CALM Buoy Power Transfer Hose With Interlocked HV Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies do not provide a safe and efficient means for transferring high-voltage electrical power between a CALM buoy and an LNG vessel, allowing the vessel to process LNG and supply power to other vessels while maintaining a secure connection and preventing accidental disconnections.
Innovation Solution
A floating hose or series of hinge-connected buoyant pontoons encase high-voltage cables, equipped with explosion-proof junction boxes and sensors to ensure secure connections, preventing power flow during disconnections, and stabilize the connection against wave and current movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a floating hose is used to transfer high-voltage electrical power between CALM buoy and LNG vessel, then electrical power supply is enabled, but connection security and safety against accidental disconnections cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by installing interlocked safety sensors and explosion-proof junction boxes before power transfer begins. The sensors detect connection status in advance and prevent power flow until secure connection is confirmed, eliminating the need for reactive safety measures after disconnection occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary safety devices including explosion-proof junction boxes and sensor systems that mediate between the floating hose connection and power flow. These intermediaries detect connection status and control power delivery, ensuring that accidental disconnections cannot cause hazardous situations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the hose provides flexibility to accommodate wave and current movements, then stability is maintained, but connection security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The safety sensor system performs preliminary detection of connection integrity before power transfer commences. The sensors are pre-positioned to detect any unauthorized disconnection attempts, and the system is configured to immediately interrupt power flow if movement exceeds safe parameters, preventing connection failure rather than reacting to it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through safety sensors that continuously monitor connection status and provide real-time information to the control system. This feedback loop enables the system to detect connection abnormalities caused by wave or current movements and automatically adjust or interrupt power flow to maintain both flexibility and security.
3Reliability
If safety sensors and explosion-proof junction boxes are added to ensure connection security, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple safety functions into integrated components. The explosion-proof junction boxes combine electrical connection, sensor housing, and safety control functions. The safety sensors integrate connection detection, movement monitoring, and power interruption control into single devices, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining comprehensive safety coverage.
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
Enables continuous electrical power supply to LNG vessels, allowing on-board LNG processing and vessel operations, while ensuring safety and stability during movement, reducing the need for onboard power plants and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a floating flexible hose having sufficient floatation to carry the weight of the high voltage electrical cable supply line on the surface of the water
Data Source
AI summary
A high-voltage electrical power supply line for the provides a secure and water-proof connection transfer of high-voltage electricity through an inner high-voltage electrical cable between a single point mooring (SPM) buoy and/or a caternary anchor leg mooring (CALM) buoy and an LNG vessel moored to the SPM CALM buoy, with a secured connection on each end of the high-voltage electrical cable, disallowing and prevent current flow through high-voltage electrical cable until a secure and confirmed connection is established between connectors attaching the high-voltage electrical power supply line to the SPM CALM buoy and the LNG vessel.