Stackable Cable Management System for Maritime Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing maritime power supply systems for docked ships require multiple high-voltage and high-ampere cables, leading to connectivity issues, safety hazards, and obstructions due to the need for step-down transformers or converters, which are costly and obstructive.
Innovation Solution
A stackable cable management system with a power cable assembly and reel, allowing for easy placement on the ship, using a single containerized unit with a motorized reel and pivotable cable guide, and optional step-down transformer or converter, to efficiently supply power without the need for multiple cable management systems or long cables along the dock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple high-voltage and high-ampere cables are used in parallel to supply power to docked ships, then the power supply capacity is sufficient, but the system becomes complex, unsafe, and obstructive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the power supply system into separate functional modules: a cable management system with multiple cables arranged in parallel, a transformer unit, and a converter unit. Each cable is managed independently with its own routing and connection mechanisms, allowing the system to handle high power requirements while maintaining organizational simplicity and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediary devices between the power source and the ship's power inlet. The transformer unit acts as an intermediary to step down voltage, while the converter unit converts power frequency. These intermediaries enable the use of multiple parallel cables to supply high power without directly connecting them to the ship, thereby reducing system complexity and improving safety.
2Power
If multiple cables are used in parallel to provide high voltage and high amperage, then power supply capability is improved, but safety and rapid connection/disconnection become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management system segments the multiple high-voltage cables into individually managed units, each with its own routing path and connection interface. This segmentation allows for controlled connection and disconnection of each cable independently, improving safety by preventing accidental contact with multiple live cables simultaneously while maintaining the ability to supply high power through parallel connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer unit serves as a safety intermediary that isolates the high-voltage parallel cable system from the ship's power inlet. By placing the transformer between the multiple cables and the ship connection, the system can handle high power safely while enabling rapid connection and disconnection of the cable assembly as a unified unit rather than individually managing each high-voltage cable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If step-down transformers and converters are installed to match voltage and frequency requirements, then power compatibility is achieved, but cost and obstruction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the transformer unit and converter unit into a single integrated power supply system that is containerized and mounted on the ship. By combining these previously separate components into one unified assembly, the system achieves power compatibility (voltage step-down and frequency conversion) while minimizing obstruction and reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate transformer and converter installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer unit and converter unit are nested within a single containerized power supply system. The transformer is positioned within the same structural housing as the converter, with cables routed through organized pathways between them. This nesting arrangement achieves power compatibility through both components while minimizing the space occupied and reducing visual and physical obstruction compared to separate installations.
4Ease of operation
If cables run alongside the ship on the dock or deck to align power inlet, then power connection is possible, but obstruction and danger increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management system segments the cable routing into dedicated pathways that are structurally integrated with the ship's body. Cables are routed through predefined channels and conduits along the ship's hull rather than running loosely on the deck or dock. This segmentation keeps cables organized and away from high-traffic areas, eliminating obstruction and safety hazards while maintaining the ability to connect power to the ship's inlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable management system acts as an intermediary structure that bridges the gap between the dock power source and the ship's power inlet without requiring cables to run alongside the ship in hazardous positions. The system includes guided cable routes and positioning mechanisms that safely route power cables through controlled pathways, eliminating the need for cables to traverse dangerous areas on the dock or deck while maintaining full power connection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A maritime power supply system for supplying power to a docked ship, including a cable management system having at least one power cable assembly having, at a first end, a first connection arrangement for connecting the power cable assembly to the ship and, at an opposite second end, second a connection arrangement for connecting the power cable assembly to a dockside power supply; and a reel for winding the at least one power cable assembly thereon and for unwinding the at least one power cable assembly therefrom. According to an important aspect of the invention, the cable management system is arranged in a stackable power supply container placed on the ship.