Inductive Transformer for Underwater Turbine Clamp Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation, maintenance, and servicing of underwater power generating apparatus, particularly in deep sea environments, are costly and time-consuming due to the reliance on battery systems for operating clamps, which complicates deployment and retrieval processes.
Innovation Solution
A submerged power generating system that uses an inductive auxiliary transformer to supply power to the clamp via an export cable from the shore, eliminating the need for battery systems and simplifying the deployment and retrieval of the turbine by enabling the clamp to move between closed and open configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a battery system is used to power the clamp for deployment and retrieval, then the clamp can operate independently, but the system complexity and capital cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery system from the power generating apparatus by extracting the power supply function to the shore-based infrastructure. The clamp is powered through the export cable during deployment and retrieval operations, eliminating the need for onboard battery systems, chargers, and associated control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The export cable serves multiple functions: it transmits generated power from the turbine to the shore and simultaneously provides power for clamp operation during deployment and retrieval. This multi-functional use of the export cable eliminates the need for separate battery systems dedicated to clamp operation.
2Productivity
If a battery system is used to power the clamp, then deployment and retrieval can proceed, but the procedure becomes more time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the power supply function from the power generating apparatus to the shore-based infrastructure, the patent eliminates time-consuming battery installation, charging, and maintenance procedures. The clamp receives power directly through the export cable during deployment and retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own export cable infrastructure to provide power for clamp operation during deployment and retrieval, rather than requiring separate battery systems. This self-service approach reduces the time and resources needed for installation and maintenance operations.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If battery chargers are added to power the clamp, then the clamp can be recharged, but the system requires additional components and infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The export cable serves dual purposes: transmitting generated power to the shore and providing power for clamp operation during deployment and retrieval. This eliminates the need for separate battery chargers and associated infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The power charging function is extracted from the power generating apparatus and integrated into the shore-based infrastructure. The clamp is powered through the export cable during operations, removing the need for onboard battery chargers and their associated control systems.
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 deployment and retrieval of underwater power generating apparatus, reduces capital costs, and eliminates the need for additional components, providing a more reliable and efficient mechanism for coupling and uncoupling the power generating apparatus from the support structure.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive auxiliary transformer arranged in use to transmit auxiliary power from the shore via an export cable to the power generating system
Implementation Method 2
a turbine having a rotor and at least one blade supported on the rotor, and a generator... The rotor is used to drive an electrical machine
Implementation Method 3
The rotor is used to drive an electrical machine in the form of an electromagnetic generator which is housed within the nacelle or casing of the turbine
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A power generating system (1) comprising a power generating apparatus comprising a turbine (2) having a rotor and at least one blade supported on the5 rotor, and a generator. The system further comprises a support structure (4) and an inductive auxiliary transformer (6) arranged in use to transmit auxiliary power from the shore via an export cable to the power generation system. The inductive transformer (6) comprises a primary coil (6A) in communication with the power generating apparatus, and a secondary coil (6B) in communication with the10 support structure (4).