Flat Marine Charging Cable With Cooling and Mooring Strength
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current charging technologies for electrically driven marine vessels face challenges in convenience, storage, and integration of charging cables, with circular cross-section cables prone to tangling and requiring separate mooring ropes, and lack efficient cooling systems for preventing overheating.
Innovation Solution
A charging cable with a substantially flat cross-section for easy rolling and storage, incorporating a structural reinforcement layer for dual functionality as a mooring rope and a cooling system with circulating or non-circulating coolant to prevent overheating, and compatibility with both land-based and sea-based charging stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
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 twisted during handling and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The charging cable employs an asymmetric flat cross-section design instead of the conventional circular shape. This asymmetric geometry prevents the cable from twisting and tangling during handling, as the flat profile naturally aligns in a single orientation when rolled or stored, eliminating the rotational freedom that causes circular cables to become entangled.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate mooring rope is used, then the charging cable can focus on its charging function, but the vessel requires additional equipment and connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The charging cable integrates a structural reinforcement layer that provides both mechanical strength for mooring functions and electrical conductivity for charging functions. This merging of functions allows the single cable to serve dual purposes: securing the vessel during charging operations and transmitting electrical power, thereby eliminating the need for separate mooring ropes and reducing the number of connection points required.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging cable is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs charging, mooring, and structural support functions. The cable's construction incorporates reinforced layers that enable it to withstand mechanical loads while maintaining its primary electrical function, making it a universal solution that replaces multiple separate equipment items.
3Productivity
If high power charging is provided, then charging speed increases, but the cable and power electronics are at risk of overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The charging cable incorporates an integrated cooling system that acts as an intermediary thermal management mechanism. This cooling system, which may include coolant channels or thermally conductive materials within the cable structure, actively removes heat generated during high-power charging operations, preventing temperature buildup in both the cable and the connected power electronics.
4Strength
If the cable is made robust for mooring function, then it can withstand mechanical loads, but it becomes harder to roll and store
Solution Approach 1:
The charging cable utilizes a composite structure combining different materials with complementary properties: flexible outer layers for ease of rolling and storage, and reinforced inner layers (such as aramid fibers or steel wires) for mechanical strength and mooring capability. This composite construction allows the cable to maintain high tensile strength while preserving flexibility for convenient handling and compact storage when not in use.
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 cable reduces tangling and storage space, eliminates the need for separate mooring ropes, and effectively cools power electronics, enabling convenient and efficient charging of marine vessels without the need for land-based charging, while maintaining operational integrity in water environments.
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
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a charging cable for charging an at least partly electrically driven marine vessel. The charging cable has an at least substantially flat cross-section and is arranged to be rolled up onto a cable reel.