Rigid Submarine Cable Joint for Multi-Core Dynamic DC Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current submarine power cable systems lack connectors or joints capable of connecting multi-core dynamic DC submarine power cables to static submarine power cables on the seabed, necessitating multiple buoyancy units and increased water column usage, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A rigid submarine power cable joint with an outer casing that accommodates a multi-core dynamic submarine power cable at one end and two single-core submarine power cables at the other, featuring armour attachment structures for secure connection and potential optical fibre integration, allowing for efficient jointing and reduced space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate dynamic DC submarine power cables are used (one for each electric pole), then the system can transmit DC power, but the water column usage increases and multiple buoyancy units are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate single-core DC power cables into a single multi-core dynamic submarine power cable with integrated armouring and buoyancy units. This merging reduces the water column usage and eliminates the need for separate buoyancy units for each cable, while maintaining the ability to transmit DC power for both electric poles.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-core dynamic submarine power cable serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits DC power for both electric poles, provides integrated armouring protection, and incorporates shared buoyancy units. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable DC power transmission without increasing water column usage.
2Reliability
If two separate dynamic DC submarine power cables are used, then DC power transmission is enabled, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate cable systems into one integrated multi-core cable with shared armouring and buoyancy units. This reduces system complexity by eliminating duplicate components while maintaining DC power transmission capability for both electric poles.
3Volume of moving object
If a multi-core dynamic DC submarine power cable is used, then water column usage is reduced, but no connectors or joints are available to connect it to static submarine power cables on the seabed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection interface into a first axial end face with a single opening for the multi-core dynamic cable and a second axial end face with two openings for single-core static cables. This segmentation enables the multi-core cable to be connected to separate static cables on the seabed, solving the connector availability issue while maintaining the space efficiency of the multi-core design.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer casing with its specific opening configuration acts as an intermediary that adapts the multi-core dynamic cable interface to the static cable interface. It mediates the connection between the integrated multi-core cable and the separate static cables on the seabed, resolving the incompatibility issue.
4Strength
If armour attachment structures are added to the joint, then secure connection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the armour attachment structures into the outer casing itself, which serves as both the protective housing and the armour attachment substrate. This integration achieves secure connection without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as the armour attachment function is combined with the existing structural element.
Data Source
Figure 1~3a
Figure 3b~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A rigid submarine power cable joint (7) comprising: an outer casing (7a) having a first axial end face (7b) and a second axial end face at an opposite axial end of the outer casing (7a) relative to the first axial end face (7b), wherein the first axial end face (7b) comprises a single opening (7c) configured to receive a multi-core dynamic submarine power cable, and wherein the second axial end face comprises two openings, each configured to receive a respective single core submarine power cable.