Impressed Current Cathodic Protection System with Integrated Load Powering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems for marine structures require complex and unreliable wiring for connecting power sources to loads, which complicates the installation and increases costs, while also posing challenges in efficiently powering loads like UV light sources for biofouling prevention.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a power source with a single galvanic connection to a load arrangement on a marine structure, where the load arrangement includes electrodes extending into the water to transfer current, allowing the same connection to provide both ICCP potential and power to loads, such as UV LEDs, using a combination of DC and high-frequency AC components to avoid electrochemistry interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex wiring is used to connect power sources to loads on marine structures, then the loads can be powered reliably, but the installation becomes complicated and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ICCP function and power supply function into a single integrated system. The power source provides both the impressed current for cathodic protection and the power current for loads simultaneously through a unified electrical connection system, eliminating the need for separate wiring for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection system serves multiple functions: it provides ICCP protection current to the marine structure, delivers power current to loads on the structure, and establishes electrical potential in the water. This multi-functional approach replaces complex separate wiring systems with a single versatile connection system.
2Reliability
If separate wiring is used for ICCP and power supply, then each function can be optimized, but installation time and potential wiring errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ICCP system and power supply system into a single integrated arrangement where one power source and one electrical connection system perform both functions simultaneously, reducing installation steps and potential errors from multiple separate connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection system is designed to be universal, handling both protection current and power current through the same physical infrastructure, thereby eliminating redundant installation work and reducing the risk of wiring errors while maintaining functional optimization.
3Reliability
If DC current is used for ICCP, then corrosion protection is effective, but electrochemistry interference occurs when powering loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic alternating current (AC) superimposed on the DC ICCP current to power loads. The AC component is applied in a periodic manner that allows the marine structure to maintain its protective negative potential while enabling bidirectional current flow necessary for powering AC loads without causing net electrochemical reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts current parameters by superimposing AC voltage on the DC ICCP output. This parameter change enables the system to provide both steady DC protection current and variable AC power current, preventing harmful electrochemistry by ensuring the average potential remains protective while allowing temporary bidirectional current flow for power delivery.
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
This solution simplifies the installation by reducing wiring errors, lowers costs, and effectively powers loads while maintaining the ICCP protection, ensuring reliable corrosion prevention and biofouling control with distributed electrodes and high-frequency AC to prevent net electrochemistry contributions.
Implementation Method 1
a power source arranged to provide a supply current to generate an electrical potential of the marine structure with respect to the water for the impressed current cathodic protection
Implementation Method 2
at least one electrode arranged to extend from the load arrangement into the water for transferring the supply current via the water
Data Source
AI summary
A system provides impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) of a marine structure (50) and powers a load in a load arrangement (100) arranged on the marine structure (50) and in contact with the water (10). The power source provides a supply current to generate an electrical potential of the marine structure. The load arrangement (100) has an electrode arranged (130) to extend from the load arrangement into the water for transferring the supply current via the water. The load (20) is coupled between the electrode (130) and a power node (120). The power source is connected to the marine structure and to the power node. The load arrangement is arranged to use the supply current to provide power to the load. Thereto the supply voltage may have an AC component at a high frequency. The load may be an UV-C LED for emitting anti-fouling light.