Flat Marine Charging Cable With Mooring and Cooling Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current charging technologies for electrically driven marine vessels face challenges in convenience, storage, and efficiency, particularly with circular cross-section charging cables that can become tangled and require separate mooring ropes and land-based charging stations, which may not be suitable for sea-based vessels.
Innovation Solution
A charging cable with a substantially flat cross-section for easy rolling and storage, incorporating a structural reinforcement layer for mooring functionality and a cooling system, and compatible with both land-based and sea-based charging stations, reducing the need for separate mooring ropes and minimizing overheating risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a circular cross-section charging cable is used, then the cable structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the cable becomes tangled and difficult to store when rolled up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the cable cross-section from a symmetric circular shape to an asymmetric flat shape with a rectangular profile. This asymmetric geometry prevents the cable from twisting and tangling when rolled up, significantly improving storage convenience and handling while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard extrusion processes
2Reliability
If a separate mooring rope is used alongside the charging cable, then the mooring function is dedicated and reliable, but the system complexity increases and requires multiple connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the charging cable and mooring rope into a single integrated component. The flat cable structure incorporates high-strength fibers (such as aramid or steel wires) within its layers, enabling it to simultaneously perform electrical charging and mechanical mooring functions. This eliminates the need for separate connection points and reduces system complexity while maintaining reliable mooring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The charging cable is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an electrical power transmission medium and as a structural mooring element. The cable's flat geometry and internal reinforcement structure enable it to fulfill multiple roles: power delivery, physical tethering, and even cooling, thereby reducing the overall number of components needed in the charging system
3Productivity
If high power charging is provided to enable quick charging, then the charging speed increases, but the risk of overheating in the cable and power electronics increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a cooling system that utilizes fluid dynamics principles. A coolant flows through channels formed between the cable layers, actively removing heat generated during high-power charging. This hydraulic cooling approach allows the system to sustain high charging speeds while preventing overheating of the cable and connected power electronics
4Adaptability or versatility
If the charging cable is designed with multiple functional layers for mooring and cooling, then the functionality is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by systematically varying the thickness, material composition, and structural parameters of each cable layer during the extrusion process. The flat cable structure allows for controlled variation of layer parameters (such as conductor core size, insulation thickness, reinforcement fiber density, and cooling channel dimensions) to optimize both functionality and manufacturability using standard cable manufacturing equipment
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 flat cross-section charging cable is easier to handle, compactly stored, and can function as a mooring rope, while the cooling system prevents overheating, enhancing user convenience and operational efficiency for both land-based and sea-based charging scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The charging cable may comprise a cooling system, and the cooling system may comprise a coolant. The coolant may be circulating or non-circulating in the cooling system.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a charging cable (103) for charging an at least partly electrically driven marine vessel (100). The charging cable (103) has an at least substantially flat cross-section and is arranged to be rolled up onto a cable reel (108).