Sealed Laminate Water Barrier for Dynamic Submarine Power Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-voltage power cables face challenges with traditional water barriers due to the weight and environmental concerns of lead, and the risk of moisture infiltration through polymer layers in alternative metallic screens or metal polymer laminates, which are not suitable for dynamic submarine applications.
Innovation Solution
A power cable with a water barrier system comprising a laminate foil structure, where a metal layer is deposited onto the exposed polymer parts of the laminate foil to create a sealed barrier, enhancing the water-tightness and reducing the risk of moisture intrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lead is used as the water barrier material, then water-tightness is achieved, but weight increases significantly and environmental harm occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining aluminum foil with thermosetting semiconducting polymer layers to create a laminate structure that provides water barrier functionality without the weight and environmental harm of lead. The composite structure leverages the water-blocking properties of metal foil combined with the sealing capabilities of thermosetting polymers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by substituting lead with aluminum and thermosetting polymers, fundamentally altering the density and compositional parameters of the water barrier layer while maintaining its protective function.
2Weight of moving object
If metallic screens or metal polymer laminates are used as water barriers, then weight is reduced, but moisture infiltration risk increases due to pinholes and adhesion defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by creating a multi-layer laminate structure combining aluminum foil with thermosetting semiconducting polymer layers. This composite approach eliminates pinholes and adhesion defects by providing multiple barrier layers that work together to prevent moisture infiltration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the aluminum foil layer within sandwiched thermosetting polymer layers, creating a nested structure where the metal foil is protected and sealed by the polymer material on both sides, preventing moisture pathways through pinholes or adhesion defects.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If lead-free alternative materials are used, then environmental harm is reduced, but fatigue resistance decreases making them unsuitable for dynamic cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining aluminum foil with thermosetting semiconducting polymer layers to create a laminate structure that provides both environmental compatibility and mechanical durability. The composite structure delivers fatigue resistance suitable for dynamic submarine cable applications while eliminating lead's environmental harm.
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
The solution provides a lightweight, effective water barrier that prevents moisture infiltration, ensuring the integrity of high-voltage power cables, particularly in dynamic submarine environments, while minimizing environmental impact and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
the laminate foil is thermally joined by a heat treatment
Implementation Method 2
a 0.1 to 100 μm thick layer of a second metal 12 deposited onto and covering at least said outmost first 13 or second 14 longitudinal side-edge
Data Source
Figure 1~1b
Figure 2~2b
Figure 3~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a power cable suited for dynamical submarine high voltage power cables having a water barrier system comprising a laminate foil being folded/wrapped with an overlap and joined together around the cable core and/or the insulation system of the conductor(s) wherein the outermost laminate foil forms a longitudinal side-edge which is sealed towards the ambient by a 0.1 to 100 µm thick layer of a metal deposited onto and covering at least the longitudinal side-edge.