Submarine Power Cable Burial Depth Calibration From Survey Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calculating the depth of burial of submarine power cables using thermal models are unreliable due to uncertainties in thermal model parameters, current and temperature measurements, and seabed temperature assessments, leading to errors in depth estimation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a calibration procedure that processes depth of burial values from thermal models and experimental surveys to create a calibration function, correcting temperature measurements outside the observation period using a temperature sensor, load current data, and seabed temperature trends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If thermal models are used to estimate depth of burial in real-time, then continuous monitoring is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to uncertainties in thermal model parameters and input data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where periodic experimental surveys of actual depth of burial values are used to calibrate the thermal model parameters. The calibration function is generated by comparing measured depths with thermal model predictions, and this calibration is applied to correct subsequent real-time depth estimates, ensuring continuous monitoring maintains high precision through iterative refinement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts thermal model parameters based on calibration data from experimental surveys. By changing the parameters of the thermal model to match actual measured conditions, the system maintains measurement precision over time while preserving continuous monitoring capabilities between surveys
2Measurement precision
If periodic experimental surveys are conducted to measure depth of burial directly, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to inability to provide information between measurements and increased cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration using experimental survey data before real-time monitoring begins. By pre-calibrating the thermal model with accurate measured depths, the system enables high-precision continuous monitoring without requiring frequent repeat surveys, thus maintaining productivity while ensuring measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a calibration function as an intermediary between experimental surveys and real-time thermal model predictions. This calibration function translates periodic high-precision survey data into continuous correction factors, allowing the system to maintain survey-level precision at monitoring-level frequency
3Productivity
If thermal model parameters and input data are used for real-time calculation, then continuous depth estimation is provided, but reliability deteriorates due to uncertainties in parameters and measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from periodic experimental surveys to continuously refine and recalibrate thermal model parameters. This feedback loop ensures that the real-time calculations remain reliable by constantly adjusting the model to match actual field conditions, compensating for uncertainties in parameters and measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes thermal model parameters based on calibration data to adapt to varying environmental conditions and measurement uncertainties. By adjusting parameters such as thermal conductivity and heat capacity based on actual survey data, the system maintains reliable real-time estimates despite inherent uncertainties
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
Reduces errors in depth of burial estimation by correlating depth values with temperature measurements, enhancing the reliability of depth calculations.
Implementation Method 1
The input data to perform this calculation are the load current, the temperature measured at a point inside or near the cable
Implementation Method 2
configuring a thermal model software representing a thermal behavior of a system comprising: the power cable; said bed; and a temperature sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calculating the depth of burial of a power cable placed under a bed of an aquatic environment and provided by a temperature sensor, comprising a calibration procedure including: processing a cable current trend, a bed temperature trend to produce a one-to-one correspondence; correlating possible depth-of-burial values with possible temperature values provided by said temperature sensor. The method further includes: performing experimental measurement of the depth of burial of said power cable obtaining measured depths and processing the measured depths, the one-to-one correspondence and the measured temperature trend to obtain a temperature calibration function to correct temperature measured values provided by the temperature sensor.