrical connection that can change the rate of electrons flowing from the one or more galvanic anodes to the steel support structure and thereby change the polarization of the steel support structure.