Offshore Wind Cable Fault Detection via Current Differential
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore wind energy systems face challenges in reliably detecting faulty electrical connections, particularly due to low short-circuit currents, which can lead to damage from ships' anchors and other issues, necessitating timely detection to prevent further damage.
Innovation Solution
The system employs parameter determination devices at both ends of electrical connections to measure and compare current values, determining differences or sums to identify faulty connections, with switch devices to disconnect damaged cables and prevent further damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If maximum current protection (overtime protection) is used, then protection against excessive current is provided, but reliable and timely detection of faulty electrical connections cannot be achieved, especially in the case of minor damage and/or low short-circuit currents
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the electrical connection monitoring into two independent measurement points (first and second current values at different locations), allowing localized detection of connection faults without requiring complex centralized analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously compares the first current value with the second current value and provides feedback when a difference exceeding a threshold is detected, enabling timely identification of connection faults and triggering protective actions
2Productivity
If submarine cables are used for electrical connections, then energy transmission between offshore wind energy facilities is enabled, but the cables are subject to special risks and can be damaged by ships' anchors and insufficient anchoring
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of current values at regular intervals to detect connection faults before they cause significant damage or interruption to energy transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously compares current measurements from both ends of the cable and provides immediate feedback when discrepancies indicate damage, enabling rapid response to prevent further harm
3Power
If submarine cables are laid on the seabed, then electrical energy transmission is achieved, but the cables can be flushed out over time if not sufficiently anchored, requiring timely detection of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous monitoring of electrical parameters throughout the cable length, ensuring uninterrupted detection capability that can identify gradual degradation or displacement of the cable over time
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback on current value differences, enabling early detection of connection instability before it leads to complete cable failure or displacement
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an offshore wind energy system (2, 2.1, 2.2) comprising a first offshore wind energy device (4, 4.1, 6, 6.1, 6.1', 6.2, 6.2', 6.3, 6.3') and at least one further offshore wind energy device (4, 4.1, 6, 6.1, 6.1', 6.2, 6.2', 6.3, 6.3'), wherein at least one electrical connection (8, 8.1, 8.1', 8.2, 8.2', 8.3, 8.3') is provided between the first offshore wind energy device (4, 4.1, 6, 6.1, 6.1', 6.2, 6.2', 6.3, 6.3') and the further offshore wind energy device (4, 4.1, 6, 6.1, 6.1', 6.2, 6.2', 6.3, 6.3') is provided, wherein the first offshore wind energy device (4, 4.1, 6, 6.1, 6.1', 6.2, 6.2', 6.3, 6.3') has at least one first parameter determination device (10) for determining at least one first parameter value of at least one parameter of the electrical signal, the further offshore wind energy device (4, 4.1, 6, 6.1, 6.1', 6.2, 6.2', 6.3, 6.3') has at least one further parameter determination device (10) for determining at least one further parameter value of the at least one parameter of the electrical signal, and at least one of the parameter determination devices (10) is set up to determine a difference between the first parameter value and the further parameter value.