Dynamic Dry Submarine Cable for Deepwater High-Power Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for transmitting large amounts of power offshore are limited by unreliability and high costs due to the need for multiple submarine cables, especially in water depths greater than 400 meters.
Innovation Solution
A high voltage, dynamic, dry type submarine cable system that can transmit at least 45 megawatts of power over long distances, connected between offshore and onshore power stations, using a combination of dynamic and static submarine cables with a metallic barrier sheath to prevent moisture exposure, and optionally connected to high voltage land cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional submarine cable methods are used for power transmission, then the system can transmit power offshore, but the transmission is unreliable and expensive due to requiring multiple submarine cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate submarine cables into a single integrated high voltage cable system. This single cable contains multiple conductors (e.g., three-phase AC or DC conductors) that can transmit multiple power streams simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate cable installations and improving reliability while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The high voltage cable system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can transmit both AC and DC power, support different voltage levels, and serve various offshore applications (renewable energy, hydrocarbon operations, etc.). This multi-functionality allows a single cable design to replace multiple specialized cable systems.
2Power
If multiple submarine cables are used to transmit large amounts of power, then power transmission capacity increases, but cost increases due to installation and maintenance of multiple cables
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple power transmission functions are merged into a single cable structure. The cable contains multiple conductors insulated from each other, allowing simultaneous transmission of multiple power phases or streams, achieving high power capacity while requiring only one cable installation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple conductors are nested within a single cable structure, with each conductor independently insulated. This nested arrangement allows multiple power transmission pathways to coexist within one cable, maximizing power capacity while minimizing the number of external cable installations required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wet type submarine cables are used, then the cable can be installed in deep water, but the cable is exposed to moisture which reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple layers of protective insulation including cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation around each conductor, metallic barrier sheaths (such as lead or aluminum), and outer protective jackets. These flexible barrier layers prevent moisture ingress while allowing the cable to withstand deep water pressure and dynamic movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable construction uses composite material layers combining different properties: XLPE provides electrical insulation, metallic sheaths provide moisture and mechanical protection, and polymeric outer jackets provide environmental resistance. This composite structure achieves both deep water adaptability and moisture protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transmission of power offshore comprises two or more power stations operably connected with a high voltage cable system. The high voltage cable system may comprise a dynamic, dry type high voltage submarine cable of varying length configured to transmit at least about 45 megawatts of power. In some cases the dynamic, dry type high voltage submarine cable comprises a first end connected to an offshore power station and second end connected to a static submarine cable system which is connected to an onshore power station. The systems may facilitate transmission of power for applications such as compressing and/or pumping subsea natural gas in deep water.