Offshore Vessel Cable Capture Mechanism for Subsea Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Offshore drilling rigs face challenges with fuel inefficiency and high emissions due to diesel- or gas-powered generators, and coupling with subsea power cables is cumbersome and prone to damage from heaving motion.

Innovation Solution

An offshore drilling vessel equipped with a submersible cable connection system that includes a slip ring for rotational movement, magnetic fasteners, a cable capture mechanism, and a dynamic positioning system to securely connect and disconnect submersible cables for power and data transmission, reducing crane usage and minimizing damage from motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the main deck crane is used to lift the subsea cable onto the deck, then the cable connection is established, but the crane cannot be used for other operations during this time and considerable time is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable connection establishmentVSAvoidcrane operational availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable lifting function is extracted from the main deck crane and assigned to a dedicated cable capture mechanism. This separate mechanism includes a cable guide, fairlead, and lifting arrangement positioned at the forward end of the deck, allowing cable installation to proceed independently without occupying the main deck crane for other operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the subsea cable is mounted on one side of the main deck, then the connection is established, but the cable experiences asymmetrical forces from heaving motion making it susceptible to damage and wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable connectionVSAvoidcable damage from heaving motion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cable connection system transitions from a single-side asymmetric mounting to a multi-point symmetric arrangement. The cable is routed through a fairlead and secured at multiple locations across the deck structure, distributing the heaving forces evenly and preventing concentrated stress on single attachment points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable routing system incorporates tensioning arrangements and fairleads that counterbalance the asymmetrical forces generated by heaving motion. The multi-point attachment creates opposing force vectors that neutralize the net asymmetrical loading on the cable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Adaptability or versatility

If diesel- or gas-powered generators are used to maintain power supply, then the offshore drilling rig can operate independently, but fuel efficiency is poor and emissions are high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent power supply capabilityVSAvoidfuel consumption and emissions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is designed with multi-functionality to accept multiple power sources. The offshore drilling rig can operate with diesel- or gas-powered generators for independent operation, but also includes infrastructure and connections to interface with external renewable power sources such as offshore wind farms, allowing the system to adapt to different operational scenarios and optimize for lower emissions when external power is available.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient and secure external power and data connections, reducing crane usage and cable damage, and allowing for the use of renewable energy sources, thereby improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.

Implementation Method 1

the cable connector comprises a slip ring for permitting relative rotational movement between the end of the submersible cable and the offshore drilling vessel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSlip ring:

Implementation Method 2

the first portion and second portion are selectively engageable to each other with one or more magnetic fasteners

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic fasteners: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12252223B2Offshore drilling vessel with an external cable connection and method therefor

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 NOBLE DRILLING AS

AI summary

An offshore drilling vessel includes a hull and at least one opening in the hull arranged to receive an end of at least one submersible cable. The offshore drilling vessel also comprises a cable capture mechanism configured to lift the end of the at least one submersible cable through the at least one opening from a submersed position to a raised position. A cable connector is configured to couple to the end of the at least one submersible cable when the end of the at least one submersible cable is in the raised position such that the offshore drilling vessel comprises an external data and/or power connection via the submersible cable.