Floating Turbine Cable Connection Structure for Fast Disconnects

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing systems for connecting and disconnecting multiple power cables or fluid lines from floating wind turbines are time-consuming and disrupt power production, as they require individual cable hang-off arrangements and often result in a broken power circuit when one turbine is disconnected for maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A non-buoyant connection system comprising a lower and upper connection structure with a flexible longitudinal element, allowing for simultaneous connection and disconnection of multiple cables while maintaining an intact power circuit, and enabling storage on the seabed or temporary buoyancy for deep water applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If individual cable hang-off arrangements are used for connecting power cables to floating wind turbines, then each cable can be connected separately, but the connection and disconnection process becomes time-consuming and disrupts power production from other turbines

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable connection operationVSAvoidconnection and disconnection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple individual cable connection operations into a single integrated connection system. The common structure includes multiple cable guides and connection points that allow several power cables to be connected and disconnected simultaneously as one unit, rather than individually. This merging of operations dramatically reduces the time required for connection and disconnection while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple cable types and configurations through a single common structure. The system can accommodate different cable sizes, types, and routing requirements while providing a unified connection interface to the floating wind turbine, making the operation equally efficient for all cables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of repair

If a floating wind turbine is disconnected for maintenance, then the turbine can be towed to shore for repair, but the power circuit is cut and power generation from multiple turbines is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveturbine maintenanceVSAvoidpower generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cable connection system into modular components that can be independently connected and disconnected. This allows the power cables to remain connected to the grid through alternative routing while the specific turbine undergoing maintenance is disconnected. The segmented design enables selective disconnection of individual turbine connections without affecting the overall power circuit integrity for other turbines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system acts as an intermediary between the power cables and the floating wind turbine, providing a buffer that allows the turbine to be disconnected for maintenance while maintaining the power circuit. The common structure with its multiple connection points enables the power flow to be rerouted through intermediate connection points, keeping the grid connected even when a specific turbine is offline for repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple power cables are connected individually to floating wind turbines, then each cable can be managed separately, but the complexity of the connection system increases and flexibility in hang-off position is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehang-off position flexibilityVSAvoidconnection system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested structure where multiple cable guides and connection elements are integrated within a common connection framework. The individual cable pathways are nested within the overall common structure, allowing each cable to be managed separately while benefiting from the simplified unified interface. This nesting reduces the apparent complexity by organizing multiple functions within a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system utilizes spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions to accommodate various hang-off positions on the floating wind turbine. By distributing connection points across different locations and orientations, the system provides flexibility in where cables can be connected without increasing structural complexity. The common structure is designed to adapt to different spatial configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20250174934A1System for connecting power or fluid lines to a floating energy converter device

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 APL NORWAY AS

AI summary

A connection system for connecting at least two cables to or from a floating energy converter device is provided, comprising at least two cables, a lower connection structure, and an upper connection structure, at least one longitudinal element joining the lower connection structure and the upper connection structure. The at least two cables run through the lower connection structure and each of the cables are connected to the upper connection structure and each comprises a connectable end at the upper connection structure, wherein the system is non-buoyant, and the at least one longitudinal element is a flexible longitudinal element.