Modular Underwater Power Infrastructure for Tidal Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation, maintenance, and servicing of underwater infrastructure equipment for water-based power generation systems, such as tidal and wave turbines, are costly and time-consuming due to the deep-sea environment and the need for minimal surface-breaking structures, which complicates the deployment and connection of power export cables.
Innovation Solution
A modular infrastructure arrangement featuring a base with wet-mate connectors and a buoyant infrastructure module that can be easily engaged and disengaged, using a winch or crane for deployment, allowing for efficient connection and disconnection of power generating devices to the export cable, reducing the need for extensive surface infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If each power generating device is connected directly to shore infrastructure, then power export capability is achieved, but the number of cables increases and installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple power generating devices are connected to a single offshore infrastructure module, which then connects to shore via one cable. This merging of multiple connections into a single connection point reduces the total number of cables and lowers installation costs.
Solution Approach 2:
An offshore infrastructure module serves as an intermediary between power generating devices and shore infrastructure. This intermediate platform consolidates multiple power connections, reducing the number of direct cable routes needed from individual devices to shore.
2Ease of operation
If surface breaking infrastructure structures are provided, then power export and control functions are achieved, but permission is unlikely to be given and environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The infrastructure module is positioned in the water column rather than breaking the surface. This dimensional relocation from surface to subspace allows power export functionality while avoiding environmental restrictions associated with surface structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The offshore infrastructure module acts as a submerged intermediary that enables power export and control functions without requiring surface breaking structures, thus avoiding environmental permissions issues while maintaining operational capability.
3Ease of operation
If traditional underwater infrastructure equipment is installed, then power export capability is achieved, but installation, maintenance and servicing are highly costly and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The infrastructure system is segmented into modular components (infrastructure module and base) that can be independently installed, maintained, and serviced. This modularity allows for easier replacement and maintenance without requiring complete system shutdown or complex underwater operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement system allows the infrastructure module to be dynamically connected and disconnected from the base, enabling flexible maintenance operations where modules can be quickly replaced without permanent fixed installations, thereby reducing maintenance time and cost.
4Productivity
If multiple turbines are arranged in an array, then power generation capacity increases, but the complexity of infrastructure connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple turbine connections are merged into a single infrastructure module, which then connects to shore via one cable. This consolidation reduces the complexity that would otherwise arise from managing multiple individual turbine-to-shore connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The infrastructure module serves multiple functions: it receives power from multiple turbines, provides switching and control functions, and connects to shore infrastructure. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, reducing overall connection complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A water-based power generating installation comprises a water based power generating device operable to derive power from a body of water, and to export that power via a power export cable,and an infrastructure arrangement for providing a power export connection from the installation, and including infrastructure equipment for the installation, which infrastructure equipment serves to connect the power generating device with the power export connection.