HVDC Multi-Branch Joint Assembly for Compact Cable Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVDC power cable joint systems require a substation for connecting multiple cable lengths, which has a large footprint and is inefficient for connecting more than two cables.
Innovation Solution
A compact HVDC power cable joint assembly with a multi-branch conductor and integrated insulation system, allowing for the connection of multiple power cables without the need for a substation, featuring a connection body with a stem and branches, conductor joints, and an external metal casing for accommodation and thermal joining of metallic water barriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a substation is used to connect more than two cable lengths, then the connection capability is improved, but the footprint area increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cable connections into a single compact joint assembly. The connection body integrates multiple branches and a stem, allowing three or more power cables to be connected simultaneously in one location rather than requiring separate connections at a substation, thereby reducing the overall footprint while maintaining connection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The joint assembly employs a nested structure where the connection body is housed within an outer cover, which is in turn accommodated within an external metal casing. This multi-level nesting allows multiple functional components to be compactly arranged, maximizing space utilization and minimizing the footprint of the overall assembly
2Area of stationary object
If multiple power cables are connected in a compact joint assembly, then the footprint is reduced, but heat dissipation becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing dedicated cooling channels and heat dissipation structures at specific locations where cables are connected. The connection body includes localized thermal management features that address heat generation at connection points without requiring the entire assembly to be oversized for cooling, thus maintaining compact footprint while preventing hot spots
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal paste or heat transfer media as intermediaries between the cable conductors and the external metal casing. This intermediary layer facilitates efficient heat transfer from the cables to the casing, which acts as a heat sink, thereby dissipating heat effectively in the compact assembly without creating hot spots
Data Source
AI summary
An HVDC power cable joint assembly for jointing more than two power cables, including: a connection body including: a multi-branch conductor having at least two branches and a stem, a multi-branch conductor insulation system including: a connection body inner semiconducting layer arranged radially outside of the multi-branch conductor, a connection body insulation layer arranged radially outside the connection body inner semiconducting layer, a connection body outer semiconducting layer arranged radially outside the connection body insulation layer, N power cables, where N is the number of branches plus one, each power cable having a conductor, and a power cable insulation system surrounding the conductor, N power cable joints, each connecting a branch or the stem to a respective power cable, wherein each power cable joint includes: a conductor joint between one of the branches, or the stem, and a conductor of one of the power cables, a joint insulation system arranged around the conductor joint, the joint insulation system including a deflector layer, a field grading layer, a joint insulation layer and a joint insulation system outer semiconducting layer, and an outer cover housing the joint insulation system, and an external metal casing accommodating the connection body.