Dual-Intake HVSC Shore Connection With Mechanical Blocking to Prevent Shock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual high voltage shore connection systems for vessels are costly, require frequent maintenance of expensive components, and pose a safety risk due to unplugged intakes that remain powered, which can be a potential electric hazard.
Innovation Solution
A dual intake HVSC system with a safety circuit and protecting elements that ensure only one intake is connected to the onshore power supply at a time, using a safety loop and protecting elements to block access to unplugged intakes, eliminating the need for breakers and manual switches, and incorporating security elements to enhance safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two intakes are electrically isolated with breakers, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the safety function from complex electrical isolation devices (breakers, switches) and implements it through a simple mechanical blocking mechanism. The protecting element physically blocks access to the unplugged intake, eliminating the need for complex electrical isolation components while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, maintenance-intensive breakers and manual switches with a simple, cost-effective protecting element that provides the same safety function. This protecting element is a basic mechanical component that blocks access to unplugged intakes, significantly reducing system cost and maintenance requirements.
2Reliability
If two intakes are electrically isolated with manual switches, then safety is improved, but device complexity and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes manual switches and breakers from the system, retaining only the essential safety function through a simple mechanical blocking mechanism. The protecting element provides safety without requiring maintenance or complex operation.
3Ease of operation
If the unplugged intake remains powered, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful factors increase due to electric shock risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by blocking access to the unplugged intake before any harmful contact can occur. The protecting element is positioned to prevent access to powered components, proactively eliminating the electric shock risk while allowing the intake to remain powered for operational convenience.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a high voltage shore connection (HVSC) system (1) for connection of a vessel (1004) in port to electrical supply from the shore- side. The system (1) comprises a first intake (5004) comprising at least one first connecting element (3) and a second intake (5004') comprising at least one second connecting element (3'), the second intake (5004') being in electrical connection with the first intake (5004). The least one first connecting element (3) and the at least one second connecting element (3') are connectable to a power supply element (4) for supplying onshore electricity. The system (1) further comprises a safety circuit element being in electrical connection with the first intake (5004) and the second intake (5004'). The system (1) further comprises at least one protecting element (7) being connectable to the at least one first connecting element (3) or the at least one second connecting element (3'), whichever connecting element (3, 3') not being connected to the power supply element (4). The at least one protecting element (7) comprises a safety loop being electrically connectable to the safety circuit element.