Offshore Wind Turbine Connector System for Rapid Cable Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting offshore wind turbine generators to electrical sub-stations are time-consuming, costly, and prone to cable damage, requiring extensive underwater operations that are weather-dependent and pose health and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A system using transition cables with mateable connector parts that allow for connections to be made at a distance from the wind turbine generator, reducing the need for winching cables through J-tubes and minimizing the number of offshore operations, thereby decreasing the reliance on weather conditions and the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cable installation methods are used (winching through J-tubes), then cable connection is achieved, but installation time is excessive and cable damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is pre-assembled on the wind turbine generator before installation, with the cable end prepared and positioned. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming underwater cable handling and winching operations, allowing for rapid connection once the generator is in place.
Solution Approach 2:
A transition cable with a connector at its end acts as an intermediary element. This transition cable connects the buried cable in the seabed to the wind turbine generator, eliminating the need for direct cable winching through the J-tube and reducing cable damage risk during installation.
2Ease of operation
If underwater operations are performed for cable connection, then cable installation is completed, but weather dependency increases and safety risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is prepared onshore or on a platform in controlled conditions before the actual installation. The cable end is pre-terminated and positioned, so that when the generator is installed, the connection can be made quickly with minimal underwater intervention, reducing weather dependency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed so that the connector and cable positioning are self-aligning or self-adjusting to some extent, reducing the need for complex underwater manipulation by divers or ROVs. The cable is pre-positioned in the seabed and the connector is ready on the generator, allowing for simpler connection operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple teams of operatives are deployed for cable installation, then connection tasks are completed, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly process combines multiple previously separate tasks (cable termination, connector assembly, cable positioning) into a single integrated operation that is completed onshore or on a platform before installation. This merging of operations eliminates the need for multiple separate teams to work sequentially underwater, reducing both time and cost.
4Reliability
If cable is winched through J-tube, then cable is pulled from seabed to structure, but cable damage may occur during pulling
Solution Approach 1:
The transition cable serves as an intermediary that bears the mechanical stress of installation, protecting the main power cable from damage. The transition cable is designed to handle the pulling and positioning forces, while the main cable remains buried and undisturbed, maintaining its integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for electrically connecting an offshore first electrical plant to a second electrical plant, the offshore first electrical plant being an offshore wind turbine generator, the method comprising providing a transition cable terminated at one end with a first connector part, the transition cable being connected or connectable at the other end to the offshore wind turbine generator above the water surface, and providing a cable terminated at one end with a second connector part and connected or connectable at the other end to the second electrical plant, the second connector part being adapted to mate with the first connector part to form a connector.