Buoyant Inter-Array Cable Layout for Floating Platform Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable systems for connecting floating offshore energy converter units face challenges such as long cable lengths, high static tension, and the need to account for seabed irregularities, which increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an inter-array cable (IAC) system that uses buoyancy elements to suspend the cable between floating wind turbine platforms, reducing static tension and allowing for geometric flexibility to accommodate platform motions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cable is laid on the seabed between floating platforms, then the cable provides stable electrical connection, but the cable length becomes extremely long and tension increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is lifted from the seabed dimension to the water column dimension using buoyant sections, changing the spatial arrangement from a seabed-laid configuration to a suspended configuration. This dimensional transition reduces cable length by eliminating the need for the cable to extend to the seabed and back, while maintaining electrical connection stability through proper tension management and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Buoyant sections are integrated into the cable assembly to provide upward buoyant force that counteracts the downward weight of the cable. This counterweight mechanism reduces the static tension at the platform connections and allows the cable to remain suspended in the water column rather than lying on the seabed, thereby reducing overall cable length while maintaining connection reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If cable length is reduced by suspending the cable in water column, then installation becomes simpler, but the cable must withstand dynamic motions and environmental forces
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly is divided into discrete segments including cable sections, buoyant sections, and connection assemblies. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates modular installation. The buoyant sections act as independent elements that provide tension relief at specific intervals, reducing the overall strength requirements of the continuous cable while simplifying installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable assembly parameters are optimized to balance strength requirements with installation ease. By adjusting the buoyancy distribution, cable diameter, and material properties, the system achieves adequate strength to withstand dynamic motions and environmental forces while maintaining simplified installation characteristics. The parameter optimization allows the cable to be suspended in the water column without requiring excessive strength margins.
3Reliability
If buoyant sections are added to reduce cable tension, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyant sections are merged with the cable to form an integrated cable assembly rather than separate components. This merging reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate buoyancy attachment mechanisms and simplifies the overall structure. The buoyant sections are positioned at strategic locations to provide tension relief at connections, improving reliability while maintaining a relatively simple unified assembly that can be installed as a single unit.
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
This solution reduces the length and tension of the cable, simplifies installation, and enhances the system's ability to withstand dynamic motions of the platforms, thereby improving reliability and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first buoyant section joined to the cable, wherein: the first buoyant section is configured to provide buoyancy such that, when the cable is connected to the first and second floating platforms, the first buoyant section is submerged below a sea surface and the cable does not contact the seabed
Data Source
AI summary
Inter-array cable (IAC) assemblies, systems, and methods are disclosed in which a conductive cable between two floating platforms, e.g., floating wind turbine platforms, is suspended below the sea surface and above the seabed. One or more buoyancy sections are included in the cable, which reduces the static tension on the connection at the floating platform by reducing the suspended cable weight, and which provides geometric flexibility, allowing the IAC to comply with platform motions.